Yellowstone in December: What’s Open and What to Expect
Visiting Yellowstone in December is nothing like visiting in summer, and that’s exactly why many people love it.
December marks the transition to winter in Yellowstone. Roads close, snow builds across the park, and wildlife moves into the valleys. For the first time in months, you can experience Yellowstone without traffic jams, tour buses, or packed boardwalks—just steam rising from hot springs, frosted bison along the road, and beautiful winter landscapes.
But Yellowstone in December is also one of the most misunderstood times of year to visit.
Some travelers arrive expecting to drive the Grand Loop. Others don’t realize that snowmobile and snowcoach travel doesn’t begin until mid-December, or that early winter conditions can affect whether those tours run at all. And many visitors don’t realize that where you stay in December completely changes what you can see and do.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in December, including what’s open, what’s closed, and how winter transportation works. We’re sharing this based on multiple winter trips to Yellowstone, including our most recent visit, when we spent the weeks before and after Christmas in Gardiner.
This page focuses specifically on December travel. For a broader look at winter conditions, road access, and seasonal planning, see our Yellowstone in Winter planning guide.
Table of Contents
What to Expect in Yellowstone in December
December is a transition month in Yellowstone. It sits between fall shutdowns and full winter operations, and what you can see and do depends heavily on whether you visit before or after mid-December.
This is the single most important thing to understand when planning a December trip.
Early December vs mid-December
From early December until about December 15th, Yellowstone is still in its “off-season.” During this time, summer and fall services have ended, but winter transportation has not yet begun.
Similar to Yellowstone in November, you can still drive into the park through the North Entrance in Gardiner, accessing Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northern Range, but you cannot reach places like Old Faithful, Canyon Village, or the interior geyser basins.
Snowmobile and snowcoach travel has not yet begun, so those areas are simply closed.
Around December 15th, Yellowstone’s winter season officially begins. This is when groomed oversnow routes open and snowmobile and snowcoach travel start. From this point through mid-March, you can reach Yellowstone’s interior again using snowmobile or snowcoach transportation.
One important thing to know about December: early winter conditions can be unpredictable.
While snowmobile and snowcoach travel typically begins around mid-December, light snowfall or icy conditions can delay groomed oversnow routes. In years with limited early snowpack, snowmobile travel may be restricted, and snowcoach tours can be delayed or canceled altogether.
This doesn’t happen every year, but it happens often enough that December travelers should plan with flexibility. If having the most reliable snowmobile and snowcoach access is a top priority, January or February are usually better choices.
Weather and snowfall
Yellowstone in December is fully winter. Expect cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions throughout the park.
Daytime highs typically range from about 10°F to 30°F, with nighttime lows often dropping well below zero, especially at higher elevations. December often brings some of Yellowstone’s first big winter storms, but snowfall can be inconsistent early in the season. Some years build snowpack quickly. Other years stay lighter longer, especially in lower elevations.
The payoff is the scenery. Snow-covered valleys, frost-covered bison, and steam rising off hot springs make December one of the most photogenic times to visit Yellowstone.
Road access
Only one road in Yellowstone stays open to regular vehicles in December: the road from the North Entrance in Gardiner through Mammoth Hot Springs and across the Northern Range to the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City.
This stretch includes Lamar Valley, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park, and it’s fully accessible without booking tours.
Every other road in Yellowstone is closed to self-driving in December. You cannot drive yourself to places like Old Faithful, Canyon Village, or the interior geyser basins at any point this month.
If you want a full breakdown of which Yellowstone roads are open to cars vs over-snow travel throughout the winter, we cover that in Can You Drive Yellowstone in Winter?
Lodging and services
Lodging inside Yellowstone is limited in December. Once the winter season begins (usually around mid-December), only two lodges typically operate:
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (accessible by car from Gardiner)
Old Faithful Snow Lodge (accessible by snowcoach only)
Outside the park, Gardiner and West Yellowstone are the main winter gateway towns.
For December travel, Gardiner is the best all-around place to stay.
Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, which is the only entrance open to regular vehicles all winter. That makes it the most reliable base throughout the month.
In early December, this matters even more. Snowmobile and snowcoach tours haven’t started yet, and the West Entrance is closed to vehicles, but from Gardiner, you can still drive into the park every day to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northern Range.
