Bears and wolves

100 yards (91 m)

Bison, elk, and all other wildlife

25 yards (23 m)

Other people

2 yards (2 m)

Enjoy watching Yellowstone’s animals but STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS.

Wi n t e r i n Ye l l ows t o n e m e a n s f e w e r

crowds, cold temperatures, and steaming geyser 

basins. Skis, snowshoes, snowcoaches, and snowmobiles become the main modes of transportation 

as roads close, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter 

storms blanket the park with snow.

STAY ALERT IN THERMAL AREAS

Hydrothermal features are evidence of an amazing 

fact: Yellowstone sits above a giant supervolcano. If 

you travel the 50 miles (80 km) between Mammoth 

Hot Springs and Old Faithful, you will see travertine 

terraces, acidic thermal features at Norris Geyser 

Basin, mudpots and fumaroles at Fountain Paint 

Pot, plus beautiful hot springs at Biscuit and Black 

Sand basins near Old Faithful.

• Stay on boardwalks and designated trails. 

The ground is unstable in hydrothermal areas. 

Use caution, as boardwalks are often covered 

in snow and ice.

• Keep hands out. Water in geysers and hot springs 

can severely burn you.

 • Keep litter out of the pools. Do not throw 

any objects into hydrothermal features.

Welcome to Yellowstone

COVID-19 Precautions

Operations may change depending on circumstances. Check locally, on the 

park website, and in the park app for current information. Thank you for your 

patience and cooperation.

Come prepared. Visitor services are very limited.

Wear face coverings in busy areas and inside visitor facilities.

Maintain social distancing of six feet (2 m), especially in busy 

areas (on boardwalks, inside visitor facilities, on popular trails, 

while viewing wildlife, etc.). 

Follow current local, state, and national health guidance:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

If you are sick, do not visit the park. Self-isolate to avoid 

exposing others.

6 feet

2 meters

Keep Wildlife Wild

Winter is a wonderful time to 

view wildlife. All the large 

mammals present when Yellowstone became a park in 

1872 are here today: grizzly and 

black bears, wolves, mountain 

lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, 

moose, and bighorn sheep. 

• Wildlife are dangerous.

• Do not approach, encircle, 

follow, or feed any animal.

• Bison, bears, and elk injure and kill people.

• Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves.

• Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals.

• If wildlife move, move to maintain the above distances.

• Do not stop on or block a road.

• Use pullouts; stay in your car to watch animals.

• Store food and trash securely. Backpacks and snowmobile 

gear bags are not secure.

• Do not feed any animals, even birds and squirrels.

Safely exploring the boardwalks near Castle Geyser.

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

1st Edition

Yellowstone Visitor Guide

Winter 2020–21
A snowcoach at the Madison River. 

Developed and Backcountry Camping

Mammoth Campground

Open year-round

Sites may be limited in winter

$20/night, 30 night maximum stay

Amenities include flush toilets and 

accessible sites. Generators are allowed 

8am to 8pm.

Overnight Backcountry Camping

A free permit is required to camp in the 

backcountry during winter. 

For more information, contact the 

Central Backcountry Office:

Phone 307-344-2160

Online go.nps.gov/YELLbackcountry

Email yell_backcountry_office@nps.gov

Lodging, Dining, and Tours

As one of Yellowstone’s official concession 

companies, Yellowstone National Park Lodges 

offers lodging, dining, and a variety of 

tours and activities.

For reservations and information, ask 

at park hotels, or contact Yellowstone 

National Park Lodges:

Phone 307-344-7311, 866-439-7375

TDD 307-344-5395

Online YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com

Email Reserve-YNP@Xanterra.com

Mail PO Box 165

Yellowstone, WY 82190

A variety of winter activities, including partial 

or full-day tours by heated snowcoach, snowmobile tours and rentals, and skiing and snowshoe 

adventures are available from a wide range of 

authorized guides. Learn more on page six or by 

visiting go.nps.gov/YELLtours.

Other facilities and services may be available 

depending on current conditions. Learn more 

by inquiring locally or visiting go.nps.gov/

winterinyellowstone.

