National Park Service Visiting Yellowstone in Winter U.S. Department of the Interior

Winter 2018–2019

ellowstone is a special place, very different Observe wildlife Marvel at the Canyon from your home. Like any grand adventure, your Yellowstone journey will take you to Winter is a wonderful time to view wildlife. All the The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River extends Y large mammals present when Yellowstone became a from south of Canyon Village north to Tower impressive new locations and introduce you to new experiences. There are different risks here than you park are here today: grizzly and black bears, wolves, Junction. The most famous and spectacular section, may have faced before. You are responsible for mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and including the Upper and Lower Falls can be seen your own safety. bighorn sheep. You’ll likely see several species of from the overlooks and trails of the Canyon area. birds, possibly bald eagles. On the road to adventure Pack your patience • Most roads are closed to regular vehicles from Keep wildlife wild Traveling can be very stressful and it is easy to get early Nov. to mid-April. The only road open year- • Animals in Yellowstone are wild and dangerous. overwhelmed. Please use good manners and good round is from the North Entrance at Gardiner, • Bison, bears, and elk have injured and killed sense. MT, through the park to Cooke City, MT. people. For your own safety, keep back and give • Drive cautiously. The park speed limit is 45 mph them space to be wild. • Be prepared for a potential change in plans. Allow time for delays due to weather or road conditions. (72 kph), unless posted otherwise. Icy and wet • Stay 100 yards (91 m) away from wolves and road conditions require extra attention. bears. • Keep children close. • Watch out for wildlife on or near roadways. • Stay 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals. • Observe safe distances and settings for selfies. • Keep the road clear at all times; even when If the animal moves closer, you must back away. • Stay behind fencing, guard rails, and ledges. watching wildlife. Don't stop, stand, or walk in • Store food securely. Backpacks and snowmobile • Text 82190 to 888-777 to receive important the road. Use a pullout if you need to stop for any gear bags are not secure. messages about park roads. reason. • Do not feed any animals, even birds and squirrels. Investigate the volcano Hydrothermal features are evidence of ongoing volcanic activity. If you travel the 50 miles between Mammoth Hot Springs and , you will see travertine terraces, acidic thermal features at Norris Basin, and fumeroles at Fountain Paint Pot, plus beautiful hot springs at Biscuit and Black Sand basins near Old Faithful. Thermal area hazards • Stay on boardwalks and designated trails. The ground is unstable in hydrothermal areas.

• Water in and hot springs can severely A cow moose forages on willow twigs. burn you. Keep hands out. • Keep litter out of the pools. Do not throw any Explore history objects into hydrothermal features. The park was established in 1872 but people have visited the Yellowstone area for thousands of years. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs to walk the self-guiding trail around Fort Yellowstone. It chronicles the U.S. Army’s role in protecting the park. Other historic sites include the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, and the Old Faithful Historic District. Norris Geyser Basin Overlook. Lower Falls of the Yellowstone.

Emergency: 911 • Information: 307-344-7381 • TTY: 307-344-2386 Availability of Facilities and Services Canyon Fishing Mammoth Services Village Bridge West Thumb Hot Springs Old Faithful Madison Medical clinic Year-round, except CLOSED weekends and some = ------holidays. ------Mon–Thu 8:30 am–5 pm Fri 8:30 am–1 pm 307-344-7965 Warming hut Canyon Visitor Education 12/15/18–3/15/19 12/15/18–3/15/19 Mammoth Terraces 12/15/18–3/15/19 12/15/18–3/15/19 Warming huts provide Center Lobby No food or water No food or water 12/16/18–3/3/19 Daytime only. Water and Light snacks and hot drinks shelter for skiers, 12/15/18–3/10/19 available. available 9 am–5 pm restrooms available sold during day. 9 am–3 pm Vending machine snacks, nearby at the Old Faithful Vending machine, snacks snowshoers, and Vending machine snacks, cold drinks, snowmobile Visitor Education Center. available anytime. snowmobilers. cold drinks. fuel. No vending. Restrooms open 24 hours. Indian Creek i 12/15/18–3/3/19 Not staffed, no food or water Fuel 12/15/18–3/15/19 12/15/18–3/15/19 Grant Village Mammoth 12/15/18–3/15/19 Call 406-848-7548 for Credit card fueling Credit card fueling 12/15/18–3/15/19 Year-round Credit card fueling assistance Credit card fueling Credit card fueling ------E Tower Junction Credit card fueling Supplies and gifts General Store Bear Den Gift Shop Year-round, 9 am–6 pm 12/15/18–3/15/19 ------Ö Gift Shop 12/16/18–3/3/19 Hotel Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Old Faithful Snow Lodge ------Closed for rennovations 12/16/18–3/3/19 ------W Winter 2018–2019

