More than 3 million people visit Yellowstone National Park each year. During this iconic park’s busiest season, the place is packed with tourists — more than 30,000 daily in July.
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world. It was established in 1872 as the first national park by the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act. As spectacular as Yellowstone is, summer is not the time for true adventure lovers to visit.
Things to Do in Yellowstone in Winter
Winter is a time to cozy up with loved ones and stay indoors. But that can be boring! So here are some ideas for activities to do during the winter in or near Yellowstone:
Go Camping at Mammoth Campground
Address: Mammoth Campground, N Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, United States
The first thing to do is go camping! Mammoth Campground has 85 sites and is open year-round. If you’re staying in one of the on-site cabins, this option is even better—you can walk from your cabin to the campsite.
Mammoth Campground is a great place to go camping in this winter wonderland. It’s relatively close to Old Faithful and other geysers, making getting out and seeing them easy. It also has hot springs, trails, and wildlife—including moose!
The place is one of the most popular campgrounds in Yellowstone. It’s located on the park’s northern edge, which means it’s a great base camp for exploring.
You can hike up to Old Faithful Geyser or take a day trip to other parts of the park-like Tower Falls and Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s also close enough to visit Yellowstone Lake if you feel like dipping in some cold water (or taking your dog for a swim).
There are both pull-through and back-in sites available with water, electrical hookups, and dump stations available on site. For added convenience, the campground also has restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and a general store where you can buy supplies like food items and firewood.
If you want to get more active during your stay, then there are plenty of things nearby to do, such as hiking or skiing in Yellowstone National Park or horseback riding in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. Ensure you bring a thick sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothes too!
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Montana
Go Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is the perfect way to see Yellowstone’s natural beauty from a different perspective. Tourists will feel like they have stepped into a snow globe as they glide across the iced-over ponds and rivers, admiring the wildlife around every corner.
The park has over 70 miles of cross-country ski trails, and getting a map from the visitor center is easy. With that, skis and poles should not be forgotten. And if you don’t have your skis, you can rent skis and then go for a hike through nearby Grand Teton National Park.
See Related: Best National Parks in the USA to Visit
Go Snowshoeing
If you’re feeling adventurous, try snowshoeing in Yellowstone! It’s more complicated than regular hiking, but it’s great for exercise and getting acquainted with the terrain.
There are more than 200 miles of trails at Yellowstone National Park, but if you want an experience that will bring out the adventurer in you? Try snowshoeing!
It’s an activity that allows participants to explore the park without worrying about getting lost or injured while hiking through snow-covered terrain. This is definitely something worth checking out if you’re visiting during the winter months!
If you’re not ready to tackle cross-country skiing, snowshoeing is another great way to explore the park. If you’re coming from outside the park, stop by The Center at Grant Village for rentals and maps. If you’re inside Yellowstone National Park, ask any visitor center for information about snowshoeing trails.
See Related: Best Geysers in Yellowstone
Ride a Snowcoach or Go Snowmobiling
If you want to go somewhere farther away from Yellowstone, ride a snow coach. A place within the area offers them, and has been around since the early 1900s, and specializes in off-road vehicles that are perfect for going into Yellowstone during the winter months.
If you’re looking for something less active but still beautiful, try taking a snow coach tour of Yellowstone with local businesses. These tours take you through all kinds of amazing scenery and give you plenty of chances to stop off at different spots so you can take photos. Some companies have affordable rates, where you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on one tour if you only want a little excitement for your trip.
Snowcoaches will take you on an adventure through Yellowstone’s winter wonderland. If you don’t have time for a full-day tour, stop by for a short ride as part of your visit to Old Faithful. It’s also possible to rent a snowmobile to get up close and personal with the geysers!
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular activities in the park during the winter months. You can rent snowmobiles from Xanterra Parks & Resorts or visit one of the many guided tours on snowmobiles offered by Xanterra or other concessionaires.
Yellowstone hosts hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails that wind through the park’s forests and valleys. You can rent your snowmobile from any outfitters outside the park or bring your own if you have one—make sure it’s registered with the state! It’s a great way to explore the park without sweat.
Tour the park’s iconic attractions—the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Mammoth Hot Springs area—or go snowmobiling on one of the groomed trails open year-round.
See Related: How to Take an Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip
Geyser Gazing at Old Faithful (and more!)
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
No trip to Yellowstone is complete without witnessing Old Faithful‘s famous eruption. If you are looking for something fun and exciting during your stay at Yellowstone National Park, consider Exploring some of its most famous geysers by boat! Boat tours are available throughout winter, so don’t miss this opportunity!
Geyser Gazing is another popular activity during the winter months because of how much different it looks from other seasons. The boiling water and steam from geysers create beautiful ice formations on their banks that are only visible during freezing temperatures.
