Booking choice: The full-day guided tour, from $269 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The geyser keeps erupting through the winter, so the question is how you reach it and when you want to share it. Roads to Old Faithful close to ordinary vehicles in early November, and oversnow travel takes over in December.
The dates below come from the National Park Service park roads page, the National Park Service Old Faithful page and the Yellowstone National Park Lodges snowcoach page. They change with weather, so check before you go.
The quick answer
Late May to early October gives open roads and full services, with June and September quieter than July and August. Start early, before 8 am. Winter works by snowcoach or snowmobile from December 15. The full-day guided tour at $269 covers an 11-hour summer day.
When is the best time to see Old Faithful?
Late May to early October for roads and services, with June and September quieter than July and August.
The road from the West Entrance opens in mid-April, but the visitor center and the full set of services return later. September is the quieter month to aim for.
When do the roads to Old Faithful open and close?
The West Entrance route runs from mid-April to October 31, and the South route from mid-May.
The National Park Service park roads page lists the projected 2027 dates below. The same page notes that dates are subject to change with weather, and that only the North Entrance road to Cooke City stays open to ordinary vehicles all year. In 2026 the West Entrance road to Old Faithful opened on April 17.
| Route | Projected 2027 dates |
|---|---|
| West Entrance to Madison to Old Faithful | April 16 to October 31 |
| East Entrance to Fishing Bridge | May 7 to October 31 |
| South Entrance to West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass) | May 14 to October 31 |
| Canyon Village to Tower Fall (Dunraven Pass) | May 28 to October 11 |
What time of day is best at Old Faithful?
Early morning, before 8 am, when the lots are still empty.
The Destination Yellowstone route guide says midday lots fill and suggests arriving before 8 am in summer. The lower loop van tour starts at 7 am from West Yellowstone for that reason. Check the posted prediction, because you will wait up to two hours at worst.
How crowded is Old Faithful in summer?
Busiest from June to September, and loudest around midday.
Plan on an early start. A guest of the Jackson lower loop tour wrote that even though it was so busy the guide did a good job getting them in and out of the busy areas. The rest is timing.
A 7 am start that puts you at the geyser before the lots fill.
Check dates for the lower loop van tourCan you see Old Faithful in spring and fall?
Yes, with limits. Roads open mid-April and close October 31, and the predictions follow the visitor center.
The National Park Service Old Faithful page says the visitor education center is closed from early November to mid-December and mid-March to mid-April, and predictions are unavailable then. The last prediction stays posted. Dress for cold mornings.
Can you see Old Faithful in winter?
Yes, by snowcoach or snowmobile. Oversnow travel opens on December 15, 2026.
The National Park Service park roads page puts the 2026 to 2027 oversnow season from mid-December to mid-March, with segments ending between March 7 and 15, 2027. The Yellowstone National Park Lodges snowcoach page lists daily snowcoaches between Mammoth and Old Faithful Snow Lodge from December 16, 2026, at $179.45 for an adult one way. The tours on this site are road tours, so check each listing for its dates.
What is the weather like at Old Faithful?
Cool, at an elevation of about 7,300 feet. Mornings are cold even in July.
Bring layers, sun protection, a refillable bottle and a camera. Wear boots, and stay on the boardwalks, because the ground around the geysers is thin crust over scalding water.
Which month should you choose?
June or September for the best balance, and December to March for snow.
The table summarises the season. Read the eruption times guide for how to plan around predictions and the Jackson Hole guide for the shorter South route season.
| Window | Roads to Old Faithful | Predictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-April to May | West route open from mid-April, South from mid-May | Back once the visitor center reopens in mid-April | Cool mornings, snow possible |
| June to August | All routes open | Posted daily | Busiest, start before 8 am |
| September to October 31 | Open to October 31 | Posted daily | Quieter than July and August |
| November to mid-December | Closed to ordinary vehicles | Unavailable, last one stays posted | No oversnow yet |
| Mid-December to mid-March | Oversnow only | Visitor center closed from mid-March | Snowcoach from December 15 |
An 11-hour naturalist-guided day with lunch, binoculars and a scope, rated 4.9 from 796 reviews.
Explore the full-day guided tourFrequently asked questions
What is the best month to see Old Faithful?
June or September for fewer crowds, with roads open and services running.
When do the roads to Old Faithful open?
The West Entrance route opens mid-April and the South route mid-May, both closing October 31, with dates subject to weather.
Can you see Old Faithful in winter?
Yes, by snowcoach or snowmobile. Oversnow travel opens on December 15, 2026.
What time of day is best?
Before 8 am, when lots are empty and the light is soft.
Ready to book
Choose your Old Faithful tour
Every option here can be cancelled for a full refund; the deadline is on each listing. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
- About 11 hours with a wilderness interpretive guide
- Pickups in Cody, West Yellowstone and Big Sky, or inside the park at Fishing Bridge
- Lunch, bottled water, binoculars and a professional spotting scope
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone
- About 8 hours with a professional guide in an air-conditioned van
- Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Yellowstone Lake and the Lower Loop overlooks
- Pickup from West Yellowstone hotels, 7:00 am start
