If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, AKA The World’s First National Park, one of the first things you’ll want to plan out is where to stay. And since there are five entrances to Yellowstone National Park, in this article I hope to give you a good idea of the best Yellowstone entrance for you.
To get a sense of our trip, be sure to check out the video we made of our visit!
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Yellowstone is huge (the park is about the size of the island of Puerto Rico!). First-time travelers may easily get overwhelmed by its size, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the five entrances that they can use to get to specific trails, spots, or canyons the fastest.
Each entrance is very different, from where you can stay to how long it’ll take you to reach specific attractions. Here I’ll cover general information about each entrance, including the pros and cons, the closest attractions, the closest towns, and where to stay.
It’s also worth noting that you can always stop by a visitor center while inside the park to learn more about the wildlife of the area you’re in!
On our week-long Yellowstone trip in June, we explored each corner of Yellowstone and every major park attraction (as well as a ton of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots). We went to each entrance to answer this question for ourselves, and now we want to share our thoughts with you!
So, let’s get into it!
North Entrance
General Info
Located in Montana, the north entrance of Yellowstone is the only one that is open year-round. Many nearby roads are also open throughout the year, although the US 212 is not suitable for travel in the winter months due to freezing temperatures causing ice and snow. However, the road from the North Entrance to the Northeast entrance is maintained sufficiently so winter vehicles can travel on it.
The north entrance is the closest to Bozeman International Airport, which Southwest Airlines started flying in mid-2021. That means there are now easy flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Denver, among many other destinations. This makes it an easy entrance to reach if you are visiting from across the country! Car rentals are very easy, located directly at the Bozeman Airport.
The airport is just under 100 miles from the north entrance and driving takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Closest Attractions
- Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s two swimming areas, which is naturally heated due to the springs. They are a 12-minute drive from the north entrance.
- Roosevelt Arch is the original entrance to Yellowstone and is one of the most prominent landmarks of the national park. It is a 22-minute drive from the north entrance.
- Norris Geyser Basin is the oldest, hottest, and most active of all of Yellowstone’s geyser areas. This makes it a must-do on most people’s Yellowstone bucket lists! It is a 44-minute drive from the North Entrance.
Closest town
Gardiner is a Montana town that is loved by all adventurous and outdoorsy types. Whether you want to go horseback riding, fishing, rafting, or trekking, you’ll find it all in Gardiner! Of course, there is a range of accommodation and restaurant options too. They have campgrounds and RV parks that you can even use if you’re in need of one.
Where to Stay
Mid-range: The Roosevelt Hotel is a lovely, clean, relaxed hotel in a cabin atmosphere.
Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham Gardiner is a clean hotel with air conditioning and plenty of other conveniences.
Closest in-park hotel: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins has gorgeous lodges in a stunning location.
West Entrance
General Info
Because West Entrance is the closest to most attractions, including the Old Faithful geyser, it is by far the most popular entrance.
Due to its popularity, you’ll find that there can often be long lines here, some that snakes all the way into the town of West Yellowstone! To combat them, arrive at the entrance before 8:00 AM or after 11:00 AM. Some even say that if you want to avoid the crowded Old Faithful area, you can use the Biscuit Basin lot for parking.
When we visited in June, we arrived around 7:00 AM the first two days we stayed outside of the west entrance and had around 5-15 cars in front of us. On our third day entering from that side, we went in at around 11:30 AM with the same result. Once we arrived at 5:00 PM and there were hardly any cars at all! (Due to longer days in the summer, even if you go later in the day, you can explore with some daylight until 9:00 PM or so!)
There is lots of geothermal activity near the West Entrance, really close to the gate. This means that you won’t need to travel for long to enjoy it!
The roads are well maintained in all parts of the park, but especially this one – largely because there are so many tourists.
It is also the second closest entrance to Bozeman International Airport and takes roughly the same amount to drive as it does to reach the North Entrance. So, if you are flying into this part of the country, you can easily get a car rental and head straight to the West Entrance. Just make sure that you’re not there at peak hours to avoid long lines.
West Entrance is popular, and it’s easy to see why. It is best for people who want a hassle-free trip, first-timers to Yellowstone, or people who are visiting the park with kids.
Closest Attractions
One of the reasons that West entrance is so popular is that it puts you in the center of Geyser country! It’s easy to drive from here and see lots of Geysers, which the national park is famous for.
- Lower Geyser Basin covers a whopping 11 square miles, making it the largest Geyser area in Yellowstone. In it, you’ll also find the Fountain Paint Pot, which is a mud pot that has red, yellow, or brown colors due to the oxidizing iron in the mud. It is a 30-minute drive from the West Entrance.
- Upper Geyser Basin is about 47 minutes away from the West Entrance. This is where you can walk up to about 6 miles to experience the highest concentration of geysers in the world.
