From West Yellowstone
The closest gateway: daily snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours through the West Entrance.
The short answer
You can’t drive to Old Faithful in winter. Through October 31, 2026 the road from the West Entrance is still open to cars. After that the interior roads close, and from December 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027 the only way in is a guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour, or a non-commercial snowmobile permit. NPS
Ways to get to Old Faithful in winter
From Mammoth Hot Springs
A twice-daily snowcoach runs between Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge, narrated by a guide.
From Jackson, Wyoming
Snowcoach and snowmobile tours through the South Entrance. A multi-day winter tour from Jackson with a snowcoach day to Old Faithful is bookable on GetYourGuide (below).
Stay at Old Faithful
Old Faithful Snow Lodge is open in winter and reached only by over-snow transportation. The NPS advises reserving as far ahead as possible.
What to expect
- Cold: 0–20°F in the daytime and often below zero at night.
- Stay on the boardwalks. The ground in thermal basins can be thin, and the NPS warns that boardwalks get icy. Wear traction aids.
- Eruption times: the park publishes predicted eruption times for Old Faithful. Your guide will usually plan the stop around one.
- Wildlife has the right of way. Bison often use the groomed roads.
- Little cell service. Download the free NPS app and its offline content before you go.
Bookable online: Old Faithful winter tours
Jackson: 4-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Winter Tour
A guided multi-day winter trip with an elk-refuge sleigh ride and a snowcoach day to Old Faithful from West Yellowstone.
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Old Faithful tours, incl. winter snowcoach
Compare Old Faithful tours. In winter the geyser basins are reached only by guided snowcoach or snowmobile.
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See toursAffiliate links: if you book through Viator or GetYourGuide we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Starting in Bozeman? There are no Old Faithful over-snow tours from Bozeman on Viator or GetYourGuide. Book a winter wildlife day from Bozeman, or a snowcoach directly with a West Yellowstone operator.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Old Faithful in winter?
No. The roads to Old Faithful close to cars at the end of October (October 31 in 2026). From December 15 to March 15 they are open only to guided snowcoaches and snowmobiles, plus a few non-commercial snowmobile permits.
What is the closest town to Old Faithful in winter?
West Yellowstone, Montana, at the West Entrance. Most snowcoach and snowmobile tours to Old Faithful start there.
Is Old Faithful Snow Lodge open in winter?
Yes. Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are the two park lodges open in winter. Guests get to the Snow Lodge by snowcoach.
When do cars return to Old Faithful in spring?
In 2026 the West Entrance to Old Faithful road opened to cars on April 17. The NPS publishes each year’s opening dates in advance.