What to do in Yellowstone National Park during the winter? A lot, it turns out

Yellowstone National Park welcomed 4.7 million visitors in 2024, the second busiest year on record. Most, however, arrived during the summer months.

While park visitation continues to trend upward overall, winter brings a reliably marked slowdown compared to the busy summer tourist season.

In 2024, recreation visitors from January to March numbered between 30,000 and 50,000 per month, according to the National Park Service, while many days in the heart of winter saw fewer than a few thousand people exploring Yellowstone.

This time of year, park travelers can expect quieter roads, endless ski, hike or snowshoe options, unique wildlife-viewing opportunities, and a host of logistical differences in amenities and access. And this winter, questions remain as the federal government sets a new