Discover Yellowstone in Winter: Activities & Trip Planning Tips

Imagine a winter wonderland in Yellowstone National Park. Picture the park, draped in a pristine snowy mantle, where steaming geysers burst through the frosty surface. Observe majestic bison, their noses frosted, as they forage for grass amidst the white expanse. Listen as the tranquil silence is occasionally pierced by the haunting calls of wolves and coyotes. Winter in Yellowstone is a time of serene beauty, with fewer tourists, allowing for an intimate encounter with nature. Wondering about the essentials for a winter visit? From what to expect in terms of weather to the thrilling activities available, our guide provides comprehensive tips and advice. What are the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter, and how to plan a trip? Join us as we unveil the best experiences Yellowstone offers during the colder months, and prepare for an adventure like no other.

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Why Visit Yellowstone in Winter? Our Experiences

Discover the serene beauty of Yellowstone National Park under a blanket of snow. Chris and I have spent over a week exploring this winter wonderland, and we’re excited to share our adventures, photos, and tips with you.

Fewer tourists, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters make winter in Yellowstone a must-visit season. From majestic bison with frosted noses to the haunting howls of wolves, the park transforms into a breathtaking winter paradise.

During the tranquil winter months, from December to March, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a serene escape, attracting just a fraction of the visitors seen on a typical July day. This quiet season offers a unique opportunity to experience the park’s natural wonders without the crowds.

Winter in Yellowstone is especially magical, showcasing a distinct beauty with its geothermal features set against a snowy backdrop. It’s an ideal time for wildlife watching, photography, and embracing a variety of snow-based activities. For those who relish crisp winter air and have a passion for nature, our guide details the best winter experiences in Yellowstone.

After spending a memorable week in this winter paradise, we’re excited to share top tips for an unforgettable vacation in Yellowstone. Our article provides insights on both self-guided and organized tours ,helping you choose the best option for your adventure. The first section of our guide is dedicated to planning your trip, while the second section highlights the top winter activities in the park. For easy navigation, refer to the table of contents. Dive into our guide for an enriching Yellowstone winter journey.

What is open in winter in Yellowstone? Preparing for Your Yellowstone Winter Adventure

Learn about the crucial aspects of winter travel in Yellowstone. We cover everything from navigating snowy roads to choosing the right winter accommodations. Plus, we share our personal recommendations for staying safe and warm.

Navigating Yellowstone during winter presents unique challenges compared to other seasons, requiring careful preparation for your journey. In winter, accessibility within the park is limited; out of its 300 miles of roads, only the 50-mile stretch of the Northern Range is open to regular vehicles. This exclusivity makes the experience unique and unforgettable.

Although opting for Yellowstone winter tours may come with a cost, it promises an adventure that’s worth every penny. Read on for detailed information on accessible areas and activities in Yellowstone’s winter landscape.

TRIP TIP: Check the official park website with alerts before your winter trip to Yellowstone.

Winter in Yellowstone – Entrance Fee

Although much of the park is closed in winter, an entrance fee still applies, as in all US parks. That is why it is worth having an annual America the Beautiful Pass. It is worth buying online before entering the park.

Even if you buy a Yellowstone winter package tour, the price does not include entry to the park. In addition, the gate in the winter season is sometimes closed. So if you already have the annual card, you will save time completing the formalities and paying the fee.

Without the annual card, the entrance fee (Seven-day Passes) is:

• The private, non-commercial vehicle is $35
• Individual (by foot, bicycle, ski, etc.) is $20/person

Getting to Yellowstone in Winter: Navigating Your Way

The heart of Yellowstone’s winter splendors lies in its northern region. Here, most attractions accessible during the colder months are concentrated. This area, known as the Northern Range, is the only part of the park with an open road for vehicles in winter.

If you’re journeying from Bozeman, head straight for the North Entrance, which leads you into this winter wonderland through the quaint town of Gardiner. This route is your gateway to the park’s most captivating winter experiences.

Reaching Yellowstone from Bozeman, Montana

In winter, the closest operational airport to Yellowstone is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. From Bozeman, it’s 80 miles to the park’s North Entrance and 123 miles to the West Entrance.

The North Entrance, accessible via Gardiner, Montana, is your primary gateway in winter. Renting a car with 4WD is advisable due to the deep snow within the park. Equipping your vehicle with wheel chains and a shovel is also essential for safe travel.

For those less inclined to drive in winter conditions, consider an organized day tour from Bozeman for a hassle-free experience.

