Yellowstone: Where Can You Actually GO in the Winter?

Most roads in Yellowstone National Park closed to vehicle traffic on November 2nd and won't open back up until mid-April. Gardiner to Cooke City is open to vehicle traffic year round.

So if you're not super familiar with the layout of Yellowstone National Park, what does this actually look like?

TOP THINGS TO KNOW WHEN VISITING YELLOWSTONE ANYTIME

There are various passes you can purchase for Yellowstone National Park, depending on how long you'll be there and what mode of transportation you're taking. BUY YOUR PASS ONLINE HERE.

All visitors at Yellowstone National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device.

Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit. Connectivity may be limited, and the pass must be available to show at all times when visiting Yellowstone National Park.

DRIVING: Gardiner to Cooke City is the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. This is also referred to as Yellowstone's Northern Range. If you venture through this (usually open-to-cars) route, you'll pass through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, Lamar Valley, and end up at the park’s Northeast Entrance. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS DRIVEABLE AREA.

But that doesn't mean that you can't venture into THE REST OF your national park and enjoy it's beauty in the winter. Just be aware of the options and pay special attention to safety measures if you're going to venture in yourself, not with an outfitting company.

This winter, due to COVID-19, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is the only hotel open during the winter months (mid-December to early March).

So, it's important to know this particular winter that you'll probably be making quick day trips into the Park due to limited lodging.

There's no reason that you can't enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing this winter. It's a great way to enjoy all the beauty the Park has to offer. Just be prepared with the right gear, the right plan and the right KNOWLEDGE to keep your trip safe.

Yellowstone Forever Institute programs: Winter Wolf Discovery programs are available through the Yellowstone Forever Institute. Explore your trip options at the link above.