MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — As part of the park’s annual spring opening, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) announced that select entrances and roads will open next week for the summer season, weather permitting.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 18, YNP will open the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana and the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana. From either entrance, visitors will be able to access Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Silver Gate and Cooke City.
Additional roads within the park will open throughout May, weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found on Yellowstone’s Park Roads webpage. The South Entrance is projected to open on May 9.
YNP reminds visitors that bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it, YNP wrote.
“Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife,” YNP said in the announcement. “Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.”
YNP asks the public to plan ahead before visiting its sites:
- Check the park’s current conditions before arrival.
- Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for winter conditions. Many trails and boardwalks are still snow covered this time of year.
- Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Drivers should watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.
- Delays of up to 30 minutes can occur due to road improvement projects.
- Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:
- Visit Park Roads.
- Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.
- Receive Yellowstone road alerts on a mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
- Expect limited services in the spring and visit operating dates for area-specific information.
- Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.
- For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.
On Saturday, April 19, park entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.
