You are here

Home » Winter Has Descended On National Parks In The Rockies

Winter Has Descended On National Parks In The Rockies

Share

Published Date

November 1, 2019
With winter coming, this Yellowstone coyote doesn't have too much traffic to worry about/NPS, Jacob W. Frank

With winter coming, this Yellowstone coyote doesn't have too much traffic to worry about/NPS, Jacob W. Frank

Need proof that winter is moving in? Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park has closed for the season, most roads in Yellowstone National Park are closing this weekend to wheeled vehicles, and visitor services are going into hibernation at Glacier National Park.

Trail Ridge Road closed for the winter on October 24. The road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet and few guard rails and no shoulder. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds, and below freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Weather permitting, Trail Ridge Road will remain open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park.

Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year Trail Ridge Road opened on June 5, after numerous May snowstorms brought significant snow and drifting above 11,500 feet. Elsewhere in Rocky Mountain, the most popular destinations for this time of year -- including Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley -- are all open.

At Yellowstone, this weekend provides the last chance for visitors to drive to many iconic locations in Yellowstone. The West, South, and East Entrances and all roads, with one exception, will close to vehicle travel at 8 a.m. Monday, November 4, so the park can prepare them for the winter season and snowmobile and snowcoach travel, which will begin Sunday, December 15.

The one exception is the road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs to the park’s Northeast Entrance and the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana. This road is open all year, weather-permitting. Travel east of Cooke City is not possible from late fall to spring because a segment of US 212 (Beartooth Highway) between Cooke City and Pilot Creek is closed to vehicle travel.

If you plan to drive to and in the park during the fall and winter, you should have flexible travel plans and prepare for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Visit Park Roads for the status of Yellowstone roads. Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

In Glacier, while the park is accessible to the public year-round, fall and winter are seasons with low visitation, limited access, and reduced services. This time of year demands increased planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

The boating season is coming to a close in Glacier National Park. All remaining open waters, including Lake McDonald, Bowman Lake, and Kintla Lake, close to boating on November 1. Similar to 2019, west side waters will reopen to boating in May 2020 and east side waters will reopen in early June 2020. Precise dates will be released in early spring.

Most campgrounds have closed for the season. The Apgar Campground, located in the Apgar Picnic Area during the winter, and St. Mary Campground remain open year-round in primitive or winter status, which means that no running water is available. Potable water is unavailable on the east side of the park during the winter. For more information about Glacier’s campgrounds, visit the park’s campground status webpage.

Related Stories:

At Yellowstone’s Edge: The Beartooth Mountains And The Stillwater Complex
Spectacular Waterfalls Are An Often-Hidden Gem Of Yellowstone National Park
Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Gary Springer on November 1, 2019 - 11:55am.

Incomplete telepohone number listed (888-777) for the Yellowstone road alerts.  See the last sentence of the 6th paragraph above.


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on November 4, 2019 - 10:22am.

Gary et al, Yellowstone staff say that is the correct number, and that it's not a phone number.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.