Yellowstone Announces New Visitor Access Plan After Devastating Flooding

As previously reported, Yellowstone National Park was recently devastated by unprecedented flooding and melting snow. The park has now announced that the north loop will most probably stay closed for the duration of the summer. However, Yellowstone’s south loop is set to reopen on Wednesday, June 22, with a new access system.

Yellowstone National Park flooding

People who were planning a trip to Yellowstone this summer were shocked last week to hear about the devastating flooding in the park. Even now, recovery operations continue after the flooding destroyed roads and buildings in the park.

Video footage and images from Yellowstone revealed bridges underwater, cracked roads, mudslides and a waterfront building that was swept away. As officials continue to assess damage across the UNESCO World Heritage site, the NPS has warned of dangerous conditions in the park. Meanwhile, potential visitors are warned to check the latest updates before heading to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park Superintendent, Cam Sholly, said they have made tremendous progress in a short amount of time, but still have a long way to go. However, he added they have an “aggressive plan” for recovery in the north. Meanwhile, they are getting ready to resume operations in the south of the park.

In the north of the park, many sections of the roads are completely gone and rebuilding will only be possible after the flood waters recede. The roads are between North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley and Cooke City, Montana. In fact, it is believed Yellowstone will not be able to reopen the north loop this summer.

South loop reopening with new access system

Meanwhile, the south loop of the park will reopen on June 22 with a new access system in place. The system will be an alternating plate system (ALPS). Yellowstone officials explained that vehicle entry will be organized based on whether the last numerical digit on a license plate is odd or even. This means that entrance will be granted based on odd/even days of the calendar.

Basically, those with odd-numbered last digits can enter on odd days of the month. Meanwhile, those with even-numbered last digits (including zero) can enter on even days of the month. For those vehicles with personalized number plates, a mix of letters and numbers will be categorized as “odd” for entry purposes. However, those with all letters on their license plate will be considered “even.”

⚠️6/18 UPDATE⚠️
Yellowstone's south loop will reopen to the public June 22; Visitors traveling to park in coming weeks must stay informed about new interim visitor entry system. View more info: https://t.co/zzoA8IuDee pic.twitter.com/yyWXpwmOzv

— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) June 18, 2022

Ironically, it was recently reported that the popular Amalfi Coast in Italy is implementing a similar system to cut down on vehicle numbers and tackle overtourism.

Meanwhile, anyone with proof of overnight reservations in Yellowstone National Park will be able to enter, regardless of their license plate number. Reservations include campgrounds, hotels and backcountry reservations. Moreover, commercial and essential services vehicles will be exempt from the new scheme.

Park officials say the interim system will ensure visitors have access to the park during this time of high demand.

Park managers and staff will monitor this system and its impacts on resources, infrastructure, operations, and staffing, and may adjust or implement a reservation or timed entry system, if necessary, after three to four weeks.

Yellowstone 150th anniversary

While Yellowstone is already popular with more than four million visitors each year, it is likely to get busier soon. This is due to the fact that the park is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Meanwhile, Yellowstone has plenty of events scheduled throughout the year to mark the anniversary.

Before making firm plans to visit Yellowstone National Park, potential visitors should check the status of road conditions in the park on the official website. In fact, after the park reopens, many roads will remain closed for an extended period of time.