Entry costs $35 per private vehicle, and the gates stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most interior roads close to wheeled traffic from early November through late April.
Yellowstone operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but access changes drastically by season. Wheeled vehicles cannot use most roads from early November to late April. During these winter months, visitors rely on guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours.
| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | 24 Hours | Only the North to Northeast entrance road remains open to cars year-round. |
Yellowstone never closes for national holidays, maintaining 24-hour entry 365 days a year. Severe seasonal transitions in April and November force the closure of most interior roads, trails, and facilities. Drive the North to Northeast entrance road to enter by car during the winter.
Entrance costs $35.00 per private vehicle, covering all passengers. Individuals on foot or bicycle pay $20.00, while motorcycles cost $30.00. Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older face an additional $100.00 surcharge per person.
No regular free entry days.
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View All ToursSeptember provides the clearest advantage, combining active wildlife during the elk rut with lighter crowds. July and August guarantee full road access and warm weather, but draw peak visitor numbers. Arrive at major features like Old Faithful before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM to bypass the heaviest summer congestion.
Allocate 3 to 4 days to navigate the park's 310 miles of paved roads. Summer permits independent driving between major thermal basins, whereas winter closures restrict travel strictly to guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours. Herds of hundreds of bison frequently walk along the asphalt, causing unpredictable traffic jams that delay transit to dawn wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley.
Arrive at Grand Prismatic or Old Faithful before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. Midday traffic brings heavy congestion to the boardwalks. Latecomers will wait in long queues for parking.
Download the official NPS App and save the Yellowstone section before entering the gates. Cell service drops completely outside developed areas like Mammoth and Canyon Village. You cannot load live GPS routes on the road.
Wear moisture-wicking synthetic clothing rather than cotton. The park sits at an average elevation of 8,000 feet, causing rapid temperature shifts even in July. Drink twice your normal amount of water to combat altitude-induced headaches.
Fill your gas tank completely before crossing the park boundary. Only six stations operate inside the 3,472-square-mile park, charging higher prices. Pack a cooler with meals and water to bypass long summer lines at the few dining facilities.
Skip visiting in April and November. Most roads, trails, and facilities shut down as the park transitions between winter snow and summer operations. Check the NPS 'Current Conditions' page daily for sudden closures caused by late snowstorms.
Private vehicles cost $35.00 to enter. Motorcycles pay $30.00, and individuals on foot or bike pay $20.00. Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older face an additional $100.00 surcharge per person.
The gates stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most roads close to wheeled vehicles from early November to late April due to snow. Only the road connecting the North and Northeast entrances remains accessible to cars during winter.
No vehicle reservations are required for entry between 2024 and 2026. Visitors only need a standard entrance pass. Purchase this pass at the gate or online before arriving.
April and November bring mud season to the park. Facilities, trails, and most roads shut down as the weather transitions. Check the National Park Service Current Conditions page for sudden snow closures before driving.
Cell service exists only in developed areas like Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village. Wi-Fi limits access to registered lodge guests and averages a slow 1.5mbps. Download the official NPS App for offline use before crossing the park boundary.
Drones are strictly prohibited everywhere inside the park boundaries. Park rangers issue fines to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. Personal ground photography remains free without a permit.
Pets cannot go on any hiking trails or boardwalks. Leashed animals may only stay within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, and developed areas. Thermal basins pose a fatal risk to animals that wander off the path.
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