Dining Terrace Grill: Closed Old Faithful Snow Lodge Hotel: Buffet; Map Room 12/16/18–3/3/19 C Barista/Bar (limited ------food & drink) 12/16/18– Geyser Grill ------3/3/19 12/15/18–3/15/19 General Store Lunch available late fall through early spring Campground All year With backcountry permit, ------primitive only ------− 12/15/18–3/15/19

Prohibited activities

These activities are dangerous or destructive and • Launching, landing, or operating carry legal penalties, including fines. unmanned aircraft (drones) on lands and waters administered by the • Remaining near or approaching wildlife within any distance that disturbs or displaces the National Park Service. animal. • Smoking in geyser basins, on trails, • Swimming in hot springs. in buildings, or within 25 feet of • Removing or possessing natural or cultural building entrances. resources (such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, Cellular and data coverage are extremely limited This is only a partial list of regulations. and arrowheads). within the park. For more information, consult 36 Code of • Leaving detachable side mirrors attached when Federal Regulations and the Superintendent's not pulling trailers. Compendium. Cell phone service • Camping outside of designated campsites. Park Tip Line • To report a crime or Cell phone service is very limited in the • Spotlighting wildlife (viewing with lights). criminal activity please call 307-344- park and surrounding areas. General cell • Imitating elk calls or using buglers. Imitating 2132. Leave as much detail as you can. coverage areas are marked on the park map wolf howls. Remain anonymous, or leave a name and number. (back cover). Emergency 911 service by • Tracking wildlife with electronic equipment. cell phone is only available in coverage areas. During peak hours or seasons of heavy visitation, the cellular network may be slow or completely Accessibility Firearms unavailable. As a courtesy to others, please silence your mobile device while enjoying Yellowstone’s A printed Accessibility Guide to Yellowstone Know your responsibilities. natural features. is available at visitor centers, entrance Firearms are allowed in national parks ô stations, and on the park website. To pursuant to state and federal regulation. Wi-Fi arrange for an ASL interpreter for NPS ranger-led They are prohibited in facilities where signs are programs, call 307‑344‑2251 at least three weeks in posted, such as visitor centers, government offices, Wi-Fi is available to visitors in Mammoth advance. and some concession operations. Discharge of fire- Hot Springs at the Horace M. Albright arms is prohibited. Possession and use of weapons, Service animals are allowed in all facilities and Visitor Center for free. Wi-Fi is avail- such as air guns, bows and arrows, spears and on all trails unless an area has been closed by the able at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, for a fee but slingshots, is also prohibited. Details are available at superintendent to protect park resources. Service connectivity is very limited and may not be avail- http://go.nps.gov/yell-laws. able at all times. animals must always be leashed or harnessed, under control, and attended at all times. 2 In-park reservations: lodging, dining, tours Ranger-led programs

