Show summary Hide summary
Yellowstone National Park is opening select entrances and roads today. The iconic park gates will welcome visitors back after winter closures. Winter weather has caused a crucial timing change.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Delayed Opening: Roads open at noon today, not 8 a.m., due to winter storm
- Active Entrances: North Entrance (Gardiner) and West Entrance (West Yellowstone) open today
- Accessible Destinations: Mammoth, Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, Norris, and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Snow Conditions: Up to 12 inches fell, with temperatures at 10°F creating hazardous driving
Spring Opening Delayed by Significant Winter Storm
Yellowstone National Park announced today that its spring opening is experiencing a critical delay. Originally scheduled for 8 a.m. Friday, April 17, the North Entrance and West Entrance will instead unlock at noon due to a severe winter storm.
The park received between 8 to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow in certain areas. Canyon Village and Old Faithful experienced weather-related power outages that crews are still restoring. Park officials are warning of hazardous driving conditions including deep snow, ice, and poor visibility.
Yellowstone National Park opens select entrances and roads today
Tomb Raider series resumes filming with Sophie Turner after back injury recovery
Which Entrances and Roads Open Today at Noon
Two main Montana entrances are welcoming visitors starting at noon. The North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the West Entrance at West Yellowstone, Montana, mark the official start of summer season operations.
From these entrances, visitors can access Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful, and the Northeast Entrance. The park notes that the road connecting the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance remains open year-round.
Road Opening Schedule and Conditions
Three critical road sections are scheduled to open at noon today. Park crews plowed through the night to prepare routes for visitor travel. Weather conditions remain dangerous with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees Fahrenheit overnight.
| Road Section | Opening Time | Status |
| West Entrance to Old Faithful | Noon, April 17 | Weather Permitting |
| West Entrance to Canyon | Noon, April 17 | Weather Permitting |
| Mammoth to Norris | Noon, April 17 | Weather Permitting |
Park officials emphasize that temporary closures can happen without notice if conditions worsen. Visitors should call (307) 344-2117 before departure for real-time road conditions. Text alerts are available by sending “82190” to 888-777.
“Yellowstone entrances and roads scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17 will instead open at noon due to a significant winter storm with heavy snow, low temperatures and strong winds.”
— National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park
What Visitors Must Know Before Arriving Today
Spring conditions at Yellowstone demand preparation. Bring winter clothing and appropriate footwear because many trails and boardwalks remain snow-covered. Limited services operate during spring months, so stock supplies before entering.
Wildlife activity increases in spring. Bison, elk, bears, and wolves use park roads as travel corridors, especially when melting snow restricts movement. Keep 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. The park warns against crowding or harassing animals during this difficult season.
When Will East and South Entrances Reopen?
The East Entrance and South Entrance remain closed today. According to Yellowstone officials, the East Entrance near Cody is expected to open May 1, 2026. Other roads throughout the park will open gradually during May as weather and snow conditions permit.
The phased reopening reflects operational safety protocols. Yellowstone coordinates plowing and maintenance crews across 142 miles of roads. Additional park amenities and lodging will open as conditions stabilize and temperatures moderate.
Sources
- National Park Service Official News Release and park alerts from Yellowstone National Park headquarters
- Wyoming Public Media Coverage of regional spring opening announcements and conditions
- Daily Montanan Reporting on Yellowstone park entrances and seasonal road operations
