Yellowstone National Park, the first National Park, is also one of the most visited National Parks in the United States, with over 3.3 million visitors in 2009.  And since it is summer, there is inevitable construction.  Here is an overview of what you can expect if you are planning a visit this summer:

Through October 20 visitors can expect up to 30-minute delays between Madison and Norris through Gibbon Canyon.  This section of road will be closed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. each night until September 1.  A small road project on the park’s East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass may also result in up to 30-minute delays during the spring, summer and fall.  There will be no night-time closures or construction delays during holiday weekends. 

Late summer visitors can expect delays during the last two weeks of August as the road between the Uncle Tom’s Trail parking area and Artist Point along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is being repaved.  This project is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  South Rim Drive, as well as the road between Canyon and Fishing Bridge, will experience up to 30-minute delays this summer.  In addition, there will be several chip/seal projects in mid to late July that could cause slight delays. 

As the season progresses, the number of fires in the park also increase.  Most fires are caused by lightning, and are managed to maintain the health of the area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation while protecting people and property.  Updates are available 24 hours a day at 307-344-2580, or on the web at https://www.inciweb.org/incident/2025/ or https://www.nps.gov/yell/parknews/newsreleases.htm

Have a safe and pleasant experience at Yellowstone this summer!