Which Wyoming Roads, Parks and Trails Are Still Open — and Which Aren't

Winter changes things fast in Wyoming. That mountain pass you cruised over in September could be under a few feet of snow by November. Elk start gathering in Jackson Hole, snow settles in across the Tetons and some of the best summer drives turn into playgrounds for skiers and snowmobilers.

There’s a lot to like about it, though. Winter brings its own kind of adventure, whether you’re watching wolves in Yellowstone, soaking in a hot spring or heading out on cross-country skis.

The key is knowing which parts of Wyoming you can still get to when the snow piles up.

Some Wyoming roads close every winter, while others stay open unless a storm rolls in. National parks, state parks and trails all follow their own seasonal schedules. Knowing what’s open and what’s not can help you make the most of your trip, especially if you’re coming between October and spring.

What You'll Find in This Guide

  • Why some Wyoming roads close for winter and how reopening dates are determined
  • Where to find current road conditions and closure alerts
  • Major seasonal road closures across Wyoming for winter 2026–27
  • Which national parks, state parks and attractions have limited winter access
  • Our favorite places to enjoy Wyoming in winter
  • Winter driving tips and answers to common travel questions

Why Seasonal Closures Happen in Wyoming

Wyoming has spectacular mountain roads, but keeping them open through winter is a tall order.

Take Snowy Range Scenic Byway, for example. It climbs above 10,800 feet west of Laramie. Deep snowdrifts, strong winds and not much winter traffic make it tough to keep open. Instead of plowing all season, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) closes the road until spring.

Other roads close to give wildlife the space they need. In Grand Teton, some routes turn into winter recreation corridors, and at National Elk Refuge, restrictions help migrating and wintering animals get through the season.

You’ll run into two main types of closures out here.

  • Planned seasonal closures happen every year on certain routes, usually from late fall through spring. Some have set dates, while others depend on snowfall, drifting and whether crews can keep things safe.
  • Temporary closures can pop up just about anywhere, even on highways that usually stay open all year. Blizzards, black ice, low visibility and Wyoming’s famous winds can all shut things down in a hurry.

Getting roads open again works much the same way. Yellowstone posts projected spring opening dates for different roads, while WYDOT crews have to clear out the snow and check conditions before mountain passes are ready. Just because it’s warm in April doesn’t mean a high-elevation highway is good to go.

Our best advice? Treat posted seasonal dates as a starting point, but let current conditions have the final say.

How to Check for Winter Closures in Wyoming

Before you leave town, get in the habit of checking the roads you’ll be using. Weather can change a lot between your first cup of coffee and the next mountain pass.

Here are the official resources we'd keep handy.

Don’t count on your phone’s navigation app alone. A road might show up on the map even if there’s a locked gate across it for the season.

If you’re heading out on a long drive, check conditions again at the last town before you hit a remote stretch. Cell service can be spotty in plenty of places out here.

Planned Winter Road and Trail Closures in Wyoming

Some of Wyoming’s best scenic drives are only open part of the year. If you’ve been dreaming about crossing Beartooth Pass or exploring the high country in the Snowy Range, keep an eye on the calendar.

Here are the major routes with recurring winter closures or scheduled restrictions for the 2026–27 season.

Road or Route Location Expected Winter Closure Winter Travel Alternative
Snowy Range Scenic Byway (WY 130) 12-mile stretch between Green Rock and Ryan Park November through May, depending on conditions Use I-80 and the lower sections of WY 130 to travel between Laramie and Saratoga
Battle Pass Scenic Byway (WY 70) 23-mile section between Baggs and Encampment Late November/early December until spring Travel through Rawlins using WY 789, I-80 and connecting highways
U.S. Highway 14A 22-mile section between Burgess Junction and Lovell Late November/early December through May Use U.S. 14 via Granite Pass and Greybull
Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) High-elevation section between Red Lodge, Montana and Cooke City October 12, 2026 through spring 2027 Access Cooke City from Yellowstone's North Entrance via the year-round northern park road
Yellowstone's Dunraven Pass Canyon Village to Tower Fall October 12, 2026 until spring Use Yellowstone's northern road corridor where accessible
Most Yellowstone Interior Roads Includes roads to Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and Canyon Village October 31, 2026 Use the northern road corridor or arrange authorized winter oversnow transportation
Teton Park Road Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge November 1 through April 30 Use U.S. 26/89/191 for north-south travel through Grand Teton
Moose-Wilson Road Unplowed section between Death Canyon Road and Granite Canyon Trailhead November 1 until mid-May, conditions permitting Use U.S. 26/89/191 and WY 22
Grassy Lake Road West of Flagg Ranch in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Closes to wheeled vehicles based on snow conditions Use the main plowed highways for travel through Grand Teton
National Elk Refuge Road Beyond approximately 3.5 miles from the Jackson entrance December 1 through April 30 Wildlife viewing remains possible from designated public areas

Closure dates reflect planned or typical seasonal schedules and may change depending on weather and road conditions. Check Wyoming 511 or the relevant park's official updates before traveling.

