Yellowstone National Park is preparing for winter, with most roads and three entrances scheduled to close to regular vehicle traffic on November 1st, 2026. Saturday, October 31st, will be the final day visitors can drive most of the park’s roads this year.
The seasonal closures will affect the West, South and East entrances, along with nearly all park roads. The closures allow Yellowstone to prepare for winter operations ahead of the start of the park’s snowmobile and snowcoach travel season on December 15th.
The road from Tower Fall to Canyon Junction, which crosses Dunraven Pass, will remain open through October 31st, weather permitting.
Which Yellowstone Roads Will Remain Open?
Although most of Yellowstone’s road network will close, visitors will still be able to access the park by car through its North and Northeast entrances during winter.
The year-round route connects Gardiner, Montana, at the North Entrance with Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, near the Northeast Entrance. The road passes through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley, providing access to some of Yellowstone’s most recognizable landscapes.
However the route remains subject to weather conditions, and temporary closures can occur when snow, ice or other hazards make driving dangerous.
What Visitors Should Know Before Traveling
The NPS is advising visitors planning fall and winter trips to prepare for rapidly changing conditions and limited services throughout the park.
Travelers should monitor the weather, maintain flexible itineraries and check operating dates before departing. The park also recommends keeping vehicles fueled and packing blankets and other cold-weather essentials in case of unexpected delays.
Visitors can check current road conditions through the Yellowstone National Park roads webpage or call the recorded road conditions line at 307-344-2117. Travelers can also sign up for road alerts by texting 82190 to 888-777.
While most of Yellowstone’s roads will close to regular vehicle traffic, surrounding communities remain open throughout the year. Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, Silver Gate, Cody, Jackson and other nearby destinations offer opportunities for fall and winter recreation.