Yellowstone and Grand Teton Winter Activities

Winter sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. Photo by USFWS Lori Iverson

Our list of top Yellowstone winter activities includes watching wildlife, swimming in hot springs, eating waffles, and taking exhilarating rides.

Snowmobiles passing bison on a road in Yellowstone

Day 1: Head to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park for elk, art and views. Then spend Day 2 among Yellowstone's wildlife and geysers.

A Wildland Trekking outdoor guide gives the inside scoop of why winter is the best time to visit Yellowstone.

Snowcoach in Yellowstone near bison and the Madison River

West Yellowstone is the closest entrance to Old Faithful, find out why this town is a great basecamp for winter fun in and out of the park.

West Yellowstone is called "The Snowmobile Capital of the World." Explore The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail, phenomenal views and backcountry powder.

Here are all the reasons why a winter vacation in Gardiner and Cooke City, Mont., next to Yellowstone is one of the most magical you’ll ever take.

This pair of skiers started in West Yellowstone and were skiing to Old Faithful. They are skiing under the steam from the geysers at the Fountain Paint Pots. Photo by permission Flickr Bryan_French.

Take a cross-country ski tour of Yellowstone, or go it on your own on these three trails that range from easy to difficult.

Winter sleigh ride on the west side of Grand Teton National Park

Just west of Grand Teton National Park lies a string of snowflake-filled towns in Idaho that offer world-class and often free winter experiences.

Enjoy cross-country skiing on the numerous ski trails in Yellowstone National Park and the nearby regions including Wyoming.

The Yellowstone region is fast becoming a dog-sledding destination for both recreational fun and serious racing.

The greater Yellowstone region boasts several world-class mountain resorts.

Where to snowmobile in Yellowstone Park and surrounding areas including West Yellowstone and Wind River Country. Find tours, rentals and snowmobiling trails.

Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park during the winter

During the off-season, many feet of snow bury the road to Old Faithful, and the only way to reach it is by skis, snowmobile, or snow coach.

Migrating elk at the National Elk Refuge

Take a sleigh ride and see more than 5,000 elk when they migrate to this lower elevation during the winter near Grand Teton National Park.

If you're looking for an easy, affordable way to beat the winter blues, then you must try snowshoeing in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone's Boiling River Swimming Area. Photo by NPS Jim Peaco

Find out exactly how to get to Yellowstone's Boiling River and the rules and regulation for this hot spring near the Mammoth area of the park.

When you’re tired from a long day of sightseeing, unwind with a dip in one of the region’s many hot springs and pools.

In Grand Teton, all’s quiet on the western front in winter, except one unique lodging operation that come alive when the snow starts to fall.

Heading to Yellowstone for the winter holiday season? Check out this list of events and activities in and around the park!

Steam from Cistern Springs melts the snow in Yellowstone's Norris Geyser Basin.

Wildlife and scenic views covered with magical snow in Yellowstone

Yellowstone Warming Hut. Photo by Bob Cates (Flickr Hiker Bob)

Experience Yellowstone in its winter glory, then stop by a warming hut to grab a bite to eat, take a load of your feet and/or get away from the chill.