Yellowstone National Park Lodges As one of Yellowstone’s official concession companies, Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers lodging, dining, and a variety of tours and activities. In winter, there are partial or full-day tours by heated snowcoach, skiing, and snowshoe adventures. Reservations and information are available at park hotels and at: 307-344-7311 Toll free: 866-439-7375 TDD: 307-344-5395 YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com [email protected] Join a Yellowstone Park Ranger for a snowshoe P.O. Box 165, Yellowstone WY 82190 Tours and shuttles are available on snowcoaches walk, a special talk, or an evening slide presenta- outfitted for Yellowstone's winter road conditions. tion about the wildlife or geologic wonders of Yellowstone. More info locally at visitor centers. Become a Junior Ranger Albright Visitor Center Located at Mammoth Hot Springs and open Children ages 4 and older can year-round. Open daily 9 am–5 pm. Ph: 307-344-2263 become a Yellowstone Junior unior Ranger. Get the Junior Ranger JRANGER Old Faithful Visitor Education Center YELLOWSTONE activity book for $3 at a visitor Geyser eruption predictions: 307-344-2751 center and ask for the free winter Open daily 9 am–5 pm. Ph: 307-344-2750 supplement. Hike, ski or snow- shoe a trail, attend a ranger-led West Yellowstone Visitor Info. Center program, and complete fun activities in the Junior The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce is Ranger book to earn an official Junior Ranger patch. open weekdays 8 am–5 pm. Ph: 406-646-7701 NPS Desk (inside the Chamber of Commerce) Open daily 8 am–4 pm. Ph: 307-344-2876

Ski and snowshoe trails Authorized guides

Brochures with general trail maps and trail descrip- tions can be obtained at visitor centers, ranger stations, and ski shops. One-way or round-trip skier shuttles may be offered to specific trails in the park for a fee.

Dress for success Many authorized guides and outfitters are ready Even in Yellowstone’s severe winter temperatures, to show you Yellowstone's wonders, and each has you can be comfortable and safe if you dress prop- a unique approach. Find authorized guides, tour erly to prevent chilling and overheating. companies, or other commercial services at http://go.nps.gov/yelltours. Please report unau- • Wear clothes in several adjustable layers including thorized operators to a park ranger, or contact wind protection and insulated undergarments. Concessions Management at 307-344-2271. • Avoid clothes that fit too tightly as they restrict circulation and increase the possibility of frostbite. • Do not wear cotton clothes of any kind, including jeans, sweatshirts, underwear, or socks. They retain moisture and put you at risk for Yellowstone Forever Institute hypothermia. Programs about wildlife, plants, geology, and history are perfect for curious adults and families Etiquette Yellowstone offers a variety of enjoyable and chal- who want to spend a day or more exploring the • Do not walk on snowshoe or ski trails. lenging trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Track is park with a knowledgeable guide. To find out more, • Snowshoe parallel to the ski track. set on a few trails, others may be groomed, and all call 406-848-2400 or visit Yellowstone.org. unplowed roads and trails are open to skiing and • Yield to faster skiers or those going downhill. snowshoeing. • Detour around wildlife—do not approach. Yellowstone National Park is assisted in fulfilling our mission by our official non-profit partner, Equipment rental is available in several communi- For detailed information on winter trails, routes, Yellowstone Forever. Proceeds from Yellowstone ties around the park; and ski shop services— and winter safety, contact the Central Backcountry Forever educational bookstores, Institute, and including lessons, rentals, and repairs—are available Office or request a Winter Backcountry Trip philanthropic efforts support priority park proj- at the Bear Den ski shops at Mammoth Hot Springs Planner (available online or from any visitor center). ects and visitor education. Find more information and Old Faithful. at Yellowstone.org or call (406) 848-2400. 3 Climate change challenges How to photograph wildlife JASON WILMOT Have reasonable expectations of your camera. A cell phone camera will not be able to capture the same resolutions and detail as a more advanced camera with large lenses.

Arm yourself with patience. To get the best shot, you will spend more time waiting and observing than photographing. Look for patterns in animal behavior that can help you get a great shot. You may have to wait a while—so be ready.

