Updated January 2025
We had fun exploring winter in Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Yellowstone National Park, Montana. All thoughts shared are our own and reflect our experiences while traveling.
Winter vacation. Many people think of sun, beaches, and warm weather destinations. These can provide a pleasant break for those who live in the North American Snow Belt or other cold weather areas.
If you’re like us and don’t mind wearing a few layers and enjoying the colder weather, Yellowstone National Park is a great place to consider exploring.
If you have read any of the stories from our summer visit yellowstone national park You know this is a must-visit destination. America’s first national park was a national park with unlimited access. We met people who live near the park and they said they see or learn something new every time they come to the park.
Warning: This article is about the beauty of visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter. We’ll save all the delicious food and drinks we experienced for another post. Don’t worry, there are plenty!
winter wonderland
The park is beautiful not only because of the pristine snow and ice, but also because of the lack of crowds. There are no lines. No need to wait. For someone like me who really wants to limit time with a lot of people, this is the perfect time to visit.
I visited the iconic Old Faithful Geyser over the summer and shared the experience with hundreds, if not thousands, of people. During this visit we witnessed the eruption of Old Faithful along with a handful of people and a rogue coyote.
This is just a glimpse of our winter visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Snow friendly vehicles
When visiting Yellowstone Country in the winter, you’ll find many different types of snow buses available and can easily be arranged Charter. These vehicles provide visitors with easy and safe access in and around the park.
The park’s new snow trainer uses huge wet tires for the smoothest ride ever. Its large windows allow you to see everything and take great photos without having to get out of your car.
Adventure travelers, don’t worry. There are plenty of stops along the way for a short or long hike into the park to see its many highlights. You can schedule the type of visit you feel comfortable with and enjoy best.
winter activities
There is a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from and can be customized to your level of expertise. While we were there we enjoyed snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. The area is also popular for downhill and cross-country skiing.
If you love dogs, don’t miss the chance to go dog sledding. The dogs are excited to go and it’s fun to watch them get ready. They bark like crazy in anticipation of the run, but they’re quiet and serious during the ride. It’s comfortable and a great way to get into deeper woodland areas and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The company hosting us is Northern adventure. They work with rescued Alaskan huskies and even offer you the chance to drive your own sled with guidance. We found that all the instructors and drivers were great lovers of dogs and really good teachers.
Another way to enjoy the tranquility of the winter forest is to go snowshoeing. This was our first time and we loved it! It’s so spectacular to walk around the woods at your own speed and take in it all. Let me tell you, it’s really easy and not much different than a normal walk. Shoes and poles can help you maintain balance and navigate the snow. You can walk at your own pace and truly find peace in nature. It was such an amazing experience and we never thought we would enjoy it so much.
For those of you who need speed (not me), a snowmobile will be your choice of winter transportation. Walking through the woods will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. We were snowmobiling in West Yellowstone, which was a completely different thing.
winter creatures
We love nature and especially love seeing animals in their natural habitat. You may not have a chance to see bears hibernating in the winter, but you will have a chance to see herds of bison. One day we saw nearly 200 bison (Diana was counting) while walking through the park.
At the beginning of the trip, we were lucky enough to see bighorn sheep grazing on the roadside.
Throughout our visit we saw bison, elk, sheep, coyotes, wolves, muskrats, deer, and foxes. Many birds are on full display, including swans, ducks, geese, bald eagles, and even a blue heron.
While you may not encounter bears in the wild in Yellowstone during the winter, you can Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Open year-round, this non-profit center is a wildlife park and educational facility.
What we love most about the center is that all of the animals have been rescued and would not otherwise be able to survive without the center’s help. Take the time to not only visit the animals, but also watch movies, learn about all the conservation research that goes into them, and view exhibits. They have a great gift shop and all proceeds go directly to caring for the animals and maintaining the center.
romantic stay
One of the best things about winter is snuggling up and getting cozy. When you’ve finished enjoying all that the great outdoors and nature has to offer, you can head to a luxury cabin or resort and enjoy all the creature comforts you could want. Whether you prefer spa treatments, gourmet feasts, wine tastings or all of the above, there are many, many options to choose from.
One of our favorite stops was returning Gushan Ranch. There are more than 85 kilometers of groomed woodland cross-country skiing trails and 30 kilometers of snowshoe trails on the ranch. They also host sleigh dinners in a lantern-lit cabin with live music and a delicious prime rib dinner. As you sled back to your cabin, be sure to look up. You won’t want to miss the magical sparkling stars in the clear night sky.
You can also stay in Yellowstone National Park old faithful igloo or Mammoth Hotel and Spa. Both are full-service hotels that offer a unique and very comfortable park stay experience, complete with dining services and amenities.
remember
We highly recommend visiting Yellowstone National Park during the winter, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before booking.
- Be prepared. You need to wear several layers of clothing to keep yourself warm and comfortable throughout the day. Work from a thin starting layer to a waterproof layer on top to keep you dry. We live in Chicago and don’t need to buy any special clothing that we don’t use here. But if you live in a warmer climate, you may want to invest in some important clothing and boots. Warm, dry feet and hands are essential for enjoying the outdoors. If you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, investing in hand and foot heating pads is a great option.
- stay hydrated. Although there was plenty of snow around, the climate was surprisingly dry. Always carry water with you wherever you go. Most places have water bottle refueling stations, which we loved, so bring your water bottle with you.
- Plan for extra time. Winter weather in Yellowstone Country is unpredictable. Allow enough time when driving to drive safely. It also takes time to put on (and take off) all that extra clothing, so pit stops take longer than you might expect.
- watch your step. Shoes are key to safely exploring the park. Make sure you have a pair of winter hiking boots that provide good traction. Again, spending the extra time moving slowly and walking like a penguin will help keep you safe.
- Park partially open. Don’t expect to see the entire park. Due to heavy snowfall in Montana and Wyoming, only some areas and roads are open during the winter. Be sure to check the Yellowstone National Park website for updates and closures.
None of this should stop you from visiting Yellowstone in the winter. They are just things to be aware of and help you plan.
Plan your trip now
Visiting America’s national parks is a great way to learn about our country, and an even better way to meet people from all over the country. We have now been to Yellowstone country in the summer and winter. Both trips left us with some of our most treasured and treasured travel memories.
As much as we love the beauty and nature of Yellowstone Country, it’s the people that really make it special. They clearly love their national treasure and work hard to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. We thank them for their service and concern for their work. Everyone is welcome at Yellowstone National Park in Montana. They are willing to lend a helping hand and listen to your story.
When you visit, take time to visit a local restaurant, cafe, bakery or bar. Sit for a while, listen and ask questions. I think you’ll find a place you didn’t know existed. (I’m sorry I have to share these amazing Huckleberry gaffes. Consider them a glimpse into the delicious food stories to come).
After visiting Yellowstone National Park, you may find yourself thinking as we often do: “When are we coming back?”
Go to Visit YellowstoneCountry.com Get the complete travel planning guide on how to get there, where to stay and what to do in winter or any other time of year. They have everything you need to make your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.
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