Winter in
Yellowstone
Winter in Yellowstone National Park
Although beautiful any time of year, Yellowstone National Park is especially breathtaking in winter. Hot steam from the geysers mixes with the cold air, creating a magical ambiance. Frozen rivers, snorting bison and snow-covered pine trees; explore the snow-white beauty of America’s first National Park.
Old Faithful
Always a spectacle
The Old Faithful Geyser is the most famous and active geyser in Yellowstone. An eruption is practically guaranteed every 90 minutes and the water jets rise more than 40 metres into the chilly air. Take a seat at one of the benches nearby and enjoy the show!
Snow lodge
Sleep next to a geyser
After an active day outside, relax by a crackling fire in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. This wonderful lodge is located right next to the Old Faithful Geyser, giving you a front row seat when it erupts (usually every 90 minutes).
Spot the wolves
Wolves in Lamar Valley
Winter is the best season to look for wolves in Yellowstone. The layer of white snow makes it easy to spot them. The Yellowstone Association organises wolf-spotting snowshoe tours with a nature guide.
Take a picture
Photo safari
Steaming geysers, snow-covered plains and snorting bison provide the perfect backdrop for a photo safari. Bring your camera and join a ranger to search for the most beautiful shots.
Deep inside the park
Across the park by snow coach
In winter, the park’s main roads are not accessible by car and all transportation is by snow coach. These yellow ‘buses’ take you deep inside the park, driving past geysers, rivers and valleys.
Cross-country skiing
Spectacular views
Cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to explore the snow-covered park. Glide along the banks of the Yellowstone River and enjoy the spectacular views on the edge of the Yellowstone Grand Canyon.
Snow mobiles
Full speed ahead
Most of the roads in Yellowstone National Park are closed during the winter but can be accessed by snow mobile. Dash through the magical forest and along frozen rivers: this is one of the most spectacular ways to explore the park!
Explore the park
The park by night
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is the perfect base for a winter visit to Yellowstone; you can spend the night right next to the steaming hot springs. The hotel also organises numerous tours to explore the park.
Special shoes
The sound of snow
There is nothing like the sound of fresh snow crunching under your shoes! Under your snowshoes that is. These special shoes allow you to go off the beaten track; and Yellowstone boasts miles of trails that lead to many magical destinations.
Wildlife spotting
Coyotes and bison
Foxes, coyotes, wolves and of course bison: there is plenty of wildlife to look for at Yellowstone. The park rangers organise daily wildlife spotting tours.
