Yellowstone in January: What’s Open + What to Expect
January in Yellowstone is one of the quietest, most serene times of year to be in the park. Snow blankets the valleys, steam rises dramatically from geysers, wildlife is easier to spot against the white landscape, and the entire place feels peaceful in a way you rarely get during summer.
But January also brings road closures, subzero temps, limited services, and access that depends on snowcoach or snowmobile tours. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, including what’s open, how to get around, what to expect, where to stay, and the best things to do on a January trip to Yellowstone National Park.
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Yellowstone in January (Quick Guide)
Is Yellowstone open in January? Yes, but only one road is open to self-driving: the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). All other roads require a snowcoach or snowmobile tour.
Can you drive in Yellowstone in January? Yes, you can drive through Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction, Lamar Valley, and Cooke City. You cannot drive to Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Hayden Valley, or West Thumb on your own.
What’s the weather like? Cold and snowy. Expect 10-30°F (-12 to -2°C) during the day and subzero temperatures at night. Roads are often slick with ice or compact snow.
Is Yellowstone crowded in January? Not at all. January sees about 45,000 visitors compared to more than 900,000 in July. This is one of the best months for solitude and wildlife viewing.
Best things to do: Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, snowcoach tours to Old Faithful or Canyon Village, snowmobiling from West Yellowstone, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and winter photography.
Should you visit in January? Absolutely… if you want wildlife, quiet, winter scenery, and don’t mind the cold and limited access. Not ideal for visitors wanting to “see it all” or spend their time hiking.
What to Expect in Yellowstone in January
Yellowstone in January is stunning, but it’s also one of the park’s harshest months. Here’s what the winter experience really looks like.
Weather in January
January is Yellowstone’s coldest month. Expect:
Daytime highs: 10-30°F (-12 to -2°C)
Nighttime lows: Often below 0°F
Snowfall: ~14.5 inches (the highest of any winter month)
Conditions: Icy boardwalks, deep snow, wind chills that make temps feel significantly colder
Yellowstone is usually covered in a thick blanket of snow in January. That means it’s absolutely beautiful, but cold. If you're heading into the interior on a snowcoach or snowmobile tour, bring warm layers, wool socks, insulated boots, and a buff for wind protection.
Here’s our full Yellowstone packing list.
Road Openings in January
Only one park road is open to private vehicles in January, and that’s the road from Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).
This stretch gives you access to:
Mammoth Hot Springs
Blacktail Plateau area
Lamar Valley (best winter wildlife watching)
Soda Butte
Northeast Entrance
Cooke City
Open by Snowcoach/Snowmobile Only:
The following areas are closed to private vehicles in January, and accessible only by snowcoach or snowmobile:
Old Faithful
Canyon Village
Norris Geyser Basin
The road between Mammoth and Norris
If you want to reach Old Faithful Geyser or Artist Point Overlook, you need to take a snowcoach or guided snowmobile tour.
Services & Facilities in January
January has limited services.
Here’s what is open in January:
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (full winter operations)
Old Faithful Snow Lodge (access by snowcoach transportation)
Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth)
Snowcoach + snowmobile concessionaires in West Yellowstone, as well as a few snowcoach tours from Gardiner, MT
Cooke City Visitor Center
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge are Yellowstone’s only winter lodges. Outside the park, you can stay in nearby towns such as Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT. It’s a good idea to book early, as lodges and accommodations can fill up quickly during the winter season due to limited options.
Here’s what is closed or limited in January:
Most in-park restaurants
Most lodges
General stores
Visitor centers outside Mammoth
Plan for fewer dining options and prepare to bring snacks, warm layers, and extra water.
Why Visit Yellowstone in January
January is one of the best times to experience Yellowstone if you love:
Snowy landscapes and steaming geysers
Snowy wildlife watching (wolves, foxes, bison, elk)
Quiet boardwalks and peaceful scenery
Unique winter access via snowcoach or snowmobile
Winter photography
Winter sports, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
The tradeoff? Cold weather, limited access, and the need to book guided tours. But if you’re prepared, January offers a side of Yellowstone most visitors never see.
Downsides of Visiting Yellowstone in January
To set expectations clearly:
Unpredictable weather can lead to temporary closures
Limited road access (you cannot drive to most major sights)
Reduced visitor services in and around the park
Expensive guided tours for interior access
Bears are hibernating, so no bear sightings
Most hiking trails are inaccessible (for trails that are open, you’ll need snowshoes or cross-country skis)
If you want to experience Yellowstone’s full Grand Loop, January is not the time. But if you want winter wildlife and peaceful landscapes, you’ll love it.
