Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Picture this: You wake up before sunrise and step outside with a hot cup of coffee. You walk to Old Faithful and watch it erupt under the star-filled sky. No other tourists, no parking lot scramble, no hour-long drive into the park. Just you, the moon, and one of nature's most spectacular shows!
This is what staying at Old Faithful Snow Lodge makes possible, and it's impossible from any hotel outside the park.
Most Yellowstone visitors lose 2+ hours daily to entrance lines, traffic, and parking lot chaos. Snow Lodge guests spend those hours actually experiencing the park. Walk to Old Faithful and stroll the Geyser Hill Trail, all before 8 AM.
Explore the Old Faithful Inn's rustic architecture without rushing back before dark.
The convenience alone makes the Snow Lodge worth it, but add in modern amenities, working WiFi (nearly impossible elsewhere in Yellowstone), and year-round access, and you've got the park's best-kept secret for maximizing your Yellowstone adventure.
Why Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge?
While hotels in West Yellowstone cost $50-$100 less per night, that savings disappears when you factor in what Snow Lodge guests gain:
Prime Location in Yellowstone's Icon
Step outside, and you're a few minutes from Old Faithful Geyser. Walk to Geyser Hill Trail, Black Sand Basin, and historic Old Faithful Inn without moving your car. The Snow Lodge sits in the heart of the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world's highest concentration of geysers.
Save 2-3 hours Every Day
External hotel guests lose their mornings to 30-mile drives, 45-minute entrance station waits (I've personally waited for 90 minutes at an entrance gate in July), and parking lot chaos at Old Faithful.
Snow Lodge guests? They're already on their second geyser viewing while others sit in traffic.
Experience Yellowstone Before the Crowds
Watch Old Faithful erupt at dawn with nobody else around. Hike Geyser Hill Trail at sunrise. Photograph Morning Glory Pool in perfect light. These magical moments are impossible when you're commuting from outside the park.
Modern Amenities
The Snow Lodge is Yellowstone's newest lodge, featuring in-room WiFi, mini-refrigerators, multiple USB charging ports, comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms. After a day of hiking, you'll appreciate these touches.
Year-Round Access to Old Faithful
One of only two lodges open in the winter, the Snow Lodge offers snowmobile and cross-country ski access to a snow-covered Yellowstone wonderland. Summer guests enjoy the same prime location with added dining options and ranger programs.
Outstanding Dining Without Leaving
Start your day with huckleberry pancakes at the Obsidian Dining Room (trust me, they're worth the trip alone).
The premium you pay for staying in the park isn't a cost, it's an investment in experiencing Yellowstone the way it was meant to be experienced: fully, deeply, and without wasting half your vacation in a car.
Park Alerts
Before you book, know these current conditions at Old Faithful:
Winter Access (November - March)
The lodge requires snowmobile or snow coach access from West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs. Roads are not plowed, so plan accordingly.
Book a snowcoach through a licensed operator like Yellowstone Expeditions, Backcountry Adventures, or Yellowstone Vacations. Tours depart from West Yellowstone daily or connect from Mammoth Hot Springs (Near Gardiner).
Summer Peak Season (July - August)
Make sure to book 6-12 months in advance as the lodge fills quickly.
Wildlife Safety
Large animals like Bison and Elk frequent the Old Faithful Area. Follow safety guidelines and stay at least 25 yards from large animals and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Also, make sure to check the NPS Yellowstone Park Roads Page and NPS Park Alerts before leaving on your trip so you do not run into any unexpected delays.
Room Types and Amenities
There are 168 total rooms between the Snow Lodge and cabins. The Snow Lodge is a modern lodge with a rustic architecture (Parkitecture) style. This means visitors receive modern conveniences with a classic park feel. The lodge was built with heavy timber construction, exterior log columns, and a cedar shingle roof. The interior of the lodge has a western theme that was recognized with the prestigious Cody Award for Western Design.
Snow Lodge booking tip: Make sure to try to book your room 6-12 months ahead for July and August (peak season)
There are 5 ADA Rooms available with roll-in showers, accessible toilets and sinks, and a 1 double and 1 single bed.