There are dozens of geysers at Yellowstone National Park, but Old Faithful is arguably the most famous. It erupts roughly every hour and is always a crowd-pleaser. So when it’s not blasting steam, it’s time for geyser gazing!
There are so many geysers here that you can visit them all day long, Check out these other beautiful geysers: Castle Geyser, Turban Geyser, and Grand Geyser.
See Related: Things to Do in Billings, Montana
Indulge in Wildlife Watching
Drive through the park and watch for wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves. A great place to start is at Mammoth Hot Springs or Yellowstone Lake.
You can go on wildlife safaris, but it is possible to have more luck spotting animals if you’re cozy in your car—plus, as long as you’re driving slowly, you can use your binoculars for a better view without worrying about disrupting them up close.
The wildlife-watching opportunities are endless in Yellowstone, but a few of our favorites include seeing bison and elk grazing by the river or lounging around at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Mammoth Hot Springs also has a great moose exhibit for viewing and an elk exhibit. The best time to see these animals is early morning or late evening when they’re most active.
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Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody
Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414, United States
Cody, Wyoming, is another great place to visit during winter. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has exhibits about Buffalo Bill’s life and his many adventures throughout America, including his time spent as one of America’s first celebrity cowboys.
There are also exhibits about Native American culture and history in Wyoming—so if you’re looking for something educational and entertaining, this museum should be on your list!
If you’re not camping at Mammoth, you can still spend time in Cody. Plan, though, as it usually closes four days during Thanksgiving week and three days over Christmas.
If you’re looking for something more educational than just seeing animals on your trip through Yellowstone, check out the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. There you can learn all about Buffalo Bill himself and his life. You’ll also get some insight into how he helped transform the West into what we know today.
See Related: Best National Parks in the Midwest (+ NPS Sites)
Go on a Winter Photo Safari
Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places in the world for winter wildlife photography, as it is considered a winter wonderland. Skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers, and backcountry skiers are just some people who come into contact with animals daily.
They’re also often taking pictures! If you’re looking for something unique to get your adrenaline pumping while in Yellowstone this season, consider getting out there with a camera or two (or three) yourself!
Yellowstone National Park is well known for its wildlife, and there are few better places to see it than during the cold months when many non-hibernating animals come out to feed. The park has an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, including hiking trails that lead you right through herds of bison and elk. You can even book a wolf-watching tour!
Plenty of spots exist to sit and watch animals do their business without disturbing them. Yellowstone National Park has some of the most stunning landscapes around, and it’s even more breathtaking when covered in snow. You can enjoy all the sights from your car or take a guided snowmobile tour around Old Faithful and the geyser basins.
The best time to go on a photo safari is in the morning before it gets cloudy or foggy later in the day. Watch for wildlife like elks enjoying themselves with a little mud bath, bison that might smell ripe, cackling coyotes who eat everything, and wolves who eat everything but don’t smell as bad as bison.
See Related: Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Get Toasty in a Warming Hut
If you’re visiting Yellowstone during the winter, you might want to stay warm with a cozy trip to one of the warming huts scattered throughout the park. These little huts have everything you need to keep warm while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
While you’re in Yellowstone in winter, check out the warming huts. The Civilian Conservation Corps built these wooden structures during the Great Depression, and they serve as cozy places to relax with friends or family. The huts are free, but they only operate during the winter months.
The winter months are cold in Yellowstone, so it’s important to make sure you have dressed appropriately. Warming huts throughout the park offer shelter from the elements and a place to warm up. You can also see some of Yellowstone’s wildlife in these huts—it’s not uncommon to see bison or elk hanging out around them during the winter.
See Related: Warm Winter Backpacking Destinations
Go dogsledding in Yellowstone
If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience the outdoors, consider going dogsledding with one of the concessionaires of Yellowstone National Park, who offer guided tours through Yellowstone during all four seasons. They’ll even provide hot chocolate!
And if you want to experience winter like never before, go dogsledding through Yellowstone! You’ll get to see breathtaking views of Old Faithful and other natural wonders from an entirely different perspective—and it’s guaranteed to be a lot more fun than your average day on skis or snowshoes!
Dogsledding is a fantastic way to see Yellowstone, especially if it’s snowing or a recent storm (which means it will be even more beautiful than usual). The most appealing aspect about dogsledding is that although it might be a bit expensive for an hour-long ride—it allows you to get up close and personal with some truly majestic creatures: dogs!
These huskies aren’t just any old mutts: they’re specially trained and raised for this purpose, so they’re happy to run alongside your sled and pull it along at high speeds without tiring out (or needing food).
See Related: Things to Do in Cody, Wyoming
Take a dip in a hot spring inside Yellowstone and at nearby resorts
The first thing on our list is the obvious: hot springs! If you’re looking for an excuse to warm up and relax, nothing beats a dip in one of these natural pools.
