help with Old Faithful Inn May 2021
Dec 27th, 2020, 11:31 AM
#1
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help with Old Faithful Inn May 2021
We have reservations at Old Faithful inn starting 5/11/2021.
The Spring 2021 Yellowstone road reopening schedule states that the road from West Thumb to Old Faithful does not reopen until 5/14/21.
Does that mean that we will not be able to drive to Old Faithful Inn on 5/11/2021 from the Yellowstone East Entrance ?
We are coming from Denver, need help to plan our route on 5/11/21
The Spring 2021 Yellowstone road reopening schedule states that the road from West Thumb to Old Faithful does not reopen until 5/14/21.
Does that mean that we will not be able to drive to Old Faithful Inn on 5/11/2021 from the Yellowstone East Entrance ?
We are coming from Denver, need help to plan our route on 5/11/21
Dec 27th, 2020, 12:28 PM
#2
Would you consider flying into SLC and then coming into the park from West Yellowstone MT (west entrance)? There are no guarantees as to when the snow will all be cleared if there are massive snowstorms in Yellowstone this winter.
Dec 27th, 2020, 12:58 PM
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I think you'll need to plan on using the East Entrance, assuming it's open. As tomfuller mentioned, snow will dictate road opening as well as temporary reclosing. Keep monitoring conditions on the Yellowstone NPS site, and have alternate routes mapped.
**Update** I take that back. Probably even the East entrance will leave you stuck partway in until another section reopens. We've been in the park when some segments unexpectedly closed due to early snow, so it's a bit unpredictable.
**Update** I take that back. Probably even the East entrance will leave you stuck partway in until another section reopens. We've been in the park when some segments unexpectedly closed due to early snow, so it's a bit unpredictable.
Last edited by sludick; Dec 27th, 2020 at 01:02 PM.
Dec 27th, 2020, 01:02 PM
#6
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Thanks for your help !
we will check that NPS site, and have the alternate route to West Entrance as a back-up...
Seeing Yellowstone for the first time is worth any additional travel !
we will check that NPS site, and have the alternate route to West Entrance as a back-up...
Seeing Yellowstone for the first time is worth any additional travel !
Dec 28th, 2020, 07:49 AM
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You can still enter via the east entrance but would need to drive up to Canyon, then over to Norris, then Madison and down to Old Faithful. Just be aware that Sylvan Pass coming in from the east entrance can temporarily close due to snow (other roads can also close but Sylvan Pass will be your highest elevation between the east entrance and Old Faithful at that time of year). I've also seen Sylvan Pass open but with snow tires required.
Dec 29th, 2020, 06:38 PM
#8
The westbound Amtrak California Zephyr leaves Denver at 8:05AM on Sunday May 9 (sometimes late from Chicago). It arrives in SLC 15 hours after it leaves Denver (11:05PM). Spend the night in SLC and then rent another car on Monday 5/10 for the drive north on the interstate into Idaho. US 20 east will get you to West Yellowstone MT. I am hoping that the Zephyr will resume daily trains at some point in 2021.
