Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Yellowstone National Park
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter wildlife viewing is spectacular - wolves are most active and visible in deep snow, bison congregate in thermal areas creating dramatic photography opportunities with steam rising around them
- Thermal features like geysers and hot springs are at their most dramatic with extreme temperature contrasts creating massive steam plumes visible from kilometers away
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing access pristine winter landscapes with virtually no crowds - you'll have iconic locations completely to yourself
- Northern lights become visible during December's long nights, particularly from Lamar Valley and northern areas of the park away from any light pollution
Considerations
- Most park roads close to regular vehicles - only the North Entrance to Northeast Entrance road (Mammoth to Cooke City) stays open year-round, severely limiting access
- Extreme weather can change rapidly with blizzards, whiteout conditions, and temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F) making outdoor activities dangerous without proper preparation
- Limited services and facilities - most visitor centers, lodges, and restaurants close for winter season, requiring extensive advance planning for meals and accommodations
Best Activities in December
Mammoth Hot Springs Winter Wildlife Tours
December offers the best elk viewing as massive herds descend to lower elevations around Mammoth. The contrast of steaming terraces against snow with hundreds of elk creates unforgettable scenes. Wolves often follow elk herds, providing rare viewing opportunities. Early morning tours (7-10am) offer best wildlife activity when animals are most active in the cold.
Old Faithful Winter Snowcoach Tours
December snowcoach tours to Old Faithful offer access to the park's interior when roads are closed to regular vehicles. The geyser performs against a backdrop of snow and ice, with steam clouds creating ethereal winter scenes. Tours include stops at multiple thermal features along the route, with temperatures creating the most dramatic steam displays of the year.
Lamar Valley Wolf Watching Expeditions
December is prime wolf watching season as packs are most active and visible against snow. Lamar Valley's open terrain provides excellent viewing with spotting scopes. Dawn wildlife tours (6-9am) offer highest success rates as wolves hunt during low-light periods. The valley's thermal areas keep some ground snow-free, concentrating prey animals.
Cross-Country Skiing Thermal Areas
December snow conditions are perfect for Nordic skiing to thermal features accessible only in winter. Groomed trails around Mammoth and backcountry routes to lesser-known hot springs provide unique winter experiences. The combination of physical activity in sub-zero air while approaching naturally heated thermal areas creates incredible temperature contrasts.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Winter Photography
December transforms the Grand Canyon into a winter wonderland with ice formations, snow-covered rim views, and dramatically reduced crowds. Artist Point and other viewpoints offer completely different perspectives with ice-covered waterfalls and snow-laden pine forests. The low winter sun creates ideal lighting conditions for photography between 10am-2pm.
Winter Astronomy and Northern Lights Tours
December's long nights and clear cold air create excellent stargazing conditions. Northern lights become visible during geomagnetic activity, particularly from dark sky areas like Lamar Valley. Winter astronomy programs combine thermal area visits with night sky viewing, taking advantage of December's 14+ hour nights.
December Events & Festivals
Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Festival
Annual festival featuring guided wildlife tours, photography workshops, and educational programs focused on winter ecology. Local naturalists lead specialized programs on wolf behavior, winter adaptations, and thermal feature dynamics in extreme cold.