The Entrances to Yellowstone
America's first national park, Yellowstone National Park spans nearly 3,500 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Renowned for its geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Yellowstone offers 5 entrances—3 in Montana, and 2 in Wyoming—each providing unique access points to the park's wonders. Here's a detailed guide on how to get to each entrance, the closest towns, and key attractions.
1. North Entrance: Gardiner, Montana
How to Get There:
The North Entrance is accessible via U.S. Highway 89. If you're coming from Bozeman, Montana, head south on Highway 89 for about 1.5 hours (80 miles). On the way to Gardiner, you’ll pass through Livingston, Montana. Located about 54 miles north of Gardiner, Livingston is a vibrant town known for its historic downtown, arts scene, and outdoor activities. Its historic downtown offers a delightful pitstop brimming with art galleries, unique shops, and excellent restaurants.
Closest Town:
Gardiner, Montana, a charming town situated right at the park's gateway, offers various lodging, dining, and shopping options.
Key Attractions in Yellowstone:
- Mammoth Hot Springs: Just 5 miles from the entrance, this iconic area features terraces of steaming hot springs.
- Lamar Valley: Known as the "Serengeti of North America," Lamar Valley is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, including bison, elk, and wolves. One of the most popular destinations in the park, Lamar Valley is also easily accessible from the Northeast Entrance.
- Boiling River: Located approximately 2 miles north of Mammoth and roughly 3 miles south of the park's North Entrance, Boiling River is a unique geothermal feature where you can swim in naturally heated waters. Parking is available for visitors and the Hot Springs are a short hike away—1.25 miles round trip.
- Roosevelt Arch: An iconic landmark at the park's entrance, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, the Roosevelt Arch symbolizes the importance of preserving America's natural wonders.
2. Northeast Entrance: Cooke City, Montana
How to Get There:
From Billings, Montana, take Interstate 90 west to U.S. Highway 212 south through Red Lodge and over the Beartooth Highway (a scenic byway) to Cooke City. The drive takes about 3.5 hours (130 miles).
To shorten the drive, consider stopping in Red Lodge, Montana, a charming town with a vibrant community and a wealth of activities. A popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and mountain biking in the summer, Red Lodge offers abundant adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. All year round, you can stroll through the historic downtown area lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, or enjoy fishing, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the picturesque creek that runs through town.
Closest Town:
Cooke City, Montana, a quaint town with a rustic feel, serves as a gateway to the park and offers basic amenities for visitors.
Key Attractions in Yellowstone:
- Lamar Valley: Accessible from this entrance, it's one of the best spots for viewing wildlife in the park.
- Tower-Roosevelt Area: Features the Tower Fall, a 132-foot waterfall, and offers access to the rugged and scenic Blacktail Plateau Drive.
- Beartooth Highway: The Beartooth Highway, also known as U.S. Highway 212, is an awe-inspiring 68-mile route stretching from Red Lodge, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City. This All-American Road and stunning scenic drive is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and rugged terrain.
3. East Entrance: Cody, Wyoming
How to Get There:
From Cody, Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway—also known as U.S. Highway 14/16/20—stretches for roughly 53 miles (about 1.5 hours) to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This byway is named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, and traverses along the Shoshone River, the Wapiti Valley, the Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir, the Absaroka Mountains, Chimney Rock, and Pahaska Tepee.
Closest Town:
Cody, Wyoming, founded by the legendary showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, is a vibrant town steeped in history and full of activities and attractions for visitors. Hosting the only two Smithsonian Affiliate museums in Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Cody offers a rich tapestry of Western history. From hiking, fishing, and horseback riding to steakhouses, saloons, and nightly rodeos, look no further than Cody for the authentic cowboy experience.
Key Attractions in Yellowstone:
- Sylvan Pass: A scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the Absaroka Range and access to Yellowstone Lake.
- Fishing Bridge: A historic site on Yellowstone Lake, renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities and visitor center.
- Hayden Valley: A major wildlife viewing area where visitors can spot bison, elk, grizzly bears, and numerous bird species.
4. South Entrance: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
How to Get There:
From Jackson, Wyoming, take U.S. Highway 191 north for about an hour (57 miles) to reach the South Entrance.
Closest Town:
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a picturesque town known for its ski resorts, Western culture, and the National Elk Refuge where, in the wintertime, visitors can take guided sleigh rides to view thousands of elk that migrate to the refuge. A gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Jackson offers a mix of old Western charm and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. Famous for its elk antler arches, the Jackson Town Square is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, galleries, lively nightlife, Western bars, and live music.
Key Attractions in Yellowstone:
- Yellowstone Lake: Just a short drive from the entrance, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, perfect for boating and fishing.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin: Located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, this area features unique geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs.
- Grant Village: This visitor center area offers dining, lodging, and informative exhibits about the park's natural history.
5. West Entrance: West Yellowstone, Montana
How to Get There:
From Bozeman, take U.S. Highway 191 south for about 1.5 hours (90 miles) to reach West Yellowstone. En route to West Yellowstone from Bozeman, plan a stop in Big Sky, Montana. Located about halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky is renowned for its outdoor activities, including fly fishing, white-water rafting, and music festivals, as well as world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking at Big Sky Resort.
Closest Town:
West Yellowstone, Montana, is a bustling tourist hub with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, including the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
Key Attractions in Yellowstone:
- Old Faithful: Approximately 30 miles from the West Entrance, Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in the world, erupting faithfully every 90 minutes.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, this is the largest hot spring in the U.S. and renowned for its vibrant colors.
- Madison Junction: A scenic spot 14 miles from the West Entrance, where the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers merge to form the Madison River, offering excellent fishing and wildlife viewing.
Each entrance to Yellowstone National Park offers its own unique experiences and attractions, making it easy for visitors to find something that suits your interests no matter your entry point. Whether you're drawn to geothermal wonders, wildlife watching, or breathtaking landscapes, Yellowstone's entrances provide the perfect gateways to adventure. Tailor your trip to Yellowstone to your tastes and desires and enjoy the diverse beauty and activities of this legendary landmark.
