Yellowstone Flooding: Updates – Destination Yellowstone

Explore West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park: Open for Adventure!

West Yellowstone is open and safe, and there is always plenty to see and do.

Here’s a link to some of our favorite things to do – outside of the park.

https://destinationyellowstone.com/west-yellowstone…/

The heart of Yellowstone is still beating.


WHAT TO DO IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

To ensure your safety and stay up-to-date on current conditions, check out these resources:

  • Montana Road Conditions: Visit www.511mt.net for real-time updates on road conditions in and around West Yellowstone.
  • Yellowstone National Park News: Stay informed about park closures, weather alerts, and more at https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/.
  • Text Alerts: Sign up to receive text alerts for Yellowstone National Park by texting “82190” to 888-7777. Stay informed about possible road closures due to weather or other hazards.
  • Whether you’re planning a hiking excursion, a day of fishing, or just want to explore the beauty of West Yellowstone, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your adventure. From must-see sights to insider tips, we’ve got you covered!

10/30/22 11:04am

UPDATE: Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance and road to Mammoth Hot Springs opens TODAY, Oct. 30 

Yellowstone to waive all entrance fees Oct. 30 and Oct. 31  

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Effective immediately, Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and road between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs (Old Gardiner Road) is open to regular visitor traffic. Contractors completed striping yesterday, Oct. 29.  

The public should keep the following details in mind when driving the road: 

  • Yellowstone reminds the public of everyone’s responsibility to use the road carefully to avoid accidents. 
  • Steep grades and sharp curves exist. Drive slowly and with caution.  
  • Speed limits range between 15-25 mph. 
  • There are no length or weight restrictions on the road (see exceptions), however, oversized vehicles and vehicles with trailers must use caution in curves to maintain lanes.  
  • Minor road construction work will continue with one-way traffic control and short delays in certain locations on the road. 

Today, Oct 30., and Oct. 31 the park will waive all entrance fees. Travel safely and enjoy the improved road! 

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Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


10/13/22 2:34pm

Northeast Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park to open Oct. 15 

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance Road (Tower Junction to the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana) will open to regular visitor vehicle traffic Saturday, Oct.15 at 8 a.m. 

Visitors should keep the following details in mind when driving the road: 

  • All flood damaged sections on the Northeast Entrance Road will be paved by Oct.15, except for the section of road near the popular trailhead to Trout Lake, which will be paved in the upcoming 10 days. Traffic will be permitted on this segment of road while repairs continue. Anticipate traffic control in the area and short delays to facilitate one-way traffic through this section.  
  • A short section of road in Lamar Canyon will remain a paved, single lane through the winter season. A temporary stop light will be in place for traffic control and delays will be minimal.   
  • There will be no restrictions on the Northeast Entrance Road. 
  • After opening to the public, this road will continue to be an active construction zone. Drivers will need to use caution and watch for crews and heavy equipment. 
  • Repair efforts will continue beyond Oct. 15 for as long as weather permits. Additional repairs and clean-up will continue in the spring.      

“We are very pleased to be restoring public access to the northeast corridor just four months after the June flood event,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “I commend the collective efforts of the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration and Oftedal Construction, Inc. to complete this monumental task in such a short amount of time.”  

The Northeast Entrance Road has been closed since the historic flood event in June which caused significant damage to approximately five sections of the road. Reopening this section effectively opens 99% of the park’s roads. 

This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). Oftedal Construction, Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project. 

Crews are completing extensive work on the Old Gardiner Road (a limited-access road between Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs). Paving is currently being completed over the entire 4-mile road and over 5,000 feet of guardrail is being installed. This road remains closed to regular traffic and will open no later than Nov. 1.  

For details, including up-to-date photos, about the June flood and ongoing recovery, visit go.nps.gov/YELLflood

Stay informed 

  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads
    • Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 

–  www.nps.gov/yell –

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


8/4/2022 9:13am

Yellowstone National Park timelines for North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads  

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park continues to make major progress with short- and long-term efforts to reconnect the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana. 

In mid-June, Yellowstone experienced a 500-year flood event that caused severe damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines and other critical park infrastructure. The most significant damage severed access to the park via the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads. One month after the historic event and the park closing temporarily, 93% of park roadways were reopened. 

The park asks the public to understand the differences in timelines between short-term construction solutions that will reopen the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance roads to the public later this year, and the long-term reconstruction efforts that will take place over the upcoming years.   

North Entrance Road (Mammoth Hot Springs to the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana)  

Short-term Reconnection (Completion expected in October 2022)  

Efforts to two-lane the Old Gardiner Road have continued accelerating with approximately 1.5 miles of the 4-mile road already at two lanes. Substantial culvert work, slope stabilization and retainment has occurred. This road is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, this temporary road will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner going into the winter season. This road will be used as the primary access route until a permanent reconstruction option is completed in upcoming years. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). HK Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.      

Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)  

The National Park Service (NPS) is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the primary road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner. This road is closed and not drivable due to several washed out road segments. The criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunities to comment as this planning process proceeds.   

Northeast Entrance Road (Completion expected in October 2022) 

Efforts to repair approximately five damaged sections of the Northeast Entrance Road (between Slough Creek and Barronette Meadows) are underway and will be accelerating substantially in the upcoming weeks. Plans and designs have been completed for each damaged section. This project is expected to be passable for regular traffic by Oct. 15, 2022, however, additional improvements will continue beyond that date weather permitting. Once completed, these temporary repairs will allow for regular vehicle access, including visitors, to travel between Tower Junction and Cooke City/Silver Gate. This project is being completed with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and funded largely by FHWA Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO). Oftedal Contractors Inc. is the primary construction company under contract to complete this project.  

Long-term Reconstruction (Estimated Multi-Year)   

The NPS is working closely with the FHWA to prepare and analyze a range of long-term alternatives for permanent reconstruction of the Northeast Entrance Road. Similar to the North Entrance Road, the criteria for selection will focus largely on alternatives that are least environmentally impacting, least visually impacting, most resilient to future natural disasters, most expeditious and cost effective, and take advantage of unimpacted existing road infrastructure if possible. Timelines for long-term reconstruction will be predicated on which alternative is selected. The public will have ample opportunity to comment as this planning process proceeds.  

Repairs for the North and Northeast Entrance roads are extensive (see damage on Yellowstone Flickr) and being done as quickly as possible. Should timelines change going into the fall due to early winter weather or other events, Yellowstone will communicate with the public and stakeholders.   

Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remain open with access to the park via foot, bicycles, and horseback in approved areas (see map).   

Approximately 94% of the Yellowstone backcountry is open. View the Backcountry Situation Report for details.   

As the park recovers, it’s critical that visitors traveling to the park in the coming weeks stay informed about what’s open and closed.   

