Yellowstone National Park has recently exploded in popularity, thanks in part to the Kevin Costner-led western series of the same name. Most travelers, however, associate the Wyoming national park with summer and fall vibes. However, winter transforms Yellowstone into a completely different park. The crowds disappear, steam from geothermal features becomes visible against the cold, chilling air, and wildlife contrasts starkly against snow covered landscapes. But visiting Yellowstone between November and March requires serious planning because the park essentially shuts down to regular vehicles.
Most Roads In Yellowstone Are Closed During The Winter
It depends on when the winter season starts in Yellowstone, but it’s usually between November 1st and December 15th, depending on weather. During this time, almost every road in Yellowstone closes to personal vehicles. To see when the winter season starts any given year, visit the official Yellowstone National Park Service website. For example, in 2025, roads began shutting down on December 15.
The only road open year round is from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana through Mammoth Hot Springs to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City. That’s it. Every other entrance and interior road is closed until spring.
From mid December through early March, the park opens groomed roads for snowmobiles and snowcoaches only. You cannot drive your own car to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, or pretty much anywhere else. To see pretty much anything worth posting about on social media, you’ll need need to book a guided snowmobile tour or a snowcoach (a van designed for snow travel) through an authorized commercial operator.
You Need The Right Gear And Lodging
Winter temperatures in Yellowstone regularly drop below zero Fahrenheit. Pack layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm hat. If you’re driving the open road from Gardiner to Cooke City, you’ll need snow tires or chains, and the road can close temporarily during severe storms. Only two lodges stay open in winter: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Everything else is closed. The same goes for most visitor centers, restaurants, and stores. Book your lodging months in advance because space is extremely limited.
In short, visiting Yellowstone in the winter is pretty complicated and expensive. Should you visit in the winter? Honestly… skip it. The park doesn’t provide enough for winter travellers and it’ll be a pretty depressing trip. Instead, head to a winter destination in Canada that actually makes something special out of the cold season.
