Wyoming invites visitors on a snowy, adventure-filled escape this winter. Discover wide-open spaces, picture-perfect landscapes, iconic national parks and authentic Western charm with a touch of holiday spirit.
Get a jumpstart on planning the ultimate winter getaway:
Are Wyoming's National Parks Open in the Winter?
Visitors admire a hot spring from the boardwalk in the snow-covered Yellowstone National Park.
Yes, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are open and accessible to visitors year round. Though they are open, visitors should expect closures to park entrances and roads, limited services and reduced staffing.
The parks are transitioning to their winter season, meaning less crowds and more room to roam.
Here's what travelers can expect when visiting Wyoming's national parks this time of year:
Winter Lodging in the National Parks
Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks have officially entered their scheduled seasonal transition period.
In Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins remains open for booking and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge will reopen its doors to overnight guests on December 16. Yellowstone lodging will temporarily close again at the beginning of March 2026 and will begin reopening for the summer season starting May 1, 2026.
All Grand Teton lodging properties — Grand Teton Lodging Company and Signal Mountain Lodge — will remain closed through the winter, with lodging to begin reopening for the summer season on May 8, 2026. Triangle X Ranch is the only lodging property located within the park that stays open during the winter. The ranch will open on December 26 and their season runs through mid-March.
Accessing the National Parks
All Wyoming entrances into Yellowstone are closed to regular traffic during the winter. Yellowstone's East and South entrances open for commercially-guided snowcoach and snowmobile travel beginning on December 15 (weather dependent).
In Cody, Wyoming, one to three-day guided snowmobile tours of Yellowstone are available starting on December 15, and can be booked through Gary Fales Outfitting.
Those coming from Jackson, Wyoming, can take a snowcoach to get to and from Yellowstone's Old Faithful Snow Lodge. This can be reserved online through a guide service, such as Scenic Safaris.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers transportation between Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel via snowcoach for an added fee. There are also a variety of guided winter tours offered daily through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Road access to Grand Teton is limited — US Highway 89/191 and US Highway 287/26 are open from Jackson or Dubois, Wyoming, to Flagg Ranch. Roads that are closed will be groomed for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and for licensed tour operators equipped with oversnow vehicles.
A handful of Jackson-based guide companies such as Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures, Teton Mountain Bike Tours and Teton Backcountry Guides, offer a variety of tours through Grand Teton.
Beyond the National Parks
There are plenty of incredible Wyoming destinations to visit outside of our national parks. From its state parks, to vibrant Western towns, world-class museums, hundreds of miles of trails and much more, visitors can still enjoy unforgettable Wyoming adventures.
Outdoor Recreation
Friends enjoy a relaxing soak in one of six hot pools at Astoria Hot Springs in Jackson Hole.
Wyoming is well known for its unmatched outdoor offerings. Visitors can explore hiking and biking trails across 12 state parks and eight national forests, while anglers can enjoy the state's many Blue Ribbon streams. For a more laid-back experience, opt to soak in one of several soothing mineral-bearing hot springs.
Along the Trails
Whether a beginner or expert, there are seemingly endless options for hiking and biking trails — even with snow on the ground. Rent snowshoes or cross-country skis from an outfitter such as Rock on Wheels in Cheyenne, Wyoming, then venture over to Curt Gowdy State Park to trek the three-mile Hidden Falls trail for a refreshing surprise at the end of the route. Fat bikes are available for rent through Geared Up in downtown Pinedale, Wyoming, and ridden just outside of town along a trail, like Kelly Park Loop, for unmatched views of the Bridger-Teton wilderness.
A Relaxing Soak
Alternatively, visitors can have a more laid-back experience at one of Wyoming's hot springs. Walk the boardwalk atop colorful natural hot spring terraces along the Bighorn River in Thermopolis, Wyoming's Hot Springs State Park. Then, head over to the state park's free-to-enter Bath House to soak in the 104-degree Fahrenheit mineral hot springs. Astoria Hot Springs and Granite Hot Springs in Jackson Hole, and the Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga, Wyoming, are other notable hot springs where visitors can experience a soothing mineral soak across the state.
Small-Town Charm
A couple shopping in Jackson's Town Square in the winter.
Though Wyoming is the least populated state, its small towns are filled to the brim with adventure. Discover captivating museums, local shops with Western charm, bold flavors and historical lodging properties for the ultimate overnight stay.
Shop Local
Travelers can shop local and find a new favorite addition to their wardrobe or a locally made food item to add to their pantry. Visitors can keep warm this winter with a 100% Wyoming-sourced and made wool sweater from Mountain Meadow Wool in Buffalo, Wyoming. Farther south in the small town of Chugwater, Wyoming, travelers can stack up on the Wyoming-favorite Chugwater Chili seasoning for the tastiest chili dish.
For the Museum Gurus
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis is the perfect place to take the family to see real fossils from dinosaurs that once roamed Wyoming. In Gillette, Wyoming, the Frontier Auto Museum is decorated from top to bottom with classic Americana, including vintage cars, relics, neon signs and more that practically transport guests back in time.
Historical Stays
At the end of a busy day of exploring, visitors can warm up at one of several historical lodging properties across the state that have deep ties to Wyoming's Western heritage. Since the early 1900s, the elegant Chamberlin Inn in the heart of downtown Cody, has been a favorite to guests visiting from across the globe, including Ernest Hemingway, whose signature is on display in the lobby. Though the majority of Wyoming's guest ranches are closed during the winter, the snowy season is the ideal time to book ahead for the summer, as many of these properties book up far in advance. The historical, third-generation Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming, is the perfect family getaway for a true Western experience.
Events to Ring in the Holidays
Letters being delivered to the post office via Pony Express during Cheyenne's Old West Holiday. (Image courtesy of Visit Cheyenne/Matthew Idler)
As winter rolls in, events in Wyoming shift gears to embrace the holiday season. Each November, towns across Wyoming begin to light up with festive decorations and holiday cheer.
Cheyenne's Old West Holiday
Starting on November 29 in Cheyenne, visitors are invited to experience the annual Old West Holiday. Kids can write letters to Santa and watch as they are hand-delivered to the post office by a cowboy on horseback.
Casper Christmas Tree Parade
On December 6, grab a hot drink from a local coffee shop in Casper, Wyoming, and line the downtown streets to witness the joyful sights and sounds of the annual Christmas Tree Parade. Conclude the evening ice skating under the lights at David Street Station.
Sheridan's Christmas Stroll
The Christmas Stroll in the cozy mountain town of Sheridan, Wyoming, returns for its 30th year this November 28. The historic Main Street comes to life with colorful lights, wagon rides, marshmallow roasting, caroling, live entertainment and more.
Travel Responsibly
To keep Wyoming wild and our friendly communities thriving, we encourage every visitor to travel thoughtfully. The below tips can help ensure travelers have a safe, respectful and responsible exploration while having the vacation of a lifetime.
Wildlife Safety: Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 35 yards from all other wildlife. Remember that you are visiting their home.
Keep it Clean: Help be a responsible steward of our land by disposing of all trash and taking it with you with you leave.
Support Local: Choose locally-owned businesses when exploring the state. Travel to lesser-known areas and give those well-traveled destinations a break.
Plan Ahead: Do research and make reservations in advance. Remain flexible and have a backup plan in case of unexpected closures. Anticipate spotty cell signal in more remote parts of the state.
Travel Safely: Check weather and road conditions on WYDOT's website before departing. Inclement weather can cause occasional closures to roads and national park entrances.
Learn more about responsible travel to Wyoming.