Geyser Hill in winter.

Wi-Fi

Available for free:

• Horace M. Albright Visitor Center 

in Mammoth Hot Springs

Data speeds are very limited outside of 

Mammoth Hot Springs.

Cell Service

Cell phone service is very limited in the park 

and surrounding areas. General cell coverage 

areas are marked on the newspaper park map 

(see back page).

Emergency 911 service by cell phone is only 

available in coverage areas. Text 911 is not 

available in Yellowstone.

During peak hours and periods of heavy visitation, the cellular network may be very slow.

Your provider may or may not roam on networks 

in Yellowstone.

As a courtesy to others, silence your mobile 

device while enjoying Yellowstone.

Accessibility

A printed guide with accessibility information 

is available at visitor centers and on the park 

website (go.nps.gov/YELLaccess).

Qualified service animals are welcome 

throughout the park and in all park facilities. 

However, they must be leashed and under your 

control at all times.

Medical Services

Yellowstone emergency response 

and ambulance service

Call 911

Text 911 is not available in Yellowstone.

Mammoth Clinic (Medcor)

Medical care from emergencies to 

minor needs.

307-344-7965

Winter Hours

Monday–Thursday 8:30am to 5pm

Friday 8:30am to 1pm 

Weekends, holidays CLOSED

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and 

other area hospitals provide air evacuation and 

trauma care.

Facilities and Services

Emergency Dial 911

Information 307-344-7381

TTY 307-344-2386

Park entrance radio 1610 AM

Park Tip Line 307-344-2132

To report a crime or criminal activity. 

Leave as much detail as you can. Remain 

anonymous, or leave a name and number.

NPS Yellowstone National Park App

Plan and enrich your visit 

with the official, free National Park Service app. 

Digitally explore the world’s 

first national park—by map or by topic of 

interest. Discover the natural and cultural 

stories in context with their locations. Find 

the information you need about visitor 

centers, events, lodging, places to eat and 

shop, and services throughout the park. 

Download the app and app content 

before you begin your adventure, as 

cell service and Wi-Fi are limited in 

Yellowstone.

Follow @YellowstoneNPS

 

Yellowstone National Park

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

2 Yellowstone Visitor Guide
A wolf pack photographed from a plane during a wolf study.

Ye l l ows t o n e Na t i o n a l Pa r k i s t h e s i t e o f

one of the most ambitious and controversial 

wildlife restoration projects in the world. The 

Yellowstone Wolf Project has yielded more than 

two decades of discoveries on wolf behavior, predator-prey relationships, wildlife disease management, 

and ecological complexity.

The stark white backdrop of snow and the general 

absence of leaf cover make winter an ideal time to 

observe wildlife. From the popular overlooks of 

Lamar Valley, it is possible to get a glimpse of wolf 

society. You may even witness the dangerous dance 

of predators and prey as each struggles to survive.

See page five for more information about driving 

the Northern Range in winter and tips for safely 

capturing stunning photographs.

Pack Mentality

Old Faithful under a winter night sky.

Th e Uppe r Ge y s e r B a s i n o f Ye l l ows t o n e

National Park has the largest concentration of 

geysers in the world. Geysers are hot springs with 

narrow spaces in their plumbing, usually near the 

surface. These constrictions prevent water from 

circulating freely to the surface where heat would 

escape. The deepest circulating water can be even 

hotter then the surface boiling point of 199°F (93°C).

Surrounding pressure also increases with depth, 

similar to the ocean. Increased pressure exerted 

by the enormous weight of the overlying rock and 

water prevents the water from boiling.

As the hot water rises, steam forms. Bubbling 

upward, the steam expands as it nears the top of the 

water column until the bubbles can no longer pass 

freely through the constrictions. At a critical point, 

the confined bubbles actually lift the water above 

them, causing the geyser to splash or overflow. This 

decreases pressure on the system, and violent boiling 

results. Tremendous amounts of steam force water 

out of the vent, and the eruption begins.

