Bye-bye bison: Final countdown before most of Yellowstone closes for winter
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) – The final chance to catch fall foliage and watch the bison and other animals roaming this autumn at Yellowstone National Park is approaching quickly, as park officials prepare for winter.
Visitors have through Halloween to make the rounds, until the park’s West, South and East entrances close on November 1, along with most of the roads.
Snowmobile and snowcoach travel kicks off on December 15.
The road from Tower Fall to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) will remain open through October 31, weather permitting, the park stated in a release.
Winter travelers can visit Yellowstone only through the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana. The road connecting these two gates is open year-round, weather permitting, and takes guests to Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and the Lamar Valley.
Guests should prepare for changing weather conditions. The park suggests:
“Monitor changing weather conditions and plan accordingly. Have flexible travel plans. Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details. Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Check for temporary travel restrictions or closures, which can occur at any time without notice. Pack blankets and other cold weather essentials and keep your gas tank full. Stay informed about current road conditions in Yellowstone by: Visiting the Park Roads webpage. Signing up for Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). Calling (307) 344-2117 for a recorded road conditions update. ”Meanwhile, destination communities around Yellowstone are open year-round, providing extensive chances for fall and winter recreation, the park stated in a release. To learn more, you can check out the tourism websites:
Montana (Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City and Silver Gate) Wyoming (Cody and Jackson) Idaho (Island Park, Ashton and Idaho Falls) Click here to follow the original article.