Yellowstone Guide

Yellowstone Visitor Guide Winter 2022–23 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 1st Edition Welcome to Yellowstone W i n t e r i n Ye l l o w s 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. Inside • 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. Protect Yellowstone's hydrothermal features by never throwing any objects into them. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Contact Info Facilities and Services Geysers and Wolves Mammoth Hot Springs Drive the Northern Range Photograph Wildlife Ski and Snowshoe Self-guided Snowmobile Tours Authorized Guides Wild in Winter Rules and Regulations Park Roads (Map) Breaking ski trail in Gardners Hole. Enjoy watching Yellowstone’s animals and STAY SAFE. They are WILD and DANGEROUS. Bison, elk, and other wildlife Bears and wolves 25 yards (23 m) Road Construction Road construction will take place throughout the winter and spring on the road between the north entrance of the park (Gardiner, MT) and the northeast entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, MT). Check locally for updates and stay connected with Yellowstone National Park's official website (www.nps.gov/yell) and app. COVID-19 Precautions In general, the National Park Service follows CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Check locally, on the park website, and in the NPS App for updates and changes in park operations. Thank you for helping to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. 100 yards (91 m) 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, including bison and elk. • If an animal moves closer to you, move away to maintain a safe distance. • 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. Yellowstone National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Emergency Dial 911 Information 307-344-7381 TTY 307-344-2386 Park entrance radio 1610 AM Facilities and Services Medical Services Accessibility Cell Service Yellowstone emergency response A printed guide with accessibility information Cell phone service is very limited in the park and ambulance service is available at visitor centers and on the park and surrounding areas. General cell coverage Call 911 website (go.nps.gov/YELLaccess). areas are marked on the newspaper park map Text 911 is not available in Yellowstone. (see back page). Qualified service animals are welcome Mammoth Clinic throughout the park and in all park facilities. Emergency 911 service by cell phone is only Medical care from emergencies to However, they must be leashed and under your available in coverage areas. Text 911 is not To report a crime or criminal activity. minor needs. control at all times. available in Yellowstone. Leave as much detail as you can. Remain 307-344-7965 Park Tip Line 307-344-2132 anonymous, or leave a name and number. Winter Hours Free National Park Service App Monday–Thursday 8:30am to 5pm Enrich your Yellowstone ex- Friday 8:30am to 1pm perience with the free, official Weekends, holidays CLOSED National Park Service app. The app provides self-guided Heritage and Research Center Located just beyond the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana. This facility is home to Old Faithful Winter Clinic audio tours, accessibility information, geyser January 7–8 8am to 4pm predictions, and detailed site and service in- February 25–26 8am to 4pm formation. Be sure to download the content Yellowstone's museum collection, archives, Monday–Friday the app offline. Your provider may or may not roam on networks in Yellowstone. As a courtesy to others, silence your mobile device while enjoying Yellowstone. Wi-Fi 9am to 4pm Appointments necessary for research. Follow @YellowstoneNPS tion, the cellular network may be very slow. and research library. Open to Public before arriving in the park so you can use During peak hours and periods of heavy visita- YELL_Heritage_Center@nps.gov Available for free: • Horace M. Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs Geyser Hill in winter. Lodging, Dining, and Tours Developed and Backcountry Camping As one of Yellowstone’s official concession A variety of winter activities, including partial Mammoth Campground Overnight Backcountry Camping companies, Yellowstone National Park Lodges or full-day tours by heated snowcoach, snowmo- Operating dates TBD due to damage to the A free permit is required to camp in the offers lodging, dining, and a variety of bile tours and rentals, and skiing and snowshoe wastewater facility caused by the June 2022 backcountry during winter. tours and activities. adventures are available from a wide range of flood. Once repaired, the campground will open. authorized guides. Learn more on page six or by Check website or the NPS app for up-to-date For more information, contact the visiting go.nps.gov/YELLtours. information. Central Backcountry Office: For reservations and information, ask at park hotels, or contact Yellowstone Phone 307-344-2160 National Park Lodges: Other facilities and services may be available Online go.nps.gov/YELLbackcountry Phone Same-Day Reservations Only depending on current conditions. Learn more Email yell_backcountry_office@nps.gov 307-344-7901 by inquiring locally or visiting go.nps.gov/ Other Advance Reservations winterinyellowstone. 307-344-7311, 866-439-7375 Online YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com Email Reserve-YNP@Xanterra.com Mail PO Box 165 Yellowstone, WY 82190 A snowcoach at the Madison River. 