Yellowstone Road Status

Road Closures and Openings

Harsh winter weather in Yellowstone is causing temporary road closures. The East Entrance road to Fishing Bridge Junction and the South Entrance road to Grant Village reopened today. However, the Canyon Village to Tower Fall (Dunraven Pass) route remains closed. Visitors should prepare for unexpected closures due to severe weather.

Beartooth Highway's opening is delayed due to additional snow and gusty winds. Parks suggest flexible travel plans and checking road status updates on Montana and Wyoming transportation department websites.

Winter conditions affect road status. The road from Mammoth Hot Springs to Cooke City, MT, stays open, while others close for the winter. Some roads face seasonal closures and only open from mid-May or late May to mid-October. Chip sealing occurs every summer, preserving roads but causing up to 30-minute delays.

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296) remains open year-round from WY-120 to Pilot Creek Parking Lot but closes to wheeled vehicles for nine miles in winter, allowing only oversnow travel. Beartooth Highway opens from Memorial Day weekend to October if weather permits.

For current road and entrance statuses, check the live road status map or call 307-344-2117 for recorded information. Sign up for mobile alerts by texting "82190" to 888-777.

Additionally, checking road conditions outside Yellowstone in surrounding states and Grand Teton National Park is recommended.

Facilities and Services Availability

Visitors should be aware of the facilities and services available within Yellowstone National Park, particularly the operational dates for both summer and winter seasons.

Lake Village Services (May-October):

  • Lake General Store: June 7 – September 15
  • Lake Lodge Cabins (including gift shop and Wylie's Canteen): June 10 – October 6
  • Lake Medical Clinic: May 13 – October 13
  • Lake Post Office: May 9 – October 8
  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins: May 10 – September 2 (accommodations until October 6)

Mammoth Hot Springs:

Specific closures and limited hours apply:

  • Albright Visitor Center: Closed on Thanksgiving Day
  • Mammoth General Store: Closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Mammoth Hotel Dining Room: Open for dinner only
  • Mammoth Medical Clinic: Unavailable on major holidays

At Norris Geyser Basin, increased day use has led to a focus on parking congestion and public safety issues.

In the Tower-Roosevelt and Northeast areas, the Pebble Creek Campground will remain closed for the 2024 season due to flood recovery work.

For a smooth visit, always check the operational status of facilities and services before traveling.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel exterior with tourists and staff members visible near the entrance

Construction and Infrastructure Projects

A $22 million grant project near Rustic Falls aims to improve safety and visitor experience in Yellowstone National Park. The project involves:

  • Replacing and widening approximately 0.7 miles of road
  • Adding larger parking lots
  • Constructing a protected pedestrian trail
  • Removing about 98,000 tons of rock posing a rockfall hazard

The existing road, dating back to 1885, has undergone several reconstructions, with the last significant rebuild in 1977. The project adapts the infrastructure for increased traffic volumes and more frequent extreme weather events.

Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2024 and span three years. Visitors should anticipate lane closures and, at times, full road closures during construction periods.

"This project is critical for improving safety and accessibility in one of the park's most spectacular areas," emphasized Superintendent Cam Sholly.

This project is part of a broader initiative under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law1.

Visitors should stay informed about current road statuses, potential delays, and closures by checking the live road status map or calling 307-344-2117 for recorded information.

Rustic Falls in Yellowstone National Park with construction equipment and workers visible, showcasing ongoing infrastructure improvements

Staying informed about road statuses and facility operations is crucial for visiting Yellowstone National Park. With ongoing construction projects and seasonal changes, planning ahead helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember to check official park resources regularly and be prepared for potential changes in your itinerary.

  1. National Park Service. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. U.S. Department of the Interior.
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