Spring has sprung at Yellowstone National Park and park officials are set to open select entrances and roads for the summer season beginning on April 18th. The North Entrance and West Entrance are will be open to the public who will be able to access iconic locations like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Additional roads within the park will open throughout May and park entrance fees will be waived Saturday, April 19th to celebrate National Park Week.
With road traffic picking up inside our America’s oldest National Park, it is fine time to remind drivers to never to park in the road or block traffic. Yellowstone visitors are required to use pullouts to observe wildlife and let other cars pass. Any drivers who encounter a wildlife jam must stay in their vehicles.
On a sobering note, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional fatalities in National Parks. Drivers should always be aware of your surroundings and drive safely:
“Driving safely in our National Parks means more than just driving the speed limit; it means obeying traffic regulations, wearing seatbelts, and paying attention to the road.” -National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park Statement:
Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2025, select entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will open for the summer season, weather permitting, as part of the annual spring opening.
Entrances Open on April 18:
- North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
- West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)
From either entrance, visitors may access the following destinations:
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Lamar Valley
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Old Faithful
- Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana
Additional roads within the park will open throughout May, weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found at Park Roads.
On Saturday, April 19, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.
Plan Ahead
- Check the park’s Current Conditions before arrival.
- Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for winter conditions. Many trails and boardwalks are still snow covered this time of year.
- Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.
- Delays of up to 30 minutes may occur due to road improvement projects.
- Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:
- Visit Park Roads.
- Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.
- Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
- Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific information.
- Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.
- For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App. Â
During Your Visit and Wildlife Safety
- Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.
- Bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year.
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
- Protect yourself and bears. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