Commemorate 150 Years of Yellowstone   

Visit go.nps.gov/Yellowstone150 and follow #Yellowstone150 frequently in 2022 to stay current on commemoration information.  

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F

Visit us online: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Flickr | YouTube 


7/29/2022

Yellowstone National Park flood recovery update: Visitors with a day-use ticket can drive the Tower Junction to Slough Creek road corridor starting Aug. 3  

It’s critical that visitors traveling to the park stay informed about what’s open and closed. 

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – In the park’s continuing efforts to expand visitor access, effective Aug. 3 through Oct. 31, 2022, visitors with a day-use ticket will be able to drive the road corridor from Tower Junction to Slough Creek to park and hike, fish and watch wildlife. This section of road in the northern portion of the park has been closed to visitor vehicular traffic since the park closed in June immediately following a historic flood event. Yellowstone has rapidly reopened areas when safe to do so. Approximately 93% of paved roads and 94% of Yellowstone’s backcountry is open. 

Beginning Aug.1 at 8 a.m. MDT, visitors wanting to tour the Tower Junction to Slough Creek road corridor on Aug. 3 can book a day-use ticket here: Recreation.gov. Tickets are only available at Recreation.gov. 

Visitors with a ticket will only be able to enter this road corridor from Tower Junction. Visitors cannot access the area from the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana). That road segment is closed to visitor vehicular traffic because of significant flood damage on the road. 

This pilot day-use access program was initiated in response to the flood damage and provides the park an opportunity to safely reopen this impacted area to more visitation. Since the road essentially is a dead-end, the park will continue to monitor use along the road corridor and determine if expanded day-use capacity can occur at a later date.  

Tower Junction to Slough Creek road corridor vehicle day-use ticket 

  • Tickets will be available for morning and afternoon windows.
    • Visitors booking the 8 a.m. window may enter between 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
    • Visitors booking the 12 p.m. window may enter between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. 
  • All day-use visitors with a ticket during either time window may exit at any time that same day by 4:30 p.m. 
  • Visitors must print or screenshot their ticket prior to arriving in the park as there is no cell service or connectivity at Tower Junction. 
  • A ticket is valid for one vehicle for one day.  
  • Visitors may purchase up to three tickets on a transaction.  
  • Tickets can be reserved two days in advance.  
  • Approved stock outfitters, guides with a commercial use authorization, and backcountry overnight permit holders do not need a ticket to access the road corridor. The road has been open for them to provide public access by vehicle since July 13.  
  • The Tower Junction to Slough Creek corridor is a popular fishing area; fishing permits are required in Yellowstone. Visitors with fishing permits must additionally obtain a day-use ticket. 
  • Some trails and campsites in the northern range of the park south and east of the road corridor are closed due to flood damage. Know before you go. Visit Yellowstone’s Backcountry Situation Report for details.  
  • Interested visitors are advised to create a Recreation.gov account before Aug. 1 and log in to the account prior to making a reservation.  

Additional Information 

Slough Creek 

  • This new day-use reservation system will only allow visitors to enter this corridor with their vehicles. No day-use reservation is needed for visitors wanting to park at Tower Junction and bicycle, hike and fish between Tower Junction and Slough Creek.  
  • Visitors riding bicycles or hiking near the roadway should be cautious and understand that construction traffic east of Tower Junction will be heavy at times. They should also be cautious of wildlife on or near roadways, especially as the bison rut begins. 
  • Slough Creek Campground is closed for the season. 

North and Northeast entrances closed to visitor vehicular traffic 

  • Visitors are reminded that the park’s North and Northeast entrances remain closed to visitor vehicular traffic, however access is available by bicycle (on paved roadways) and foot through the North (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana) entrances to fish and hike in areas not identified as closed.
    • From the North Entrance, recreators can travel 1 mile to the Rescue Creek Trailhead. 
    • From the Northeast Entrance, recreators can travel 6 miles to barrier near Barronette Meadows. 

North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs 

Primary road is closed. Temporary road has limited access. 

  • The North Entrance Road that connects Gardiner, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs is closed and not drivable due to several washed out road segments from the historic flood event in June.  
  • A temporary and limited access road (Old Gardiner Road) between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs is currently an active construction zone and being converted to two lanes before winter. 
  • At this time, ONLY approved personnel and approved commercial use authorization holders are allowed on the Old Gardiner Road in approved traffic windows. 

Northeast Entrance Road 

  • The Northeast Entrance Road between the Slough Creek Campground Road, Lamar Valley and the barrier near Barronette Meadows (6 miles from the Northeast Entrance) is closed to all vehicle, bicycle and foot traffic while major construction repairs are being made. This closure is expected to stay in place for the upcoming months allowing contractors to complete work prior to winter. 
  • This section of road is an active construction zone. 

Stay informed 

  • Visitors traveling to the park must stay informed about what is OPEN and CLOSED throughout the park. 
  • Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for more info. 
  • Monitor the park website and social media for updates. 
  • Visit Camp in Backcountry for details about backcountry permits. 
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 

About Recreation.gov 
Recreation.gov is a one-stop-shop for trip planning and reservations to explore and discover America’s outdoor and cultural destinations. Visitors can use the website or the Recreation.gov mobile app to make campsite reservations, secure permits, schedule tours, purchase passes and more for all federal lands and waters throughout the country. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov. 

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Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


7/20/2022

Yellowstone National Park flood recovery update: Bicycles, hiking and fishing access between Tower Junction and Slough Creek starts July 21;

Slough Creek reopens to limited day use;

Day-use visitor reservation system pending for limited visitor vehicle traffic to Slough Creek

It’s critical that visitors traveling to the park in the coming weeks stay informed about what’s open and closed.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park today announced that visitors will be able to park at Tower Junction and bicycle, hike and fish between Tower Junction and Slough Creek starting Thursday, July 21. The road between Tower Junction and Slough Creek is also open for commercial tour authorization holders, commercial tour operators, and stock outfitters to provide public access by vehicle. The park is finalizing a day-use reservation system for visitor vehicle access which will be online by Aug. 1, allowing reservation holders day-use access with their vehicles.    

The park closed immediately following a historic flood event in June and has rapidly reopened areas when safe to do so. Approximately 93% of paved roads and 94% of Yellowstone’s backcountry is open.

New access

Tower Junction to Slough Creek

  • Starting July 21, visitors will be able to bicycle, hike and fish on a segment of the Northeast Entrance Road between Tower Junction and Slough Creek.
  • Visitors are asked to park vehicles appropriately in the Tower Junction area and not block public or emergency access.
  • Visitors riding bikes or hiking near the roadway are reminded that construction traffic east of Tower Junction on the Northeast Entrance Road will be heavy at times.

