Gates will be blocking access to most roads in Yellowstone National Park today, as the park is readying for the winter season by ending wheeled-vehicle access for the coming months.

Roads to most of the park’s popular tourist destinations close for the season at 8 a.m. MST today so park staff members can begin preparing the roads for limited, commercially guided snowmobile and snowcoach travel for the winter season, which begins December 15.

The only park road open to wheeled vehicle travel all year is the section from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and the Lamar Valley on to the park’s Northeast Entrance and the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana.

Visitors driving to and in the park during the fall and winter are encouraged to have flexible travel plans and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Mud and snow tires or tire chains may be required. Updated information on road conditions in Yellowstone is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.

At Mammoth Hot Springs, the Yellowstone General Store, Post Office, medical clinic, campground and the Albright Visitor Center remain open all year. Pay-at-the pump fuel is available 24 hours a day all year at Yellowstone Park Service Stations in Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction.

All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities depending on the weather, including hiking, fishing, hunting, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Information on fall and winter lodging, camping, services and activities near the park in the Montana communities of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City and Silver Gate is available by contacting their respective Chambers of Commerce or from Travel Montana at 800-847-4868.

Information on visiting the Wyoming communities of Cody and Jackson this fall and winter is available from their Chambers of Commerce, or by contacting Wyoming Travel and Tourism at 800-225-5996.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts provides lodging, food service, and guided recreation opportunities in Yellowstone during the winter. Details are available by calling 866-GEYSERLAND.