We've always stayed away from Yellowstone National Park in the summer because we've heard the crowds are out of hand. But we've heard the park is also open in winter--true? If so, what's it like? Worth going?
Oh, yeah, Yellowstone is open in winter; from mid-December through mid-March. Truly, it's our favorite season at the park. The whole fire-and-ice thing comes into play when the mercury falls--geysers spout plumes of steam and water into frigid air, creating amazing natural special effects. Waterfalls appear to be frozen in motion.
Visiting in winter does take some planning. Only the park's north and northeast entrances are open to car traffic in winter. Once you've entered Yellowstone, you can drive as far as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. From there, you get around by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or Yellowstone's snowcoaches. Amenities include an ice rink, rental hot tubs, and a pianist every evening.
The other place to stay in winter is the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, with a lodge-y motif, and cross-country ski trails right outside the door. This one--reachable only by snowmobile or snowcoach--is very popular with the snow machine set. If you're into either of these winter sports, you'll find lots of terrain to explore. Snowshoeing and wildlife-watching are also wonderful here.
Naturalist-led tours are offered, if you'd like to experience the park's glories in a deeper way. We like the half-day guided wildlife tour, which helps you know what to look for when you're wildlife-watching on your own. Free ranger programs (evenings) often feature wildlife topics.
If your bunch is really into winter, Yellowstone is an awesome place to play. Temps are around 5 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit, or colder, so be ready to pile on those layers! For information, contact Yellowstone National Park at 307-344-7381 or click here. For lodgings reservations, call 307-344-7311 or click here. (News flash: Snowmobiles will be banned in Yellowstone as of winter 2003; for updates, visit the National Park Service Web site.)
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in January 2001. Updated April 2006.