Driving in Yellowstone in January
Driving in January is limited but stunning. The only road open to self-driving is the route from the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) → Mammoth Hot Springs → Tower Junction → Lamar Valley → Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). It’s one of the most beautiful winter drives in the entire national park system.
This route offers access to popular areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, but it’s not a complete circuit of the park. Access beyond these points requires traveling via snowcoach, snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross-country ski.
Road & Weather Conditions
Roads are typically compact snow or ice.
Storms can cause temporary closures.
Bison regularly walk in the road.
Chains are often not allowed on rental cars; drive slowly and leave extra space.
Cell service is spotty past Mammoth.
Roads from Gardiner to Cooke City are maintained during winter months, but storms may cause temporary closures. Drive slowly and give yourself extra daylight.
Best Scenic Winter Views Along Yellowstone’s Northern Range
The drive from Yellowstone’s North to Northeast Entrance is full of breathtaking winter scenery. Here are our favorite views:
Gardiner River Bridge: One of the best views, especially when driving back toward Gardiner.
Mammoth Hot Springs Area: The terraces are gorgeous from the road in the winter, especially around sunrise and sunset.
Blacktail Plateau & Blacktail Ponds: Wide, rolling, snow-covered landscapes that feel like classic Yellowstone winter and a great spot for spotting coyotes, bison, elk, and wolves.
Lamar Valley: The most dramatic winter wildlife viewing area. Watch for bison plowing snow with their heads and wolf watchers lining the road with scopes.
Icebox Canyon (between Lamar Valley and the Northeast Entrance): This stretch often looks like a postcard and is one of the most underrated spots in Yellowstone.
Cooke City: A tiny winter town surrounded by mountains. Grab a hot chocolate at Cooke City Coffee before turning around.
This is the best (and only) winter drive you can do independently, and it's spectacular.
Wildlife in Yellowstone in January
Yellowstone’s Northern Range remains accessible throughout winter and has the highest wildlife density in the park. With so few visitors, you can stop longer, move at your own pace, and enjoy sightings without crowds.
Here’s what you can expect to see in January, and where.
Bison
Bison are active year-round, but winter makes them especially photogenic. You’ll often see them:
Plowing snow with their massive heads
Resting on warm geothermal ground
Walking directly on the road or groomed trails to conserve energy
Best places to see them in January: Blacktail Plateau, Lamar Valley, Soda Butte Creek
Elk
Large elk herds winter in lower-elevation areas where food is easier to reach. In January, they’re commonly seen:
Around Mammoth Hot Springs
In the open meadows of the Northern Range
Along the river corridors
Best places to see elk: Mammoth Hot Springs, Blacktail Ponds, Lamar Valley
Wolves
January is one of the top wolf-watching months in Yellowstone. (But personally, we like February better.) Snow cover improves visibility, and wolves are more active throughout the day. On many winter mornings, you’ll see wolf watchers and biologists set up scopes in the Lamar Valley.
Best places to look for wolves:
Blacktail Plateau
Slough Creek
Lamar Valley
Coyotes
Coyotes are easier to spot in January because they stand out against the snow. Watch for:
Mousing behavior (leaping and diving headfirst into snow)
Traveling alone along ridgelines and roads
Best places: Blacktail Plateau, Lamar Valley, Soda Butte
Foxes
Red foxes are my favorite winter sightings! They’re solitary, so keep an eye on the edges of meadows and forested hillsides.
Best spots: Lamar Valley, Pebble Creek, near Petrified Tree
Bighorn Sheep
January is a great month for bighorn sheep because they come down to lower elevations where snow is shallower.
Best places:
Icebox Canyon (one of the best spots in the park)
Near the Rescue Creek Trailhead
Between Mammoth and Tower Junction
Trumpeter Swans
These brilliant white birds stand out beautifully against the dark rivers and snow-covered backdrop.
Best places:
Gardner River
Yellowstone River
Madison River
Bald Eagles
Eagles perch in cottonwoods and hunt along the rivers where water remains partially open.
Best places: Lamar River
What You Won’t See in January
Remember that bears are hibernating during the winter months. Both grizzlies and black bears den for the winter and will not be out in January. Many small mammals are also less visible. They’re still active but often under snow or in sheltered areas.