You can taste the experience by visiting one of the many nearby resorts that offer on-site hot springs. The closest ones are West Yellowstone’s Snow Lodge Resort and Old Faithful Snow Lodge (located just outside the park) or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins (located within).
If you can’t swim in any of the park’s natural hot springs thinking they are too dangerous, you can still enjoy the warmth at nearby resorts. For example, Old Faithful Snow Lodge has three pools: one indoor heated pool and two outdoor pools ranging from 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each pool has its unique atmosphere; you can relax on a chair looking out onto the snow-covered mountains or play with friends in the warm water. Just know that not all hot springs are safe for a dip. Some might cook you alive. Maybe check ahead of time—just a thought.
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Cut Your Own Yellowstone Christmas Tree
Another thing you should do this winter is cut down your Christmas tree! You’ll find trees available for purchase around town or nearby resorts. Once you’ve got your tree home safely and securely backed up on top of your car (or truck), remember to keep it watered until Christmas day, when you decorate it with family!
A specific place to bring home a little bit of nature with you this winter, head over to Chico Hot Springs Resort and cut your own Christmas tree from their fields. They’ll even help you load it into your car so it doesn’t get damaged during transport and provide hot cocoa.
Attend a Yellowstone Ranger program
These ranger programs are great because they’re informative and allow you to meet other people who love nature. Yellowstone’s park rangers will help you learn about the history of Yellowstone and its geology, but you’ll also have a chance to ask questions and meet new people. The ranger programs usually take place during the day or evening—they’re free, so sign up early!
The park offers ranger programs that focus on different aspects of nature daily—from geysers to birds to trees and their natural history.
See Related: Things to Do in West Yellowstone, Montana
Take in the Views at Mount Washburn Lookout
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the most unique areas of the park—and it also has one of the most unusual restaurants! At this spot, you can take a tram up to an observation deck, looking out over the whole basin while enjoying hot chocolate and waffles with syrup made from local berries.
It is located near Canyon Village on West Rim Drive. This lookout offers stunning views of Yellowstone Lake as well as surrounding peaks and valleys. It also serves waffles during peak season!
If you want something more adventurous than regular hiking, this activity is for you! Two tram rides depart from Old Faithful and travel through parts of Yellowstone National Park. The first one goes up onto Mount Washburn (10,243 feet), where you can enjoy fresh-baked waffles with whipped cream.
The second one travels up towards Observation Point (10,060 feet), which offers views of Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon Village. Both trams are open until early May.
What to Pack for Yellowstone in the Winter
If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone in winter, it’s important to know what to pack. Even though the temperatures will be cold, there is plenty of fun still to be had. Here are some things you should consider bringing with you.
Dress for Winter Weather
Yellowstone in winter can reach -50 degrees Fahrenheit, so ensure you’re prepared for anything. Unprotected flesh can freeze in minutes if exposed to these temperatures.
Think fleeces and hoodies. Pack extra layers like scarves, hats, and gloves. The weather can change quickly, so be prepared for anything by packing layers you can easily remove when it gets warmer or put on if it gets colder.
It’s also important that you bring water-resistant boots, which will keep your feet dry even if they get wet from rain or snow.
Wool Socks
Wool socks are a great way to warm your feet while hiking on snow or ice. They also dry much faster than cotton socks, so you won’t have to worry about getting frostbite from wet socks.
It’s best to pack thin and thick socks, wearing two pairs at once; put the thin ones on your feet first and then tick socks on top. This will provide you with an extra layer on your feet and extra comfort for all that trekking.
Windproof Gloves
If you’re planning on doing any winter hikes this year, make sure you pack some windproof gloves. You’ll be glad when the winds pick up! Mittens are best for warmth but not so great for agility.
A Warm Hat
This one is self-explanatory—a warm hat helps keep your head warm and protected from the elements.
Waterproof or Soft Shell Layer for Your Body
If it’s snowing or raining, you’ll want something waterproof to wear over your other layers so they don’t get wet from the outside inwards. There are tons of great waterproofs and water-resistant softshells on the market – make sure you pick a warm one!
Walking Shoes
Bring good walking shoes. Mid and high-length waterproof hiking boots are best. Cross-trainers will do in a pinch if you don’t want to invest in hiking gear (remember: this is only for one trip), but you’ll likely wish you brought boots as soon as you step into a frosty puddle or patch of deep snow.
If you plan on doing any ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or mountaineering during your trip to Yellowstone this winter, bring the appropriate traction devices like crampons or skis with spikes attached so they can dig into snow and ice when needed.
Camping Gear
If you plan on camping while visiting Yellowstone in winter, ensure your tent has been approved for freezing temperatures before going out there. You might also want to bring a sleeping bag rated for colder weather if possible since it’ll likely get even colder at night when camping outdoors (especially if there’s snow on the ground).
