Yellowstone in November is Off-Season Serenity
Visiting Yellowstone in November offers a quiet park experience as Yellowstone transitions from the summer and fall seasons to winter. However, road closures and limited services make it a challenging time for first-time visitors. This guide will help you understand what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in November, highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide if this off-season adventure is right for you.
What to Expect in Yellowstone in November
November is a transitional month in Yellowstone, marking the end of Yellowstone’s peak season and the start of preparations for winter. Most park roads, lodges, and services are closed, and November is very much a winter experience in Yellowstone, but without the winter tours that begin later in the season. Here’s what to expect when visiting Yellowstone in November.
Weather: November in Yellowstone sees rapidly cooling temperatures ranging from 10°F to 40°F, with significant variation depending on altitude and time of day. Snow becomes increasingly common, especially at higher elevations. Yellowstone sees snowfall on average 7 to 8 days in November, and roads may become icy or snow-packed. Wind chills can make it feel much colder, particularly in open areas. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, with snowstorms possible even on milder days. Cold mornings and evenings paired with shorter daylight hours make November one of the more challenging months to visit.
“Off Season” in Yellowstone: In November, Yellowstone’s interior is inaccessible, making November not the best time for first-time visitors. This “off-season” in Yellowstone is a transitionary period when only the roads between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT) are open.
Lodging: Accommodations in Yellowstone are highly limited in November, with the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Campground being the only exceptions. (In 2024, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closed October 14th, but for 2025, it’s currently scheduled to be open through November 30th. Dates are subject to change; Check current year in-park lodging dates here.) Your best bet for lodging in November is in the nearby gateway town of Gardiner, MT.
Things to Do: Weather-dependent, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are great things to do in Yellowstone in November. Wildlife watching is also one of the best things to do in November, as Lamar Valley remains accessible and is a great place to look for bison, coyotes, wolves, and more. You can also walk the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and explore the Canary Spring, Palette Spring, and Cupid Spring—among many others—with fewer crowds.
November is “Off-Season” in Yellowstone National Park
Twice a year, interior park roads close to all traffic (private and commercial vehicles). This is off-season in Yellowstone. From mid-March to mid-April and again from Nov 1st to mid-December, only the roads between the North and Northeast Entrance (Gardiner to Mammoth to Lamar Valley to Cooke City) are open.
This means you cannot visit Yellowstone’s interior, including attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, when visiting Yellowstone in November. However, you can access Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Reasons to Visit Yellowstone in November
There are many reasons not to visit Yellowstone in November—especially if you’re a first-time visitor and want to experience as much of the park as possible. Since much of Yellowstone is inaccessible due to road closures in November, it’s not the best time of year to visit and get a full experience.
However, because November is off-season in Yellowstone, it’s one of the quietest months to be in the park. In fact, November is generally the least-visited month in Yellowstone all year. A visit during this month means less traffic, better access to wildlife pull-offs, and solitude on hiking/snowshoe/cross-country skiing trails. Here’s why you might want to visit Yellowstone in November.
You’ve Been Before: If you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Yellowstone National Park, we don’t recommend visiting in November. However, if you’ve been to the park before and want to experience a quieter side of Yellowstone, November is generally the quietest month of the year.
Solitude on Trails: As roads close to vehicles, trails open to winter sports enthusiasts, giving visitors a chance to explore the park in a way that’s not possible during other seasons. The peaceful, snow-covered terrain offers a sense of adventure and exploration, allowing you to access areas that are off-limits to most travelers. If you enjoy winter sports and are comfortable hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing—depending on trail conditions—November is a great time to enjoy solitude on trails.
Driving along Yellowstone’s Northern Range in the winter.
Downsides of Visiting Yellowstone in November
While visiting Yellowstone in November offers a quieter experience, there are many drawbacks to visiting during this off-season month, such as:
Limited Activities, Lodging, and Services: While you can access certain winter activities like photography, snow sports, and wildlife viewing, the park’s main winter attractions, excursions, and accommodations do not open until mid-December.
Road Closures Limit Attractions: Most of the park’s roads, except those between the North and Northeast Entrances, remain closed until mid-December. While you’ll be able to see Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, you will be unable to visit Yellowstone’s interior. (Yellowstone’s interior includes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.)
Winter Weather: Weather in Yellowstone in November can be cold and unpredictable, with snowstorms and frigid temperatures common. The transition to winter means you can experience a wide range of conditions within a short timeframe, and it's not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate significantly from day to day. It's important to be prepared for various winter weather scenarios when visiting Yellowstone in November.
