Winter Driving

Winter Driving

All roads except those between Mammoth Hot Springs and the North Entrance, and Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance are closed to wheeled vehicles from mid-October to mid-April; they are open only to over-snow vehicles from mid-December to mid-March. Come spring, the roads don't open at the same time. The West Entrance and the road from Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris open mid-April. The East and South entrances open in early May. The road from Tower Fall to Canyon Village opens at the end of May.

Contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation (807/772-0824 or 800/996-7623) for travel reports October-April. For emergency situations dial 911 or contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

At present you can ride a snowmobile in winter if you have a guide and a four-stroke machine. But the controversy over snowmobile use in the park has continued for years, and further restrictions could be implemented. Snow coaches are the only certain means of motorized winter transportation. They range from bright-yellow Bombardier coaches to modern vans with their wheels converted to tracks. Snow coaches have guides, carry 6 to 12 passengers, make frequent stops, and serve as tour vehicles and shuttles.