Water is expelled faster than it can enter the geyser's 

plumbing system, and the heat and pressure gradually decrease. The eruption stops when the water reservoir is exhausted, or when the system cools.

How Do Geysers Work?

Winter 2020–2021 3
LAMAR VALLEY

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Northeast

Entrance

North Entrance

Gardiner

See map on back page for services

Silver 

Gate Cooke

City

Mammoth Hot Springs

TowerRoosevelt

5mi

8km

18mi

29km

29mi

47km

No vehicle access

to Red Lodge,

Billings, or 

Cody in 

winter

0 5 Km

0 5 Mi

North

Overlooking the boardwalks 

near Canary Spring.

Fort Yellowstone

Th e U n i t e d S t a t e s e s t a b l i s h e d

Yellowstone National Park in 1872. For the next 

decade, the park was under threat. Poachers killed 

animals. Souvenir hunters broke large pieces off of 

the geysers and hot springs. Developers set up camps 

for tourists. The park turned to the US Army for help.

In 1886, men from Company M, First US Cavalry, 

Fort Custer, Montana Territory came to Yellowstone 

under the command of Captain Moses Harris. They 

began what would be 32 years of military presence.

The buildings of Fort Yellowstone are a testament to 

the long history of our first national park and of the 

important role the Army played. Most buildings constructed during the Army era are still standing and 

are currently used by the National Park Service as 

park headquarters.

Stay On Boardwalks

and designated trails. Do not touch any thermal 

features and keep foreign objects out of springs. 

To avoid slips and falls, use caution on ice and snow.

Travertine Terraces

Wi n t e r i s a n a m a z i n g t i m e t o e x p l o r e

the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. Hot water 

steams in the cold winter air while ice and snow 

accentuate the beautiful shapes of these living 

sculptures.

Four factors come together to create the terraces:

• Water

Rain and snow falling on the surrounding mountains 

seeps deep into the earth.

• Heat

The water is then heated by underground volcanic 

heat. The exact source of the heat is unknown! (Scientists have proposed two sources: the large magma 

chamber underlying the heart of the park or a smaller source closer to Mammoth.) 

• Fractures and fissures

A network of fractures and fissures (cracks) acts like 

plumbing. The very hot underground water travels 

through the cracks to reach the surface.

• Limestone

Limestone was deposited millions of years ago when 

a vast sea covered the area. The hot water travels up 

through the limestone via the fractures and fissures, 

carrying high amounts of dissolved carbonate minerals. At the surface, carbon dioxide is released, and 

carbonate minerals like calcite are deposited, forming 

travertine, the chalky white rock of the terraces.

EXPLORE BY FOOT

Boardwalks provide access to the lower area of 

Mammoth Hot Springs.

EXPLORE BY SKIS OR SNOWSHOES

The Upper Terrace Loop Ski Trail can be

reached by personal vehicle via the Upper 

Terrace parking area. This groomed 1.5 mile (2.4 km) 

loop ranges from easy to more difficult due to a steep 

downhill section if traveled to the right (counterclockwise) from the trailhead.

It is easiest if skied beginning to the left (clockwise). 

A moderate climb leads to views of hot springs, terraces, the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District, 

and the surrounding mountains. At the top of the 

climb, a trail veers off to the southwest, which connects with the Snow Pass Trail. The Terrace Loop 

Trail descends past more hot springs before completing the circuit. Since snow is less deep than in the 

mountains above, wintering elk and deer are occasionally seen. 

Experience Mammoth Hot Springs

Ye l l ows t o n e i n w i n t e r i s w i l d

and remote due to seasonal changes in 

road conditions and access.

Most park roads are closed to regular vehicles. The only exception: the 

road between the North and Northeast 

entrances, which is open to regular 

traffic all year. (The road is closed 

beyond Cooke City, Montana.)

Other park roads are open only to 

limited snowmobile and snowcoach 

travel. The only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations 

is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach 

(see pages two and six) or through the 

non-commercially guided snowmobile 

access program (see page six). 