Traveling to Yellowstone from Jackson, Wyoming

If you’re starting from Jackson, Wyoming, the journey to Yellowstone’s North Entrance near Gardiner spans 148 miles. This gate is the best for winter visits. This entrance is most suitable for winter visits.

The interior Yellowstone National Park road between these two entrances (West and North) is closed in winter. The circular route is over 168 miles and takes 3-4 hours of driving in winter.

Navigating Within Yellowstone

The Northern Range, spanning 57 miles from Gardiner through Mammoth Hot Springs to the Northeast Entrance, is the only area accessible by private car in winter. Most of the park’s winter attractions are located here. Remember, the majority of park roads close to regular traffic from early November to mid-April.

Check the official NPS map for detailed route information. Always verify road conditions on the park’s official website before setting out, as winter weather can be unpredictable. Here you can check details on the official NPS map.

Navigating Yellowstone in Your Own Vehicle During Winter

In winter, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho experience heavy snowfall, leading to road closures, including most interior roads in Yellowstone. If embarking on a winter tour in your own or a rented vehicle, ensure it’s equipped with snow chains, and ideally, opt for a 4WD car.

Before setting out, perform a thorough vehicle check: verify oil levels and brakes, and pack a snow removal kit. Equip your vehicle with a windshield snow cover and de-icer to tackle Yellowstone’s freezing temperatures. For further preparation, refer to our Road Trip Packing List Essentials, tailored for winter adventures.

Remember, winter in Yellowstone can be extremely cold. During our visit, we experienced firsthand how quickly temperatures can drop, with items like eggs and cooking oil freezing in our RV while we explored the park’s interior by snow coach.

Pro Tip for Safe Driving

If you opt to drive yourself, proceed with caution. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, and wildlife crossings are common. For a more relaxed experience, consider commercial winter tours from Gardiner, offering a perfect blend of adventure and safety.

Exploring the Heart of Yellowstone in Winter – Accessing the Park’s Interior

Venturing into the heart of Yellowstone in winter is an extraordinary experience. The park’s interior, with its stunning landscapes and geothermal wonders, is only accessible via guided tours on snowmobiles or snow coaches.

Chris and I embraced the journey by snow coach, planning a snowmobile adventure for our next visit. We recommend booking a winter package or tour to experience Yellowstone’s iconic snowy wilderness fully. Our own journey into Yellowstone’s interior was a breathtaking winter highlight.

Duration of Your Winter Stay in Yellowstone

Time spent in Yellowstone during winter varies based on personal preferences and budget. We recommend a minimum of 2-4 days to truly appreciate the park’s winter beauty, considering the unpredictability of weather like blizzards. Our week-long stay was unforgettable, but even a few days can offer a substantial experience.

Reaching Yellowstone’s Interior Attractions

Key attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are nestled in the park’s interior, closed to regular vehicles in winter. From mid-December to mid-March, ‘oversnow’ travel is the only option for reaching these hidden gems, either by guided snowmobile or snow coach, or through the non-commercially guided snowmobile program.

Be aware that the transition periods of mid-November to mid-December and mid-March to mid-April do not permit these tours.

So, the only way to visit the park’s famous destinations, like Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, during winter is by:

• guided snowmobile
• guided snowcoach, or one-day Snowcoach Tour to Old Faithful from Jackson
• through the non-commercially guided snowmobile program.

We describe each option in detail below. Yellowstone winter travel hours are 7 am-9 pm.

Please note that mid-November till mid-December and mid-March through mid-April are preparation months for the seasons. So there is no possibility of taking a trip to the Yellowstone interior.

PRO TIP: Due to the limited number of services in winter, it is worth booking your Yellowstone winter vacation well in advance, especially if you are planning a trip to the park’s interior. NPS provides a list of Authorized Snowmobile and Snowcoach Tour Companies in Yellowstone National Park.

Take a Yellowstone Winter Tour

Moreover, you can take a fully guided Yellowstone winter tour. One-day tour or a few days, depending on your needs and budget. But if you decide on a one-day tour – read carefully if it’s a trip to the park interior or if it is focused only on the Northern Range. A few days’ trips are usually to the Yellowstone National Park interior.

With a tour, in addition to transport, you are guaranteed the care of an experienced guide who has excellent knowledge about Yellowstone National Park. Moreover, the guide also knows the habits of wild animals very well, so you will certainly have the opportunity to see the most stunning places in the park during a trip and photograph or observe wildlife. Wildlife watching is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter! Below are some Yellowstone winter tours options.