Clean your lenses. Spray from hydrothermal The elusive wolverine (Gulo gulo) requires deep features can leave silica deposits on glass that are snow to build a den for breeding. Decreased impossible to remove once dry. snowpack may cause declines in the already sparse population. Stay safe behind and in front of the camera. An unusual vantage point can add drama to your The National Park Service anticipates that climate image, but you don’t want to add the drama of a change will create significant challenges to the hospital visit to your trip. Never sacrifice safety for a preservation of park resources, infrastructure, and photograph. visitor experience. • Be aware of your surroundings. Stay behind Within Yellowstone specifically, scientists expect fences and guard rails. Never turn your back on ecosystem changes due to increased temperatures wild animals. and changing rain and snow patterns. Some • Keep children close to you at all times. Never observed and expected effects of climate change are: try to pose them with wildlife. • Stay out of the road. Do not stop your vehicle • Average temperatures in the park are higher now in the road, or stand in the roadway. Do not than they were 50 years ago, especially during block any portion of the road with tripods, chairs, springtime. or other objects. Do not block the free flow of • In the last 50 years, the growing season has traffic. increased by roughly 30 days in some areas of the park. • Snowpack throughout the area is decreasing and snow is melting faster in the spring. The change How do geysers work? in snowpack levels could impact agriculture and municipal water supplies downstream. by the enormous weight of the overlying rock and • The alpine zone, which currently begins at 9,500 water prevents the water from boiling. feet, may shift higher, decreasing or eliminating species that live in this important habitat. As the hot water rises, steam forms. Bubbling • Increases in insect or disease infestations in trees upward, steam expands as it nears the top of the are likely. Currently, five types of insect pest and water column until the bubbles are too large and one nonnative fungus are attacking regional numerous to pass freely through the constrictions. forests. At a critical point, the confined bubbles actually • Declining wetlands will decrease essential habitat lift the water above, causing the geyser to splash or for frogs, salamanders, and many birds and overflow. This decreases pressure on the system, insects. and violent boiling results. Tremendous amounts of • Grassland animals should be able to find suitable steam force water out of the vent, and the eruption habitat. However, migration patterns may change begins. as vegetation growth begins earlier in spring. • Grizzly bears may have less of some of their most Water is expelled faster than it can enter the geyser’s nutritious foods such as whitebark pine nuts and plumbing system, and the heat and pressure gradu- army cutworm moths. ally decrease. The eruption stops when the water • Native plants may be lost and replaced with reservoir is exhausted or when the system cools. nonnative invasive exotic plants more adapted to earlier, wetter springs, and dryer late-season Fountain-type geysers, like Clepsydra (left), shoot conditions. Clepsydra Geyser. water out in various directions from a pool of water. Cone-type geysers, like Old Faithful, erupt The Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National in a concentrated jet of water from inside a rock Park has the largest concentration of geysers in formation. the world. Geysers are hot springs with narrow spaces in their plumbing, usually near the surface. These constrictions prevent water from circulating Will the Yellowstone Volcano erupt freely to the surface where heat would escape. The soon? Another caldera-forming eruption is deepest circulating water can be even hotter than not likely in the next 10,000 years, though it is the surface boiling point of 199° F (93° C). theoretically possible. According to 30 years of data, even a small lava flow is not likely in Surrounding pressure also increases with depth, Climate change will probably impact wildlife the next few hundred years. migration patterns. similar to the ocean. Increased pressure exerted 4 Surviving winter's edge Pack mentality

alone or with other bulls—except during the rut, or mating season.