There is 1 ADA cabin available with an accessible bathtub with handrail and shower hose, accessible toilet and sink, 2 queen beds, and a cabin entry ramp.
The Snow Lodge and Cabins are a non-smoking/non-vaping facility.
Deluxe Lodge Room
There are 134 deluxe rooms in the main lodge area. These rooms feature a 1 King or 2 Queen beds, a full private bathroom, a hair dryer, a safe, an alarm clock, a fan, and a mini-refrigerator. We also had a nice leather chair, a desk and chair, and a rack to place your luggage on.
Western Cabin
There are 24 Western cabins (710-733). These modules of four were built in 1989 and are modernly furnished. Each cabin includes 2 Queen beds, a full bathroom, heat, a hair dryer, a safe, an alarm clock, a fan, and a mini-refrigerator.
Room 732 is an ADA cabin with an accessible bathtub with handrail and shower hose, accessible toilet and sink, 2 queen beds, and a cabin entry ramp.
Frontier Cabin
There are 10 Frontier cabins (700-709). These duplex cabins have 2 Double (full-size) beds, a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink, heat, an alarm clock, a fan, and a hair dryer.
Lodge Amenities
- Free WiFi is available in some public areas
- Free self-parking on site
- RV/Bus/truck parking on site
- Cooked to order breakfast for a fee between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
- 2 Restaurants
- Bar/lounge
- 24-hour front desk
- Gift Shop/newsstand
- Elevator
- Bathrooms with free toiletries
- Coffee/tea makers
- Children are welcome
What's not included (and why that's okay)
- Rollaway/ extra beds are not available
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available
- No pets allowed
- No Microwave
- No TV
- No A/C. This is okay, as the average high does not reach above 70 degrees except for July and August. July and August have an average high temperature of 79 Degrees and the temperature cools off quickly at night. The lodge sits at 7300 feet in elevation!
My Experience staying in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge
I love the Old Faithful Snow Lodge! In fact, we have stayed at the Snow Lodge on three separate occasions. On our most recent trip, we stayed in room 2004, a Premium King Room on the second floor. The room was fairly large with plenty of room to move around. We had 1 King-sized bed, a leather chair, a desk and chair, a private bathroom, and two closets.
The Snow Lodge is also the newest and most modern lodge in Yellowstone, and it has nice modern-day conveniences like a mini refrigerator and several charging options.
The beds were firm but comfortable, and we welcomed the extra space in the deluxe room. It was nice not being cramped like some rooms I have stayed at in the past.
We only heard a little bit of noise from our room, but then again, we had our window open, letting in the cool mountain air. I would say the room was pretty quiet.
We personally really appreciated the electrical outlets and USB plug-ins at the desk and made it easy to charge camera batteries, cellular phones, etc. We also really appreciated the toiletries (especially the teddy bear soap bar) and the fact that we did not have to worry about bringing these items on our trip.
My personal favorite part of staying at the Snow Lodge is getting up in the morning and going to the Obsidian Dining Room for breakfast. They have a large stack of pancakes that you can get with Huckleberries and all I can say is that I would happily book this lodge again for another round of those pancakes!
The only con that I can see is that the Snow Lodge does not have Air Conditioning. Of course, this hardly ever matters as it is located at 7,300 feet in elevation and the only months where the temperature averages above 70 degrees are July and August, with an average of 79-degree highs during the day. They do provide fans for those warmer days.
Some would argue that not having a TV is a con, but let's face it, you are in the heart of Yellowstone National Park! There are so many other great things to get out and see.
My conclusion is that I would happily book another stay at the Snow Lodge! I have highly recommended this property to numerous people in the past and will continue to do so.
Dining Options
Obsidian Dining Room
Serves Breakfast, Dinner
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations
Summer is first-come, first-served.
Winter: Reservations are required and are exclusively available to overnight guests staying at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge during the winter season. Guests with reservations will receive an email 60 days before their arrival with detailed instructions on how to book dinner reservations online. For non-lodge visitors, same-day availability can be checked directly at the host stand.
