As long as the weather holds out, Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance will open up for tourists today. It’s the road that leads from the entrance to Lake Village and Canyon Village to Lake Village. It was expected to be open at 8am.
But the National Park Service says to keep an eye on potential winter weather that could delay the opening. You can get Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting the numbers 82190 to 888-777. You can also call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information. If you’re browsing the web, try this link: Park Roads
The National Park Service said winter weather is expected and can lead to quickly changing weather conditions. So, you should expect possible temporary road closures or delays in the opening. Closures can occur at any time without notice due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Have flexible travel plans.
Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions, and snow and ice may cover sections of the road.
Roads that are opening on May 10th at 8am include the South Entrance to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass), West Thumb to Lake Village and
Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall. On May 24 at 8am, Canyon Village to Tower Fall (Dunraven Pass) will open.
Park roads that are already open include the West Entrance, which is in West Yellowstone, Montana to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction), Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction) and Norris Junction to Canyon Village.
The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley).
The National Park Service says if you do decide to visit the park, come prepared because service in the spring are limited. You can visit Operating Dates for area-specific season opening dates.
NPS also reminds visitors that bison, elk, bears and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endure this difficult time of the year and stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife.
NPS says you should always stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Protect yourself and bears.
For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.
Find a map of the 2024 road opening dates here
