Backcountry Situation Report

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Last Updated: October 30, 2020

The backcountry office is not currently staffed over the weekends. If you are looking for a backcountry permit during weekend days you will need to contact us by Friday. Please also note, that many of the park's roads will be closing on November 2nd at 8 am. At that point, many of the park's trailheads will be inaccessible. Please review the roads page to review road closing dates and locations.

This Backcountry Situation report will not be regularly updated throughout the winter. Up to date conditions will start back up in early May. Before heading out on the trail, please review the Winter Backcountry Camping Page, Explore in Winter page, Winter Safety Page, current avalanche conditions, and road conditions.

General Information

Backcountry Permits:

Backcountry Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Backcountry. Please review our Winter Camping Page for information on how to obtain a backcountry permit during the months of November through early April.

  • Due to extreme temperatures and weather conditions overnight winter trips should be attempted only by experienced winter backpackers/skiers and well-equipped parties.

Backcountry Access

Review the park roads page, and / or learn about the non-commercially guided snow mobile access program.

See our Ski and Snowshoeing page for ski trail descriptions.

Want to hire a guide? See snowmobile/ snow coach tours, or ski tours available for hire.

Backcountry Conditions:

  • Trails in the backcountry are transitioning to winter conditions. Backpackers should expect cold overnight temperatures and a mixture of snow, and mud on all of Yellowstone National Park's trails.Currenlty there is likely not enough snow to ski or snowshoe any of the trails.(10/29/20)
  • The closures for the Lone Star Fire have been lifted.(10/28/20)

Review safe winter travel techniques. Check this map to get an idea of current snow depths.

For the most up to date ski conditions visit Yellowstone National Park Lodges website . Once their ski shop is open (around December 15th) they will have the most up-to-date trail and grooming conditions.

Yellowstone does not have its own avalanche report but there are several avalanche reports near our region that you
can reference. Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center or Bridger Teton National Avalanche Center

Wildlife & Pets

Survival during the long winter is difficult for wildlife. Human contact only adds unnecessary stress. Avoid approaching or startling any animals or birds. Exercise extreme caution in bear and mountain lion country.

With exception of service animals, pets are not allowed on trails, unplowed roads, in the backcountry, or off leash. Dog sledding and ski-joring are prohibited.

Do not leave food unattended at any time. All food, trash, and odorous items must be properly stored (hung 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from side supports or kept in one of the installed metal bear proof boxes, or an approved bear resistant food container) whenever the items are not in immediate use. See the list of bear resistant food containers (canisters, panniers, and coolers) that are approved for use in Yellowstone;s backcountry.

On March 10th, several Bear Management Areas go into effect. if you are traveling during that time make sure to familiarize yourself with these closures.

Other Notable Regulations

  • Fires are not allowed in the backcountry during the winter.

  • Bicycles including bicycles modified for oversnow travel, are prohibited on oversnow routes.

 
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Contact Us

Please email the Central Backcountry Office if you have any questions about specific areas.

 

Last updated: October 30, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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