Ride a snowmobile or snowcoach in Yellowstone

A line of snowmobilers head across the snowy Yellowstone landscape.

NPS

Winter in Yellowstone means snow. Most of the park's roads are closed to normal vehicles. Guided snowmobile or snowcoch tours provide a way to enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone in winter.

Details

Activity

Snowmobiling

The only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations during winter is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach, or through the non-commercially guided snowmobile program.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Visit the Ride a snowmobile or snowcoach page on the Yellowstone website to learn more about the different options for concession-run guided tours.

Reservations

Yes

Season

Winter

Time of Day

Day

Winter travel hours are 7 am-9 pm.

Accessibility Information

Ask the different concession-run programs about accessibility options.

NPS

Yellowstone National Park is a special place, and winter is a wonderful time to experience just how special it is.

When winter snows descend on the park, many of the normal recreational opportunities are no longer available. However, this seasonal change provides for new recreational opportunities which include snowmobiling and riding a snowcoach. 

Every year in early November, most park roads close to regular traffic in preparation for the winter season. The only exception is the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance, which is open to regular traffic all year. Once enough snow accumulates (usually by mid-December), other park roads open to “oversnow” travel only.

This means the only way to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations during winter is by guided snowmobile or snowcoach, or through the non-commercially guide snowmobile program.

A popular winter destination for day trips is the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. Mist from the falls swirls at the bottom of the canyon and freezes into an ice sculpture which grows upward throughout the winter directly in front of the Lower Falls.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River during the winter.

NPS

Snow and ice create ghostly trees in the geyser basins.

And wildlife can be seen adapting to the cold, harsh winter environment.

Oversnow travel ends in mid-March, when plowing crews begin clearing a winter’s worth of snow.