Obsidian Room Operating Dates
Winter (December 16, 2025, through March 1, 2026)
Summer (April 24, 2026, through October 25, 2026)
The 106 seat Obsidian Dining Room continues the lodges western decor with log chairs, light fixtures in the shape of trees, and a large fireplace for the rooms centerpiece.
The breakfast menu has a very popular all you can eat breakfast buffet. They also have other menu items you can order and I personally can't get enough of the Huckleberry pancakes. Have I mentioned the pancakes?
Dinner continues the western theme with offerings like Bison Short Ribs, and wild Alaska Salmon.
Geyser Grill
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Geyser Grill Operating Dates
Winter (December 15, 2026, through March 15, 2026)
Summer (April 24, 202,6 through October 26, 2026)
The Geyser Grill offers fast casual American fare like burgers, value meals, and deli sandwiches. We stopped here on our way back out to explore the park, and I really enjoyed the hamburger. It made for a convenient stop for food without burning too much daylight, and headed back out exploring Yellowstone.
Firehole Lounge
The Firehole Lounge is a comfortable and casual lounge next to the Obsidian Ding Roo,m known for its comfortable seating near the fireplace. The lounge serves drinks, snacks, or even a full meal from the Obsidian Dining Room.
Reserve Your Room Near Old Faithful
Practical Information
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge closes briefly in the spring, typically between early March and mid-May. The lodge closes again in the fall from October until the winter season begins in December.
Lodge opening dates and dining room dates can vary from year to year based on the weather and road conditions.
Closest Airports
(JAC) Jackson Hole Airport is 60 miles south. Year-round service is provided by Alaska, American, and Delta Airlines. Seasonal service is provided by Allegiant, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.
(BZN) Bozeman International Airport is 90 miles north. Year-round service is provided by Alaska, American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. Seasonal service is provided by Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, and Sun Country Airlines.
Check-in Time - 4 pm
Check out Time - 11 am
Address
2051 Snow Lodge Ave
Yellowstone National Park, WY. 82190
Smoking - All rooms and facilities at Yellowstone National Park are non-smoking.
Pets - Pets are not allowed
Cooking is prohibited in all accommodations.
Wifi - We had really great WiFi during our stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. It was the best we have experienced anywhere in the park.
Parking - Free parking is available in the summer months. Winter months requires a snowcoach/snowmobile transportation (see Park Alerts section)
Elevation - The elevation at the Snow Lodge is over 7000 feet and visitors can experience mild altitude sickness effects including shortness of breath, and fatigue. Make sure to drink extra water and take it easy on your first day.
Geyser Predictions - Stop at check-in or at the visitor center and obtain eruption times for Old Faithful Geyser.
Essential Items
- Layers for temperature changes (7,300 feet elevation equals cool mornings/evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (High altitude=intense sun)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated at high elevation)
- comfortable hiking shoes/boots
- Binoculars/camera (with extra batteries/memory cards) for wildlife viewing
- Light rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer)
Optional Items
- Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper)
- Extra pillow (Beds have 3 small pillows; bring your own if you prefer large/multiple pillows
- Toiletry items beyond basics
- Snacks (The lodge has a small convenience store with limited items)
Winter Visits (December - March)
- Heavy winter coat, gloves, hat
- Insulated boots
- Warm layers (thermal underwear)
- Hand/Toe warmers
- Sunglasses (the sun off of the snow can be intense)
Yellowstone National Park Tours and Activities
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
See the highlights of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks without joining a tour group. This audio tour lets you explore at your own pace and works even when your smartphone doesn't have service or WiFi essential for Yellowstone's limited connectivity.
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 11-12 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Leave the planning to the experts while you relax and enjoy the world's first National Park. This tour focuses on Yellowstone's Lower Loop, including Hayden Valley, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, and Gibbon Falls. Pick-up and drop-off are at your hotel with a provided lunch.