You might also want to bring a tarp and tent stakes if you plan on camping while visiting Yellowstone National Park during this time frame; they’ll come in handy when there’s snow on the ground since it gets even colder at night than what’s typically experienced during the day time due to the lack of sunlight.
Consider bringing a thick ground mat, air mattress, or anything else to prevent you from sleeping on the cold, hard ground – your body will thank you!
PRO TIP: If pitching a tent on the snowy ground, dig a small hole underneath where one of your tent’s (less used) corners will be. This will act as a trap for cold air (that sinks) and help keep your tent slightly warmer.
Food & Water
During the winter, there are limited restaurants inside Yellowstone National Park, except for a few snack bars. Ensure you bring enough food and water to last you the whole time. There are also no vending machines, so don’t forget to bring any drinks or snacks you might want while exploring this beautiful park.
See Related: Epic Tips For Stress-Free Travel
Where Can You Stay in Yellowstone in Winter?
The Lodge at Big Sky
The Lodge at Big Sky is a great location to unwind, ski, and have fun. At the foot of Big Sky Mountain Resort in Mountain Village, The Lodge boasts all the comforts of home for a winter getaway near Yellowstone. You may ski all day and enjoy a beer by the lodge fire at night. Alternatively, you can enjoy the heated indoor pool and four hot tubs before gathering with friends on the deck to grill burgers under the 11,167-foot Lone Mountain’s rays of sunshine.
The Yellowstone Hotel
If your idea of a vacation in Yellowstone in winter is sitting by the fire with a glass of wine and a good book, this is the place for you. The hotel has been open since 1891, and it’s still going strong today. It’s located right next to Old Faithful Geyser, which means you can enjoy the park from inside and outside your hotel room! The rooms are clean and comfortable, and plenty of on-site activities include horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Old Faithful Inn
The Old Faithful Inn is a must-visit for a winter trip to Yellowstone. Not only is it one of the most iconic buildings in the park (and, therefore, the world), but it’s also just an incredible place to stay.
The historic inn has been around since 1904 and has hosted guests from all over the world—including Queen Elizabeth II herself! The rooms are cozy and charming; you’ll feel warm and cozy whether sitting by the fireplace or taking advantage of their complimentary shuttle service throughout Yellowstone in winter.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
If you want something more outdoorsy, consider staying at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. This rustic lodge is located just outside of Yellowstone National Park itself. However, it still offers plenty of winter activities like skiing on cross-country trails or snowshoeing through forests filled with pine trees.
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge even has their ski slope! Check out their ice skating rink or go sledding downhills near the lodge if you want something less strenuous than skiing or snowshoeing.
Lamar Buffalo Ranch Cabins
The Lamar Buffalo Ranch Cabins are near Gardiner, Montana, just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone. Modern and roomy, each cabin can comfortably sleep up to four people and has all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel, like free WiFi and cable TV. These cabins have just been renovated, so you can stay in them immediately if you visit Yellowstone in winter.
FAQ
Is Yellowstone Open in the Winter?
For the most part, Yellowstone is open every day of the year, including winter. Though winter brings its challenges, visitors can still have a fantastic time visiting this beautiful park.
When Is the Winter Season in Yellowstone?
The winter season begins on October 1st every year and lasts until April 30th. During these months, temperatures drop significantly, and snowfall can be expected.
However, due to its high elevation, Yellowstone rarely receives more than six inches of snow at once, which means that visitors can still enjoy their time there without worrying about getting lost or stuck on roads that become impassable due to excessive amounts of snow falling from above.
The snow-covered trees and the white-capped mountains are a sight to behold, and many ways exist to explore it all.
Why Should I Visit Yellowstone in Winter?
Yellowstone National Park is the perfect place to visit during the winter months. If you want a unique experience, this is the place and time. The park is open year-round and has plenty of activities during the colder months.
What are the best things to do in Yellowstone in Winter?
Winter is a magical time of year to visit Yellowstone. You’ll find yourself surrounded by snow-covered peaks and forests, with steam rising from geysers and hot springs.
You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife up close—elk and bison are often spotted in winter, and even wolves are known to venture out in the cold months.
Tourists can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and skiing in the winter, though there isn’t much to do right now. Around the Old Faithful Village and
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Complexes has many great things to do inside, like visiting museums and shops. And you can always go sledding!
How Do You Get to Yellowstone National Park in Winter?
Getting to Yellowstone National Park in Winter is easy! It can only become tricky because road conditions can change quickly due to snowfall or heavy rains, but there are many ways to get there. You can fly into Bozeman, Montana, or Cody, Wyoming.
The best way to get there is by car and then drive south along Highway 89 towards Yellowstone’s east entrance. However, it can also be reached by train and bus from neighboring cities like Cody, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana (both of which are within an hour’s drive).
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