Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Yellowstone National Park 2025-2026
Enjoy long and peaceful crisp walks and gorgeous trails with perfect winter views
Best time: December–March
Miles of gorgeous snowy trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoeing can be found in Yellowstone. Stunning views of frozen lakes and waterfalls, snowy mountains, snow-covered trees, and other spectacular sights are there for skiers as well.
Ski Season at Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park becomes an ideal location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing between December and March, when the region is covered in a layer of snow. Visitors should communicate with park rangers about the changing weather conditions and road closures. These precautions will ensure the safety of your visit while you enjoy the winter scenery.
Spots for Cross-Country Skiing
Popular destinations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Yellowstone National Park include the Canyon Rim Ski Trail, Cascade Lake Ski Trail, North Rim Ski Trail, Old Canyon Bridge Ski Trail, and Roller Coaster Ski Trail. However, park rangers can help visitors find lesser-known trails depending on their preferences and experience levels.
Yellowstone National Park offers rental equipment, ski instructions, excursions, and guided tours. These services are available from Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. These rental facilities provide all the essential equipment, including poles, cross-country skis, and snowshoes, that visitors need for an enjoyable and comfortable experience in the snow. Park visitors must contact the rental facility ahead of time to get information about rental rates and equipment availability.
Safety Tips
You can enjoy the peace and silence of nature and its unique beauty in Yellowstone National Park. However you should remember that you are traveling among nature and can meet various dangers like changing weather, hydrothermal areas, open streams, deep snow, and wild animals as well.
Yellowstone Park's changing weather, hydrothermal areas, open streams, deep snow, and wildlife pose potential threats to visitors who wish to engage in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
You have no guarantees of being safe. Before you go you should speak to the rangers to find out the weather and snow conditions and other details, like road closures and so on. Be careful while crossing thermal features, use only marked trails.