Bison are well-adapted to survive the challenges of Yellowstone winters. Their thick fur and layers of fat keep them insulated in average low tempera- tures of -30° F (-34° C). A bison’s massive hump is comprised of muscles supported by long vertebrae; this allows a bison to use its head as a snowplow in winter, swinging side to side to sweep aside the snow and uncover grasses and sedges underneath. Wapiti Lake pack on a bison kill. Look for bison near hydrothermal features where underground heat melts the snow and keeps vegeta- Yellowstone National Park is the site of one of the tion green well into winter. most ambitious and controversial wildlife restora- tion projects in the world. The Yellowstone Wolf Project has yielded two decades of discoveries on What is the difference between wolf behavior, predator–prey relationships, wildlife bison and buffalo? disease management, and ecological complexity. In North America, both “bison” and “buffalo” refer to the American bison Bison( The stark white backdrop of snow and the general To conserve energy, bison often travel on plowed or bison). Generally, “buffalo” is used informally; absence of leaf cover make winter an ideal time for groomed park roads in the winter. “bison” is preferred for formal or scientific visitors and researchers alike to observe wildlife. purposes. Early European explorers called From the popular overlooks of Lamar Valley, it is Bison are iconic animals of the American West. this animal by many names. Historians possible to get a glimpse of wolf society. You may With adult males weighing up to 2,000 pounds believe that the term “buffalo” grew from the even witness the dangerous dance of predators and (907 kg), the bison is the largest land mammal in French word for beef, boeuf. African buffalo prey as each struggles to survive. North America and is the National Mammal of the (Syncerus caffer)and Asian water buffalo . (Bubalus arnee) are not closely related to each The herd is comprised of cows, calves, and some other or to American bison. younger bulls. Mature bulls spend most of the year

Keep your distance

Keep food secure

Do not feed any wildlife, including small mammals and birds. Consuming human food is unhealthy and encourages aggres- sive behavior that may require animals to be destroyed.

All food, trash, and scented items must be kept bear-proof at all times. Tents, truck beds, and Do not approach wildlife picnic tables are not secure. In some areas, ravens • Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91m) away from bears and wolves, and at least have learned how to unzip packs and scatter the 25 yards (23 m) away from all other wild animals, such as bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes. contents. • If an animal moves closer to you, you must move to maintain the appropriate distance. None of these items, even if clean and empty, may • Do not surround, crowd, or disrupt an animal’s path of movement. be left unattended at any time:

• If other visitors put you or wildlife in danger, leave the scene and notify a park ranger. • Water and beverage • Food, including • If bison or other wildlife are on the road, pull as far as possible to the shoulder and give them a chance to containers condiments, even if move off the road. • Cooking or eating in containers utensils • Cosmetics and • Do not follow animals too closely or cause them to run—this wastes energy they need to survive winter. • Stoves and grills toiletries 25 YARDS (23 METERS) 100 YARDS (91 METERS) • Coolers and ice • Pet food and bowls chests • Pails, buckets, and • Trash, bagged or not wash basins 5 Travertine terraces

The travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs form of travertine, which forms the intricate pools surrounding mountains and seeping deep into the are like living sculptures, shaped by the volume and sweeping terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. earth. Some vents will clog completely, new vents of water, the slope of the ground, and objects in may form, and old vents may reopen. Sometimes the Are the hot springs drying up? the water’s path. Travertine builds up rapidly here water is concentrated in a few springs while at other and causes the features to change quickly and No. These terraces change constantly—sometimes times it may spread across many outlets. Scientists constantly. overnight—but the overall activity of the entire area estimate that, at any given time, only 10 percent of remains relatively constant. Rangers have heard this the water in the Mammoth Hot Springs system is on Limestone, deposited millions of years ago when question since the late 1890s, when visitors began the surface; the other 90 percent is underground. a vast sea covered this area, provides the first making their second and third trips to Yellowstone. The features are always changing, but the overall ingredient. A network of fractures and fissures Travelers remember the active, colorful springs activity of the entire area and the volume of water form the "plumbing system" that allows hot water shown in their photos and postcards. They usually discharge remain relatively constant. Here, as in few from underground to reach the surface. Hot water don’t remember the expanses of bare sinter, which other places on earth, rock is born before your eyes. with dissolved carbon dioxide makes a solution of are as common here as in the geyser basins. weak carbonic acid. As the solution rises through the limestone, it dissolves calcium carbonate. At the The water which drives the transformation at surface, the calcium carbonate is deposited in the Mammoth comes from rain and snow falling on the

Stay on boardwalks and designated ñ trails. Do not touch any thermal features and keep foreign objects out of springs.

