Old Faithful Winter (ski/snowshoe)
Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin in winter - steaming geysers, bison in the snow, frost-rimed trees
The route
The line through Yellowstone NP, Wyoming, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Mid-Dec to early Mar (Yellowstone winter season)
Extreme cold (well below freezing), wind, short days; geyser steam and ice fog
Winter season only (~mid-Dec-early Mar); interior roads are over-snow travel only. Confirm dates.
On the trail
Snow-covered geyser basin, boardwalk routes under snow, flat trails
Cross-country ski or snowshoe on flat groomed/marked routes
Marked winter trails around Old Faithful; ranger info at the warming hut
Accessible to most walkers and families; not fully wheelchair accessible - confirm
Quiet compared to summer; access is the limiting factor
Guided ski tours; Lone Star Geyser ski trail; snowshoe the basin
Getting there & staying
Old Faithful (reached by snowcoach from West Yellowstone or Mammoth)
Snowcoach from West Yellowstone/Mammoth
Snow Lodge at Old Faithful (winter-open); warming huts in the basin
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in West Yellowstone; limited or none on the trail
Snowcoach/snowmobile access is guided/commercial; skiing itself is self-guided
Permits & safety
Yellowstone entry; you must arrive by commercial snowcoach or snowmobile (guided) in winter. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Extreme cold/frostbite, thin ice near thermal features (stay on route), wildlife
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.