A Few Important Road Details

Exact closing dates for WY 130, WY 70 and U.S. 14A depend on snowfall and road conditions. Lower approach roads may still provide access to winter recreation areas, but always confirm which stretches are maintained.

There's also an important distinction near Yellowstone. Most of Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY 296) stays open year-round, but the connecting nine-mile stretch of U.S. 212 between Pilot Creek and Cooke City closes to regular vehicles in winter. You can't drive from Cody into Cooke City that way.

Secondary forest roads and trailhead approaches can also become impassable long before nearby highways close.

What About Wyoming Trails in Winter?

Unlike seasonally gated roads, many Wyoming trails don't have fixed winter closing dates. However, snow-covered access roads, wildlife restrictions and changing conditions can make them inaccessible or unsuitable for hiking.

Check the appropriate park or national forest alerts before visiting a trailhead. Some summer hiking routes become designated cross-country skiing or snowshoeing routes in winter.

Winter Access to Wyoming National Parks, State Parks and Attractions

Wyoming's national parks, state parks and outdoor attractions don't all close when winter arrives. Often, the destination remains accessible while certain roads, campgrounds, visitor centers or activities shut down for the season.

Here's what to expect around the state.

Northwest Wyoming: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

Yellowstone National Park

Most roads close to regular vehicles at the end of October. For 2026, October 31 is the final scheduled day for regular automobile access on most interior roads, with Dunraven Pass closing earlier on October 12.

The exception is the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana through Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley to the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City. This corridor generally stays open year-round, subject to temporary weather restrictions.

Want to see Old Faithful surrounded by snow? Arrange an authorized snowcoach or commercially guided snowmobile excursion during Yellowstone's winter season, scheduled to begin December 15, 2026.

Most summer facilities also close, so check Yellowstone's operating schedules before booking accommodations or planning meals.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton offers a little more freedom for a conventional winter road trip.

The main highway through the park stays open and plowed, giving you access to outstanding Teton views. However, Teton Park Road closes to regular vehicles from November 1 through April 30.

Once snow conditions permit, part of the closed road is groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking. The winter recreation season typically runs from mid-December through mid-March.

The northern section of Moose-Wilson Road between Moose and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is scheduled to remain closed through November 15, 2026, transitioning to winter recreation access as conditions allow. Death Canyon Road and its trailhead are also closed for construction, reopening in 2027.

Check Grand Teton's construction updates before choosing a trailhead.

North-Central Wyoming: Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn Canyon

Bighorn National Forest

Driving across the Bighorn Mountains is a summer highlight, particularly along U.S. 14A. Once that route closes, travelers will need to use U.S. 14 or another suitable highway connection.

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is a destination to plan around the seasons. Located at nearly 10,000 feet, its access road generally doesn't open until July, and foot access is usually available from mid-June through September.

This is an important sacred site for numerous Native American tribes, and visitors should respect ceremonial closures and site regulations.

Shell Falls Interpretive Site is also closed for construction, including its viewing platform, trails and parking areas. The current closure order runs through December 31, 2026, so check for updates before planning a visit.

Check Bighorn National Forest alerts before planning either stop.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area remains open year-round, weather permitting. The southern district near Lovell is accessible without crossing seasonally closed U.S. 14A, although visitor center hours and boating services change for winter.

Remember that the northern and southern districts aren't connected by a public road within the recreation area.

Central Wyoming: Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park

The dramatic limestone canyon outside Lander remains a compelling destination as the seasons change. However, the park's visitor center closes for winter and is scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend in 2027.

Camping also changes. Water at Popo Agie Campground is scheduled to be shut off October 15, 2026, and campsite access through winter depends on conditions. Yurts remain available to reserve year-round.

If you're heading into the canyon for a hike, confirm which trails and facilities are accessible before traveling.

Southern Wyoming: Medicine Bow and Curt Gowdy

Medicine Bow National Forest

With the high sections of WY 130 and WY 70 closed to vehicles, conventional scenic driving gives way to winter sports.

Many forest roads become snow-covered routes for snowmobiles, while designated Nordic trails provide access for skiers and snowshoers.

