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A yellow snowcoach on a snowy road beside the Madison River, with bison in the background

Yellowstone in Winter

Steaming geysers, frosted bison and wolves on the snow — how to see the park in its quietest season.

From November to April, Yellowstone is buried in snow and most of its roads close to cars. Yet winter is many regulars’ favourite season. The geyser basins billow with steam, bison plough the snow with their heads, and wolves are easier to watch than at any other time. There are no crowds.

How winter access works

  • Early November to mid-December: most roads close to cars; oversnow travel has not yet started. A quiet, awkward time for a visit.
  • Mid-December to mid-March: the winter season. Groomed roads in the interior are open only to commercially guided snowcoaches and snowmobiles (plus a limited permit programme for non-commercially guided snowmobile groups).
  • All year: the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner through Mammoth, Tower and Lamar Valley to Cooke City stays open to cars, conditions permitting.
  • Mid-March to spring opening: roads close again for plowing.

Exact dates change from year to year — check the park’s winter season information before you plan.

Snowcoach and snowmobile trips

A snowcoach is a heated van or bus on tracks or huge tyres. Authorised operators run day trips to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and other areas from West Yellowstone, Mammoth and the south (Flagg Ranch). Guided snowmobile tours follow the same groomed roads; snowmobiles in the park must be best-available-technology machines and travel with a guide. Most of these trips are sold directly by local operators rather than on GetYourGuide.

Snowmobilers stopped at the West Entrance station in winter, talking to a ranger
Guided snowmobile groups at the West Entrance.

Winter tours on GetYourGuide

What GetYourGuide does offer in winter is wildlife watching along the open northern road, multi-day winter wildlife trips, and Grand Teton winter tours from Jackson:

Wolf watching in the northern range

The road through Lamar Valley is the best wolf-watching drive in North America in winter. Packs are easier to see against the snow, and the elk and bison they hunt gather in the valleys. Watchers set up scopes at pull-outs at first light. Bring a scope or join a guide; temperatures at dawn can be well below 0 °F (−18 °C).

A bison covered in snow resting beside the Gardner River
Bison survive the winter by sweeping away snow with their heads to reach the grass.

Where to stay in winter

  • Old Faithful Snow Lodge: the only lodging in the park’s interior in winter, reached by snowcoach or snowmobile.
  • Mammoth: the in-park hotel at Mammoth is reachable by car from Gardiner.
  • Gardiner: for wolf watching and Mammoth; many motels stay open.
  • West Yellowstone: the hub for snowmobile and snowcoach departures.
  • Jackson: for Grand Teton and the National Elk Refuge, plus skiing.

See where to stay for hotels in each town.

Other winter activities

  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed and marked trails around Mammoth and Old Faithful.
  • Mammoth’s terraces in steam and snow, with elk on the frozen lawns.
  • A sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge outside Jackson, among thousands of wintering elk.

What to wear

Dress for serious cold: thermal base layers, an insulated jacket and trousers, a warm hat, a face covering, insulated waterproof boots and mittens. Snowmobile operators usually lend suits, helmets and boots; check what is included. Hand and foot warmers help. Roads can be icy and visibility poor — if you drive the northern road, carry winter supplies.

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Good to know

Yellowstone in winter: FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is Yellowstone open in winter?

Yes. The park is open, but most roads close to cars. The interior is reached by guided snowcoach or snowmobile from mid-December to mid-March; the northern road from Gardiner to Cooke City stays open to cars.

Can you see Old Faithful in winter?

Yes, by snowcoach or guided snowmobile, or by staying at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

Can I drive my own car into Yellowstone in winter?

Only on the road from the North Entrance (Gardiner) through Mammoth and Lamar Valley to Cooke City.

Do I need a guide to snowmobile in Yellowstone?

Almost always. Most snowmobile access is with commercial guides; a limited lottery-based permit programme allows a few non-commercially guided groups.

How cold is Yellowstone in winter?

Very. Daytime highs are often below freezing and nights can fall far below 0 °F (−18 °C).