The signs of fall in Yellowstone are everywhere – autumn colors, bugling
elk, fewer people. As the season winds down, there is still a little time
to come and enjoy the park – hike, bike, drive, take photos, watch
wildlife, geyser gaze, etc. Do it soon, though, as only a few facilities
remain open.
The last day that each road/facility is open, is as follows:
*Please note as of Friday, Oct. 7, ALL ROADS IN YNP ARE CLOSED except Mammoth to Tower and Tower to Cooke City. Snow tires are required from Mammoth to Cooke City.
Call the 24 hour Road & Weather recorded info line 307-344-2117 for updates.
The closures are because of road conditions due to snow and ice.
ROADS:
Tower Fall to Canyon Junction over Dunraven Pass – Monday, Oct. 10
(closes 8 a.m. Oct. 11)
Beartooth Pass – Sunday, Oct. 9. Gates close at Long Lake, 17 miles
from the intersection of Wyo. 296 (Sunlight Basin), and US 212; and at the
Montana Stateline, 25 miles from Red Lodge at 8 a.m. on October 11, unless
an early snow storm would close the road on the preceding weekend.
OLD FAITHFUL AREA:
Old Faithful Inn, gift shop, deli, and dining room – Sunday, Oct. 9
Old Faithful Lower Service Station – Sunday, Oct. 16 (24-hr credit
card pay available)
Upper General Store – Monday, Oct. 17
Snow Lodge, cabins, and restaurant – Sunday, Oct. 23
Geyser Grill, Bear Den Gift Shop – Sunday, Nov. 6
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center – Sunday, Nov. 6
CANYON VILLAGE AREA:
Wrecker Service – Monday, Oct. 10
Canyon Service Station – Sunday, Oct. 16 (24-hr credit card pay
available)
Canyon Visitor Education Center – Sunday, Oct. 16
Yellowstone Adventure Store – Sunday, Nov. 6
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS AREA:
Hotel, dining room, cabins – Monday, Oct. 10
Service Station – Monday, Oct. 10 (24-hr credit card pay available)
Gift Shop and Terrace Grill – Monday, Oct. 16
The General Store, post office, and the Albright Visitor Center are
open all year, with a few exceptions. Check the park newspaper or website
for specifics.
CAMPGROUNDS:
Madison Campground – Sunday, Oct. 23
Slough Creek Campground – Sunday, Oct. 31
Lewis Lake Campground – Saturday, Nov. 5
Mammoth Campground is open year-round
All facilities at Lake, Fishing Bridge, Tower/Roosevelt, and Grant Village,
as well as most campgrounds, have closed for the season; although 24-hour
pay at the pump fuel is available at all otherwise closed service stations.
All park roads except the road from Gardiner through Mammoth to Cooke City
will close for the season Monday morning, Nov. 7, at 8 a.m. The
park’s North Entrance and the road to Cooke City remain open to wheeled
vehicles all year, weather permitting. There could be up to 30-minute
delays this fall on the road between Tower Junction and Cooke City due to a
bridge replacement project.
Fall weather in and around Yellowstone can be unpredictable. Visitors
should be prepared for winter weather and winter driving conditions, and
are advised to have flexible travel plans. Updated information on park
roads is available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