Follow @YellowstoneNPS Fort Yellowstone The United States established Yellowstone Captain Moses Harris. They began what would be National Park in 1872 and for the next decade, 32 years of military presence in the park. the park was under serious threat from those The buildings of Fort Yellowstone are a testament who would exploit, rather than protect, its to the long history of our first national park and of resources. Poachers killed animals. Souvenir the important role the Army played. They remind hunters broke large pieces off the geysers and us that the resources we find within Yellowstone’s hot springs. Developers set up camps for tour- boundaries are not only natural ones, but cultural as ists, along with bath and laundry facilities at hot well. Most of the buildings constructed during the springs. Yellowstone National Park turned to Army era are still standing and used by the National the U.S. Army for help. Park Service as park headquarters. Our interactions In 1886, men from Company M, First United with this wilderness continue to shape our idea States Cavalry, Fort Custer, Montana Territory of what a national park should be, just as they did came to Yellowstone under the command of during the days of Fort Yellowstone. 6 Partners in Sustainability Free NPS Yellowstone App The National Park Service mission The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national NPS Yellowstone park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. National Park Enrich your visit to Yellowstone with Our commitment to environmental stewardship the official app. Digitally explore the extends to sustainable operations and facilities. park's stories and find the information you need. Yellowstone National Park, park concessioners, and Learn about historic places and natural features. partners work together to reduce the park’s ecolog- Find visitor centers, places to stay and eat, and ical footprint from our operations and the services shopping and services throughout the park. we provide, preserving natural resources through sustainable practices and extending the benefits Features of resource conservation and outdoor recreation • Interactive map is easy to use. Use “Locate me” throughout this country and the world. to always know where you are. • Discover rich natural and cultural resources with During your time in Yellowstone and beyond, we self-guided walking tours. encourage you to do your part by practicing the • Get information about special events and following: programs, including links to geyser predictions and road construction. Minimize waste and properly dispose of • Share a digital postcard with friends and family. all waste items. Recycling bins are located lthroughout the park for plastic, glass, • Accessibility information for facilities and some trails in the park, audio-described sites, and metal, paper, cardboard, propane canisters, bear alternative text for images. spray, batteries, and more. Download the app media before you arrive. Cell We encourage you to stay hydrated service and Wi-Fi are limited in Yellowstone. during your visit. We also ask visitors to please use a reusable water bottle and fill it up for free at our many water Help reduce water consumption by being Interagency Annual Pass filling locations. All Yellowstone tap water is clean aware of your water use. Turn water and ready to drink. Water in cans or boxes is sold Q off while brushing your teeth, shorten in some stores as an alternative to single-use plastic showers, and participate in towel and linen reuse containers. programs if you are staying in park lodging.