Backcountry: Slough Creek

  • The park provided limited public day-use access at Slough Creek to approved commercial operators, overnight backcountry permit holders and stock outfitters on July 16.
  • Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details.

Beartooth Highway

  • The Beartooth Highway is anticipated to reopen Friday, July 22, at 5 p.m.
  • Yellowstone reopened a 23-mile segment of the Beartooth Highway (from US-212/WY-296 junction to the ski hill parking lot) on June 28.
  • Nighttime closures are in effect at the Pilot Index Overlook east to Beartooth Lake Campground. Due to ongoing construction on the Beartooth, the following closures apply:
    • Closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be no closures Friday through Sunday.
    • This is a hard closure and traffic will not be allowed to pass through during these times.
    • Closures will be in effect through mid-October and are necessary to allow for ongoing highway construction.
  • Check the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation websites for road updates and status throughout the summer.

Current access

Backcountry

Parkwide

  • Currently 94% of Yellowstone’s backcountry is open to overnight and day-use.
  • Crews are continuing to evaluate damage and make repairs throughout the park.
  • Visit Camp in Backcountry for details.

Slough Creek

North and Northeast entrances

  • Visitors can access the park on bicycles and by foot through the North (Gardiner, Montana) and Northeast (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana) entrances to fish and hike in areas not identified as closed.
    • From the North Entrance, recreators can travel 1 mile to the Rescue Creek Trailhead.
    • From the Northeast Entrance, recreators can travel 6 miles to the Barronette Meadows area.
  • Any visitors accessing these areas should understand the dangers and risks of travel within these corridors.
  • Approved guides and outfitters are being granted as much access as possible to opened sections of the park through the North and Northeast Entrance roads.
  • The communities of Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate are open with access to the park as described above.  

North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs: Temporary and extremely limited access

  • A temporary and extremely limited access road (Old Gardiner Road) between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs is currently an active construction zone and being converted to two lanes before winter.
  • At this time, ONLY approved personnel and approved commercial use authorization holders are allowed on the road.
  • Visitors may access the park through the Old Gardiner Road with an approved commercial use authorization holder (guide).

Closed access

North Entrance Road

  • The Old Gardiner Road remains closed to general visitor vehicular traffic, bicycles, pedestrians and horses while road improvements are being completed.
  • It is an active construction zone.

Northeast Entrance Road

  • The Northeast Entrance Road (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, to Tower Junction) remains closed to visitor vehicular traffic while temporary repairs are completed.
  • It is an active construction zone.
  • The Northeast Entrance Road between the Slough Creek Campground Road, Lamar Valley and the barrier near Barronette Meadows is closed to vehicle and foot traffic while major construction repairs are being made. This closure is expected to stay in place for the upcoming months allowing contractors to complete work.

Backcountry

  • Sections of the Lamar River Corridor and Miller Creek will likely not reopen this year due to extensive damage.
  • Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details.

Future access

North and Northeast Entrances

  • Extensive work continues to ensure the Old Gardiner Road, a single-lane dirt road, will be a two-lane, paved and safe-to-travel-on road before winter, allowing some limited and managed visitor traffic. Once completed, visitor traffic will be allowed to resume.
  • Extensive work continues to ensure damage to multiple sections of the Northeast Entrance Road will be completed before winter. Once completed, general traffic will be allowed to access the communities of Cooke City/Silver Gate through the park.
  • Park staff will continue to work with commercial guides and outfitters in Gardiner, Montana, and Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, to further expand park access where possible.
  • Reconnecting the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remains Yellowstone’s highest flood recovery priority. These communities are open with access to the park as described above.

Stay Informed

  • Visitors traveling to the park must stay informed about what is OPEN and CLOSED throughout the park. Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for more info.
  • Monitor the park website and social media for updates.
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads.
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


7/12/2022 4:27pm

Yellowstone National Park flood recovery update: 93% of roadways, 88% of backcountry will be open July 13;

Slough Creek will reopen to limited overnight backcountry use July 13;

Bicycles allowed on limited portions of the North (Gardiner) and Northeast (Cooke City/Silver Gate) Entrance roads in addition to hiking and fishing access;

It’s critical that visitors traveling to the park in the coming weeks stay informed about what’s open and closed.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park announced today the reopening of Slough Creek to overnight backcountry use on July 13. Located in the northern portion of the park, Slough Creek is one of the park’s most visited backcountry areas. In addition, bicycles will be allowed to enter the North and Northeast Entrance roads for a limited distance. The park closed immediately following a historic flood event in June and has rapidly reopened areas when safe to do so. Approximately 93% of paved roads and 88% of Yellowstone’s backcountry will now be open.

Backcountry (Visit the Backcountry Situation Report for details.)

Slough Creek

  • Starting July 13, public access to Slough Creek from Tower Junction will be limited to overnight backcountry permit holders, stock outfitters and approved commercial guides and operators.
  • See the map for area-specific details.
  • Park staff will coordinate directly with current backcountry permit holders and commercial operators to allow them to enter and exit the area during daylight hours.
  • At this time, outside of permit holders allowed into the corridor (as described above), visitors will not be allowed on the 6-mile segment of road from Tower Junction to the Slough Creek Campground Road until further notice. This is largely due to limited traffic capacity on this section of road, the road closure after Slough Creek, construction traffic and other factors that are being monitored as the road partially opens. The park will monitor use within this corridor and determine if expanded day-use can occur at a later date.
  • The park is developing a new day-use permit system to potentially allow additional visitor access to Slough Creek at a later date. This is not being implemented at this time.
  • The park will look to open a portion of the road to foot traffic from Tower Junction to the Yellowstone River to provide fishing access in the near future.
  • The Slough Creek Campground will remain closed until further notice.
  • Construction traffic on the Northeast Entrance Road will be heavy at times.

Parkwide

  • Currently 88% of Yellowstone’s backcountry is open to overnight and day-use.
  • Currently 88% of the 1,000 miles of park trails are open with 12% closed due to historic flooding. The majority of closed trails are in the northern portion of the park.
  • Currently 88% of the 293 backcountry campsites in the park are open with 12% closed due to limited access, flood impacts and high water.
  • Crews are continuing to evaluate damage and make repairs throughout the park.
  • Sections of the Lamar River Corridor and Miller Creek will likely not reopen this year due to extensive damage.
  • Visit Camp in Backcountry for details.

