Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Yellowstone National Park
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Massive crowds disappear - most tourist areas completely empty, creating rare solitude at iconic geysers and hot springs
- Winter wildlife viewing peaks with wolves, bison, and elk concentrated in thermal areas and lower valleys, easily spotted against snow
- Unique thermal features become more dramatic in freezing air - geysers produce towering steam columns visible for kilometers
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing access pristine wilderness areas completely inaccessible other times of year
Considerations
- Most park roads close by early November - only northern entrance (Gardiner, MT) to northeast entrance (Cooke City, MT) stays open for vehicle access
- Extreme weather conditions with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) and sudden blizzards that can trap visitors
- Limited services - most visitor centers, restaurants, and lodging facilities close for winter season by November 1st
Best Activities in November
Northern Range Winter Wildlife Tours
November transforms the northern valleys into wildlife watching paradise. Wolves are most active and visible as pack hunting intensifies before deep winter. Bison herds concentrate near thermal features, and elk gather in massive groups. Snow backdrop makes spotting animals effortless compared to summer camouflage. Early morning temperatures of -10°C (14°F) keep animals active longer into daylight hours.
Mammoth Hot Springs Winter Photography
Mammoth terraces become otherworldly in November's freezing temperatures. Steam creates constantly shifting atmospheric effects perfect for photography. Frozen formations and ice sculptures form overnight around thermal features. Clear, dry air enhances visibility for landscape shots. November's low sun angle creates dramatic lighting on limestone formations throughout shorter daylight hours.
Cross-Country Skiing Thermal Areas
November marks the beginning of Yellowstone's premier skiing season. Fresh powder covers thermal areas creating unique skiing experiences past steaming geysers and hot springs. Ski trails follow summer hiking paths to destinations impossible to reach by vehicle. Thermal ground prevents complete snow coverage, creating fascinating landscape contrasts. Temperatures around -5°C (23°F) provide perfect powder conditions.
Lamar Valley Wolf Tracking Expeditions
November offers peak wolf watching as packs establish winter territories and hunting patterns intensify. Fresh snow preserves track stories for days, allowing guides to interpret recent pack movements. Valley's open terrain and snow backdrop make spotting wolves at distances up to 2 km (1.2 miles) routine. November's mating season preparations increase pack vocalizations and territorial behaviors.
Snowshoe Backcountry Thermal Features
Snowshoeing provides access to thermal features completely empty of summer crowds. November's fresh snow creates pristine conditions for exploring areas like Shoshone Geyser Basin and Heart Lake thermal areas. Snowshoes distribute weight over soft snow, allowing safe travel to viewpoints. Thermal activity melts snow in fascinating patterns, creating unique winter landscapes unavailable any other season.
Winter Astronomy and Aurora Watching
November's long nights (up to 15 hours of darkness) and clear, dry air create exceptional stargazing conditions. Light pollution virtually disappears with tourist crowds gone. Northern location occasionally rewards visitors with aurora borealis displays during geomagnetic storms. Cold, stable air eliminates summer's atmospheric distortion for crystal-clear celestial viewing.
November Events & Festivals
Wolf Week Educational Programs
Annual educational series focusing on Yellowstone's wolf restoration success story. Features presentations by park biologists, guided wolf watching excursions, and tracking workshops. Coincides with peak wolf activity as packs prepare for winter.
Yellowstone Association Winter Skills Workshops
Intensive courses teaching winter survival, wildlife tracking, and cold weather photography techniques. Limited to 12 participants per workshop, taught by park experts and local guides with decades of experience.