One-Day Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour to Old Faithful from Jackson

Set off on a magical winter day trip from Jackson to Yellowstone, cruising in a snowcoach to see the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Your journey begins in either Jackson or Teton Village, taking you through the snowy Grand Teton National Park, with stunning views of the Grand Tetons.

Get ready for wildlife sightings and photo ops along the way. Once in Yellowstone, you’ll travel 45 miles on groomed trails, stopping at beautiful spots like Moose Falls and Lewis Falls. The highlight? Watching Old Faithful erupt, a truly unforgettable moment.

After a cozy lunch, explore more of Yellowstone before heading back in the evening. This snow coach full-day winter tour is the perfect mix of adventure and comfort, showing you the winter wonders of Yellowstone in a day you’ll always remember. Ideal for those with limited time or traveling on a budget, join us for a journey full of amazing sights and fun!

Yellowstone in Winter – Tours from Gardiner

• Winter Yellowstone Tour from Gardiner

If you do not wish to drive your own car through the Northern Range, you can visit it on a guided tour. The tour lasts all day long, a large part of which you will spend in the beautiful Lamar Valley, where Yellowstone’s wolves most often reside, deer, bison, and coyotes are. This trip is not to the park’s interior.

• Wildlife & Wolf Private Tour from Gardiner

It’s a perfect option if you love wildlife and wildlife photography but you are on a budget. The price compared to other winter tours are affordable. The attractions are unique. This trip focuses on wildlife watching, especially wolfs in Lamar Valley. You will visit Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and Tower Fall. Yellowstone in winter is the best time for wildlife photography.

Yellowstone in Winter – Tours from Bozeman

• Yellowstone National Park 4-Day Wolf Tour from Bozeman

Choose this trip if you are a photographer and dream of photographing wolves in their natural habitat. During our visit to Yellowstone, we did not know that there were special wolf-watching tours. Wolfs are very active in the park during the winter. Unfortunately, we found out about this tour too late, and no spots were available.

We saw other photographers’ photos from this trip, which were excellent. They managed to photograph a whole pack of wolves. They had great shots of wolves in snowy scenery. The guides know perfectly well where to spot wolves in winter.

They know their habits, so the chances of taking great photos are much more significant with such a trip than during a solo trip. We know because we tried. We tried to spot wolves for a few days – we failed. Everyone who went on an organized trip had the opportunity to observe the wolves and take pictures of them.

Yellowstone in Winter – Tours from Jackson

• 4-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Winter Tour from Jackson

It’s a perfect guided winter adventure into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. You will spot winter wildlife from a heated vehicle. Moreover, you will take a horse-drawn Elk-Refuge sleigh and a snow coach tour in Yellowstone to witness the Old Faithful geyser explode. This trip will be a fabulous winter adventure.

• 5 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Winter Tour

Pick-up is possible in Salt Lake City and Jackson. This exclusive tour will allow you to admire two unique national parks in winter: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. A professional guide will look after you, providing accommodation and meals.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to admire the fantastic winter scenery of both parks. This tour includes the most interesting places in Yellowstone’s interior, including the Old Faithful area. Moreover, you will soak at Lava Hot Springs.

Yellowstone in Winter – Lodging

Where to stay during Yellowstone winter vacations? Below are our recommendations.

Accommodation inside the Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Hotels & Cabins in Yellowstone in winter

The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins and Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins are the only two places with facilities (lodging and dining) open in winter inside the park. But Old Faithful Snow Lodge is located in the park interior, so you can only get there by snowmobile or snow coach.

We decided to stay 3 nights at the cozy Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins, which was a great choice. One of the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter is to stay in this cozy place to enjoy the scenery.

You can only book both places through the official website. And it is worth doing it several months in advance because both are extremely popular.

Campgrounds in Yellowstone in winter

Yellowstone offers 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. But only 1 campground is open year-round. It’s Mammoth Campground located at an elevation of 6,200 feet (1890 m). It’s five miles south of the park’s North Entrance. It costs $25 per night.

We traveled by RV, so we decided to stay there for a night. Well, we planned to stay longer, but it was so cold that for the next two nights, we decided on a hotel in Gardiner 😉 We were the only RV on the campground. There were no facilities, like electric hookups. The outside temperature at night was -4°F ( -20℃) degrees frost.