2 Yellowstone Visitor Guide How Do Geysers Work? T h e U pp e r G e y s e r B a s i n o f Y e l l o w s t o n e National Park has the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Geysers are hot springs with narrow plumbing, usually near the surface. These constrictions prevent water from circulating freely to the surface where heat escapes into the air. The deepest circulating water can be even hotter than the surface boiling point of 199°F (93°C) at the elevation of Old Faithful Geyser (7,349 ft / 2,240 m), for example. Pressure on hydrothermal waters increases with depth. Increased pressure exerted by the enormous weight of overlying rock and water prevents the deep water from boiling. As hot water rises, the overlying pressure decreases, and the water can boil to steam. Bubbling upward, the steam expands as it nears the top of the water column until the bubbles can no longer pass freely through constrictions in the geyser’s plumbing. At a critical point, the confined bubbles actually lift water lying above and cause the geyser to splash or overflow. The loss of overlying water further decreases pressure on the hot water below, and violent boiling results. Tremendous amounts of steam force water out of the vent, and the eruption begins. During a geyser eruption, water is expelled faster than it can enter the geyser's plumbing system, so the heat and pressure gradually decrease. The eruption stops when the water reservoir is exhausted or when the system cools. Old Faithful under a winter night sky. Pack Mentality Ye l l o w s t o n e N a 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. A wolf pack photographed from a plane during a wolf study. Winter 2022–2023 3 Reachable by Road Ye l l o w s 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. Other park roads are open only to limited snowmobile and snowcoach travel. The only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the YellowMost park roads are closed to public stone, and other popular destinations vehicles. The only exception: the road is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach between the North and Northeast (see pages two and six) or through the entrances, which is open to public vehi- non-commercially guided snowmobile cles all year. (The road is closed beyond access program (see page six). Cooke City, Montana.) Northeast Entrance Gardiner No vehicle access to Red Lodge, Billings, or Cody in winter Silver Cooke Gate City North Entrance Mammoth Hot Springs Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces 5mi 8km TowerRoosevelt See map on back page for services 18mi 29km LA North 0 0 5 Km M AR VA 5 Mi LL EY 29mi 47km Experience Mammoth Hot Springs Travertine Terraces Wi n t e r i s a n a m a z i ng t i m e t o e x pl or 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. Fort Yellowstone Stay On Boardwalks and designated trails. Do not touch any thermal features and keep all objects out of springs. To avoid slips and falls, use caution on ice and snow. 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. 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 and employee housing. Become a Junior Ranger Albright Visitor Center Children ages 4 and older can become a Yellowstone Junior Ranger by completing the Junior Ranger activity book. Hike, ski or snowshoe a trail, attend a ranger-led program, and complete the fun activities in the book to earn an official Junior Ranger badge! Located at Mammoth Hot Springs and open year-round. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Ranger-led Programs Canyon Visitor Education Center Join a park ranger for a snowshoe walk, a talk, or an evening presentation about one of the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Find more info locally at visitor centers. Open daily 9 am-3 pm. Old Faithful Visitor Education Center Find geyser eruption predictions on the NPS App. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. West Yellowstone Visitor Info Center West Yell. Chamber of Commerce Open daily 8 am-5 pm. NPS desk (in Chamber of Commerce) Open daily 8 am-4 pm. Snowshoeing on a ranger-led program. 4 Yellowstone Visitor Guide Drive the Northern Range T h 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. Safe Parking 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. × × Unsafe Parking 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. • Do not feed any wildlife, including small mammals and birds. • Check road and weather conditions locally or online before you depart (see back page). • Drive cautiously. The park speed limit is 45 mph (72 kph) unless posted slower. Icy and wet road conditions require extra attention and lower speeds. • Don't rely on your cell phone. There is almost no cell service once you leave the Mammoth area. × × Stopping, parking, or standing in the road is dangerous. Snow plows have limited visibility. Stay aware of traffic at all times. Wolf (Canis lupus) • Use pullouts to stop. • Park with all four tires fully to the right of the white line. • When your vehicle is moving, keep doors closed and arms, cameras, and children inside. • Do not stop your vehicle in the road or block traffic in any way. • Do not stand in the road or block it with tripods, chairs, or other objects. • If wildlife are nearby, stay inside your vehicle. Photograph Wildlife Ye l l o w s 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. 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 interactions between a variety of animals. 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. 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. A winter photography group. 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. Winter 2022–2023 5 Ski and Snowshoe Y e l l o w s t o n e o f f e r s a va r i e t y o f e n j o y a b l 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 nearby communities. Ski shop services, including lessons, rentals, and repairs, are available at the Bear Den Ski Shops at Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. 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. Cross-country skiers on the Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail. ETIQUET TE • 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). Authorized Guides Self-Guided Snowmobiling Au t hor i zed ou t fi t t er s a r e available to share the winter Yellowstone experience with you. Find authorized guides and tour companies at go.nps.gov/YELLtours. V i 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. Report unauthorized operators to a park ranger or contact Concessions Management at 307-344-2271. Ye l l o w s t o n e N a 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 Special use permits are required for certain activities including organized gatherings like weddings, public assemblies, demonstrations, and some types of filming and photography. All commercial activities require authorization. For more information, call 307-344-2722. 