6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
While most visitors stop at Old Faithful, this guided 6 mile hike to Daisy Geyser reveals even more of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders. Pass hissing geysers, steam vents, and hot springs along the Firehole River. Includes a hearty picnic lunch and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Full Day Private Fly Fishing in Yellowstone
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability
Local guides with extensive knowledge of Yellowstone's river systems provide equipment, permits, and expertise for an unforgettable fly fishing experience. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Nearby Attractions
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge is in the ideal location to explore the Lower, Midway, and Upper Geyser Basins. This area alone deserves a couple of full days of your trip to truly appreciate.
Lower Geyser Basin
The Lower Geyser Basin has two locations not to miss on your Yellowstone Vacation.
Firehole Lake Drive is, in my opinion, one of the hidden gems in the Yellowstone Geyser Basin. Highlights along this drive include White Dome Geyser, Pink Cone Geyser, Hot Lake, and Great Fountain Geyser. Great Fountain Geyser is the only geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin for which the National Park Service makes predictions. Its eruption height is 75 feet to 220 feet!
Fountain Paint Pot Trail is located right across the street from where you exit the Firehole Lake Drive in the Lower Geyser Basin. Here, you get to take a half-mile boardwalk past several hydrothermal features, including hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles.
Midway Geyser Basin
Be prepared to spend some time at the Midway Geyser Basin, as parking is hard to get. This results in long traffic delays in the summer. You may ask if it's worth it? The answer is yes!
Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its famous rainbow-hued spring that you see on postcards everywhere. Trust me, you will be disappointed if you miss this stop in Yellowstone.
Fairy Falls is a spectacular 200-foot waterfall with a mostly flat hike and a spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.
Upper Geyser Basin
Outside the Old Faithful Geyser area, I would suggest the Biscuit Basin Trail. This short half-mile boardwalk trail has had recent closures after an explosion in 2024. What makes this area special is the beauty of Sapphire Pool and Jewel Geyser.
Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Book the Snow Lodge Before it Fills
Alternative Lodging Options if the Snow Lodge is Fully Booked
Here are two additional lodges to stay at near Old Faithful Geyser and make great backup options if the Snow Lodge is already booked.
⭐️ 3.7 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability. Yellowstone's most iconic lodge, the Old Faithful Inn, is a masterpiece of rustic Parkitecture design dating back to 1904. While rooms are more basic than the Snow Lodge, you're staying in a National Historic Landmark just steps from Old Faithful. The lobby alone is worth visiting, with its massive log construction and stone fireplace. Book this lodge as early as possible; this is Yellowstone's most sought-after lodge.
⭐️ 3.7 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Lodge Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability. These simple, budget-friendly cabins offer the most affordable in-park lodging near Old Faithful. These cabins are small and rustic (giving me summer camp vibes), but you can't beat the location. They are perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring rather than relaxing in their room.
⭐️ 3.0 of 5 Stars - Grant Village Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Grant Village Lodge is a great alternative if all the Old Faithful Lodges are full. It's only 22 miles away from the Old Faithful area, the closest lodge to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and Grand Teton National Park, and the dining room has an EPIC view of Lake Yellowstone!
Yellowstone National Park Lodges are extremely popular and do fill up. If you were unable to get in one of these lodges, make sure to check out my Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide for a breakdown of all eight Yellowstone National Park Lodges, or click on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Yellowstone NP.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/695d464cbc8f98c47316e93fRelated Resources and Nearby Parks
Yellowstone National Park - Complete guide to Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park - Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park
Glacier National Park - Complete Guide to Glacier National Park
Craters of the Moon National Monument - Complete guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument
Check out all of the Wyoming National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Utah, National Parks in South Dakota, National Parks in Nebraska, National Parks in Montana, Idaho National Parks, and Colorado National Parks.
Don't Miss Your Chance to Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge
After staying here three times, I can confidently say the Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers one of the best Yellowstone lodging experiences available. Remember the benefits of staying at the Snow Lodge include:
- Saving 2-3 hours everyday on commute times, traffic, and finding parking
- Experience Old Faithful Your Way and beat the crowds for a more intimate experience
- Did I mention the Huckleberry pancakes? 🥞☺️
Don't forget to book your stay and end up spending precious hours of your Yellowstone vacation commuting from outside the park. Wake up at Old Faithful instead.
Book the Snow Lodge Before it Fills
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