Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Winter Vacation in Yellowstone National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Yellowstone National Park under a blanket of snow, winter is your season. Geysers erupt into the frozen air, bison wander through steaming valleys, and the landscape feels calm, wild, and untouched.

But planning a Yellowstone winter trip takes a little more preparation than a summer visit — from understanding road closures to booking reliable transportation. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to planning your Yellowstone winter vacation, with expert help from Old Faithful and Friends, offering year-round shuttle and transportation services to West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Step 1: Choose When to Visit Yellowstone in Winter

Yellowstone’s winter season typically runs from mid-November through early April, but each part of the season offers something special:

• Early Winter (November–December): Fresh snow and quiet trails make for peaceful sightseeing.

• Mid-Winter (January–February): Peak season for snowcoach tours, wildlife watching, and photography.

• Late Winter (March–April): Longer days, warmer temps, and still plenty of snow.

Pro tip: Book early! Winter lodging, snowcoach tours, and Yellowstone transportation options fill up quickly — especially around the holidays.

Step 2: Understand Yellowstone’s Winter Road Closures

This is where many first-time visitors get caught off guard. Most of Yellowstone’s roads are closed to regular vehicles in winter.

The only road open year-round runs between Gardiner (North Entrance) and Cooke City, passing through Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley — one of the best spots in the park for winter wildlife.

All other roads, including routes to Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and West Thumb, are closed to private cars from mid-November until spring. To reach those areas, you’ll need to travel by oversnow vehicle, such as a snowcoach or guided snowmobile tour.

That’s where Old Faithful and Friends comes in. Their winter shuttle service to West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Mammoth Hot Springs connects you to the park’s open areas and snowcoach pickup points safely and comfortably — no winter driving stress required.

Step 3: Decide What to See During Your Yellowstone Winter Vacation

Each part of the park offers something unique during winter:

• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin: The park’s most famous geyser is even more dramatic in the snow. Access via snowcoach or snowmobile from West Yellowstone.

• Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraces of steaming limestone framed by snow — one of Yellowstone’s most photogenic sights.

• Lamar Valley: Known as “America’s Serengeti,” this area offers world-class wildlife viewing all winter long.

Not sure where to start? The Old Faithful and Friends team can help you plan your travel route and drop-offs at the best winter destinations.

Step 4: Arrange Your Yellowstone Winter Transportation

Because most park roads are closed, planning your Yellowstone winter transportation is essential.

Old Faithful and Friends provides safe, reliable winter shuttles and private rides to Yellowstone’s main entrances, including:

• West Yellowstone: The gateway for snowcoach and snowmobile tours to Old Faithful.

• Gardiner & Mammoth Hot Springs: The only region open to regular vehicle traffic year-round.

Their vehicles are equipped for icy conditions, and their drivers are experienced in Yellowstone’s challenging winter terrain. Whether you’re traveling from Bozeman, Big Sky, or West Yellowstone, Old Faithful and Friends ensures you get there safely and on time.

Book early through OldFaithfulandFriends.com to secure your spot during peak winter months.

Step 5: Choose Where to Stay

A few lodges and gateway towns remain open during winter:

• Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins: Located near the geyser basin, accessible only by snowcoach.

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Great for exploring the northern part of the park.

• West Yellowstone & Gardiner: Both towns offer hotels, restaurants, and easy shuttle access via Old Faithful and Friends.

Step 6: Pack for the Yellowstone Winter Experience

Winter in Yellowstone means temperatures often below zero. Pack carefully so you can stay warm and comfortable:

• Insulated jacket and snow pants

• Thermal base layers

• Waterproof boots

• Gloves, hats, and scarves

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare is strong)

• Camera or binoculars for capturing wildlife

If you’re joining a snowcoach or snowmobile tour, most companies will provide extra gear like helmets and snowsuits.

Step 7: Enjoy the Journey

With your plans in place and Old Faithful and Friends handling the transportation, you’re free to enjoy the ride and focus on the experience.

• Travel through snowy mountain scenery from Bozeman or Big Sky to Yellowstone’s gateways.

• Join a snowcoach tour to see Old Faithful erupt in the cold winter air.

• Watch herds of bison and elk crossing frosty valleys.

• Warm up with a meal in a cozy lodge before heading back on your shuttle.

This is the essence of Yellowstone winter travel — peaceful, awe-inspiring, and totally unforgettable.

Step 8: Stay Flexible and Check Conditions

Yellowstone’s winter weather can change quickly. Snowstorms or icy roads may cause temporary closures, so keep an eye on National Park Service updates and rely on Old Faithful and Friends for real-time travel advice and safe route planning.

Step 9: Make the Most of Your Yellowstone Winter Adventure

Winter in Yellowstone is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of snow, steam, silence, and wildlife creates something truly magical — a side of the park few visitors ever see.

And with Old Faithful and Friends providing easy, dependable transportation to West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Mammoth Hot Springs, you can focus on making memories, not navigating icy roads.

Final Thoughts

A Yellowstone winter trip takes extra planning — but it’s worth every minute. Whether you’re exploring the geyser basins, photographing frozen waterfalls, or watching wildlife in Lamar Valley, you’ll experience Yellowstone in its most peaceful and powerful form.

Let Old Faithful and Friends take care of your Yellowstone winter transportation so you can relax and enjoy the journey. From Bozeman to West Yellowstone, from Gardiner to Mammoth, they’ll get you there safely, comfortably, and ready for adventure.

Your Yellowstone winter vacation awaits — start planning today with Old Faithful and Friends.