RV travelers eager to visit Yellowstone National Park are getting good news thanks to the National Park Service (NPS), which announced the season opening of select Yellowstone roads and services.
Weather permitting, NPS stated the park will open specific roads and services starting at 8 a.m. MST April 16. To celebrate National Park Week, entrance fees will be waived April 17.
Park visitors should expect modified operations that are subject to change based on future conditions and public health guidance, NPS stated. Face masks are required in all Yellowstone visitor facilities, in addition to NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes hiking trails, overlooks and parking areas.
Roads open to the public April 16:
- West Entrance to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris)
- Norris to Canyon Village
- North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance
Initially, officials said some NPS and partner services will be limited, especially during early spring. The park works with partners to provide visitor services such as camping, lodging, dining, retail, educational programs, fuel, auto repair shops and urgent care clinics. NPS stated these services, limited or modified, will be available through:
- Yellowstone National Park Lodges
- Delaware North General Stores
- Yellowstone Forever
- Yellowstone Park Service Stations
- Medcor at Yellowstone
NPS stated Yellowstone and its partners will continue to assess and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and adjust operations as needed. Park officials ask visitors to recreate responsibly, do not visit the park if they are sick and self-quarantine to avoid exposing others.
The road between Canyon Junction and Tower-Roosevelt will be closed for the 2021 season. NPS also stated there will be no access to the Mount Washburn trails. In lieu of Mount Washburn, NPS suggested visitors hike Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs, Purple Mountain north of Madison Junction or Avalanche Peak along the East Entrance Road, when conditions allow.
