Yellowstone National Park’s winter season wraps up

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) – UPDATE:  The last day the Bear Den Gift Shop at Old Faithful will be open is March 15, not March 3. 

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ORIGINAL: Yellowstone National Park’s winter season wraps up early March as roads begin to close to snowmobile and snowcoach travel.

By March 16, most visitor services and park roads will be closed including the South, West and East entrances. The park annually closes most roads at this time of year to prepare them for a spring opening for the public.

Road Closures

The last day these park roads and entrances will be open are:

• March 3: Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris
• March 5: Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village, Canyon Village to Washburn Hot Springs Overlook
• March 10: Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge
• March 15: West, South and East entrances and all remaining groomed roads

Visitor Services Closures

The last day for services will be:

Mammoth Hot Springs

• March 3: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
• March 4: Dining Room, Gift Shop, Ski Shop and Map Room Barista/Bar

Old Faithful

• March 2: Old Faithful Snow Lodge
• March 3: Bear Den Gift Shop, Obsidian Dining Room and Ski Shop'
• March 15: Geyser Grill and Visitor Education Center

Warming hut closure dates range between March 5 and March 15.  

“As a result of limited snowfall in December and January, the 2023-2024 winter season was particularly challenging for the park and our oversnow operators,” Yellowstone National Park Chief Ranger Chris Flesch said. “We would like to thank our operators and partners for working closely with us throughout the season and for providing our visitors the magical opportunity to experience winter in Yellowstone.”

Open Year-round

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley).

Visitors planning to drive in the park during late winter and spring should:

• Prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Have flexible travel plans.
• Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details.
• Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice.
• Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
  • Visit Park Roads.
  • Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
  • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

At Mammoth Hot Springs, the Albright Visitor Center, General Store, post office, medical clinic and self-service fuel pumps stay open year-round. Self-service fuel pumps are also available at the Tower-Roosevelt Service Station year-round.  

Spring Opening

Weather permitting, select park roads and entrances will open to the public on April 19. Learn more about spring opening dates for visitor services. To plan an upcoming trip to the park, visit the park website or download the National Park Service app for more information.