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Mar 24
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Update Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) for Yellowstone Forever Program Participants

Updated: 6/04/20 at 3:15 p.m. MT

Yellowstone National Park will open its Montana entrances on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Montana entrances include West Entrance (near West Yellowstone), North Entrance (near Gardiner), and Northeast Entrance (near Cooke City). The entire Grand Loop Road will be accessible for day use, excluding the segment between Canyon and Tower, which is closed for road construction.

As of June 1, in line with the park’s three-phased reopening plan, visitors will be able to access Phase 1 services/facilities (including restrooms, self-service gas stations, trails/boardwalks, limited stores, entrance stations, medical clinics, approved tours) and a few services/facilities as outlined in Phase 2 (including takeout food service, boating, and fishing). The entire Grand Loop Road will be accessible for day use, excluding the segment between Canyon and Tower, which is closed for road construction. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and other facilities are still closed until health conditions allow for reopening. For additional information, please visit their website.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, and volunteers is our top priority. Given the ongoing concern surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the recent recommendations regarding limiting public events and gatherings, Yellowstone Forever is canceling most Institute educational programs through June 30, 2020.

  • Lodging & Learning programs have been canceled by Yellowstone National Park Lodges for the Summer 2020 season.
  • Teacher Workshops (Yellowstone Steam!) have been cancelled for the Summer 2020 season.
  • Field Seminars have been canceled through September 2020.
  • Yellowstone Day Adventures have been cancelled for the Summer 2020 season.

We are still tentatively planning to resume our Private Tour Program for family groups, with the potential for lodging at the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus or at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Click here for more information and to pre-register for a Private Tour.

For those participants who are registered for programs affected by these cancellations, please call our Contact Center at 406-848-2400 to discuss the option to rebook at a later date, receive a refund, or convert your fees to a donation to support the park.

We will continue to stay in close communication with the National Park Service, as well as local authorities, partners, and leaders to monitor the current impact to Yellowstone National Park. We will continue to update this webpage with the most up-to-date information.

A vast array of health and monitoring organizations, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. State Department, continue to monitor the situation carefully.

We also want to make sure that you are taking any and all precautions to stay healthy during this time.

How to help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The CDC and WHO recommend everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use >60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or do so into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again.
  • When outside your home, keep a minimum of 6 feet of separation between yourself and others to reduce the potential spread of infection.
  • Use virtual tools instead of holding in-person meetings.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Cloth face coverings are recommended when in close proximity to others; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
  • Most important, if you experience flu symptoms or any serious infection or virus, please stay home to avoid exposing others and call a medical professional.