Stanley-Sawtooth Area

Yellowstone National Park is an awe-inspiring sight to see in winter. Majestic wildlife, steaming thermal wonders, and wintry landscapes combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience.

Snowmobiling is a great way to explore the nation’s first national park. Although the National Park Service does limit the number and type of snowmobiles allowed in the park, Yellowstone is open to snowmobilers. 

To get the most out of your snowmobile experience, be sure to plan ahead. Below are some guidelines to help you understand the snowmobiling regulations in Yellowstone National Park.

• All recreational snowmobiles operating in the park must meet Best Available Technology (BAT) requirements. Most, but not all, four-stroke snowmobiles satisfy this requirement.
• All snowmobilers in the park must travel with a commercial guide. For a list of approved snowmobile operators/guides, click here.
  • 400 from the West (West Yellowstone, MT) Entrance
  • 220 from the South (Moran, WY) Entrance
  • 40 from the East (Cody, WY) Entrance
  • 30 from the North (Gardiner, MT) Entrance
  • 30 from Old Faithful (within the park; riders must arrange for oversnow transportation to Old Faithful)
• No more than 11 snowmobiles are permitted per group (this includes the commercial guide’s sled).
• Entrance fee into the park is $20 per snowmobile (typically separate from your sled rental fee). This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Remember to keep your admission receipt in order to re-enter the parks. Annual Area, Golden Access, Golden Age, and Golden Eagle Passports are possible alternatives to the above fee. For more info on park fees, click here.
• Snowmobile operators must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Snowmobiling opens in the park on December 19, 2007. All roads will be opened to oversnow vehicles (except North to Northeast Entrance which is open year-round to wheeled vehicles). This date is subject to change depending on the winter use plan
• Snowmobiling closes in the park on the following schedule as spring plowing begins. Roads close at 9:00 p.m. on the days listed below. NOTE: These dates are all weather-dependent. For the most updated info, visit the National Park Service website.
  • Sunday March 3, 2008 - Mammoth to Norris Junction
  • Tuesday March 5, 2008 - Norris Junction to Madison Junction and Norris Junction to Canyon Roads close.
  • March 10, 2008 - All groomed roads in the park are closed
• Don’t forget to explore the world-class trails just outside of the park. You’ll find more than 1,000 miles of trails in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana just beyond the park's boundaries.