Yellowstone winter lodging outside the park

Outside Yellowstone National Park, you will also find exciting winter accommodations. What’s important, the prices are definitely much more favorable than inside the park.

Yellowstone Winter Lodging in Gardiner

Gardiner is the closest town to North Entrance to Yellowstone. It’s a charming town with lodging and dining option. We stayed there 2 nights at two different hotels because we didn’t book accommodation early enough. We can recommend The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone and Absaroka Lodge.

Yellowstone Winter Lodging in Cook City

A wide range of accommodations from hotels to cozy cabins also offers Cook City, close to Northeast Entrance.

West Yellowstone Winter Lodging

You can also stay and visit a small part of West Yellowstone in winter. But you must know that it is a 3-4 hour drive to North Yellowstone from West Yellowstone during winter. We stayed there for one night.

But West Yellowstone, in our opinion, has less to offer in winter than the northern part. So if you have little time for a winter visit to Yellowstone, the best idea is to choose the North Entrance area.

Temperatures in Yellowstone in Winter

Whether you plan to spend two days or a week in Yellowstone during winter, be prepared for frigid temperatures and a lot of snow. We were in Yellowstone all week in January and had terrific weather. Of course, it was freezing. But the days were very sunny, which made the perceived temperature much higher. During the week, we had a blizzard only once.

During our stay, daytime temperatures were below 19.4 °F (-7°C). A few days were below 14 °F (-10°C). But the sun made us spend long hours actively in the fresh, frosty air. We have had excellent oxygenation, and we recommend everyone be active in Yellowstone in winter.

The evenings and nights were much colder. There was a severe frost. On the coldest night, the temperature dropped to -16.6 °F (-27 °C). The rest of the nights it was around -4 °F (-20 °C).

Yellowstone winter temperatures range from zero to 20°F (-20°C to -5°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. The record low temperature is -66°F (-54°C).

What To Pack For Winter in Yellowstone?

It would be best if you prepared for frosty and snowy days. Therefore, the layers are the most important. Thermoactive warm clothing is a must. Please check our Day Hiking Packing List to see what we use. But below, we recommend a few items and tips which are must-haves for Yellowstone winter vacation.

Snow Boots

It’s important to know that Snow Boots are a must-have for Yellowstone winter visits. Most of all, they should be warm and have good traction. Moreover, it should be waterproof. Look for something insulated and waterproof. You don’t have to spend a fortune on them.

Gaiters

Waterproof Leg Gaiters, which are adjustable for Snow Boots and Snowshoeing, are also essential for Yellowstone winter tours. They protect your pants and boots. They will protect you from snow falling into your shoes. You must always keep your feet dry and warm during winter hikes. Otherwise, you may cool down your body quickly, which might be dangerous.

Snowshoes

Yellowstone’s deep snow in winter is nothing unusual. Snowshoes are essential to prevent you from falling into snowdrifts. When fresh white snow falls, you won’t be able to walk with snow boots only. You don’t have to buy them. You can easily rent them at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

But if you like winter activities, it’s definitely worth having your own Snowshoes. If you plan to buy your own consider a set with trekking poles, as they are also essential for hiking in the deep Yellowstone snow.

Trekking Poles

Hiking in Yellowstone in winter is much easier with Trekking Poles. But you must have a tip suitable for the snow. Here you can check our article on how to choose and use trekking poles.

Hand and Foot warmers

Hiking in winter Yellowstone is a fabulous adventure. But to enjoy this wonderland, you have to feel comfy. After a few hours in this fresh and freezing air, it was a fantastic solution to warm up our bodies using hand and foot warmers. It’s cheap but the perfect item for winter in Yellowstone. It can save your life if you are surprised by a severe frost.

We have already used these heaters several times in winter conditions. So, pack a few pairs of Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers, or Toe Foot Warmers.

Crampons

Hiking crampons also turned out to be very useful. Roads and trails are icy in places, so pack them up and use them for safety. They are durable, do not cost much, and make it easier to wander on icy surfaces.

The Best Things To Do in Yellowstone in Winter

Drive the Yellowstone’s Northern Range

One of the best things you can do in Yellowstone in winter is drive through the Northern Range, from Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City. The views are breathtaking. As we mentioned above, it’s the only winter road you can drive in Yellowstone. You can do this drive yourself or on a guided one-day tour from Gardiner or Bozeman.

