This news story about the first roads in Yellowstone National Park to reopen in 2022 is based on an April 7, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
After another long and harsh winter season, Yellowstone National Park is slowly reawakening. One of the first indications that the tourist season in the park is about to start is the annual road reopening announcement from the National Park Service.
This year, a number of Yellowstone National Park roads will reopen to vehicle traffic at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 15.
However, this schedule is still weather permitting. In case of heavy snow or other adverse weather conditions, the reopening may be postponed.
Some Yellowstone National Park Roads Reopen to Cars on April 15, 2022
As usual, the Yellowstone roads that will reopen are limited to the northern, western and some central parts of the national park.
Most of Yellowstone’s star attractions will be accessible, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Norris and Mammoth Hot Springs. Due to its high elevation, however, Yellowstone Lake is typically one of the last places to open up to vehicle traffic.
Yellowstone National Park Roads Open to the Public April 15
These are the roads in Yellowstone National Park that will open to the general public on April 15.
- West Entrance to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris)
- Norris to Canyon Village
- North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance (open year-round)
Changes in 2022
Please take note of the following changes in Yellowstone National Park in 2022.
- The road between Canyon Village and Tower-Roosevelt (Dunraven Pass) opens May 27 at noon.
- Fishing and boating seasons begin May 28 and will close October 31.
- Three major road improvement projects will occur this year. All three projects will cause major delays (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb and Yellowstone River Bridge) and two projects (Old Faithful to West Thumb and Lewis River Bridge) will have overnight closures. Visitors entering and exiting the park’s south entrance near Grand Teton National Park should allow for extra driving time. Drive slowly through road construction and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife and other hazards.
- Park roads will close for the winter season November 1 at 12:01 a.m.
Stay Informed Before and While Visiting Yellowstone National Park
The National Park Service encourages future (and current) visitors to Yellowstone National Park to stay informed about conditions and alerts, from bear sightings to road closures.
- Services in the spring will be limited and visitors should come prepared. Visit Operating Hours & Seasons for area-specific services.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring. Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions. Visitors should check the park’s current conditions before they arrive.
- Find updated road status on the park website and by calling (307) 344-2117. To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions.
- Reduce wait times at park entrances. Buy a pass online ahead of time.
For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.