First 2020 Yellowstone shutdowns due to coronavirus announced

We have the first 2020 Yellowstone shutdowns due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, as the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs is temporarily closed.

Also closed: the Boiling River soaking/swimming area.

Otherwise, the Park is not closed: the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through the park to Cooke City, Montana, remains open and accessible to the public. That includes the Mammoth Hot Springs ares. Here’s a list of what open and closed in Yellowstone National Park, as well as tentative opening dates for Summer 2020. Obviously, with so much up in the air as the United States deals with the COVID-19 virus, Park managers will continue to evaluate and adapt to changing government coronavirus guidance and adjust operations as needed. As of now, park officials intend to maintain the regular opening schedule. But 2020 Yellowstone shutdowns are not inevitable, and we may see plenty change in how the CDC, the Federal Government and the National Park Service advise crowd management in America’s National Parks.

Right now the National Park Service seems to be focusing on short-term concerns, with some temporary closures and modifications in place, including the closure of urban national parks like the Statue of Liberty and Alcatraz Island. But as we approach the first road and concession openings on April 17, you can bet we’ll see plenty of debate as what should be open and closed in Yellowstone.

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