North and Northeast Entrances

  • The North Entrance Road (Gardiner, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs) and Northeast Entrance Road (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, to Tower-Roosevelt) remain closed to vehicular traffic while temporary repairs are completed.
  • Visitors can now access the park on bicycles and by foot through these entrances.
    • From the North Entrance, bicyclists can travel 1 mile to the Rescue Creek Trailhead.
    • From the Northeast Entrance, bicyclists can travel 6 miles to the Barronette Meadows area.
  • On June 30, the park announced that visitors can access the park on foot through these entrances to recreate (fish and hike) in areas not identified as closed. Any visitors accessing these areas should understand dangers and risks of travel within these corridors.
  • Approved guides and outfitters are being granted as much access as possible to opened sections of the park through the North and Northeast Entrance Roads.
  • Park staff will continue to work with commercial guides and outfitters in Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate to further expand park access where possible.
  • Reconnecting the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remains Yellowstone’s highest flood recovery priority. These communities are open with access to the park as described above.

Temporary and extremely limited access from the North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs

  • A temporary and extremely limited access road (Old Gardiner Road) between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs is currently an active construction zone and being converted to two lanes before winter.
  • At this time, ONLY approved personnel and limited commercial use authorization holders are allowed on the road.
  • Normal visitor vehicular traffic, bicycles, pedestrians and horses are not allowed.
  • Visitors may access the park through the North Entrance through approved guiding and outfitting services.
  • The park is working diligently to ensure this single-lane dirt road will be a two-lane, paved and safe-to-travel-on road before winter, allowing some limited and managed visitor traffic.

Stay Informed

  • Visitors traveling to the park must stay informed about what is OPEN and CLOSED throughout the park. Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for more info.
  • Monitor the park website and social media for updates.
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads.
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/30/2022 12:32pm – GREAT NEWS!

Yellowstone National Park to reopen north loop July 2 and suspend Alternating License Plate System, 93% of roadways will be open 

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park will reopen the north loop on Saturday, July 2, to all visitors. In addition to roads in the south loop, visitors will now be able to access:  

  • Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs  
  • Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt  
  • Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) 

Visitors can access the south and north loops via the East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming), West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana), and South Entrance (Grand Teton/Jackson, Wyoming).  

“We’re pleased to reopen the north loop of Yellowstone to the visiting public less than three weeks after this major flood event,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “We have attempted to balance major recovery efforts while reopening as much of the park as possible. We have greatly appreciated the tremendous support of the Department of the Interior; National Park Service; Federal Highway Administration; and our congressional, community, county and state partners.” 

North loop 

Federal Highway Administration engineers have completed final bridge and road safety inspections. Temporary repairs to the wastewater systems have been evaluated and will accommodate day use on the north loop.  

The park cautions the public that high water remains in many waterways and to be aware of backcountry closures in the north loop due to hazardous conditions or damaged trails and bridges. Visit Yellowstone’s Backcountry Situation Report for details.  

Services in the north loop will include general stores at Tower and Mammoth Hot Springs, and gasoline in both locations. Additional services may open in upcoming weeks. Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for details.   

North and Northeast entrances 

The North Entrance Road (Gardiner, Montana to Mammoth Hot Springs) and Northeast Entrance Road (Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana to Tower-Roosevelt) remain closed to visitor vehicular traffic while temporary repairs are completed. Visitors may access the park on foot through these entrances in order to recreate (fish and hike) in areas not identified as closed. The park will evaluate authorizing bicycle use through these entrances up to damaged road sections in the near future.  

Park staff are working with commercial guides and outfitters in Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate to further expand park access where possible. Yellowstone has reopened a 23-mile segment of the Beartooth Highway (from US-212/WY-296) junction to the ski hill parking lot), providing visitors access to this world-class scenic roadway.  

Reconnecting the park to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate remains Yellowstone’s highest flood recovery priority. These communities are open with access to the park as described above. 

Alternating License Plate System suspended  

Yellowstone implemented the Alternating License Plate System (ALPS) upon reopening the south loop June 22, 2022, to ensure visitor traffic did not overwhelm the south loop. The interim system worked very effectively at moderating traffic within the park, however, with the opening of the north loop and 93% of the road system open, ALPS will be suspended effective July 2. Visitor entrances from East, West, and South will return to normal entrance procedures. Park staff will continue monitoring visitor use data, traffic counts, and the condition of infrastructure over the upcoming months to ensure visitor usage is not overwhelming capacity. The ALPS system may be reinstituted if this becomes the case.  

Backcountry – Visit Backcountry Situation Report for details 

Most of Yellowstone’s southern backcountry will open to overnight use on Friday, July 1, however some trails and campsites will remain closed for repairs due to flood impacts, high water and bear management closures

A large portion of the backcountry in the north remains closed as damage assessments continue. Many northern trails have been severely damaged and bridges washed away. Additional backcountry in the northern part of the park will reopen as repairs and final damage assessments are completed.  

Stay informed 

Visitors traveling to the park must stay informed about the current situation, changes in visitor entry requirements, and road conditions. The public should also use extreme caution in areas of high water. 

Visitors should regularly monitor updates from the park on new openings or closures as recovery efforts continue. 

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/30/2022

🚨 ☎️ YNP will host a daily community call today, Thursday June 30, with Superintendent Cam Sholly and the West Yellowstone Community at 3:00pm. ☎️🚨

Phone: (202) 640-1187

Password: 69820879#

Please pass on the information. Stay safe.



6/28/2022 6:15pm

Beartooth Highway (US-212) partially reopened with nighttime closures  

Stay informed about road status and weather conditions    

  • After repairing damage caused by the recent record-breaking flood event, the Beartooth Highway (US-212), located east of the park’s Northeast Entrance between Red Lodge, Montana, and Cooke City, Montana, partially reopened June 28.  
  • This partial reopening includes 23 miles of the Beartooth Highway beginning at the US-212/WY-296 junction to the Beartooth Ski Hill parking lot.  
  • Travelers will need to turn around at the ski hill parking lot due to flood damage on the remainder of the highway. 
  • The towns of Cooke City, Montana, and Silver Gate, Montana, remain open for visitor travel. 
  • Temporary road closures due to winter weather can occur any time on the highway given its high elevation. Stay informed about local weather conditions. 
  • Plan ahead. Nighttime closures will resume within this partially reopened roadway at the Pilot Index Overlook east to Beartooth Lake Campground.
    • Closures will be in effect from 7.p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be no closures Friday through Sunday.   
    • This is a hard closure and traffic will not be allowed to pass through during these times.   
    • Closures will be in effect through mid-October and are necessary to allow for ongoing highway construction. 
  • Check the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation websites for road updates and status throughout the summer.  

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/23/2022 10:30am

🚨☎️ YNP will NOT host a daily community call today, Thursday June 23rd. Our next call with Superintendent Cam Sholly and West Yellowstone will be tomorrow, June 24th at 10:00am. ☎️🚨

Phone: (202) 640-1187

Password: 69820879#

Please pass on the information. Stay safe.