Not every summer trailhead is reachable by car. Start with established winter access points such as Green Rock Trailhead near Centennial and check Medicine Bow National Forest recreation information for conditions and permitted activities.

Curt Gowdy State Park

Between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park offers hiking, mountain biking and camping opportunities across the seasons.

Campgrounds remain available in winter, although water is shut off at campground facilities beginning October 1. Winter campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while reservable cabins offer a warmer overnight option.

Trail conditions are another matter. Snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles can make individual routes unsuitable for hiking or biking, so choose your outing based on conditions rather than the calendar.

Southwest Wyoming: Fossil Butte and Bear River

Fossil Butte National Monument

You can explore Wyoming's prehistoric past even when the surrounding hills are blanketed in snow.

Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer remains open year-round, and its visitor center displays remarkable fossils from the area's ancient lake environment.

The catch is that the scenic drive leading toward the picnic area and Nature Trail closes from November until approximately late May, depending on conditions.

The visitor center continues operating during winter, generally Monday through Saturday, with holiday closures. It's the best place to begin a cold-weather visit.

Bear River State Park

Just outside Evanston, Bear River State Park stays open year-round and offers a chance to see wildlife along the Bear River.

The park's bison and elk herds are a highlight, and you might see them from the trails when conditions permit.

Winter means shorter visitor center hours and water shutoffs, but the park stays open every day. It’s a good stop if you’re passing through southwest Wyoming.

Best Bets for Winter Fun in Wyoming

Now for the fun part. Just because a scenic road is closed doesn’t mean you can’t get out and explore. In plenty of places, winter brings opportunities you won’t find any other time of year.

Watch Wildlife in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley

If spotting wildlife is high on your list, winter in Lamar Valley is worth a look.

Wolves, bison and elk all roam the area, and the snow makes it easier to spot animals across the valley.

Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and keep your distance. If you want to learn more about what you’re seeing, a guided wildlife tour is worth considering.

Take a Sleigh Ride at National Elk Refuge

Not much in a Wyoming winter matches seeing hundreds of elk gathered below the Tetons.

At National Elk Refuge near Jackson, horse-drawn sleigh rides take visitors into the winter habitat of the herds. Elk typically gather on the refuge from mid-December through early April.

You’ll be moving through their home, with the mountains behind you and a chance to see elk from a perspective you just won’t get from the highway.

Book your National Elk Refuge sleigh ride ahead of time and dress for the cold. An open sleigh can get chilly fast.

Cross-Country Ski in the Snowy Range

When WY 130 closes to vehicles, Green Rock Trailhead near Centennial becomes a starting point for winter adventures in the Snowy Range.

From here, you can get onto Libby Creek Trail or Barber Lake Trail, both winding through snowy forest and mountain country. Green Rock sits about 34 miles west of Laramie, close to the eastern winter closure gate.

If you’re looking for something approachable, try Libby Creek Trail. It’s a 3.8-mile route with some gradual climbs, a few steeper spots and plenty of winter scenery.

Check conditions, fees and trail information through the U.S. Forest Service.

Soak in Thermopolis

We're willing to bet a hot mineral pool sounds pretty appealing after a day spent exploring Wyoming in December.

At Hot Springs State Park, the State Bath House offers free access to soaking pools fed by the area's naturally heated mineral water.

You can also check out Thermopolis itself, with its museums, restaurants and places to stay. It’s a practical base for a winter trip to central Wyoming, especially if you’d rather plan day trips than long drives through the mountains.

The Bath House runs shorter hours in winter and closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s a welcome stop if you’re crossing central Wyoming while the mountains are under snow. Check Hot Springs State Park for Bath House hours before arriving.

Explore Devils Tower in the Quiet Season

There’s something memorable about seeing Devils Tower rise above the winter landscape, especially with snow settled around its base.

The monument's year-round access makes it a strong choice for a winter trip through northeast Wyoming.

If the Tower Trail is safe, you’ll get changing views of the landmark all along its 1.3-mile loop. If it’s icy, enjoy the view from the accessible areas nearby.

The Belle Fourche River Campground closes around mid-October, while the visitor center moves to shorter winter hours.

Think about staying in Hulett or Sundance. Both towns make good bases for exploring the area without biting off too much winter driving in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Travel in Wyoming

Find Your Winter Adventure in Wyoming

There's plenty of Wyoming to explore after the snow arrives. Just remember that the mountain road you drove in August might be a very different proposition come January. Check the conditions, pack for the weather and have another route in mind if a storm rolls through. When you’re ready, start planning your winter adventure in Wyoming and see what the Cowboy State has to offer.