6 Yellowstone Visitor Guide For more information, visit Permit holders are considered go.nps.gov/ncgsap. 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. 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, hydrothermal 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. Beginning October 1, unclaimed or canceled permits can be obtained with a first-come, first-served reservation through recreation.gov. N-CGSAP stands for Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program. Wild in Winter Hayden Valley in winter. A s r e m a r k a b l e a s Ye l l o w s 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. 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 WINTER SOUNDSC APES 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 hydrothermal 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. 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? Surviving Winter's Edge Bison a r e iconic a nim a ls of the A mer ica 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 yards (23 m) away. 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. Bison (Bison bison) Winter 2022–2023 7 Rules and Regulations Drones Store Food Securely Firearms Wildlife Launching, landing, or operating unmanned Firearms are allowed in national parks pursuant For the safety of wildlife and yourself, the fol- aircraft (drones) on lands and waters adminis- to state and federal regulations. They are pro- lowing are prohibited and carry legal penalties, tered by the National Park Service is prohibited. hibited in facilities where signs are posted, such including fines: as visitor centers, government offices, and some • Remaining near or approaching wildlife within concession operations. Discharge of firearms is any distance that disturbs or displaces the Do not feed any wildlife, prohibited. Possession and use of weapons, such animal including small mammals and Camping birds. Eating human food is as air guns, bows and arrows, spears, and sling- • Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights) Camping is allowed only in designated camp- shots, is also prohibited. Details are available at • Imitating elk calls or using buglers sites. No overnight camping is allowed in pull- go.nps.gov/yell-laws. • Imitating wolf howls aggressive behavior that may require ani- • Tracking wildlife with electronic equipment mals to be destroyed. outs, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground. Additional Smoking Leave No Trace All food, trash, and scented items must be in buildings, or within 25 feet of building en- Take only pictures. It is illegal to remove or pos- secure. In some areas, ravens have learned trances. sess natural or cultural resources such as wild- to unzip packs and scatter the contents. camping may be available in neighboring communities. Overnight backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites and requires a permit. Smoking is prohibited in geyser basins, on trails, Swimming unhealthy and encourages kept inaccessible to wildlife at all times. Tents, truck beds, and picnic tables are not flowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads. None of these items, even if clean and Side Mirrors Swimming in hot springs is always illegal and is extremely dangerous. Obey swimming and wading closures where marked. This is only a partial list of regulations. For Detachable side mirrors must be removed when not pulling a trailer. more information, consult 36 Code of Federal Regulations and the Superintendent's Compendium, available at go.nps.gov/yell-laws. empty, may be left unattended at any time: • Water and beverage containers • Cooking or eating utensils toiletries • Pet food and or not Gardiner to Bozeman, MT 84mi 135km W Yellowstone to Bozeman, MT 90mi 145km W Yellowstone to Big Sky, MT 48mi 77km No vehicle access to Red Lodge, Billings, or Cody in winter Silver Cooke Gate City North Entrance Mammoth Hot Springs 5mi 8km Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces TowerRoosevelt 18mi 29km LA Indian Creek M Tower Fall 21mi 34km 19mi 31km Yellowstone Forever Institute AR VA LL Drive Cautiously 29mi 47km EY The park speed limit is 45 mph (72 kph) unless posted slower. Icy and wet roads require extra attention. to all vehicles 12mi 19km West Yellowstone 16mi 26km Madison Lower Geyser Basin 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. Canyon Village 14mi 23km 14mi 23km West Entrance Watch for wildlife on or near roadways. Dunraven Pass Norris Oversnow Travel End Dates Mud Volcano Area 16mi 26km Lake Village Pahaska Tepee 27mi 43km E Entrance to Cody, WY 53mi 85km 21mi 34km 17mi 27km Yellowstone Lake Upper Geyser Basin Sylvan Pass Grant Village Plowed roads Wheeled vehicles only Groomed oversnow routes Guided tours/permit holders only 22mi 35km 5 mi 8 km North 0 10 Kilometers 10 Miles S Entrance to Jackson, WY 57mi 91km Approximate cell coverage South Entrance Clinic Post office Visitor center Food service Restrooms Store Warming hut Fuel Campground Recycling Distance indicator Hydrothermal feature 0 East Entrance Mammoth to Norris Junction Madison to Norris to Canyon Canyon to Fishing Bridge East Entrance to Lake Butte Overlook (Sylvan Pass) Remaining groomed roads AVALANCHE DANGER West Thumb West Thumb Geyser Basin March 5, 9pm March 7, 9pm March 12, 9pm March 15, 9pm Fishing Bridge Bridge Bay Midway Geyser Basin Old Faithful wash basins Hotline 307-344-2117 Online go.nps.gov/YELLroads Mobile alerts text 82190 to 888-777 CLOSED Norris Geyser Basin bowls • Pails, buckets, and Road Status Updates Northeast Entrance Gardiner if in containers • Cosmetics and • Coolers and ice chests Gardiner to Livingston, MT 52mi 84km condiments even • Stoves and grills • Garbage, bagged Park Roads • Food, including Verizon, AT&T (select areas), Union (select areas) Lodging Spring Road Opening 2023 Year-Round North Entrance to Northeast Entrance April 21, 8am Mammoth to Old Faithful; Madison to West Entrance; Norris to Canyon May 5, 8am Canyon to Lake; Lake to East Entrance (Sylvan Pass) May 12, 8am West Thumb to Old Faithful; Lake to S Entrance; Tower Jct to Tower Fall May 26, 8am Tower Fall to Canyon; Beartooth Highway