6/22/2022 2:20pm

Yellowstone National Park’s south loop reopening update 

Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about the new interim visitor entry system

Map of Yellowstone National Park roads and flood impact areas 

Yellowstone National Park’s south loop reopened this morning, June 22, at 8 a.m. As the park expected, traffic entering through only three entrances (South, West, East) did cause major backups initially, however, backups have cleared at each entrance. By 12:30 p.m. only 20 cars were in line at the West Entrance. Park staff have monitored traffic throughout the day and reported light to medium activity in most areas. Norris Geyser Basin, one of the busiest destinations in the park, reported light activity.  

Less than 5,000 vehicles have entered the south loop today – normally it is 10,000 or more vehicles. Less than 1% of vehicles had to be turned around due to having the wrong license plate (see Flood Recovery and Operations for details about the license plate system). The park will monitor traffic and expects backups to be high in the mornings as day use visitors enter and should normalize mid-morning through mid-day. As a reminder, many times during normal years, traffic is backed up numerous miles at the West and South entrances. 

“While it’s too early to tell if the license plate system worked, it appears to have done its job by cutting our normal traffic counts by half,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly.  “As we’ve discussed with our community partners, we will monitor this together and make adjustments if necessary. We’re happy to have visitors back in Yellowstone and appreciate the patience of the public and community partners as we continue working through this difficult situation.” 

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/21/2022

Updates on Custer Gallatin Forest Service Trails

All forest service trails that were set to open on June16th, but delayed, have now opened. The Two Top Loop trail at the 50″ gate and all Lionhead Loop trails are still CLOSED. 

If you have questions, please call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District Office at (406)823-6961.


6/20/2022 9:25am

National Park Service announces $50 million in emergency funding; expedited plans to reopen 80 percent of Yellowstone

Park also making progress to identify expedient temporary options to restore access to Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana.  

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — During a visit to Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, Montana, on Sunday, June 19, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams with Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly announced $50 million to kick-start recovery efforts from record breaking floods. 

They also announced that in addition to the park’s southern loop reopening on June 22, the park’s northern loop is expected to reopen in two weeks or less following completion of clean-up, repairs and final inspection of the northern loop infrastructure. This will allow visitors to access Dunraven Pass, Tower, Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris opening visitor access to approximately 80 percent of Yellowstone National Park. Additional details on access will be announced in the coming weeks.  

The initial $50 million will be used to restore temporary access to Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana and other additional sites. Plans are being finalized for improving the Old Gardiner Road for temporary access between Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana. In partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, road construction crews and materials that were already in the park for a previously scheduled road project to repair 22 miles of the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Geyser Basin will be diverted to the Old Gardiner Road project.   

The NPS currently anticipates the Old Gardiner Road will be substantially improved over the upcoming months, ensuring that essential emergency services, food, supplies and other administrative needs will be available throughout the winter months. As work proceeds through the summer, the NPS will look for opportunities to restore limited visitor access at the park’s North Entrance. Emergency environmental and historic preservation compliance is underway in accordance with the National Historic Preservation and Environmental Policy Acts. Permanent reconstruction options are being developed and alternatives will be completed in the upcoming months.  

In addition to plans to reopen Yellowstone’s northern loop much sooner than initially anticipated, the NPS is working with the Federal Highway Administration on a range of temporary and permanent options to restore access to Silver Gate and Cooke City at the park’s northeast entrance. Currently, the Northeast Entrance Road is impassible between Lamar Valley and Silver Gate. Cost, funding and timelines are not yet available for these short or long-term repairs to the Northeast Entrance Road but will be released as soon as possible.   

Announced on June 18, Yellowstone will restore access to the southern loop of the park at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, via the East (Cody), West (West Yellowstone), and South (Grand Teton/Jackson) entrances. Accessible areas include Madison, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, Canyon Village and Norris. To balance the demand for visitor access, park resource protection and economic interests of the communities, the park will institute an interim visitor access plan based on license plate numbers. To learn more about the alternate license plate entry system, visit Yellowstone’s flood recovery webpage.  

### 

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/18/2022 3:18pm

Yellowstone National Park’s south loop will reopen to the public on June 22

Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about the new interim visitor entry system

Map of Yellowstone National Park roads and flood impact areas

At 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, Yellowstone National Park will begin allowing visitors to access the south loop of the park. The south loop is accessed from the East (Cody), West (West Yellowstone), and South (Grand Teton/Jackson). Areas accessible include Madison, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, Canyon Village and Norris (map). As part of reopening planning, park staff have engaged over 1,000 business owners, park partners, commercial operators and residents in surrounding gateway communities to determine how to manage summer visitation while the north loop remains closed due to flood damage.

To balance the demand for visitor access, park resource protection and economic interests of the communities, the park will institute an interim visitor access plan. The interim plan, referred to as the Alternating License Plate System (ALPS), was suggested as a solution by gateway communities during major public engagement with the park this past week. Park managers and partners have agreed this system is the best interim solution to ensuring the south loop does not become overwhelmed by visitors. The National Park Service will actively monitor the license plate system and is concurrently building a new reservation system that will be ready for implementation if needed.

Alternating License Plate System

  • Public vehicle entry will be allowed based on whether the last numerical digit on a license plate is odd or even.
  • Entrance will be granted based on odd/even days on the calendar.
    • Odd-numbered last digits on license plates can enter on odd days of the month.
    • Even-numbered last digits (including zero) on license plates can enter on even days of the month.
  • Personalized plates (all letters, for example YLWSTNE) will fall into the “odd” category for entrance purposes.
  • Plates with a mix of letters and numbers but that end with a letter (for example YELL4EVR) will still use the last numerical digit on the plate to determine entrance days.
  • Entrance station staff will turn away vehicles attempting to enter the park when the odd/even numerical digits do not correspond to the odd/even calendar date for entrance.

Exceptions

  • Current commercial use operators with active commercial use permits will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number. This includes commercial tours and stock groups.
  • Visitors with proof of overnight reservations in the park will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number. This includes hotels, campgrounds, and backcountry reservations.
  • Commercial motorcoaches will be permitted to enter regardless of license plate number.
  • Motorcycle groups may enter on even dates only.
  • Essential services like mail and deliver, employees and contractors may enter regardless of license plate number.

The interim license plate system will ensure that visitors have access to the park during this period of high demand. Park managers and staff will monitor the license plate system and impacts on resources, infrastructure, operations, and staffing, and may adjust or implement a reservation or timed entry system, if necessary, after three to four weeks.  

“Less than six days ago, Yellowstone National Park was hit with devastating floods,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our teams and partners, we are prepared to reopen the south loop of Yellowstone. It is impossible to reopen only one loop in the summer without implementing some type of system to manage visitation. My thanks to our gateway partners and others for helping us work out an acceptable temporary solution for the south loop while we continue our efforts to reopen the north loop. As we go through the reopening process, we will monitor the system’s effectiveness and work together to make adjustments that may be necessary. We will also reopen new sections of the park as repairs continue to be made. It is critical for visitors to stay informed about this interim system as we evaluate its effectiveness. They should plan ahead and be patient with us as we are still managing significant recovery while moving into this operational phase.”

