Yellowstone National Park is set to open select roads to the public beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 21 weather permitting.
This yearly opening will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the park and take in the majestic natural beauty that Yellowstone has to offer.
The opening will include routes from West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana) to Old Faithful (via Madison Junction) and Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris Junction and Madison Junction).
Additionally, Norris Junction to Canyon Village will be accessible. The park’s North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana) are open to all traffic with no restrictions.
To celebrate National Park Week, entrance fees will be waived on Saturday, April 22, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Yellowstone’s unparalleled beauty for free.
As the season progresses, additional park roads will open throughout May, weather permitting.
However, visitors are encouraged to check the park’s current conditions before arrival and to remain vigilant, as winter conditions and snow and ice may cover sections of road.
The park’s wildlife, such as bison, elk, and moose, have endured a severe winter, with above-average snowpack and continued cold temperatures. As a result, they may be weak and stressed. Visitors are urged to be mindful of these animals, especially when they are using roads as travel corridors.
Bison and elk are known to travel on roads when the snow is deep, and the higher than usual snowbanks this year prevent them from easily moving off the road.
Visitors are asked to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Visitors are discouraged from crowding or pushing wildlife, as this can cause them further stress.
Due to the severity of the winter, there may be a high number of winter-killed carcasses in the park. When bears emerge from hibernation, they often feed on elk and bison that died over the winter.
Sometimes, bears will react aggressively to encounters with people when feeding on carcasses.
Visitors are urged to protect themselves and bears by staying alert, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to use it. Visitors can learn more about bear safety on the National Park Service website.
Services in the park during the spring season are limited, so visitors are advised to come prepared.
Private campground owners and operators in the nearby area should take note of the limited services and be prepared for an influx of visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to buy a pass online ahead of time to reduce wait times at park entrances.
However, visitors should also note that there will be four major road improvement projects this year, causing delays (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb, Yellowstone River Bridge, and Northeast Entrance Road).
Visitors should plan accordingly and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife, and other hazards when driving through road construction areas.
Visitors can stay informed by checking for road updates, receiving Yellowstone road alerts on their mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions), and visiting the park’s website.
By remaining informed and vigilant, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone National Park while also ensuring that the park’s wildlife and resources are protected for future generations.