Winter Is Actually The Best Time Of Year To Visit Wyoming’s World Famous Yellowstone National Park

Most Wyomingites avoid the National Parks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The crowds and the traffic turn most summertime trips into a challenge for locals. While many people plan their park trips in September or October to enjoy some warm weather, Yellowstone is actually the ideal National Park to visit in Wyoming winter.

In the colder months, Yellowstone is a completely different experience than it is during the typical summertime trip.

Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls freeze over. Winter storms blanket the park in fresh powder. Roads are only open to oversnow travel. Truly, Yellowstone becomes the world's greatest winter wonderland.

Breathtaking geyser basins show off their steam against the frigid air. The crowds that typically fill the boardwalks in warmer months all but disappear. Hot pots and pools are bright against the contrasting white that surrounds them.

Most of the park closes in the winter, but the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Mammoth Hotel, and Canyon Yurt Camp are open. Warming huts are opened throughout the park for those traveling around.

Yellowstone's access roads close in November, and typically the park is open for Winter by mid-December once there's enough snow for roads to open to oversnow travel.

Oversnow travel means that the only way to visit the best winter destinations is to join a guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour, or on your own if you're lucky enough to get a non-commercially guided snowmobile lottery. Guided trips are recommended, because you'll have all of the safety gear you need, as well as up-to-date information on snow cover and avalanche conditions.

Non-Commercially Guided Access permits are available through a lottery that runs in the month of August. If you missed the permit lottery, unclaimed permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning October 1.

Traveling on your own means you must be prepared for the wild Wyoming winter conditions. Carry a shovel, safety beacons in case of an avalanche, a map, an extra belt for the snowmobile, tools, first aid supplies, and a winter survival kit that includes extra food and water.

If you're looking for Ranger-led programs, visit Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Centers. There are always guided trips and wilderness programs offered through park partners, as well.

Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is an unforgettable experience unlike any other in the world. Bundle up and plan a trip to see this incredible natural wonder in a brand new light.

Yellowstone is such a breathtaking National Park to visit in Wyoming, no matter what the season. For everything you need to plan your winter trip, visit the Yellowstone National Park website. If you're looking for information about winter trips and excursions, visit the Yellowstone Lodge Adventures website, here. If you want to learn about some awesome places to stay while you adventure in Wyoming, this article will help!