In late December, Gardiner remains the most flexible option. Even after winter transportation begins, over-snow travel depends on consistent snowfall. In years with lighter snow or icy conditions, snowmobile and snowcoach tours can be delayed or canceled. When that happens, staying in Gardiner means you can still explore Yellowstone on your own, driving the Northern Range for wildlife watching and winter scenery.
We experienced this firsthand during a recent Christmas visit. Snowmobile and snowcoach tours were canceled due to lack of snow, but because we were staying in Gardiner, we were still able to spend our days inside the park, watching wildlife and soaking up Yellowstone’s winter landscapes.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is the only lodge inside the park that remains accessible by car in winter. It’s a good option if you want to stay inside Yellowstone while still having road access to Mammoth and the Northern Range.
West Yellowstone becomes useful in mid-to-late December if snowmobile or snowcoach tours are running consistently. It’s the main hub for over-snow transportation to Old Faithful and the park’s interior, but it does not allow self-driving into Yellowstone in winter.
For December trips, the safest strategy is to stay in Gardiner and treat snowmobile or snowcoach tours as a bonus.
If you’re looking for a comfortable winter base right by the entrance, our Cozy Yellowstone Compound in Gardiner is great for December travel. It’s perfect for wildlife drives and flexible winter days… and it’s home to the Yellowstone Christmas Cabin!
Is Yellowstone Busy in December?
For most of the month, December is one of the quietest times of the year to visit Yellowstone.
Compared to summer, when hundreds of thousands of people pour through Yellowstone every month, December sees only a tiny fraction of that traffic. Many roads are closed, most visitors are not prepared for winter travel, and casual sightseeing trips drop off completely. The result is a much slower, calmer version of Yellowstone, especially along the Northern Range between Gardiner and Cooke City.
You will still see people, especially around Mammoth Hot Springs and in Lamar Valley where winter wildlife viewing is best, but it feels nothing like summer crowds. Most of the time, any traffic you encounter is caused by bison on the road, not cars.
What about Christmas and New Year’s?
The one exception is the holiday week. If you’re coming for Christmas week, book lodging and over-snow tours as early as you can; it’s the one stretch of December that consistently fills up.
Snowmobile and snowcoach tours often sell out, winter lodges fill up, and gateway towns like Gardiner and West Yellowstone feel busier than they do earlier in the month. This is when families and holiday travelers come specifically for a festive winter Yellowstone experience.
Even so, Yellowstone during the holidays is still far quieter than it is in summer. The key difference is that you’ll need reservations and a little flexibility. If you’re visiting around Christmas, book lodging and any over-snow tours as early as possible, and plan a backup option in case weather or snow conditions affect tour availability.
If you’re planning a holiday trip, we put together a full guide to seeing Yellowstone at Christmas, including what’s open, where to stay, and how to celebrate the season while you’re here. You can find that here: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone at Christmas.
And if you’re doing Yellowstone as a true holiday getaway, our Yellowstone Christmas Cabin is a uniquely festive way to experience it. It’s a restored former ranger hut turned cozy winter stay, with year-round Christmas magic built right in.
Wildlife Watching in December
December is a great month to see wildlife in Yellowstone.
As snow builds across the park, animals move out of the high elevations and into the open valleys, especially along Yellowstone’s Northern Range between Gardiner and Cooke City. The white landscape makes animals easier to spot, which is why many wildlife watchers visit Yellowstone in winter.
Here’s what you’re most likely to see in Yellowstone in December.
Bison are everywhere in winter. You will see them walking along roads, grazing in snowy meadows, and using groomed routes to move through the park. Their frosted coats and massive size make them one of the most iconic winter sights in Yellowstone.
Wolves are easier to spot in winter than in any other season. Packs hunt more actively this time of year and are easier to track across snow-covered valleys. Lamar Valley, Slough Creek, Blacktail Plateau, and areas near Old Faithful are some of the best places to watch for wolves in December.
Elk spend the winter months in lower elevations, especially near Mammoth Hot Springs and along the Yellowstone River. It is common to see large herds grazing near the road or resting on snow-covered hillsides. If you’re hoping to see elk in December, spend a day driving through nearby Paradise Valley, which is the drive between Gardiner and Livingston, MT.
