Travel agents and tour operators with clients heading to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area have been urged to monitor official announcements in the wake of heavy flooding.
Park entrances and roads, as well as the Yellowstone back country, have been temporarily closed because of hazardous conditions.
Operators and agents with client trips scheduled in the coming weeks should check for updates and stay informed, said Lisa Cooper, travel trade director for the Great American West region which includes the states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
“According to the National Park Service, it’s likely that the Northern portion of Yellowstone will be closed for some time,” she said.
“The park attracts a great many UK and Irish visitors in summer and autumn, so it’s vital the trade stay up-to-date to be able to provide best advice for clients travelling in the area.”
There will be no inbound visitor traffic at any of the five entrances into the park, including visitors with lodging and camping reservations, until conditions improve.
Some form of temporary timed entry reservation system may be introduced to help manage visitor numbers and reduce the impact on park infrastructure. This may extend into 2023 while reconstruction work continues.
Cooper said the Great American West is a “vast region”, adding: “Even if visiting Yellowstone itself is challenging in the immediate future, there are still incredible experiences waiting for clients.
“By staying informed and providing quick and timely information, operators and agents can help clients to adapt their itineraries and ensure they have unforgettable holidays in the Great American West.”
The Southern loop of the park is due to reopen on Wednesday at 8am local time.
There will be a licence plate recognition system in place to manage traffic volume, with vehicles allowed in on different days depending on their plate number.
Commercial tours and visitors with proof of accommodation or camping reservations will be allowed in whatever their plate number. Travellers are urged to keep checking for the latest information.