Yellowstone National Park has announced that its North Entrance in Gardiner and West Entrance in West Yellowstone will open for the summer season exclusively on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 8 a.m., contingent on weather. According to a recent statement, travelers are advised to stay updated on potential changes.
Officials say these entrances will grant access to sites such as Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Lamar Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful, if conditions allow. In their official announcement, park representatives indicated that additional roads within Yellowstone will open throughout May, depending on ongoing snowmelt and weather patterns.
Entrance fees will be waived on Saturday, April 19, in conjunction with National Park Week, as indicated in the park’s notice. Rangers encourage anyone planning a visit to account for the possibility of icy or snow-covered conditions that could result in unanticipated closures or delays.
Visitors are advised to bring winter gear and plan for delays of up to 30 minutes, which may arise from road work or sudden weather shifts. Officials recommend checking current conditions online or signing up for real-time alerts by texting “82190” to 888-777.
Wildlife is frequently spotted in popular areas such as Lamar Valley, and the park has specific rules to protect both visitors and animals. Park guidelines require that individuals keep at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from bison, elk, and other wildlife.
Officials indicate that there are limited spring services available at some of the park’s facilities. Visitors are encouraged to remain flexible and consult the park’s main website for updates on lodging, roads, and evolving weather conditions.
Roads may have ice or snow through spring, and park officials caution that conditions can change quickly, potentially prompting travel advisories on short notice. This caution applies especially to higher-elevation sections and those areas where heavy snowfall has consolidated.
Separate advisories note that snowmelt can lead to flooding in low-lying regions or around river corridors, causing unexpected hazards. Crews continue monitoring vulnerable areas and respond as conditions warrant.
Wildlife education remains a key aspect of responsible travel, and official park communications caution that failing to secure items such as food, trash, or cooking utensils can draw animals into close contact with people. Authorities state that carrying bear spray further reduces the risk of wildlife conflicts.
Park guidelines also underscore the importance of storing all attractants in locked vehicles or designated bear-proof containers. They warn that even small lapses can entice certain species to linger near roads and camp areas.
Rangers reiterate that road availability is poised to change if spring storms intensify. Staying informed through the park’s digital information channels helps ensure a safer experience, whether traveling by personal vehicle or on foot in backcountry sections.
Park officials emphasize the importance of adhering to posted rules and closures, stressing that each is designed to protect both ecological resources and visitor safety. They ask that guests remain patient if snow, ice, or wildlife activity momentarily restrict access to some of Yellowstone’s famed natural wonders.