Coyotes and red foxes are also active all winter. You may see them trotting across open fields or hunting small animals beneath the snow, sometimes diving headfirst to catch mice or voles.
Bald eagles and other birds of prey line the Yellowstone River in winter, especially in Paradise Valley just north of the park. Rivers that stay partially unfrozen attract fish and birds, making this one of the best times to spot eagles.
Bighorn sheep can be seen near rocky slopes along the Northern Range, particularly closer to Cooke City.
The easiest way to experience all of this is by driving the Northern Range slowly and more than once. Wildlife activity changes throughout the day, so morning and late afternoon drives often look completely different.
Bring binoculars if you have them (or a cheap pair from Amazon), and if you see cars pulled over or people looking through scopes, it usually means something interesting is nearby.
Best Things to Do in December
With most roads closed, your experience is shaped by a few core activities that stay open, and those are what make December special.
Drive the Northern Range
If you do one thing in Yellowstone in December, make it this.
The road from Gardiner to Cooke City stays open all winter and takes you through Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction, and Lamar Valley. This stretch, called the Northern Range, is the heart of winter wildlife watching in Yellowstone.
Drive it slowly. Drive it more than once. Stop when you see cars pulled over. This is where you’ll see bison, elk, coyotes, foxes, wolves, bald eagles, and wide open winter scenery.
Even on quieter wildlife days, the landscapes alone are worth it.
Walk the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Mammoth Hot Springs is also accessible year-round and is especially beautiful in December. Steam rises from the terraces, snow collects on the boardwalks, and elk often wander through the area.
You can walk the lower and upper terraces, explore the historic hotel, and stop inside the Mammoth Dining Room for a warm meal or break from the cold.
This is one of the best places to spend a December afternoon inside the park.
Take a guided tour to Old Faithful or Artist Point
Once the winter season begins in mid-December, snowcoach and snowmobile travel opens up Yellowstone’s interior.
This is how you reach places like:
Old Faithful
Norris Geyser Basin
Canyon Village and Artist Point
Snowcoach tours are heated and comfortable, while snowmobile tours are faster and more adventurous. Both give you access to areas you cannot drive to in winter, including Old Faithful and Artist Point.
If seeing Old Faithful erupt in the snow is on your list, we break down how over-snow travel works: How to See Old Faithful in Winter. If you’re trying to decide whether snowmobiling is right for you, Snowmobiling in Yellowstone walks you through what it’s like and what to expect.
One of our biggest December tips for guided tours: Build in a backup plan. If over-snow routes are delayed or tours are canceled due to light snow or icy conditions, you can still have an amazing trip focusing on Mammoth, the Northern Range, and wildlife watching.
Here are some of the best things to do in Gardiner in the winter.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski
If you like active exploration, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are incredible in December!
Unplowed park roads and groomed trails all become winter routes. You can rent gear in Gardiner or Mammoth, or book a guided trip if you want help finding the best areas.
Some of the best winter trails are near Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Cooke City. If you’re visiting earlier in December or during a year with lighter snowpack around Gardiner or Mammoth, head toward Cooke City, where snow tends to build earlier and deeper. That area often offers better snowshoeing and cross-country skiing conditions when other parts of the park are still catching up.
Winter photography
December is one of the most photogenic months in Yellowstone. Snow-covered trees, frozen rivers, and animals moving through white valleys create scenes you simply do not get in summer.
Even if you are not a photographer, this is one of the most visually stunning times to visit Yellowstone.
What It’s Like Driving in December
Driving in Yellowstone in December is simple (but wintery):
The only self-drive route is the North Entrance → Mammoth → Lamar Valley → Cooke City road
Expect snowpacked roads, changing visibility, and wildlife on the pavement
The park plows the Northern Range well, but storms can still cause temporary closures
Before you head out each day, check current road conditions and closures. If you want the full winter breakdown, head to our Can You Drive Yellowstone in Winter? guide.
Where to Stay in Yellowstone in December (Quick Breakdown)
Here’s a simple overview of the main places to stay when visiting Yellowstone in December, based on access and travel style.
