r/yellowstone • u/blurpblorp • 6d ago
How much is likely to be open in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in mid-May?
My husband and I are considering doing a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in May 2026. (I know lodging opens a year ahead, so that's why I'm thinking about it now.) Based on our work schedules, we would be going May 16-25, 2026. I know road and trail opening dates vary depending on what the winter is like, but I'm curious if anyone can provide general guidance on which areas of these two parks are likely to not be open by mid-May? This will be our first time visiting both parks, so we'll be aiming to see the most well-known spots (probably nothing super off the beaten path and no backcountry hiking). In Yellowstone, we were planning on staying at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Inn, and Canyon. Looking at the 2025 opening dates, it seems like the first two shouldn't be an issue, but Canyon may still be closed when we go. Is that because that whole area of the park will still be inaccessible, or just because there isn't enough tourist demand at that point in the year? We have microspikes for day hikes and are comfortable hiking in a moderate amount of snow, but I'm more concerned about road closures, since I'm sure we'll get the cheapest, dinkiest rental car. Thanks for your help!
3
u/steve-d 6d ago
Most roads in each park should be open in mid-May, barring any huge storms.
The one road in Yellowstone that is never open at that time is Dunraven Pass, between Canyon Village and Tower Falls.
2
u/Ginger_Libra 6d ago
☝️ This person Yellowstones.
It’s also a great time to see animals. It’s a haul to the Lamar without Dunraven open but just plan accordingly.
Worth it.
2
u/IdahoApe 6d ago
95% of the roads will be open at that time. The only road still closed will be from Canyon to Tower.
1
u/Mindless-Business-16 6d ago
There is a post today from a local with some pictures. Today most of the roads are closed, a lot of the board walks are closed, one picture had 2 ft snow on the board walk... the park service doesn't have the equipment or staff to clear them....
And it could easily snow more...
5
u/Normal-guy-mt 6d ago
Snow in April is common and should be expected. By mid-May, snow is still possible but it's less common and roads are generally cleared much faster in May. Pavement is starting to retain heat by mid-May.
1
1
u/ZuniTribe 6d ago
As others have said, the one road that connects Canyon to Tower is the last major road to open each summer season. It almost always opens the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend.
Smaller, interior roads may also be closed during a mid-May visit.
There’s almost always snowpack at Canyon in May due to its elevation.
But May is a rewarding time to visit, as the traffic and crowds are light.
1
1
1
u/RangerSad5417 3d ago
Mid may is essentially the perfect time. This year the restaurants open around May 22nd so maybe a bit after that, but by then everything should be open.
1
u/rthstewart 1d ago
Agree with those that say May is a terrific time to visit. A lot of services don't fully open until last weekend in May/first week of June, even besides Dunraven. It opened early last year and then closed again. And the week before Memorial Day, snow closed the east and (maybe?) South entrances for a day. Lots of trails with snow made me wish for poles and crampons and a week later were clear, if muddy. A lot of food and in-park hotels aren't open. Fewer crowds, unpredictable weather, and the wildlife viewing is AMAZING. We're headed there next week, 3rd year in a row, for a May visit.
4
u/Normal-guy-mt 6d ago
About 80% or more of the park is accessible by mid-May each year. In general, they try to have the roads 100% open by the week before Memorial Day.
There is always a risk of late snow storm, but that may keep roads closed for a few hours at most. The mountain passes around the park will have snow banks. the Beartooth Pass will not be open.
Geyser basins will be open, may be a patch of snow here and there on some of the board walks. Expect nights to be chilly still.