YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Saturday, Oct. 31, is the last day to drive most of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) this year before roads close for the winter season.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, the park will close its South, East and West entrances and nearly all roads to regular vehicle traffic so crew can prep for winter. Some park roads will reopen to snowmobile and snowcoach travel on Dec. 15.

Visitors driving to YNP by car during the winter will only be able to access the park via the road connecting the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana. The road passes through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley. Weather permitting, this road remains open year-round.

Before heading up to YNP this fall or winter, park officials recommend that drivers:

  • Monitor the weather and plan accordingly
  • Keep travel plans flexible
  • Expect limited services, and check the park’s Operating Dates page
  • Be ready for closures due to bad weather or dangerous driving conditions, which can happen at any time without notice
  • Pack blankets and other cold-weather essentials, and keep the gas tank full
  • Stay informed about current YNP road conditions

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.