Have you been to Yellowstone National Park in the summertime? If so, you know it’s a popular place to be.
Summertime in Yellowstone means good weather, longer days, and pleasant temperatures. On the flip side, it also means crowded campgrounds, congested roadways, and lots of people.
In contrast, the winter months in Yellowstone are peaceful, uncrowded, and quiet. Plus, Yellowstone is just as beautiful, if not more so, under a fresh blanket of snow.
If you’d like to uncover the magic of wintertime in Yellowstone, read on to learn these five insider tips:
Cross Country Ski Around Mammoth Hot Springs
Try experiencing the quietude of Yellowstone National Park in winter from a pair of skis.
The trails around the Mammoth Hot Springs are perfect from exploring by Nordic ski or snowshoe. Just a five-mile drive from the Gardiner, Montana entrance and accessible from the road, Mammoth Hot Springs has a network of cross-country trails available for all skill levels.
The trails wander past the ethereal hot springs while offering breathtaking views of the park’s majestic beauty.
Pro Tip: The Upper Terrace Loop can be reached from the parking lot, while the rest of the trails must be reached by shuttle from the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
Soak in the Boiling River
A two-mile drive from Mammoth Hot Springs, the Boiling River is a natural phenomenon occurring when the Mammoth runoff combines with the Gardiner River.
The result? Glorious and natural hot springs perfect for soaking those aching bones and sore muscles. It’s a magical place made even more incredible when you’re able to witness the park’s wildlife, such as elk and bison, grazing nearby.
The Boiling River parking lot is a 0.5-mile drive from the Gardiner park entrance, followed by a ½ mile trail walk to the hot springs.
Pro Tip: Wear layers, and bring a towel, water shoes, and a big bottle of water.
Drive on Route 191
With an average year-round temperature of 30.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the town of West Yellowstone may not be the most enticing winter destination.
But as a popular winter gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the area around West Yellowstone is breathtaking.
From snow-covered treetops to glittering snowfields and sparkling, meandering rivers, Route 191 through Yellowstone is an incredible drive in the wintertime.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to visit Yellowstone on the cheap, consider flying to Salt Lake City. Flights are more affordable to bigger cities and West Yellowstone is a 4.5-hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport.
Backcountry Ski Near Cooke City
Backcountry skiing, a sport where skiers eschew the lift and hike up the mountain themselves, is becoming one of the hottest trends in the ski industry. As a result, more skiers are looking for unique places to escape the crowds and “earn their turns.”
Well, backcountry skiers should look no further than the northern region of Yellowstone National Park. The small town of Cooke City is the gateway to every skier’s paradise—steep hills, fluffy snow, incredible vistas, and best of all, no lift lines.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to backcountry skiing, take an avalanche training course and equip yourself with the necessary safety gear. Or, consider taking a guided tour with a local company like Yellowstone Ski Tours.
Snowmobile to Old Faithful
Due to the park’s high volume of snow during the winter months, many of Yellowstone’s entrances and roads are closed. But for visitors who want to see Old Faithful’s geyser erupt, winter is the perfect time to get adventurous and try something new.
From mid-December to mid-March, Old Faithful can be accessed by either snowmobile or snow coach. The guided tour is not only an exciting adventure through the park, but is sure to be less crowded than the throngs of visitors in July.
Pro Tip: To book your snowmobile trip to Old Faithful, check out this list of guided tours, available at every open park entrance.
Winter in Yellowstone is an experience that should not be missed. From exciting outdoor adventures to peaceful moments within the park, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to be remembered. Which winter activity is calling your name?
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Jersey Griggs is a freelance travel writer for hire. Currently residing in Portland, Maine, Jersey previously lived in Bozeman, Montana, where she made frequent trips to Yellowstone National Park. An avid skier and lover of snow, she hopes to convince people that winter isn’t all that bad. To learn more, visit Jersey’s website or follow her on Twitter.
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