Reachable by Road

4 Yellowstone Visitor Guide
A winter photography group.

Ye l l ows t o n e i s o n e o f t h e b e s t p l a c e s

in the world to view—and photograph—wildlife in 

their natural habitat. Professional photographers 

share these tips for capturing the best shots while 

respecting and protecting park wildlife.

The Name of the Game is Patience

To get the best shot, you will spend more time waiting 

and observing than taking photos. Look for patterns 

in animal behavior that can help you get a great shot. 

You may have to wait a while, so be ready.

Know Your Camera's Limits

A cell phone camera will not be able to capture the 

same resolution and detail as a more advanced standalone camera with large lenses. Good photography 

isn't about getting close to the animal for a close-up. 

It's about having the right equipment for the job.

Widen Your Perspective

Try to capture the character of the environment 

around wildlife, too. Habitat says a lot and will 

increase your chances of capturing interspecies 

drama.

Work the "Golden Hours"

Animals are most active in the early morning and 

late afternoon or evening. Luckily, these are also the 

hours of the day with the most dramatic light.

Stay Safe Behind and in 

Front of the Camera

An unusual vantage point can add drama to your 

image, but you don't want to add the drama of a 

hospital visit to your trip. Never sacrifice safety 

for a photograph.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Stay behind fences and guard rails. Never turn your 

back on wild animals.

Keep Children Close to You at All Times

Never try to pose them with wildlife.

Stay Out of the Road

Do not stop your vehicle in the road or stand in the 

roadway. Do not block any portion of the road with 

tripods, chairs, or other objects. Do not block the 

free flow of traffic.

Photograph Wildlife

Wolf (Canis lupus)

Th e 52 m i l e s (8 4 k m) o f r o a d b e t w e e n t h e

North and Northeast entrances travel through 

the Northern Range, the hub of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. Occupying just ten percent of 

the park, it is winter range for the biggest elk herd in 

Yellowstone and is arguably the most carnivore-rich 

area in North America.

It is also the only area of the park that can be 

reached by automobile year-round, providing 

incredible opportunities to observe wildlife in 

winter—when they are often more active and easier 

to spot—as well as view beautiful winter scenery.

Looking out over a Northern Range valley, you 

could see bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, wolves, 

and more all interacting with each other.

If you choose to venture out into this winter 

wonderland, remember:

• Watch out for wildlife on or near roadways.

• Check road and weather conditions locally or 

online before you depart (see page two for ways

 to receive updates on road conditions).

• Drive cautiously. The park speed limit is 45 mph 

(72 kph) unless posted slower. Icy and wet road 

conditions require extra attention.

• Don't rely on your cell phone. There is almost no 

cell service once you leave the Mammoth area. In 

case of emergency, there is a phone booth between 

the restrooms and gas station at Tower-Roosevelt.

Drive the Northern Range

Winter 2020–2021 5
N-CGSAP stands for Non-Commercially Guided

Snowmobile Access Program.

Vi s i t o r s i n t e r e s t e d i n gu i d i n g

a small, one-to-three day, private (not 

commercial) snowmobile trip through 

Yellowstone in winter can find details 

and apply online at recreation.gov.

Permit holders are considered 

non-commercial guides and may lead 

groups of up to five snowmobiles. All 

snowmobile operators must be licensed 

(including the permit holders) and 

must complete the free, online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course.

Beginning October 1, unclaimed or 

canceled permits can be obtained with 

a first-come, first-served reservation 

through recreation.gov.

For more information, visit 

go.nps.gov/ncgsap.

Self-Guided Snowmobiling

A Permit Is Required for 

All Commercial Activity 

in Yellowstone

A permit is required for commercial 

filming, regardless of equipment, and 

photography with props or models. For 

more information, call 307-344-2722.

Ye l l ows t o n e Na t i o n a l Pa r k i s

assisted in fulfilling our mission by 

our official non-profit partner, Yellowstone Forever. Proceeds from Yellowstone Forever educational bookstores, 

Institute, and philanthropic efforts 

support priority park projects and visitor education.

Find more information:

• Visit Yellowstone.org

• Call 406-848-2400

The Yellowstone Forever Institute

introduces thousands of students to 

the park's natural wonders. Programs 

range from one day to three weeks and 

highlight the park's amazing wildlife, 

geothermal areas, rich history, and 

awe-inspiring wilderness.

