Do Yellowstone Shuttles Run in Winter? What You Need to Know (and Probably Didn't Think to Ask)

Thinking about visiting Yellowstone National Park in winter? Excellent choice. It’s stunning, quiet, and full of steamy geysers, frosty bison, and zero crowds.

But spoiler alert: not all roads are open. And if you're relying on your rental car to figure it out, you may end up in a snowdrift Googling “how to escape Yellowstone in January.”

The good news? Private winter shuttles from Big Sky, Gardiner, and even West Yellowstone can get you where you need to go — safely, comfortably, and without snow chains.

Yellowstone in Winter: Quiet, Wild, and a Bit Frozen

Winter in Yellowstone is absolutely magical. Picture steam rising from geysers into crisp blue skies, wolves prowling the Lamar Valley, and Mammoth Hot Springs flowing through frozen forests.

But let’s clear something up: only one entrance closes to wheeled vehicles in winter — the West Entrance.

• North Entrance (Gardiner): Open all year to personal vehicles and private shuttles

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone): Closed to regular cars in winter, but open to snowcoaches and oversnow tours

• All other park roads: Closed to wheeled traffic

If you want to explore the park without taking a snowmobile licensing course, a private shuttle is your winter travel BFF.

Do Yellowstone Shuttles Run in Winter?

Yes! And thank goodness they do.

At Old Faithful and Friends Shuttle, we provide private shuttle service year-round, including winter, from:

• Big Sky

• Gardiner

• West Yellowstone (with connections to snowcoach tours)

We know where the roads are open, where the wildlife is hanging out, and how to keep you warm and moving even when it’s 10 degrees and snowing sideways.

Where We Go (and How You Can Too)

Private Shuttle from Big Sky

Skiing? Snowboarding? Après-ski-ing? Or just admiring the snowy views? Big Sky is a winter hotspot, and we can pick you up right at your lodge or rental.

From there, we offer private rides to:

• Gardiner (for North Entrance park access)

• West Yellowstone (to catch snowcoach tours)

• Bozeman Airport (for easy fly-in/fly-out trips)

Perfect if you want to enjoy the mountains without testing your parallel parking skills on icy switchbacks.

Private Shuttle from Gardiner

Gardiner is the hero of winter Yellowstone travel. It’s the only entrance open to regular cars, shuttles, and non-snow-tank vehicles all winter long.

From Gardiner, we can take you into:

• Mammoth Hot Springs (yes, the terraces are flowing, not frozen)

• Lamar Valley (a winter wildlife wonderland — think bison, elk, coyotes, and wolves)

• Snowcoach tour pickups (for those venturing deeper into the park)

And unlike other entrances, you won’t hit a locked gate and a “road closed” sign here.

Private Shuttle from West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone’s entrance is closed to regular traffic in winter, but don’t worry — it still works as a jumping-off point.

Here’s how it goes:

• We’ll shuttle you from your lodging in West Yellowstone

• You’ll hop on a snowcoach tour into the park

• We’ll help coordinate your connection so you’re not left wondering which snow track leads to Old Faithful

Snowcoaches can take you to:

• Old Faithful Snow Lodge

• Madison Junction

• Fountain Paint Pots and more

This is the route for the adventurous — minus the frostbite and bad directions.

Why Private Shuttles Beat Winter Driving

Let’s be real: Montana and Wyoming winter roads are not beginner-friendly. If your rental car lacks snow tires (or you don’t want to find out what black ice is the hard way), leave the driving to us.

Benefits of our private shuttle service:

• Flexible departure and pickup times

• Winter-ready vehicles with experienced local drivers

• Stops for wildlife, views, and bathroom breaks that aren’t sketchy gas stations

• No stress about weather, road closures, or confusing maps

Frequently Asked (and Completely Valid) Questions

Can I drive into Yellowstone in winter?

Yes — through Gardiner only. The West Entrance is closed to cars, and other entrances are also shut down for the season. You'll need snowcoaches or guides for deeper access.

Is Old Faithful open in winter?

It is! But it’s only accessible by snowcoach or guided oversnow tour from West Yellowstone or Mammoth. You can’t drive there, but we’ll help you get on the right ride.

Are grizzly bears out in winter?

Nope. They’re snoozing until spring. You’ll still see bison, elk, coyotes, foxes, eagles, and — if you're lucky — wolves.

Do the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces freeze in winter?

Not at all. They’re powered by underground geothermal heat and stay active all year. In fact, the steam against the snow makes them look even more surreal.

Ride with Old Faithful and Friends Shuttle

We specialize in safe, comfortable, and downright enjoyable private shuttle service in and around Yellowstone—winter included.

We serve:

• Big Sky

• Gardiner

• West Yellowstone

Whether you’re flying in, heading into the park, or just need a break from your travel group’s playlist, we’ll get you there with style, safety, and maybe even snacks.

Ready to Book?

Skip the snow stress and ride with the pros.

Contact us today to book your private Yellowstone winter shuttle from Big Sky, Gardiner, or West Yellowstone.