The Plows are Out in Yellowstone

Yes, we’re closer to spring than the many inches of snow on the ground would indicate, as plowing has begun on Yellowstone National Park roads.

We’re still in that transitional time of year when the winter season is still upon us for a final week, but the Park is being prepared for the summer season with plowing. Almost every winter offering is now closed, save the Old Faithful Visitor Center, Snow Lodge Geyser Grill Fast Food/Bear Den Gift Shop and the Madison warming hut, and they all close March 15. That gives Park officials a month to prepare for the early birds. Here’s when entrances and roads open for 2014:

• April 18: Mammoth to Old Faithful; Madison to West Entrance; Norris to Canyon.
• May 2: Canyon to Lake; Lake to East Entrance (Lake is one mile south of Fishing Bridge).
• May 9: Lake to South Entrance; West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass); Tower to Tower Fall.
• May 23: Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass); Beartooth Highway.

You can see all the Park opening dates here.

2012 photo of East Entrance plowing courtesy of National Park Service.