Yellowstone Reports 2020 Visitation Statistics

Yellowstone National Park just released visitation statistics for 2020. The report shows that visitation was slightly down for the year.

Due to COVID-19, YNP was closed for health and safety reasons on March 24, 2020. Two entrances in Wyoming opened on May 18, but all five entrances to the park didn't open until June 1. The partial closure contributed to a drop in visitation for 2020.

According to park officials, visitation for the months of September and October were the busiest on record

The list below shows the year-to-date trend for recreation visits over the last several years:

2020 - 3,806,305
2019 - 4,020,288
2018 - 4,115,000
2017 - 4,116,524
2016 - 4,257,177
2015 - 4,097,710

All roads in Yellowstone, with one exception, are closed to automobile traffic until late April for the winter season. The road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs to the Northeast Entrance and the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, is open year-round, weather-permitting.

If you plan to visit the park this winter, please have flexible travel plans and prepare for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Visit Park Roads for the status of Yellowstone roads, or call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information. To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

Visitors are asked to recreate responsibly in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, do not visit the park. Self-quarantine to avoid exposing others. Services are limited in the park. Stay informed about changes to park operations. Download the Yellowstone App, and visit the park's website and social media channels.