Recent record-breaking flood conditions caused a full evacuation of Yellowstone National Park. After temporarily closing the country’s oldest national park, the National Park Service took time to assess the overall damage to Yellowstone’s infrastructure. North entrances are expected to remain closed for the remainder of the season as they repair the damage.
After careful consideration, the park reopened the south loop through the Park’s Southern Gate (North of Jackson Hole), East Gate (Cody), and West Gate (West Yellowstone), on Wednesday, June 22. Additionally, barring any major setbacks in clean-up, repairs, and final inspections, the Park Service announced that roughly 80% of the park will be open within the next two weeks, including the northern loop, allowing access to Dunraven Pass, Tower, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris. Hiking will be, and likely may continue to be, limited to certain areas until further notice. For now, only the Grand lower loop will be available. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
The Park Service has instated an Alternating License Plate System (ALPS), so as not to overcrowd the park. License plates ending in an odd number are admitted on odd days of the month, and license plates ending in an even number are admitted on even days of the month. Visitors with proof of overnight reservations with hotel, campground, and backcountry reservations in the park are permitted access regardless of their license plate. We recommend printing proof of reservation as cellular service is limited in and around the park.
We encourage all visitors to stay attuned to park road conditions and gate closures before planning any trips into Yellowstone.
We are devastated to see the damage caused by flooding in Yellowstone, and our hearts go out to the many communities reeling from this disaster. Interested in donating to Yellowstone and the communities directly affected by this disaster? Here are some options for disaster relief programs giving aid through this time.
If you’ve already booked your travel to Jackson Hole, consider the following activities for your trip.
- Plan day trips to nearby Grand Teton National Park
- Book a scenic float or white water adventure down the beautiful Snake River
- Get your adrenaline fix at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s bike park
- Scale the Tetons on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Via Ferrata
- Soar above the Tetons with a magical hot air balloon ride
- Experience the last of the Old West at the rodeo