Programs are perfect for curious adults 

and families who want to explore the 

park with a knowledgeable guide. 

Visit Yellowstone.org to view the 

course catalog and register.

Ma n y au t h o r i z e d gu i d e s a n d

outfitters are ready to show you 

Yellowstone's wonders, and each has 

a unique approach. Find authorized 

guides, tour companies, or other 

commercial services at go.nps.gov/

YELLtours.

Report unauthorized operators to a 

park ranger or contact Concessions 

Management at 307-344-2271.

Authorized Guides

Cross-country skiers on the Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail.

Ye l l ows t o n e o f f e r s a va r i e t y o f e n j oya bl e , 

challenging skiing and snowshoeing trails. Track is 

set on a few trails, others may be groomed, and all 

unplowed roads and trails are open to skiing and 

snowshoeing.

Equipment rental is available in several nearby communities. Ski shop services—including lessons, rentals, and repairs—are available at the Bear Den Ski 

Shop at Mammoth Hot Springs.

Brochures with general trail maps and descriptions 

are at warming huts and ski shops. One-way or 

round-trip skier shuttles may be offered to specific 

trails in the park for a fee.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Even in Yellowstone's severe winter temperatures, 

you can be comfortable and safe if you prevent chilling and overheating by wearing the right clothes.

• Wear several adjustable layers including wind 

protection and insulated undergarments.

• Avoid clothes that are too tight. They restrict 

circulation and increase the chance of frostbite.

• Do not wear cotton clothes of any kind, including 

jeans, sweatshirts, underwear, or socks. They retain 

moisture and put you at risk of hypothermia.

ETIQUETTE

• Do not walk on snowshoe or ski trails.

• Snowshoe parallel to the ski track.

• Yield to faster skiers or those going downhill.

• Detour around wildlife. Do not approach.

For detailed information on winter trails, routes, 

and safety, contact the Central Backcountry Office 

(307-344-2160) or request a Winter Backcountry Trip 

Planner (available online or at visitor centers).

Ski and Snowshoe

6 Yellowstone Visitor Guide
Bison

(Bison bison)

Bison or Buffalo?

In North America, both "bison" 

and "buffalo" refer to the American bison (Bison bison). Generally, 

"buffalo" is used informally, while 

"bison" is preferred for formal or 

scientific purposes.

Early European explorers called this 

animal by many names. Historians 

believe that the term "buffalo" 

grew from the French word for 

beef, boeuf.

American bison are a different 

genus than other buffalo in the 

world.

Bi s o n a r e i c o n i c a n i m a l s o f t h e A m e r i c a n

West and, with adult males weighing up to 2,000 

pounds (900 kg), the largest land mammal in North 

America. The herd is made up of cows, calves, and 

some younger bulls. Mature bulls spend most of the 

year alone or with other bulls, except during the rut 

(mating season).

Bison are well-adapted to Yellowstone winters. 

Their thick fur and layers of fat keep them insulated 

in average low temperatures of -30°F (-34°C). Their 

massive humps are made of muscles supported by 

long vertebrae and are used like snowplows, swinging side to side to sweep away the snow and uncover 

grasses and sedges underneath.

Despite these adaptations, bison (and other wildlife) 

in winter have limited energy reserves. Help protect 

bison and yourself by always staying at least 25 

feet (23 m) away.

Surviving Winter's Edge

A s r e m a r k a b l e a s Ye l l ows t o n e i s d u r i n g

the rest of the year, in winter the park is a magical 

place: steam and boiling water erupt from natural cauldrons in the park's ice-covered surface, 

snow-dusted bison exhale vaporous breaths as they 

lumber through drifts of white, foxes and coyotes 

paw and pounce in their search for prey in the deep 

snow, and gray wolves bay beneath the frozen moon.

WINTER ADAPTATIONS

Yellowstone in winter is also a place of vulnerability. Wildlife endure extremes of cold, wind, and the 

absence of ready food. Park conditions in this most 

severe of seasons become a matter of life and death. 

