Adventure at Full Throttle: Winter in Yellowstone

Adventure at Full Throttle: Winter in Yellowstone

Few sights are as breathtaking and alien as Yellowstone in the winter. Towering geysers erupt through frosty air, steam rises from geothermal pools, and herds of bison trudge through deep snow. This is Yellowstone like you’ve never seen it before.

With fewer crowds and landscapes cloaked in white, winter offers a quieter, more intimate way to experience one of America’s most iconic national parks. From snowmobile rides to cozy snow coach tours, Yellowstone in winter is an unforgettable adventure waiting to happen.

Access to Yellowstone in winter is limited to guided tours and specially permitted vehicles, as most park roads close to regular traffic due to heavy snow. Under these conditions, snowmobile and snow coach tours are often the best way to access Yellowstone from Jackson Hole.

Snowmobile Tours

snowmobiles in Yellowstone

Exploring Yellowstone by snowmobile is a great way to cover ground and soak in the park’s dramatic scenery. Guided snowmobile tours allow visitors to venture into areas of the park that are otherwise inaccessible during the snowy season. Popular routes include trips to the Grand Canyon of  Yellowstone, with its icy waterfalls and sheer cliffs, and journeys to Old Faithful, where the iconic geyser erupts dramatically against a snowy backdrop every 90 minutes (or so).

Our concierge team will reserve your full-day snowmobile tour in Yellowstone, departing from the lodge around 6:00 AM. Breakfast and lunch are provided, and guests can choose between tours to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, each offering unique scenic and wildlife experiences. The Old Faithful tour focuses on geo thermal wonders, while the Canyon tour highlights dramatic landscapes and winter wildlife.

Either way, you’ll enjoy scenic rides through snowy landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and up-close exploration of geysers and geothermal features. Professional guides provide insight into Yellowstone’s natural wonders, and gear, breakfast, and lunch are included. These tours last a full 11 or 12 hours, so bring plenty of warm clothes!

Snow Coach Tours

If you prefer sightseeing to being in the driver’s seat, snow coach tours offer a perfect alternative. These specially designed vehicles, equipped with oversized tires or tracks, glide over snow-covered roads, delivering guests to some of the park’s most stunning sights. Heated interiors and panoramic windows make snow coaches ideal for photography and wildlife watching without braving the cold.

Popular snow coach destinations include the Old Faithful Geyser Basin and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Tours are guided by knowledgeable experts who share fascinating insights into the park’s geothermal wonders and winter wildlife. Half-day and full-day options are available, making it easy to customize your experience.

Old Faithful Geyser Basin

old faithful

For those wanting to linger a little longer in Yellowstone’s winter magic, consider an overnight stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. One of the few accommodations open during winter, the Snow Lodge provides rustic charm with modern comforts. After a day of exploring, guests can relax by the fire, enjoy hearty meals, and even step outside to witness Old Faithful erupt under a starlit sky.

Staying overnight allows visitors to explore the geyser basin at quieter times, offering a peaceful contrast to the busier summer months. Trails around the basin can be navigated by snowshoes or cross-country skis, providing intimate access to steaming vents and bubbling hot springs.

Winter temperatures in Yellowstone can be extreme, often dipping well below freezing, so dressing in layers and bringing proper cold-weather gear is essential. Reservations for snowmobile and snow coach tours, as well as overnight accommodations at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, should be made well in advance, as these experiences are highly sought after.

Yellowstone in winter is a place of quiet beauty and thrilling adventure. Whether you’re experiencing the thrilling freedom of a snowmobile tour or marveling at geysers from the warmth of a snow coach, winter casts the park in an entirely new light. Embrace the chill, explore the wild, and discover the magic of Yellowstone in winter.