10 Best Things To Do in Yellowstone in January
Here are our favorite things to do in Yellowstone in January!
1. Wildlife Watching along Yellowstone’s Northern Range
Wolves, coyotes, bison, elk, and foxes stand out beautifully against the snow.
Best spots:
Blacktail Plateau
Blacktail Ponds
Petrified Tree area
Slough Creek
Lamar Valley
Soda Butte
If you see a cluster of cars pulled off with scopes pointed toward a hillside… stop. Chances are, something incredible is happening.
2. Snowcoach Tour to Old Faithful
A snowcoach tour is the most comfortable way to reach Yellowstone’s interior in winter. These oversized, heated vehicles travel on packed snow and open up access to:
Old Faithful
Upper Geyser Basin
Firehole River
Biscuit Basin
Black Sand Basin
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If photography is a priority, snowcoach tours give you more time to explore boardwalks and take photos. Snowcoach tours generally run out of both West Yellowstone and Gardiner.
3. Snowmobile to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If you want adventure, this is it. Most snowmobile tours depart from West Yellowstone and take you deep into the park’s interior. You can enter to win a personal snowmobile permit or join a guided snowmobile tour.
You can book tours to see:
Gibbon Falls
Hayden Valley (winter perspective)
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Old Faithful
Pro tip: Rent the snowmobile suit, boots, and gloves at the time of booking.
4. Explore Mammoth Hot Springs
The terraces look otherworldly in winter, with ice and snow mingling with the mineral-rich hot water. The area is also home to the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, one of the few lodging options open during winter.
Note: Some sections of the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces may be closed in winter, but we highly recommend exploring all open boardwalk areas. You can get here by car by entering Yellowstone’s North Entrance (near Gardiner, MT) and following the signs to Mammoth Hot Springs.
5. Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
Yellowstone has miles of trails for winter recreation, particularly around Mammoth and the Northeast Entrance. You can hire a guide or rent/bring your own gear.
Recommended trails:
Upper Terrace Loop Ski Trail (Mammoth)
Tower Fall Trail (snowshoeing)
Barronette Ski Trail (Cooke City area)
Bring your own gear or rent from:
Parks’ Fly Shop (Gardiner)
Bear Den Ski Shop (Mammoth)
Or book a guided tour through a company like Yellowstone Safari Company.
6. Winter Photography
Yellowstone's winter landscape is a photographer's dream. From the snow-draped trees to the steaming geysers and abundant wildlife, there are countless opportunities for capturing beautiful images.
You’ll get great images around:
Mammoth Hot Springs
Norris Geyser Basin (snowcoach access)
Old Faithful area (snowcoach or snowmobile access)
Artist Point (snowcoach or snowmobile access)
Roosevelt Arch (Gardiner, MT)
7. Drive from Gardiner to Cooke City
This drive is accessible by car year-round and passes by:
Mammoth Hot Springs
Blacktail Plateau
Lamar Valley
Icebox Canyon
This is your best option for an independent winter day in the park.
8. Visit the Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth)
Warm up, learn about Yellowstone’s wildlife and history, and chat with rangers about the latest wolf sightings and conditions.
9. Soak at Nearby Hot Springs
You can’t soak in any hot springs inside the park, but Yellowstone Hot Springs is about a 10-minute drive from Gardiner and makes a great winter activity. Chico Hot Springs is about 40 minutes from Gardiner and is another great place to visit. Bring your swimsuit!
10. Enjoy the Winter Quiet
January brings a rare kind of stillness to Yellowstone. Boardwalks that are shoulder-to-shoulder in July are peaceful now.
Our favorite quiet moments:
Snowshoeing on Tower Fall Ski Trail to Calcite Springs Overlook
Walking the Upper Terraces at Mammoth
Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
Reading by the fireplace in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Where to Stay to Visit Yellowstone in January
Options for lodging within Yellowstone National Park are limited due to seasonal closures, but there are still a few great places to stay that provide access to winter activities and the park’s stunning snowy landscapes.
1. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
Location: Located in the northern part of the park, near the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Why Stay Here: It offers easy access to the Northern Range, a prime area for winter wildlife watching, and the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. The hotel also serves as a base for snowcoach and cross-country skiing tours.
How to Get Here: You can drive to the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel from the North Entrance.
2. Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Location: Near the famous Old Faithful Geyser in the park's interior.
Why Stay Here: Accessible only by snowcoach in the winter, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge is a remote winter experience. Guests can explore the nearby geysers, and the lodge offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for a winter retreat.