To survive, plants and animals are forced to adapt.

Here are some adaptions you can mimic to more 

comfortably and safely enjoy your winter visit:

• Deer, elk, and bison sometimes follow each other 

through deep snow to save energy. When skiing 

and snowshoeing through fresh snow, take turns 

breaking trail.

• Mammals molt their fur in late spring to early summer. Incoming guard hairs are longer and protect 

their underfur. Additional underfur grows each fall 

and is made of short, thick, often wavy hairs designed 

to trap air. A sebaceous (oil) gland, adjacent to each 

hair canal, secretes oil to waterproof the fur. Mammals have muscular control of their fur, fluffing it up 

to trap air when they are cold and sleeking it down to 

remove air when they are warm. Wear multiple layers, including wind and waterproof outerwear, to 

adjust to changing conditions.

• Snowshoe hares have large feet to spread their weight 

over the snow. Martens and lynx grow additional fur 

between their toes to give them effectively larger feet. 

Increase the surface area of your feet with skis or 

snowshoes.

WINTER SOUNDSCAPES

Yellowstone's soundscape is the total of all the 

sounds within the park, including those that can't 

be heard by human ears. Some sounds are critical 

for animals to locate a mate or food or to avoid predators. Others, such as those produced by weather, 

water, and geothermal activity, may be a result rather 

than a cause of ecological processes.

Human-caused sounds can mask the natural soundscape. The National Park Service's goal is to protect 

or restore natural soundscapes where possible and to 

minimize human-caused sounds while recognizing 

that they are generally more appropriate in and near 

developed areas. 

Human-caused sounds that mask the natural soundscape are, to some extent, unavoidable in and near 

developed areas. However, the potential for frequent 

and pervasive high-decibel noise from oversnow 

vehicles has made the winter soundscape an issue of 

particular concern in Yellowstone.

Every now and then, turn off any engines or music. 

Listen to the sounds of winter. What do you hear? How 

do the sounds around you impact your experience?

CLIMATE CHANGE

In Yellowstone, scientists expect ecosystems to 

change due to increased temperatures and changing 

rain and snow patterns. Some observed and expected 

effects of climate change include:

• Average temperatures are higher now than they were 

50 years ago, especially during spring.

• Snowpack throughout the area is decreasing and 

snow is melting faster in the spring. This could impact agriculture and municipal water supplies downstream.

• The alpine zone may shift higher, decreasing or eliminating species that live in this important habitat.

How might warmer temperatures affect the winter 

scenes that surround you?

Hayden Valley in winter.

Wild in Winter

Winter 2020–2021 7
Yellowstone

Lake

Sylvan Pass

Dunraven

Pass

LAMAR VALLEY

Norris Geyser Basin

Mud Volcano Area

West Thumb

Geyser Basin

Lower Geyser Basin

Midway Geyser Basin

Upper Geyser Basin

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

West

Entrance

Northeast

Entrance

East Entrance

North Entrance

South Entrance

Gardiner

West

Yellowstone

Silver 

Gate Cooke

City

Mammoth Hot Springs

Norris

Lake Village

Bridge Bay

West Thumb

Grant

Village

Fishing Bridge

Canyon Village

TowerRoosevelt

Madison

Old Faithful

Tower Fall Indian Creek

Pahaska

Tepee

Yellowstone

Forever

Institute

5mi

8km

18mi 29km

29mi

47km 19mi

31km

16mi

26km

21mi

34km

12mi

19km

14mi 23km

16mi 26km

17mi 27km

21mi 34km

22mi

35km

27mi

43km

14mi 23km

CLOSED

to vehicles

AVALANCHE

DANGER

No vehicle access

to Red Lodge,

Billings, or 

Cody in 

winter

W Yellowstone

to Bozeman, MT

90mi 145km

W Yellowstone

to Big Sky, MT

48mi 77km

Gardiner to Bozeman, MT

84mi 135km

Gardiner to Livingston, MT

52mi 84km

E Entrance

to Cody, WY

53mi 85km

S Entrance

to Jackson, WY 57mi 91km

Plowed roads

Wheeled vehicles only

Clinic

Visitor center

Restrooms

Warming hut

Campground

Lodging

Groomed oversnow routes

Guided tours/permit holders only

5 mi

8 km Distance indicator

Hydrothermal feature

Approximate cell coverage

Verizon, AT&T (select areas),

Union (select areas)

