Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, transforms into a tranquil, snow-covered wonderland during winter. While summer visitors often number over a million in July, February typically sees fewer than 50,000 visitors, making it the perfect time to explore the park without the crowds.
The serenity of Yellowstone in winter offers a stark contrast to its bustling summer season. Snow blankets the park, providing a dramatic backdrop for wildlife and revealing a quieter, more intimate side of its geothermal wonders. Instead of the roar of engines, you’ll hear the whisper of fumaroles, the gurgle of bubbling mud pots, and the soft crunch of snow beneath your feet.
With winter temperatures ranging from sunny days in the 30s to blizzard conditions at 20 below zero, proper preparation is key. Dress in layers, wear insulated, waterproof boots and gloves, and always travel with a group for safety. Yellowstone’s winter season runs from mid-December to early March, offering a range of activities for all levels of adventure. Pack a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the park’s natural beauty, but always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
Explore the Park in a Cozy Snow Coach
For a comfortable and unique winter experience, consider a snow coach tour. These high-clearance passenger vans with oversized, low-pressure tires are an excellent way to traverse Yellowstone’s snowy terrain. Xanterra Travel Collection offers tours departing from Mammoth Hot Springs (from $134) and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge ($84 for round trips).
The Snow Lodge, located in the park’s Upper Geyser Basin, is the only interior hotel open during winter. Accessible only by snow coach or snowmobile, it features 100 rooms and 34 cabins. Guests can enjoy a variety of tours, from stargazing adventures to photo safaris. While at the lodge, stroll under the Milky Way with a hot chocolate or greet the sunrise with a cappuccino as Old Faithful erupts nearby.
Paul Brown, a trip leader for Wilderness Travel, describes the Snow Lodge as “one of Yellowstone’s hidden secrets,” offering rare solitude and access to the basin’s many geysers.
Ski from a Solar-Powered Yurt Camp
Cross-country skiing in Yellowstone’s backcountry is a magical way to immerse yourself in its snowy landscapes. Yellowstone Expeditions Yurt Camp, located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, offers three-night stays starting at $2,200, including meals and transportation.
Guests travel 40 miles by snow coach from West Yellowstone, Montana, to reach the camp. Once there, skiers can explore on their own or join guided groups. The camp features eight heated “yurtlets” for single or double occupancy, along with a communal yurt for dining, a sauna, and even a heated shared outhouse. Plan your trip during a full moon for unforgettable nighttime views.
Catch Up on the Wolf Gossip
The Northeast Entrance Road is the only plowed route in Yellowstone during winter, providing access to the park’s northern range, often called the American Serengeti for its abundant wildlife. This area is prime wolf-watching territory, where visitors can observe the intricate dynamics of Yellowstone’s wolf packs.
For the best experience, bring binoculars or a spotting scope and visit the Lamar Valley at first light. Sage Lodge in Montana’s Paradise Valley offers private Lamar Valley tours from $995 (rooms from $364). End your journey in the tiny town of Cooke City, Montana, for a warm meal and a glimpse of local life.
Feel the Thrill on a Snowmobile
Snowmobile tours provide an exhilarating way to explore Yellowstone’s Lower Loop. Gary Fales Outfitting offers guided day trips to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (from $400 per snowmobile), including gear and equipment. Multi-day tours (starting at $1,875 per snowmobile) include overnight stays at nearby hotels.
Experienced riders can apply for the National Park Service’s snowmobile lottery each August to secure dates for self-guided tours. Be sure to complete the required safety course and prepare for savvy ravens that can unzip bags in search of food.
Slow Down with a Snowshoe Hike
For a quieter and more contemplative adventure, try snowshoeing. Yellowstone Forever, the park’s nonprofit partner, offers private guided tours in the northern range (from $760), which include meals, snowshoe rentals, and expert-led insights into the park’s winter ecology and cultural history.
Self-guided snowshoe rentals are available at Bear Den ski shops in Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful. Beginners can explore the Upper Terrace Loop at Mammoth, a mostly flat trail that winds through stunning travertine formations and hot springs.
Plan Your Winter Escape
Yellowstone in winter is a world apart, where solitude reigns and nature’s raw beauty takes center stage. Whether you choose a cozy snow coach, a rustic yurt camp, or the thrill of a snowmobile, you’ll experience the park like few others have. Pack your gear, embrace the cold, and discover why winter might just be the best time to visit the world’s first national park.