Yellowstone National Park - Changes to entry requirements

From June 22nd, 2022 at 8 am, Yellowstone National Park will be implementing an Alternating License Plate System (ALPS). This is to ensure the lower loop does not become overcrowded. UPDATE - new process suspended July 7th, 2022.

All public vehicle entries will be allowed based on whether the last numerical digit on a license plate is odd or even. This will coincide with the days/date of the month (odd/even) you can gain entrance to the park.

Flooding in the Yellowstone National Park area has been causing tremendous damage to roads and bridges. Due to the damage to infrastructure, Yellowstone NP is currently closed but will be scheduled to reopen at 8am on 22 June 2022 with several conditions.

Parks and roads reopening

Yellowstone NP is scheduled to reopen at 8am on Wednesday 22 June 2022 – visitors can access via the LOWER LOOP ONLY (incl. Old Faithful, Lake, Grant, Canyon, Norris Geyser Basin) from West Entrance (West Yellowstone), East Entrance (Cody), South Entrance (Grand Teton NP/Jackson)
Upper Loop is expected to reopen at the beginning of July 2020 (more information to follow) but is only accessible from West Entrance, South Entrance, and East Entrance only, still no entries from North Entrance and Northwest Entrance.

The vehicle license number based park entrance system

At 8am on 22 June (Wed), to ensure the lower loop does not become overcrowded, the park service will start implementing the Alternating License Plate System (ALPS). No advance reservation is required unlike for Yosemite, Arches, and Glacier.

All public vehicle entries will be allowed based on whether the last numerical digit on a license plate is odd or even. Entrance will be granted based on odd/even days of the month.

Odd-numbered last digits on license plates can enter on odd days of the month.

A vehicle with a license i.e., 987-653 allowed to enter on June 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, July 1, 3, etc

Even-numbered last digits on license plates can enter on even days of the month.

A vehicle with license i.e., 123-456 allowed to enter on June 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, July 2, 4, etc

License plates that end on a letter will still use the last numerical digit on the plate.

A vehicle with license i.e., 567-ABC odd number – allowed to enter on June 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, July 1, 3, etc
A vehicle with license i.e., 234-X2Z even number – allowed to enter on June 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, July 2, 4, etc
A vehicle with license i.e., ABC-XYZ no numerical digit – considered as “odd” number, June 23, 25, 27, 29, etc

Visitors with proof of overnight reservations in the park will be permitted to enter regardless of the license plate number, this includes hotels, campgrounds, and backcountry reservations.

Motorcycle groups may enter on even dates only.

For more detailed information, please visit NPS Yellowstone.

For the most current information, we suggest you regularly check the Yellowstone National Park road report and Flood Recovery webpage.

Private Consultations

We appreciate that you all lead busy lives so we are happy to chat through your holiday plans either by telephone or email or, we would happily arrange a face-to-face meeting in our private office suite here in Leeds or in your home or office at a time/date convenient to you. We could also set up a video-meeting if that's your preference. A tailored holiday itinerary to suit your requirements can be complex so face-to-face discussions are often advantageous.

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Moderate Deluxe	This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.
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First Class	A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.
Moderate First Class	Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.
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Superior Deluxe

Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas.

Deluxe

This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand.

Moderate Deluxe

This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation.

Superior First Class

More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas.

First Class

A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services.

Moderate First Class

Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.

Superior Tourist Class

Tourist Class

Dude Ranch

Resort Ranch

Working Ranch

Yellowstone National Park – Changes to entry requirements

Parks and roads reopening

The vehicle license number based park entrance system

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Contact us

Private Consultations

Yellowstone National Park – Changes to entry requirements

Parks and roads reopening

The vehicle license number based park entrance system

How Can We Help?

Contact us

Private Consultations

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