Yellowstone National Park roads close on 12 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 08:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Yellowstone National Park is scheduled to close three high-elevation routes after 12 October 2026, making the road closures the key autumn access change for visitors in Yellowstone, United States. The National Park Service lists Dunraven Pass, the Beartooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway as open through that date, subject to weather conditions.
Yellowstone road closures set the autumn access deadline
The National Park Service places the 2026 vehicle season for the Canyon Village to Tower Fall road over Dunraven Pass between 22 May and 12 October. The same dates apply to the Beartooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which connect the park area with routes outside the Northeast Entrance.
The National Park Service road schedule describes the three routes as high-elevation roads that generally experience more winter weather. It also states that the closing dates can change because of weather or other circumstances, so the listed 12 October date is a projected seasonal deadline rather than a guarantee of passable roads on the day.
The change affects the route between Canyon Village and Tower Fall, as well as the scenic approach over Beartooth Pass. It does not mean that every entrance closes on 12 October: the West, East and South entrance roads and several interior routes are listed for regular vehicle travel until 31 October 2026.
Why the October closure matters at Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is spread across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It was established on 1 March 1872 and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The park covers nearly 9,000 square kilometres and contains more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including the geyser fields and hot springs that shape many visitor itineraries.
The road deadline is closely tied to the landscape. Dunraven Pass crosses a high route between Canyon Village and Tower Fall, while Beartooth Pass is a mountain route outside the Northeast Entrance. Once those roads close to regular vehicles, their viewpoints and connecting drives are no longer available by car from those approaches, even though other parts of the park remain accessible.
The National Park Service park facts record the site as the world’s first national park and give its highest point as Eagle Peak at 3,462 metres. UNESCO describes the area as one of the largest remaining intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone.
What remains open after the first seasonal closures
The northern corridor from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Tower Junction to Cooke City, Montana, is generally open to regular vehicles year-round. Most other park roads close to regular vehicles from early November to late April, while limited oversnow travel is scheduled on selected routes from 15 December 2026.
Visiting Yellowstone National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The relevant road closures are scheduled after 12 October 2026 for Dunraven Pass, the Beartooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
- Visitors can still use routes listed for regular vehicle travel after 12 October, but weather can change road conditions and the National Park Service advises checking the road status before departure.
- The year-round vehicle corridor runs from Gardiner through the North Entrance and Tower Junction to Cooke City; the park has five main entrance stations across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
- The terrain includes high mountain passes, geothermal areas, boardwalks and exposed viewpoints. Snow and ice can affect high routes before the projected seasonal date.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Yellowstone National Park
When do the Yellowstone National Park road closures begin?
Dunraven Pass, the Beartooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway are scheduled to close after 12 October 2026, subject to weather conditions.
Which road remains open near Yellowstone National Park?
The route from Gardiner through the North Entrance, Tower Junction and Cooke City is generally open to regular vehicles year-round.
What is Yellowstone National Park?
It is a national park across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, established on 1 March 1872 and known for extensive geothermal features, wildlife and high-elevation landscapes.
