If you've been eager to hit the road to Yellowstone National Park this spring before tourists fill the park this summer, you're in luck.

According to a press release from YNP, crews will begin opening select roads and services in Yellowstone National Park to the public for the season, weather permitting at 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 16.

Visitors should expect modified operations that are subject to change based on future conditions and public health guidance.

The roads listed below will be open to the public on Friday, April 16.

  • West Entrance to Old Faithful
  • Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris)
  • Norris to Canyon Village
  • North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance (open year-round)

In order to protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and facilities, face masks will be required in all visitor facilities in Yellowstone National Park. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as hiking trails, overlooks, and parking areas. This requirement is in support of the President’s Executive Order, Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing.

Park officials say that some NPS and partner services will be limited and/or modified, especially in early spring. The park works with partners to safely provide visitors services such as camping, lodging, dining, retail and activities, educational programs, fuel and automotive repair shops, and urgent care clinics. To find a list of these services, click here.

Saturday, April 17 marks the beginning of National Park Week. In celebration, admission to all National Parks will be waived on that day.

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

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