Admire Wildlife

Wildlife is very active in Yellowstone in winter. There are not many tourists, so the snow wonderland belongs to wildlife. Bison will cross your path many times. You can spot deer and coyotes. And if you look around carefully, you have a good chance of spotting wolves.

Even if you don’t plan to get to the Yellowstone interior, we assure you that you can spot much wildlife in the North Range. We spent three days in the northern part of the park exploring the Northern Range with Lamar Valley, and we hope to return one day. It was the most touching wildlife experience of our lives so far. We met photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who spent even a month or two in winter and weren’t bored at all.

PRO TIP: Stay away from wildlife. Keep a safe distance. Don’t feed the animals. Be extremely careful when you encounter bison. The road is very slippery, and bison stumble with their hooves sometimes if they are scared. They can also start rushing violently, which can be dangerous.

Watch for the Yellowstone wolves in Lamar Valley

Yellowstone in winter is full of wildlife. Driving through the Northern Range can be an unforgettable experience for you because, in Lamar Valley, you have the best chance of spotting wolves. Specialist wolf-watching tours are organized during winter in Yellowstone.

Or you can choose a wildlife safari. With an experienced guide, you have a much better chance of seeing a pack of wolves. They know their paths and each pack’s habits and use special devices to help track down and hear wolves. So, this tour is a great option if you have little time for your winter adventure in Yellowstone.

But if you look carefully, you have a chance to spot them yourself in the white snow. Yellowstone National Park offers terrific wildlife-watching opportunities. We heard and spotted wolves several times. Unfortunately, they were far away, and we did not manage to take good photos.

However, it was great to be able to observe these predators. We also admire coyotes in Lamar Valley, so we share our photos of coyotes. Wildlife watching is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter.

Take the Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour

We decided to take a trip to Yellowstone’s interior, and we don’t regret the money spent. It was just a few unforgettable days in fantastic scenery. We booked three nights in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, so we had to get there. The options were by snowmobile or by snow coach.

As photographers, we decided to book a snow coach to take pictures during the drive. It was a fantastic choice. The driver often stopped for photos and told us about Yellowstone National Park. We can highly recommend it.

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to book Old Faithful Snow Lodge, you can take a one-day (go and back) Yellowstone a snowcoach tour. You start your trip early in the morning. You will have some time in the Old Faithful area and will be back in the afternoon.

Book your stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins

Book a stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins. At least two or three nights. You will not regret the money spent. It’s the only open place in Yellowstone National Park interior in winter. We stayed three nights there and regretted that it was so short! But we couldn’t afford a longer stay because we were on a dream journey from Alaska to Florida.

The place is extremely cozy. After a long snow hike, you can warm yourself in the warmth of the fireplace, eat a good dinner and drink some wine. It is a great place to explore the interior of the park. There are hundreds of active geysers in the area that you can admire while skiing or snowshoeing.

PRO TIP: Pack a lot of high-energy snacks. You will save money. Breakfast is included in the price. But thanks to snacks you will save money for lunch and eat later a warm dinner. Take high-energy and protein bars, beef jerky, and other favorite snacks with you. In winter, our body uses much more energy in frost, and you need to feed it. You’ll be very hungry. On such frosty days, you can eat twice as much as usual.

Go Hiking & Snowshoeing 

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter. But the best option is snowshoeing. Well, snowshoes are a must-have. Snow is intense. There are many hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park that are open in winter. Some are near the Mammoth Hot Springs area and Lamar Valley. But the best hiking trails are near Old Faithful because you can admire geysers.

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Also, cross-country skiing is popular in Yellowstone in winter. The routes are of different difficulty levels. There are many popular trails, but two of the most popular ones are the Biscuit Basin Trail (which goes through the Old Faithful geyser basin) and the Blacktail Plateau Trail.

See the geysers against the snow

According to the NPS website, Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers. One of the best things to do in Yellowstone in winter is to see the geysers!

When you wander between them, you feel like you are on a different planet. It is impossible to describe this extraordinary and magical beauty with words. In addition, Yellowstone in winter has many color contrasts. Nothing distracts your eyes because there is only white around, so you can make out dozens of shades in geysers.

You can admire geysers only if you decide to go on a Yellowstone winter toof to tpark’sark interior. For us, Yellowstone in winter was one of the most delightful and, at the same time, intimidating places during our 8-month road trip through the US.

Visit West Yellowstone

You can also add a West Yellowstone in winter to your itinerary if you have time. But if you have to choose, take the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. In the west part, we like the most Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. It’s an amazing place for families.

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