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, the only entrance open to regular vehicles all winter. It’s the most flexible base in December, especially for wildlife watching along the Northern Range.
If you want a cozy, well-located winter home base right by the entrance, our Cozy Yellowstone Compound is great for December travel… and home to the magical Yellowstone Christmas Cabin.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is one of only two lodges open inside Yellowstone during the winter season. Staying here puts you inside the park with road access to Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northern Range, making it a solid option for wildlife-focused winter trips.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Old Faithful Snow Lodge usually opens in mid-December and is accessible only by snowcoach. Staying here offers the most immersive winter experience, with snow-covered geyser basins, quiet boardwalks, and the chance to watch Old Faithful erupt without summer crowds.
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone is the main hub for snowmobile and snowcoach tours into Yellowstone’s interior. It can be a good base if over-snow tours are running consistently and interior sights like Old Faithful or Canyon Village are your top priorities. Keep in mind that self-driving into the park is not allowed from this entrance in winter.
Many December travelers choose to stay in Gardiner and add a snowcoach tour to Yellowstone’s interior. Some visiting in mid- to late-December, split their trip between Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
For a deeper breakdown of winter lodging, see our Where to Stay in Yellowstone in Winter guide.
Getting to Yellowstone in December
The most reliable option is to fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), the closest major airport with regular winter service. From there, you’ll drive to either Gardiner or West Yellowstone, depending on how you plan to experience the park.
In December, always build extra buffer time into your travel plans. Snowstorms can slow or temporarily close mountain passes.
If you plan to explore the Northern Range on your own or split time between Gardiner and West Yellowstone, renting a car gives you the most flexibility. If you’d rather not drive in winter conditions, shuttle services from Bozeman to the gateway towns can work, just keep in mind you’ll have less freedom for wildlife watching and spontaneous stops.
For a full logistics walkthrough, including airport options, winter driving routes, and detailed planning tips, see our How to Get to Yellowstone in Winter guide.
What to Pack for Yellowstone in December
Cold temperatures, wind, snow, and long wildlife drives mean you need warm, practical gear, especially boots, socks, gloves, and outer layers.
We don’t try to recreate a full packing list here because it changes depending on how you’re visiting. Snowmobiling, snowcoaching, wildlife watching, and winter hiking all require slightly different setups.
Instead, we include a complete, season-by-season packing system in our Yellowstone Packing List, including exactly what we use for winter trips like December. It covers footwear, layers, accessories, and winter-specific gear so you don’t overpack or forget something important.
If you’re planning a December trip, this is the packing list we actually follow ourselves.
Is Yellowstone in December Worth It?
December is ideal if you want the quietest winter version of Yellowstone or if you’re planning a holiday trip around Christmas or New Year’s.
That said, if your dream of winter Yellowstone includes deep snow, the most reliable snowmobile and snowcoach tours, and the strongest wildlife activity, February is usually the better month.
By February, winter conditions are fully settled. Snowpack is deeper, which makes over-snow routes more reliable. Wolves and other wildlife are easier to track and predict, and the park has that true, postcard-perfect winter feel most people imagine when they think about Yellowstone in winter.
December, on the other hand, is more of a shoulder season within winter. It can be magical, but conditions are less predictable. Some years have great snow, and some have lighter snowfall or icy conditions that can affect tours.
Yellowstone in December is best for:
Travelers who want a quiet park, winter scenery, and wildlife watching
Holiday trips and Christmas-week magic
People who are okay with flexibility if over-snow conditions shift
December is not ideal for:
Anyone expecting to drive the Grand Loop
Travelers who need guaranteed snowmobile/snowcoach access (January and February are more reliable)
Wildlife watchers hoping to see bears (they’re hibernating during December)
Winter travel can also be more expensive. Because you need guided transportation to reach the park’s interior, costs add up quickly compared to a summer trip, where you can simply drive everywhere.
That said, if you are willing to plan around winter conditions, embrace a slower pace, and focus on what is actually open, Yellowstone in December still offers something very special.
If you want help putting all of this together, our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide walks you through exactly how to plan a winter trip, from where to stay to how to reach Old Faithful and where to find wildlife.
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Happy Travels!
Keep planning a winter trip to Yellowstone: