Yellowstone set to open on Friday with free entrance on Saturday
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WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana — Yellowstone National Park expects to reopen to the public Friday for the start of the 2021 season.
Park officials say with the 8 a.m, opening a number of roads and select services will be available to the public provided the weather cooperates. Additionally, in celebration of National Park Week, all entrance fees on Saturday will be waived, according to a Yellowstone news release.
Those visiting Yellowstone should expect some changes in operations with COVID-19 precautions still in place.
“To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and facilities, face masks are required in all visitor facilities in Yellowstone National Park,” the news release reads. “Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as hiking trails, overlooks, and parking areas.”
Yellowstone says the mask requirement complies with President Joe Biden’s executive order signed in January. The order mandates masks not only inside federal buildings but also outside on federal public land.
With the opening on Friday, Yellowstone plans to have the following roads open to the public.
- The West Entrance to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris)
- Norris to Canyon Village
- The North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance (open year-round)
The park says services such as camping, lodging, dining, retail and activities, educational programs, fuel and automotive repair shops and urgent care clinics will have limited or modified services this spring.
“The park asks each visitor to recreate responsibly and reduce the spread of COVID-19,” according to the news release. “If you are sick, do not visit the park. Self-quarantine to avoid exposing others.”
To view the latest information on Yellowstone, visit the National Park Service’s website here.