These factors make a November trip to Yellowstone not our top choice for first-time visitors. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet time to be in the park, there’s truly no bad time to be in Yellowstone, November included.
You can access attractions and activities along Yellowstone’s Northern Range—from Gardiner, MT, to Cooke City, MT—however, the rest of Yellowstone is inaccessible in November.
How busy is Yellowstone in November?
Yellowstone is not busy in November. In fact, November is generally the least busy month of the year in the park. In 2023, Yellowstone saw around 20,000 visitors in November, which is lower than any other month and a stark contrast to the over 950,000 visitors seen in July.
Many roads and services are closed for the season in November, leading to this drastic drop in traffic. Most visitors in November are wildlife watchers, photographers, locals, cross-country skiers and snowshoers, as the only road open for self-driving in November is the route between the North and Northeast Entrances.
November is generally the least busy month of the year to visit Yellowstone.
5 Things To Do in Yellowstone in November
If you’re visiting Yellowstone in November, you’re probably interested in wildlife or a quieter experience—or both. Here are some of the best things to do in Yellowstone in November.
Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley
Wildlife watching is by far the best thing to do in Yellowstone in November. Drive from Gardiner through Lamar Valley to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, looking for elk, deer, pronghorn, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, red foxes, and wolves.
Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
November is a great time to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs with fewer crowds. Lower-elevation trails, like those around Mammoth Hot Springs and the Blacktail Deer Plateau, may still be accessible for hiking. (However, it’s a good idea to confirm trail conditions the week before your trip, have microspikes or similar with you in case of icy or snow-packed trails, and be prepared for muddy conditions when hiking is accessible.)
Scenic Driving
The road between Gardiner and Cooke City is open year-round and offers stunning views of Yellowstone’s northern range. You can often spot wildlife along the way. We highly recommend driving between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances during your trip in November. Stop for a hot chocolate and a snack at Cooke City Coffee before turning around.
Hiking/Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing (Condition-Dependent)
Hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing are fantastic ways to experience Yellowstone in November. Depending on the weather, you may still find some lower-elevation trails, like those around Mammoth Hot Springs or in Lamar Valley, suitable for hiking earlier in the month. With most of the park's roads closed to vehicles, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along snow-covered roads and trails offer a serene way to explore otherwise inaccessible areas. Popular routes include the road to Tower Falls and the trail around the Upper Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Soak at Yellowstone Hot Springs
While swimming in hot springs inside the park is prohibited, the nearby “Yellowstone Hot Springs,” located just outside the park near Gardiner, MT, offers a relaxing opportunity to soak in naturally heated water. Cold winter air makes this hot pool even more inviting in November.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
Driving through Yellowstone in November
Driving through Yellowstone in November is limited to the road between Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT). This route offers access to key areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. However, all other park roads remain closed to visitors until the winter season begins in December.
That said, driving is still one of the best things to do in Yellowstone in November, and park rangers do a great job of keeping these main roads from Gardiner to Cooke City as clear as possible. We highly recommend driving this entire way, from Gardiner to Mammoth to Tower Junction through Lamar Valley and the Northeast Entrance to Cooke City. This area is known as Yellowstone’s Northern Range, and you may spot elk, deer, pronghorn, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes, red foxes, and wolves along the way.
Driving through Yellowstone in November requires extra caution due to wintery conditions, including the possibility of snow and icy roads. Many rental car companies do not allow snow chains, so it’s best to drive slowly and be prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions. Wildlife such as bison can often be seen near or on the road in the winter, which is another reason to drive with caution, and it’s a good idea to carry emergency supplies since services inside the park are extremely limited this time of year.
Dates are for the 2024 calendar year. Check current year opening and closing dates here.
Thanksgiving in Yellowstone
While Yellowstone doesn’t host any official events or celebrations, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, when open, may offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal to guests.
Gardiner, the gateway town just outside the North Entrance, may also have a few restaurants open for Thanksgiving. Tumbleweed Cafe, Sage Cafe, Bears Brew, Town Station Conoco, and Outlaw’s Pizza have been open for limited hours on Thanksgiving Days in the past. Gardiner also hosts an annual turkey trot, a community event supporting the Gardiner Food Pantry. While usually not open on Thanksgiving, Gardiner Market is the perfect place to grab groceries ahead of time and cook Thanksgiving meals from an Airbnb in town.
You can also enjoy Thanksgiving dinner (or order pies to-go) from Sage Lodge in nearby Paradise Valley. And you may be able to order Thanksgiving meals for delivery to Gardiner from The Lodge’s Larder in Livingston (ask about the “Moveable Feast: Holiday Meals” option).
Where to Stay to Visit Yellowstone in November
Accommodations in Yellowstone are highly limited in November, with the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel being the only possible exception. (In 2024, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel closed October 14th, but for 2025, it’s currently scheduled to be open through November 30th. Dates are subject to change; Check current year in-park lodging dates here.) You can camp in November at the Mammoth Hot Springs Campground, which is open year-round.
Your best bet for lodging in November is in Yellowstone’s gateway town of Gardiner, MT. Gardiner sits just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance, the only entrance open in November. From here, you can drive into the park and access the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and Lamar Valley, some of the best spots for November wildlife watching. We might be biased—after all, we live here part-time—but Gardiner, MT, is our favorite home base for visiting Yellowstone.
Getting to Yellowstone in November
The easiest way to get to Yellowstone in November is to fly into Bozeman International Airport (BZN) and then rent a car to drive to Yellowstone’s North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. We recommend renting a vehicle so you can drive into the park from Gardiner to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
However, driving in November requires extra caution due to wintery conditions, including the possibility of snow and icy roads. It’s best to drive slowly and be prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions. Bozeman Pass between Livingston and Bozeman can be difficult during winter, as unpredictable weather can cause road closures. We highly recommend avoiding early flights from Bozeman unless spending the night before your flight in a nearby airport hotel.
Packing for Yellowstone in November
Here's an initial packing list for Yellowstone in November.
General Clothing and Gear
Base Layers (Top and Bottom): Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts and thermal leggings, preferably made of merino wool to keep you warm and dry.
Mid-Layers: Fleece or down jackets/sweaters for insulation.
Insulated Winter Jacket: A warm, windproof, and waterproof outer layer is essential for staying warm in snowy, cold conditions.
Winter Hat: A wool or fleece hat that covers your ears.
Gloves/Mittens: Waterproof, insulated gloves or mittens for warmth.
Neck Gaiter/Scarf: To protect your face and neck from cold winds.
Waterproof, Insulated Pants: Snow pants or other waterproof outer layers are helpful for walking in snow or engaging in winter sports.
Warm Socks: Thick wool socks for warmth and moisture-wicking properties.
Waterproof, Insulated Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction for walking on snow and ice. Consider micro spikes to help with November hiking on snowy or icy trails.
Driving Essentials
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: For clearing your car of ice and snow.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Bring a durable, bright flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
Extra Water and Snacks: Carry plenty of water and non-perishable snacks in case of delays or emergencies. Park services are extremely limited in November.
Phone Charger and Backup Battery: Always keep your phone charged, especially in areas with limited services. Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so have a backup battery.
Wildlife Watching
Binoculars: Essential for safely observing wildlife from a distance.
Camera with Large Zoom Lens: To capture distant wildlife or scenic shots.
Hand Warmers: If you're standing still for long periods while watching wildlife, these are great to keep your hands warm.
Camp Chair or Foldable Seat: For sitting comfortably while observing wildlife in places like the Lamar Valley.
Extra Layers: Pack extra warm layers for early morning or late evenings.
Hot Drink Thermos: A thermos with hot coffee, tea, or cocoa can help keep you warm while watching wildlife.
Snow Sports
Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis: If you're planning to do snow sports, bring your own or plan to rent from an outfitter in Bozeman or Gardiner. (Park’s Fly Shop in Gardiner generally begins winter rentals in late November.)
Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets: These provide extra stability in deep snow while snowshoeing.
Gaiters: To keep snow out of your boots while snowshoeing or skiing.
Daypack: A small backpack to carry snacks, water, extra layers, and any gear you'll need for snow sports.
Waterproof, Breathable Shell Jacket and Pants: In case of falling snow or moisture, you'll want waterproof outerwear to keep dry.
Energy Bars and High-Calorie Snacks: Quick, portable energy to refuel during long days on the trail.
Water Bottle with Insulating Sleeve: Helps prevent your water from freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
Sunglasses or Ski Goggles: The sun reflecting off the snow can be intense, so eye protection is essential.
Miscellaneous Items
National Park Pass: Make sure you have your annual pass or entry fee ready for park access.
Detailed Map of Yellowstone: Cell service is limited in the park, so a physical map is helpful for navigation.
GPS or Offline Navigation: Download offline maps in advance if using a GPS device or app (such as AllTrails).
Lip Balm and Lotion: Dry, cold air can quickly chap your skin. (We also highly recommend nail clippers and a nail file.)
Sunscreen: Even in winter, UV rays reflecting off snow can cause sunburn.
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