How to Get Here: Snowcoach transportation from West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs
3. Gardiner, Montana
Location: Yellowstone’s North Entrance
Why Stay Here: During the winter months, you can drive your own vehicle into the park from this entrance only. You can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, watch for wildlife in Lamar Valley, visit the Mammoth Hot Springs, or take a snowcoach into the park’s interior for more sightseeing. We might be biased—after all, we live here part-time—but Gardiner, MT, is our favorite home base for a winter trip to Yellowstone.
How to Get Here: Drive from Bozeman
4. West Yellowstone, Montana
Location: Yellowstone’s West Entrance
Why Stay Here: West Yellowstone is a hub for winter activities, with lots of lodging options and easy access to snowmobile and snowcoach tours into Yellowstone. The town also has the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a great spot to learn about local wildlife.
How to Get Here: Drive from Bozeman or Snowcoach Transportation
Our Recommendation: Spend 3-4 nights in Gardiner and 3 nights in West Yellowstone or at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge to fully enjoy everything Yellowstone offers in January.
How to Get to Yellowstone in January
The easiest arrival airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). From there:
BZN → Gardiner: ~1 hr 30 min
BZN → West Yellowstone: ~2 hrs
If flying in winter, avoid early morning return flights unless you’re staying the night in Bozeman. Bozeman Pass is known for winter closures.
Packing for Yellowstone in January
Here’s what we recommend packing for Yellowstone in January to help you stay warm, comfortable, and prepared for winter conditions.
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Yellowstone winter packing essentials:
Thermal base layers (top + bottom)
Warm joggers (over base layer)
Mid-layer top (Patagonia Better Sweater, Insulated puffer jacket)
Waterproof and windproof jacket (Columbia 3-in-1, Patagonia Torrentshell 3L)
Waterproof insulated boots (I wear Oboz Women’s / Jon wears Oboz Men’s, Sorel is also a good brand)
Neck gaiter, polar buff, or balaclava
Warm, insulated gloves + glove liners
Microspikes or traction cleats for trails
Snow pants (one’s I wear / bib pants Jon wears)
Ski Goggles (usually better than sunglasses for snow sports)
Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis (snowshoes we use in Yellowstone)
Sunblock, lip balm, hand warmers (especially helpful for wildlife watching)
Extra phone/camera batteries (cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so have a backup battery)
Nail clippers/nail file (winter in Yellowstone is extremely dry)
Hand lotion (seriously, it’s really dry)
Ice scraper and snow brush (both are helpful for driving in Yellowstone in the winter; we also recommend de-icer, a snow/ice scraper, and window wipes)
If you’re snowmobiling, rent gear when you book. (When you sign up for the tour, also book rental gear.) You’ll be driving up to 40mph, which makes the temperature feel much colder. And remember, you’re snowmobiling, not exploring on foot, so you won’t work up as much internal heat as you would with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Wear your thermal layer, snow or sweat pants, winter jacket, wool socks, and buff, then rent gloves, boots, and a snowmobile suit. We also recommend tinted snow goggles (vs. sunglasses).
FAQ: Visiting Yellowstone in January
Is Yellowstone open in January?
Yes. The park is open year-round, but in January, only the road between Gardiner and Cooke City is open to regular vehicles. All other roads require snowcoach or snowmobile access.
Can you drive through Yellowstone in January?
You can drive between the North and Northeast Entrances, but you cannot drive to Old Faithful, Canyon, Norris, Lake Village, or West Thumb. To reach those areas, you’ll need a snowcoach or guided snowmobile tour.
Is it worth visiting Yellowstone in January?
Yes, if you want wildlife watching, snowy landscapes, low crowds, and unique winter experiences. January is not ideal if you want full road access or warm weather.
How cold does Yellowstone get in January?
Very cold. Expect 10-30°F (-12 to -2°C) during the day and frequent subzero temperatures at night. Wind chills make it feel even colder.
What wildlife can you see in Yellowstone in January?
Common winter sightings include wolves, bison, elk, coyotes, foxes, bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles. Bears are hibernating and not visible.
Do I need a tour to visit Old Faithful in January?
Yes. Old Faithful is only accessible by snowcoach or guided snowmobile tour during winter months.
Is January a good month for photography in Yellowstone?
Absolutely. Winter brings dramatic steam, frosted trees, soft light, misty geysers, and increased wildlife visibility. It’s one of the most photogenic times of year.