OPEN in the south loop as of June 22

CLOSED until further notice in the south loop

Visit Operating Hours and Seasons for details about what is OPEN and CLOSED throughout the park.

Yellowstone staff are working to determine what other potential sections of the park may be reopened prior to roads closing Nov. 1. Decisions will depend on extent of damage and the ability of park managers to safely open additional sections as the year progresses. Park managers are evaluating plans to reopen roads connecting Canyon Village, Tower Junction, Mammoth Hot Spring and Norris however this will not happen initially. The park is also working to reconnect Mammoth Hot Springs to Gardiner and Cooke City/Silver Gate as soon as possible with temporary solutions, while long-term reconstruction is planned.  

Visitors should continue to monitor the park website and social media for additional updates.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/17/2022 10:23am

From Superintendent Cam Sholly this morning after the Press Release:The repair at Canyon is extensive. Crews are working to repair it over the weekend. And we’re finishing our bridge inspections around the southern loop. We’ll be putting something out today or tomorrow once we’re confident on the safety of the loop and also be explaining the license plate entrance system.


6/17/2022 9:45am

UPDATE FROM THE YNP FACEBOK PAGE: Yellowstone National Park continues efforts to recover from historic flooding; Limited reopening highly possible next week on park’s south loop with certain visitor entrance modifications; Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about current situation, changes in visitor entry requirements, and road and weather conditions

– Yellowstone continues major flood recovery efforts in the north while repairing damage and preparing for reopening in the south.

– All five park entrances remain closed temporarily; however, West, South, and East entrances are targeted for reopening as early as next week.

– Water levels remain high but have gone down substantially over the past 24 hours.

– Weather patterns and potential for additional flooding events are being monitored with the assistance of NOAA and USGS personnel.

– The National Park Service (NPS) has engaged over 1,000 partners in surrounding gateway communities, counties and states in the past 96 hours to brief on flood damage impacts and collaborate on reopening strategies.

– Teams are in the park assessing damage and assisting with short and long-term recovery planning.

– NPS is analyzing the carrying capacity of the south loop and working closely with partners to develop appropriate visitor management actions to safely accommodate visitors within that portion of the park.

– NPS is working to determine what other potential sections of the park may be reopened for the season. Decisions will depend on extent of damage and the ability of the NPS to safely open additional sections as the year progresses.

– Although access to Yellowstone National Park will be less than normal until further notice, there are still incredible opportunities for recreation, wildlife viewing, and great experiences in the park’s gateway communities (Gardiner, Montana; Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana; West Yellowstone, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; and Jackson, Wyoming), as well as surrounding areas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. View a list of nearby cities, parks, public lands, and museums to help plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/nearbyattractions.htm

– Visitors who have trips planned should continue to check the Yellowstone website, local chambers of commerce, and social media for updates to get the most up-to-date information.

– Because initial damage assessments are ongoing, the NPS does not yet have an estimate on when Yellowstone will fully reopen nor are preliminary costs for repairs and recovery available.

– To date, there have been no public or employee injuries reported due to the flood.

‼ View more information about flood recovery efforts and park operations, including a list of FAQ’s: go.nps.gov/YELLflood


6/17/2022 9:56am

Yellowstone National Park continues efforts to recover from historic flooding; Limited reopening highly possible next week on park’s south loop with certain visitor entrance modifications  

Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about current situation, changes in visitor entry requirements, and road and weather conditions

Key Information

  • Yellowstone continues major flood recovery efforts in the north while repairing damage and preparing for reopening in the south.
  • All five park entrances remain closed temporarily, however, West, South, and East entrances are targeted for reopening as early as next week.
  • Water levels remain high but have gone down substantially over the past 24 hours.
  • Weather patterns and potential for additional flooding events are being monitored with the assistance of NOAA and USGS personnel.
  • The National Park Service (NPS) has engaged over 1,000 partners in surrounding gateway communities, counties and states in the past 96 hours to brief on flood damage impacts and collaborate on reopening strategies.
  • Teams are in the park assessing damage and assisting with short and long-term recovery planning.
  • NPS is analyzing the carrying capacity of the south loop and working closely with partners to develop appropriate visitor management actions to safely accommodate visitors within that portion of the park.
  • NPS is working to determine what other potential sections of the park may be reopened for the season. Decisions will depend on extent of damage and the ability of the NPS to safely open additional sections as the year progresses.
  • Although access to Yellowstone National Park will be less than normal until further notice, there are still incredible opportunities for recreation, wildlife viewing, and great experiences in the park’s gateway communities (Gardiner, Montana; Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana; West Yellowstone, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; and Jackson, Wyoming), as well as surrounding areas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. View a list of nearby cities, parks, public lands, and museums to help plan your visit.
  • Visitors who have trips planned should continue to check the Yellowstone website, local chambers of commerce, and social media for updates to get the most up-to-date information.
  • Because initial damage assessments are ongoing, the NPS does not yet have an estimate on when Yellowstone will fully reopen nor are preliminary costs for repairs and recovery available.
  • To date, there have been no public or employee injuries reported due to the flood.  

Message from the Superintendent

“We have made tremendous progress in a very short amount of time but have long way to go,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “All emergency and life safety objectives within the park have been accomplished or stabilized within the first 96 hours of the flood event, without major injury or death. We have an aggressive plan for recovery in the north and resumption of operations in the south. We appreciate the tremendous support from National Park Service and Department of Interior leadership, in addition to our surrounding Congressional delegations, governors, counties, communities, and other partners. This first 96 hours has been critical to be able to focus on our life safety objectives and stabilizing emergency conditions while preparing plans for recovery.”

Objectives

North Loop (Primary Flood Recovery Zone)

1. Ensure safety of employees, visitors, community residents and partners

2. Restore and maintain basic services including, power, water, and wastewater  

3. Restore temporary and permanent access between Yellowstone and Gardiner

4. Restore temporary and permanent road access through the Northeast Entrance Road

5. Restore access to the Yellowstone backcountry

6. Engage communities, local, state, and federal stakeholders, and media

South Loop (Operations Zone)

1. Ensure safety of employees, visitors, and partners

2. Repair damaged sections of roads and infrastructure in preparation of limited south loop reopening; inspect critical infrastructure (bridges, wastewater systems)

3. Conduct extensive community outreach with gateways to identify and determine visitor use management actions necessary to host visitation on the south loop

4. Develop reservation/timed entry system options for implementation with NPS visitor use experts

5. Ensure internal business partners are prepared for visitor operations in the south loop

6. Develop appropriate communications strategy on opening of south loop

General Updates

North Loop (Flood Recovery Zone)

  • All employees continue to be safe and accounted for. Additional support programs are being established for employees impacted by the flood event.
  • Employees who lost housing have been relocated to new housing units.
  • Thanks to Montana Department of Transportation and Park County Montana, Highway 89 north from Gardiner was reopened on Wednesday to facilitate the exit of stranded visitors.
  • Food and water supplies to Gardiner have resumed.
  • Power has been restored to Yellowstone with the assistance of Northwestern Energy.
  • Destroyed wastewater lines in Mammoth have been temporarily repaired with permanent repair options being planned.
  • Extensive efforts have been made to improve the Old Gardiner Road to help facilitate connection of essential services and personnel from Mammoth to Gardiner. Park staff are assessing what level of improvements are needed to facilitate higher traffic levels.
  • Plans and assessments of reconstruction of new the permanent road between Mammoth and Gardiner are underway. The new road will likely not be reconstructed in the same corridor as the previous road.
  • Teams from Federal Highways and other agencies are in the park assisting with damage assessments and assisting the park in developing cost estimates and timeline for repair.
  • Aerial 3D imaging flights have been conducted on the Northeast Entrance Road to Cooke City to help with damage assessments.
  • Extensive assessments are occurring of damage to trails, bridges and infrastructure within the Yellowstone backcountry.
  • Mud and rockslides have been cleared from Dunraven Pass and other sections of the northern and southern loops.

South Loop (Operations Zone)

  • The park intends to reopen the south loop sometime next week with new visitor management measures instituted (more information will be released soon). Reopening is dependent on damaged infrastructure being repaired.
  • On Thursday morning, June 16, a section of damaged road collapsed south of Canyon Village. Crews will begin major repairs on Friday, June 17 with an intent to complete repairs by Monday, June 20. This repair must be completed prior to opening the south loop.
  • Park staff are inspecting all bridges and roadways for damage on the south loop to facilitate safe travel.
  • To ensure the southern loop infrastructure is not overwhelmed, the park is working with gateway communities and NPS visitor use experts to determine the best way to facilitate access.

Known Damage and Issues

  • Aerial assessments conducted Monday, June 13 by Yellowstone National Park show major damage to several park roads including:
    • North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to Mammoth Hot Springs: road washed out in multiple places, significant rockslide in Gardner Canyon
    • Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance: segment of road washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area, mudslides, downed trees
    • Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass): mudslide on road
    • Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge: Segment of road just south of Canyon Junction is compromised and collapsed overnight on June 15-16. Repairs are underway.
  • Many sections of road in these areas are completely gone and will require substantial time and effort to reconstruct or relocate and build.
  • In some cases, roads may not be able to be reconstructed in place and will need to be relocated.
  • The NPS will make every effort to repair these roads as soon as possible.  

Stay Informed

  • Visitors planning to travel to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should stay informed about the current situation and pay close attention to the status of road and weather conditions.
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads.
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.
  • Find updates about flood recovery efforts and park operations at go.nps.gov/YELLflood.
  • Find new photos on Flickr of this extremely hazardous situation in Yellowstone National Park.
  • Yellowstone will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/16/2022 12:57pm

Hebgen Lake Ranger District in West Yellowstone will be delaying the opening of their June 16 gates, due to high water and some flooding.

“In West Yellowstone, we did have some flooding occur, our staff is evaluating all road conditions, cleaning out culverts and ensuing the stability of roads and bridges, said Jason Brey, Hebgen Lake District Ranger. Once we can evaluate each road or trail it will open as quickly as possible.”

Stay Safe and Continue to Recreate Responsibly.

#RecreateResponsibly


6/14/2022 6:42pm

Northern portion of Yellowstone National Park likely to remain closed for a substantial length of time due to severely damaged, impacted infrastructure

Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about current situation, road and weather conditions 

Updates 

  • Aerial assessments conducted Monday, June 13, by Yellowstone National Park show major damage to multiple sections of road between the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley and Cooke City, Montana, near the Northeast Entrance.  
  • Many sections of road in these areas are completely gone and will require substantial time and effort to reconstruct. 
  • The National Park Service will make every effort to repair these roads as soon as possible; however, it is probable that road sections in northern Yellowstone will not reopen this season due to the time required for repairs.  
  • To prevent visitors from being stranded in the park if conditions worsen, the park in coordination with Yellowstone National Park Lodges made the decision to have all visitors move out of overnight accommodations (lodging and campgrounds) and exit the park. 
  • All entrances to Yellowstone National Park remain temporarily CLOSED while the park waits for flood waters to recede and can conduct evaluations on roads, bridges and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure visitor and employee safety.  
  • There will be no inbound visitor traffic at any of the five entrances into the park, including visitors with lodging and camping reservations, until conditions improve and park infrastructure is evaluated. 
  • The park’s southern loop appears to be less impacted than the northern roads and teams will assess damage to determine when opening of the southern loop is feasible. This closure will extend minimally through next weekend.  
  • Due to the northern loop being unavailable for visitors, the park is analyzing how many visitors can safely visit the southern loop once it’s safe to reopen. This will likely mean implementation of some type of temporary reservation system to prevent gridlock and reduce impacts on park infrastructure.  
  • At this time, there are no known injuries nor deaths to have occurred in the park as a result of the unprecedented flooding.   
  • Effective immediately, Yellowstone’s backcountry is temporarily closed while crews assist campers (five known groups in the northern range) and assess damage to backcountry campsites, trails and bridges. 
  • The National Park Service, surrounding counties and states of Montana and Wyoming are working with the park’s gateway communities to evaluate flooding impacts and provide immediate support to residents and visitors. 
  • Water levels are expected to recede today in the afternoon; however, additional flood events are possible through this weekend.  

Known damage and issues 

  • Known damage (at this time) to some park roads includes:
    • North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to Mammoth Hot Springs: road washed out in multiple places, significant rockslide at Gardner Canyon 
    • Tower Junction to Northeast Entrance: segment of road washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area, mudslides, downed trees 
    • Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass): mudslide on road 
    • Canyon Junction to Fishing Bridge: Segment of road just south of Canyon Junction potentially compromised and closed for evaluation 
  • The power continues to be out in multiple locations in the park.  
  • Water and wastewater systems at Canyon Village and Mammoth Hot Springs are being impacted by flooding conditions and are being monitored.      

Stay Informed 

  • Visitors planning to travel to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should stay informed about the current situation and pay close attention to the status of road and weather conditions. 
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads.  
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).  
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.  
  • Find news releases about the incident on the park’s website.  
  • Find photos on Flickr of this extremely hazardous situation in Yellowstone National Park.  
  • Yellowstone will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available. 

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F


6/14/2022 6:00pm

Highway 191 and Highway 20 are open and clear, but please be aware while driving if you see rising waters near or on the roadway. Main Gallatin River was above Flood stage yesterday 6/13/2022. Erosion mitigation began along the roadway in the Gallatin Canyon on U.S. Highway 191 yesterday 6/13/2022. Traffic will be delayed until completed.

Please remember:

🚧 Don’t drive over or across flooded roads.

🚧 Be aware of rising water.

🚧 If you see flooding or washing out roads, please report it to the Ranger District immediately. : https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/custe…/about-forest/offices…

Please stay safe while traveling.


6/13/2022 6:00pm

Town of West Yellowstone Public Information Release
In recognition of the emergency situation and the displacement of travelers to Yellowstone National Park, the Town of West Yellowstone is permitting temporary overnight camping for tonight Monday June 13th. We advise travelers that this is a temporary and emergency situation, if you can make other accommodations please consider doing so.

The Town has designated 3 areas for displaced campers for this evening. (See map below)

  1. The Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot (30 Yellowstone Avenue) may be
    used for car campers or small pop-up campers. The restroom facilities will
    remain open overnight and are available in the Chamber Building.
  2. Pioneer Park (North Canyon Street) may be used for tent camping. There
    are restroom facilities in the park that will remain open overnight.
  3. The Old Airport/80 acres (Highway 20 and Iris Street) will be available for
    self-contained RVs and campers. There will be no restroom facilities
    available.

    Please be bear aware and keep all food and trash secure.
    No Campfires allowed.
    There will be a trash trailer available near the corner of Highway 20 and Iris Street.
    Leave no trace!
    Be respectful of other campers and the community.

6/13/2022 3:00pm – Community Calls with YNP

Due to the ongoing flooding and road closures, the park will host a daily call with the community and businesses of West Yellowstone, daily through Friday, June 17, from 1:30-2pm.  

Topics for this will call include:  

  • Current road closure updates 
  • Emergency response and planning efforts 
  • Communications and next steps 

202-640-1187   
Phone Conference ID: 672 598 29# (Updated code – this code is good Tuesday – Friday)


6/13/2022 2:58pm

Statement from superintendent Cam Sholly about all entrances in Yellowstone National Park closed temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, extremely hazardous conditions:

“Due to record flooding events in the park and more precipitation in the forecast, we have made the decision to close Yellowstone to all inbound visitation,” said superintendent Cam Sholly. “Our first priority has been to evacuate the northern section of the park where we have multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides and other issues. The community of Gardiner is currently isolated, and we are working with the county and State of Montana to provide necessary support to residents, who are currently without water and power in some areas. Due to predictions of higher flood levels in areas of the park’s southern loop, in addition to concerns with water and wastewater systems, we will begin to move visitors in the southern loop out of the park later today in coordination with our in-park business partners. We will not know timing of the park’s reopening until flood waters subside and we’re able to assess the damage throughout the park. It is likely that the northern loop will be closed for a substantial amount of time. I appreciate the efforts of the Yellowstone team and partners to safely evacuate areas of the park and of our gateway community partners who are helping us through this major event. We appreciate the support offered by the Department of Interior, National Park Service and the Montana and Wyoming governors.”

We will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available. More info: go.nps.gov/220613

Photos (NPS):

1. High water levels in the Lamar River eroding the Northeast Entrance Road.

2. Northeast Entrance Road washed out near Soda Butte Picnic Area.


6/13/2022 2:19pm

Press Release from Yellowstone National Park

UPDATE: All entrances to Yellowstone National Park CLOSED temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, extremely hazardous conditions 

  • Effective immediately, there will be no inbound visitor traffic at any of the five entrances into Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15, at a minimum.  
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:
    • Visit Park Roads
    • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 
    • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 
  • Find photos on Flickr of this extremely hazardous situation in Yellowstone National Park. 
  • Yellowstone will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available. 

Community Call-In with YNP

Stay informed about road status and weather conditions 

Due to the ongoing flooding and road closures, the Yellowstone National Park will host a community call with West Yellowstone residents and businesses this afternoon from 1:30-2:00pm. Please distribute this to West Yellowstone businesses and residents. 

Topics for this call include:  

  • Current road closure updates 
  • Emergency response and planning efforts 
  • Communications moving forward 

To call in: 

 202-640-1187

Phone Conference ID: 517 266 058#


6/13/2022 11:11am

Press Release from Yellowstone National Park

All entrances to Yellowstone National Park CLOSED temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, extremely hazardous conditions 

Stay informed about road status and weather conditions 

  • Effective immediately, all entrances to Yellowstone National Park are temporarily CLOSED due to substantial flooding, rockslides and mudslides on roadways from recent unprecedented amounts of rainfall and flooding. 
  • Effective immediately, no inbound visitor traffic will be allowed into the park until conditions stabilize and the park can assess damage to roads and bridges and other facilities. This includes visitors with lodging and camping reservations. 
  • Closed entrances include: 
  • North 
  • Northeast 
  • West 
  • South 
  • East 
  • The power is out in multiple locations in the park.  
  • Visitors planning on coming to Yellowstone in the upcoming weeks should pay close attention to the status of road conditions.  
  • Many park roads may remain closed for an extended period of time.  
  • Preliminary assessments show multiple sections of roads throughout the park have been either washed out or covered in mud or rocks, and multiple bridges may be affected.  
  • Multiple roads in the southern portion of the park are also on the verge of being flooded, further restricting access. 
  • With additional rainfall forecasted, the park does not want large numbers of day-use visitors stranded in the park.  
  • Strains on wastewater and water treatment facilities could become a factor and the park is taking precautions to ensure facilities are not failing. 
  • The National Park Service, surrounding counties and state of Montana and Wyoming will work with the gateway communities to evaluate flooding impacts and provide support to residents. 
  • Rainfall is expected to continue for the next several days. Flood levels measured on the Yellowstone River are beyond record levels. 
  • Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone: 
  • Visit Park Roads
  • To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 
  • Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 
  • Find photos on Flickr of this extremely hazardous situation in Yellowstone National Park. 
  • Yellowstone will continue to communicate about this hazardous situation as more information is available.

Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F

Visit us online: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Flickr | YouTube 


6/13/2022 11:07am

All inbound traffic into Yellowstone National Park through all entrances is closed at this time due to hazardous conditions, due to substantial flooding, rockslides and mudslides on roadways from recent unprecedented amounts of rainfall. 

We are advising visitors traveling to the West gate, please don’t continue to the gate…the traffic is being brought into the Park and diverted back out to the Town. 

Visitor Information Staff and Board Members are currently walking the line of traffic to provide visitors a quicker update and to help divert them faster.

We will continue to bring you updates via email and social media as we receive them.