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When Does Yellowstone Open in 2026? Entrance Dates, Cities & Travel Tips from Old Faithful & Friends

Yellowstone National Park is a bucket-list destination for millions of travelers each year. If you're planning a visit in 2026, it’s important to know when the park entrances and roads will be open — especially if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Old Faithful or explore the vast geyser basins, canyons, lakes, and wildlife habitats that make Yellowstone famous.

Here’s everything you need to know about Yellowstone’s 2026 opening schedule, including estimated entrance dates, nearby gateway cities, and what to expect when the park begins to thaw from winter.

yellowstone being open with bison

Yellowstone Opening Dates in 2026

Yellowstone doesn’t open all at once. Because of heavy snow and high elevations, roads and entrances open in stages each spring. While the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana is open to vehicles year-round, the rest of the park gradually becomes accessible between April and early June, depending on weather and plowing progress.

Below are the projected 2026 opening dates based on historical patterns and National Park Service data.

Projected 2026 Yellowstone Entrance Opening Schedule

Entrance

Gateway City

Estimated Opening Date (2026)

Highlights

North Entrance

Gardiner, Montana

Open Year-Round

Access to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley

West Entrance

West Yellowstone, Montana

April 17, 2026 (weather permitting)

Closest to Old Faithful and geyser basins

East Entrance

Cody, Wyoming

May 1, 2026

Route to Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge

South Entrance

Jackson, Wyoming

May 8, 2026

Connects to Grand Teton National Park

Northeast Entrance

Cooke City / Red Lodge, Montana

Open Year-Round (limited)

Road to Lamar Valley; connects via North Entrance only until Beartooth Highway opens

Beartooth Highway

Red Lodge, Montana

Late May to early June (TBD)

Scenic high-elevation route; often last to open due to snow

⚠️ These dates are estimates based on typical patterns. Official opening dates will be announced by the National Park Service in spring 2026.

What About Old Faithful?

The West Entrance, which typically opens in mid-April, is your best bet if you're planning an early-season trip to see Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Once inside, the drive to Old Faithful takes about 30–45 minutes, and this area is one of the first to become accessible after winter.

Old Faithful typically erupts every 90 minutes, and nearby you’ll also find the Old Faithful Inn, visitor center, dining options, and walking trails that lead to other spectacular geysers like Grand, Riverside, and Castle.

Nearby Cities & Gateway Towns

Here’s a quick guide to towns near each Yellowstone entrance — useful for booking lodging, shuttles, or staging your adventure:

  • Gardiner, MT – North Entrance (open year-round)

  • West Yellowstone, MT – West Entrance (April opening)

  • Cody, WY – East Entrance (May opening)

  • Jackson, WY – South Entrance (May opening; also gateway to Grand Teton)

  • Cooke City & Silver Gate, MT – Northeast Entrance (limited access in early spring)

  • Red Lodge, MT – Beartooth Highway (late spring to early summer access)

When Do Lodges and Services Open?

Many of Yellowstone’s iconic lodges and facilities open in sync with the roads. Here's what to expect for 2026:

  • Old Faithful Inn – Expected to open in early May

  • Old Faithful Snow Lodge – Typically opens around the same time as the Inn

  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Usually opens mid-May

  • Canyon Lodge, Grant Village, Mammoth Hotel – Open between mid- to late May

  • Campgrounds – Begin opening in May; some operate on a first-come, first-served basis early in the season

    old faithful inn

Tips for Planning a 2026 Yellowstone Trip

  • Book early – Lodging inside the park fills up fast, often a year in advance. If you miss out, consider gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody.

  • Check current road conditions – Spring weather is unpredictable, and roads can close temporarily due to snow or wildlife activity.

  • Pack for all seasons – Even in May or June, snow is possible. Layer up and bring waterproof gear.

  • Use the official NPS app – The National Park Service app offers real-time geyser predictions, trail info, and alerts.

Final Thoughts

Spring in Yellowstone is a time of transition — waterfalls roar with snowmelt, wildlife emerges with new young, and the landscape shifts from white to green. If you're planning to visit in 2026, use the timeline above as a guide, but be ready to adapt based on actual conditions.

As always, check directly with the National Park Service for up-to-date information on opening dates, road status, and alerts.

Want help getting from your hotel to Old Faithful and back in 2026? Keep an eye on our shuttle updates and travel guides at Old Faithful & Friends — we're here to help make your Yellowstone adventure easy, memorable, and full of wonder.

old faithful inn

OLD FAITHFUL AND FRIENDS

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