Post office

Food service

Store

Fuel

Recycling 0 10 Kilometers

0 10 Miles

North

Spring Road Opening 2021

Year-Round N Entrance to Northeast Entrance

April 16, 8am Mammoth to Old Faithful; Madison

 to West Entrance; Norris to Canyon

May 7, 8am Canyon to Lake; Lake to East

 Entrance (Sylvan Pass)

May 14, 8am West Thumb to Old Faithful; Lake to

 S Entrance; Tower Jct to Tower Fall

May 28, 8am Beartooth Highway

Oversnow Travel End Dates

March 1, 9pm East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook

 (Sylvan Pass) Check the park website or app for 

a possible change to the travel end date between 

East Entrance and Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass).

March 7, 9pm Mammoth to Norris Junction

March 9, 9pm Madison to Norris to Canyon

March 14, 9pm Canyon to Fishing Bridge

March 15, 9pm Remaining groomed roads

Drive Cautiously

The park speed limit is 45 mph (72 kph) unless posted 

slower. Icy and wet roads require extra attention.

Watch for wildlife on or near roadways.

Keep the road clear at all times, even when watching 

wildlife. Don’t stop, stand, or walk in the road. Use a 

pullout if you need to stop for any reason. 

Road Status Updates

Hotline 307-344-2117

Online go.nps.gov/YELLroads

Mobile alerts text 82190 to 888-777

Park Roads

Store Food Securely

Do not feed any wildlife,

including small mammals 

and birds. Eating human 

food is unhealthy and encourages aggressive behavior that may 

require animals to be destroyed.

All food, trash, and scented items must 

be kept inaccessible to bears at all times. 

Tents, truck beds, and picnic tables are not 

secure. In some areas, ravens have learned 

to unzip packs and scatter the contents.

None of these items, even if clean and 

empty, may be left unattended at any time:

• Water and beverage containers

• Cooking or eating 

utensils

• Stoves and grills

• Coolers and ice 

chests

• Garbage, bagged 

or not

• Food, including 

condiments even 

if in containers

• Cosmetics and 

toiletries

• Pet food and 

bowls

• Pails, buckets, and 

wash basins

This is only a partial list of regulations. For 

more information, consult 36 Code of Federal 

Regulations and the Superintendent's Compendium, available at go.nps.gov/yell-laws.

Leave No Trace

Take only pictures. It is illegal to remove or possess natural or cultural resources such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads.

Wildlife

For the safety of wildlife and yourself, the following are prohibited and carry legal penalties, 

including fines:

• Remaining near or approaching wildlife within 

any distance that disturbs or displaces the 

animal

• Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights)

• Imitating elk calls or using buglers

• Imitating wolf howls

• Tracking wildlife with electronic equipment

Side Mirrors

Detachable side mirrors must be removed when 

not pulling a trailer.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins, on trails, 

in buildings, or within 25 feet of building entrances.

Firearms

Firearms are allowed in national parks pursuant 

to state and federal regulations. They are prohibited in facilities where signs are posted, such 

as visitor centers, government offices, and some 

concession operations. Discharge of firearms is 

prohibited. Possession and use of weapons, such 

as air guns, bows and arrows, spears, and slingshots, is also prohibited. Details are available at

go.nps.gov/yell-laws.

Swimming

Swimming in hot springs is always illegal and 

is extremely dangerous. Obey swimming and 

wading closures where marked.

Camping

Camping is allowed only in designated campsites. No overnight camping is allowed in pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place 

other than a designated campground. Additional 

camping may be available in neighboring communities. Overnight backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites and requires a permit.

Drones

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned 

aircraft (drones) on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited.

Rules and Regulations