Xanterra announces new Yellowstone operating schedule for 2020

With the news that the three Montana gates into Yellowstone are opening June 1, Xanterra has announced a revised Yellowstone operating schedule, moving up openings from a previously announced June 15 schedule.

To say that things are rapidly changing regarding Yellowstone openings and usage is an understatement: we are living in largely improvised times, and access to Yellowstone is no different. Following the news yesterday that the three Montana entrances (West, North and Northeast) would be fully open come June 1, Xanterra announced changes to opening and closing dates for its lodges, dining facilities, campgrounds and gift shops. Most of the revised Yellowstone operating schedule involved moving up openings from the previously announced June 15 opening day for many facilities. It means you could seek lodging in the park as soon as today if you’re inclined to spend a few days in Yellowstone. The opening of limited take-out dining facilities also makes it easier to make a day of it.

What’s not changed, however, is the fact that Xanterra will operate this season on a more limited basis than normal. On the lodging front, the plan remains that only cabins with private baths will open for 2020, but the good news is that there will be cabins available on June 1 at Mammoth. Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge and Grant Village will be closed for 2020, but they could be opened depending on circumstances.

In addition, a limited number of dining facilities will be open on a take-out basis, with no dining-room or bar seating on tap. The good news is that you’ll never be too far away from an adult beverage; the bad news is that you’ll need to find a socially distanced area for consumption.

You can check out our Yellowstone 2020-2021 Opening and Closing Dates page for a full listing.

Photo by Jacob W. Frank, courtesy National Park Service.

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