In an effort to reduce harmful emis- This sustainability message is brought to you by sions from idling, turn your vehicle off the Yellowstone Environmental Coordinating while you are parked or stopped for Committee (YECC), a team of National Park more than 30 seconds. Emissions can Service employees, park concessioners, and also be reduced by carpooling and utilizing trans- non-profit partners combining efforts to realize portation services to tour the park. sustainability achievements in Yellowstone National Park. The YECC is comprised of representatives Reduce energy use by turning off lights, from Delaware North Companies, Medcor Inc., America the Beautiful: National Parks and heat, and electrical devices when you National Park Service, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Federal Recreational Lands Pass leave your rooms. Yellowstone Forever, and Yellowstone Park Service The Interagency Annual Pass is valid at federal Stations. recreation sites, including national parks and wild- life refuges, where entrance fees are charged. You Plan ahead for self-guided tours can purchase it at Yellowstone’s entrance stations, at Yellowstone Forever stores, or visit Visitors interested in guiding a small, 1–3 day, http://store.usgs.gov/pass private (not commercial) snowmobile trip through Yellowstone in winter can apply for permits at The pass is not good for camping or for some other recreation.gov. Please check that website for fees such as concessionaire parking fees at Mount specific dates when to apply. Applicants must be 18 Rushmore, or cave tours at various parks. Inquire years or older with a valid driver’s license. locally. Permit holders are considered non-commercial Already paid? guides and may lead groups of up to five snowmo- Apply the cost of your Yellowstone entrance fee to biles. All snowmobile operators must be licensed the purchase of this pass at Yellowstone Forever drivers at least 16 years old and all group members, stores located in visitor centers, at the Bozeman including the permit holder, must complete the Yellowstone International Airport, and Gardiner. free, online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification course. Beginning in mid-October, unclaimed or canceled Your Fee Dollars at Work permits can be obtained with a first-come, first- This guide is printed using your fee dollars. served reservation through recreation.gov. Thank you for your support. Visit the official park website for more information. nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ncgsap.htm. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ 7 Park Roads and Services To Livingston, MT 52 mi/84 km To Bozeman, MT 84 mi/134 km Gardiner, MT Northeast Entrance To North Entrance Cooke City, MT Bozeman, MT 90 mi/144 km To Big Sky, MT 5 mi/8 km No access 55 mi/89 km to Billings Mammoth Hot Springs or Cody 18 mi/29 km in winter Tower Slough Creek Pebble Creek Junction  Full service Yellowstone Indian Creek Roosevelt Forever 29 mi/47 km ⁄ Institute Tower Fall 21 mi/34 km 19 mi/31 km

Roaring Mountain Dunraven Pass

Norris Norris Geyser Basin 12 mi/19 km Canyon Village

West Beryl Spring Yellowstone, MT 14 mi/23 km 14 mi/23 km 16 mi/26 km To Idaho Falls, ID West 100 mi/160 km Madison Mud Entrance Volcano Area Fishing Bridge Fountain Paint Pot Lake Village Lake Butte Midway Geyser Basin Bridge Bay Pahaska Sylvan Pass Teepee Biscuit Basin 16 mi/26 km To 27 mi Cody, WY Black Sand Basin 21 mi/34 km Yellowstone 43 km 53 mi/85 km Craig Pass Lake East Old Faithful 17 mi/27 km Avalanche Entrance Upper Geyser Basin Danger

 Full service West Thumb West Thumb Geyser Basin Grant Village Spring road opening 2019 Weather permitting, roads open at 8 am. Call 307-344-2117 or check locally and at go.nps. gov/yellroads for real-time road Plowed roads Lewis Lake 22 mi/35 km Wheeled vehicles only information. Changes and delays Groomed oversnow routes are always possible. Guided tours/permit holders only Open Closed for winter The road between the North and Northeast entrances is open to wheeled vehicles year-round. South Entrance April 19 To Grand Teton National Park To Jackson, WY Mammoth to Old Faithful; 8 mi/13 km 57 mi/91 km Madison to West Entrance; Oversnow travel ends for Norris to Canyon. season in March 2019  Full service = restrooms, food service, lodging, fuel May 3 Roads close at 9 pm. Canyon Junction to Lake; Lake to March 1 Clinic General store Warming hut East Entrance (Sylvan Pass). East Entrance to Lake Butte. vending machines at Mammoth, Madison, May 10 March 3 Restrooms Lodging Fishing Bridge, and Canyon Mammoth to Norris Junction. West Thumb to Old Faithful; Visitor center Camping Recycling Lake to South Entrance; Tower March 5 or information station Madison to Norris to Canyon. Junction to Tower Fall. Fuel Post office Cell phone tower March 10 Connectivity is limited May 24 Tower Fall to Canyon Junction Canyon to Fishing Bridge. Food service Pay/courtesy Approximate Cell March 15 phone Coverage Area (Dunraven Pass); Beartooth Remaining groomed roads close. Verizon, AT&T (select areas), Highway. Union (select areas).