There are only a few days left to for motorists to drive into most of the interior of Yellowstone National Park before the roads close for the season.
Roads to most of the park’s popular locations close to vehicle travel at 8 a.m. Monday, November 3. The exception is the road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Mont., through Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyo. to the park’s Northeast Entrance and the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate, Mont. That road is open all year, weather permitting.
All other park roads close for the season to allow staff members to begin preparing the roads for guided snowmobile and snow coach travel, which is scheduled to start December 15, according to a statement released by the park’s public affairs office.
Visitors driving through the park during the fall and winter are encouraged to have flexible travel plans, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice.
Mud and snow tires or tire chains may be required. Updated information on road conditions in Yellowstone is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
At Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone General Store, Post Office, medical clinic, campground, and visitor center remain open all year. Pay-at-the pump fuel is available 24 hours a day all year at all park service stations.
All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities.
Information on fall and winter lodging, camping, services, and activities near the park in the Montana communities of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, and Silver Gate is available by contacting their respective Chambers of Commerce or from the Montana Office of Tourism at 800-847-4868 or www.visitmt.com.
Those interested in visiting the Wyoming communities of Cody and Jackson can get information from their Chambers of Commerce, or by contacting Wyoming Office of Tourism at 800-225-5996 or www.wyomingtourism.org.
If your travel plans to Yellowstone take you through Idaho, you can get more information by calling the Idaho Division of Tourism Development at 800-847-4843 or by checking out their web site www.visitidaho.org.
Extensive information and assistance for planning a visit to Yellowstone is available on the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/yell.