CODY, Wyo., May 13, 2020 – Yellowstone National Park superintendent Cam Sholly announced today that the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park will open at noon Monday, May 18, and visitors to Cody, Wyo. will soon be able to plan day trips to the world’s first national park.
Per Superintendent Sholly, Phase 1 includes the opening to private vehicles at the East and South gates to the park. The East Gate is located 52 miles from downtown Cody. This is the first part of a three-phase opening plan.
While in the park, visitors can explore the Lower Loop of the Grand Loop Road only. All other roads and gateways will be closed. Visitors will be able to access restrooms, self-service gas stations, trails and boardwalks along the road. Lodges and campgrounds in the park remain closed.
The National Park Service recommends that travelers practice good hygiene and social distancing and wear face coverings where social distancing is not possible. Travelers should refer to the National Park Service website and social media channels for the latest updates.
Some of the park’s most famous highlights, including the Upper Geyser Basin where Old Faithful Geyser regularly erupts and Yellowstone Lake, are located along the Lower Loop Road.
“Because park services are limited, travelers can stock up in Cody with picnic food and everything they need for a safe and leisurely day in the park,” said Claudia Wade, director of the Park County Travel Council, the marketing arm of the region that includes the towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone. “We urge visitors to travel responsibly and respectfully by keeping appropriate physical distance from other visitors at park attractions and along boardwalks and trails and wearing face coverings if you must be near other people.”
Travelers can easily make Cody their home base. Lodging, restaurants and select services and attractions are open. Wyoming State Park campgrounds open May 15 for Wyoming residents only. Reservations at campgrounds are required, and can be made by calling (877) 996-7275 or visiting Wyoming State Parks.
Dining options include outdoor/patio dining and indoor dining, and most restaurants offer carryout and curbside delivery through Cody Country Curbside.
Cody’s attractions have also begun to reopen. The world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West has reopened with stringent new cleaning protocols. The interpretive trail at Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center is open. Old Trail Town/Museum of the West will open June 1.
Cody Yellowstone lodging information can be found online or by calling 1-800-393-2639. Additional information about park policies can be found online here.
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Home of the Great American Adventure, Cody Yellowstone is comprised of the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. The region is known for rodeos, authentic guest and dude ranches, world-class museums and recreational adventures that reflect the adventurous spirit of the visionaries and explorers who brought the remote region to the world’s attention.
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Media contact:
Mesereau Travel Public Relations
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