Winter Travel Begins December 15th
As the end of October approaches, visitors to Yellowstone National Park should be aware that most roads and entrances will close to regular vehicle traffic starting November 1. This is an annual closure designed to transition the park for winter, with preparations underway for snowmobile and snowcoach travel, set to begin December 15. The last day to drive most roads will be Thursday, October 31.
Weather permitting, the road between Tower Fall and Canyon Junction (via Dunraven Pass) will stay open through the end of October. However, visitors should keep in mind that sudden weather changes may impact road conditions. The only routes open throughout the year are between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, via Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
For those planning fall or winter visits, it’s essential to be prepared for unpredictable weather, flexible travel plans, and limited services. Road conditions can change rapidly, so travelers are encouraged to check updates regularly. You can receive alerts by texting “82190” to 888-777, or by calling (307) 344-2117 for recorded information. Additionally, year-round communities near the park, such as Gardiner and Cooke City in Montana, and Cody and Jackson in Wyoming, offer various recreational opportunities.
For further details about these communities, visit Visit Montana, Wyoming Tourism, or Visit Idaho.
