Winter in Yellowstone
When snow blankets Yellowstone National Park, the landscape changes dramatically into a unique winter wonderland offering a variety of recreational sports and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Local Listings:
- You and your family can snowshoe just about anywhere you can hike in YNP. All unplowed roads and trails are open to snowshoeing. Popular areas include those shared by cross-country skiers near Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Tower Falls, Canyon, and Mammoth.
- Snowmobiling is only permitted in YNP through commercially guided tours. Book tours early.
Overview
Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is home to wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. In the Winter, YNP becomes a unique winter paradise with ice, snow and steam creating natural artwork around Old Faithful and other extraordinary geysers and hot springs. Winter also brings with it the opportunity to enjoy a variety of sports and activities in the Park.
Outdoor Winter Activities:
Cross Country Skiing
Miles of cross-country trails wind through the Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Tower Falls, Canyon, and Mammoth areas, offering a unique perspectives of Yellowstone’s geothermic terrain. Track is set only on a few trails. When skiing on unplowed roadways, stay on the right side to avoid accidents with snowmobiles.
Snowcoach Tours
Yellowstone National Park limits motorized vehicle access in the winter. Authorized snowcoach tours offered between December and March give visitors a warm, safe way to tour the park. Visitors from Red Lodge can take a snowcoach from nearby Cooke City (accessible by Snowmobile) or Gardiner, Montana.
Sightseeing Tours
Local commercial skiing, snowmobile and snowcoach companies offer ski-tour, and wildlife viewing and photography packages.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is only permitted in YNP through commercially guided tours. Book early to make sure you get the dates you want. West Yellowstone is a popular snowmobiling community on YNP’s border. You can also snowmobile on the unplowed roadway between Red Lodge and Cooke City in the middle of winter.
Snowshoeing
You and your family can snowshoe just about anywhere you can hike in YNP. All unplowed roads and trails are open to snowshoeing. Popular areas include those shared by cross-country skiers near Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Tower Falls, Canyon, and Mammoth.
Ice Skating
Skaters of all ages can enjoy skating for a few hours at Mammoth Hot Springs Recreation Center. Skates can be rented for a few dollars a day or by the hour.
Ranger Programs
Rangers share their knowledge of YNP through engaging lectures, snowshoe trips, slide shows, and wildlife viewing tours in West Yellowstone, Mammoth, and Old Faithful.
Fees
Park Entrance fees are:
- $25 per private, noncommercial vehicle
- $20 for each snowmobile or motorcycle
- $12 for each visitor 16 and older entering by foot, bike, ski, or snowshoe.
- $50 Annual pass
Experienced outfitters that specialize in Yellowstone National Park adventures have everything you need to enjoy your Winter adventure.
Hire A Guide
Winter presents dangers like severe cold and inclement weather that could impact your experience in Yellowstone National Park. Taking an experienced guide is a great idea because there is safety in numbers. Activity guides who cater to YNP guests will know the latest information about road and trail closures, wildlife activity, and other helpful information.