- Great Fountain Geyser is located on the Firehole Lake loop and is a dramatic fountain geyser. It is a 34-minute drive from the West Entrance.
- Grand Prismatic is the biggest hot spring in the US and the third-largest in the world! This is located in the Midway Geyser Basin, and is a 33-minute drive from the West Entrance.
- Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility where visitors can observe and hopefully understand more about grizzly bears and gray wolves. It’s next to the West Entrance.
Closest towns
West Yellowstone, Montana is a purpose-built hamlet that has been created for tourism. There is everything you’ll need as a visitor here – accommodation, tour bookings (not that you need to join a tour!), and plenty of food options. The settlement only has a small year-round population of just over 1000, but it can accommodate plenty of tourists. It is the perfect place to stay before or after your Yellowstone adventure!
Island Park, Idaho is a small city that is well-appointed, being just 14 miles from West Entrance. It has a tiny population, but you’ll find plenty of restaurants and accommodation options here. Since it’s a bit further away, we were able to find some cheaper options when we stayed here.
Big Sky, Montana is a resort town right between Bozeman and the national park. A popular place for skiing in the winter, this is another town that’s just made for tourists! If you want to find somewhere beautiful to stay, then look no further than this town.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Big Sky Resort Village Center is a popular place in the ski season but equally lovely in the summer.
Mid-range: Parade Rest Ranch is a scenic spot to enjoy beautiful nature around the park. It is just a 15-minute drive away from West Entrance.
Budget: Glamping at Wander Camp is the perfect place to stay if you want to thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors! This is where we stayed on our first three nights in Yellowstone.
Closest in-park hotel: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins.
South Entrance
General Info
Located in Wyoming, entering through the South Entrance of Yellowstone means you will need to drive through the Grand Teton National Park (and pay the entrance fee!) to enter Yellowstone.
Therefore, the South Entrance is best suited for people who want to visit both national parks (Grand Teton is well worth the detour!), or those who are staying nearby and don’t mind paying for two entrances.
If you have the time, it is worth visiting Grand Teton – it’s a unique national park and very different from Yellowstone. Another great area to drive through is Jackson Hole, which is just south of Grand Teton National Park. Some even use the place as their Yellowstone National Park Base Camp!
Just remember that the South Entrance isn’t open all year long. It opens at the beginning of May and closes in early November, before opening again in Mid-December and closing in Mid-March.
Closest Attractions
As well as Grand Teton National Park, there are some amazing attractions close to the South Entrance that are worth visiting.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin is the largest of its kind that is on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It is a 17-minute drive from South Entrance.
- Yellowstone Lake is one of the most famous attractions in Yellowstone, and its closest parts are around a 20-minute drive from the South Entrance. Other parts of it are closest to the east entrance.
Closest Town
Jackson, Wyoming is the closest town to the south entrance of Yellowstone. It’s a popular favorite with skiers in the winter months, as well as hikers in the summertime! There’s definitely an old-time Western atmosphere here, but you’ll also find lots of trendy boutiques and, of course, plenty of restaurants and accommodation options.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Snow King Resort is popular in both winter and summer. It has an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Mid-range: Elk Country Inn is a well-placed hotel with all the amenities you need for your stay.
Budget: Alpine Motel is a cozy country motel with good facilities.
Closest in-park hotel: Grant Village Lodge consists of beautiful cabins right by West Thumb.
Northeast Entrance
General Info
The Northeast entrance is easy to reach from the North entrance due to a useful road linking the two (although if you are driving from one to the other, you will need to go through the park itself).
However, it is not a sensible entrance if you are arriving in the area from Bozeman International Airport. The shortest way to the Northeast entrance (which takes 2 hours and 50 minutes) actually goes into the national park via the North Entrance!
Like all entrances apart from the north, the Northeast Entrance is also closed during the winter.
Most people who take the Northeast entrance do so for the Lamar Valley, which is home to some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife. So if you’re visiting the park to look out for grizzlies, black bears, wolves, coyote, deer, and bison, the Lamar Valley is the perfect place to go. After all, Yellowstone is known for having one of the best “collections” of animal species in North America, and Lamar Valley is proof of it.
Closest Attractions
You can easily access the attractions that are close to the north entrance from the northeast entrance. However, there are a few specific places that are easy to get to from the northeast entrance.
- Lamar Valley is close to the Northeast entrance and is famous for its array of wildlife. If you’re hoping to see bears or bison on your trip, this is the place to go! It’s just a seven-minute drive from the northeast entrance.
- Trout Lake is a popular place for anglers and hikers in Yellowstone. Formerly known as both Soda Butte Lake and Fish Lake, Trout Lake is a 12-minute drive from the Northeast entrance.
- Tower Fall is one of Yellowstone’s most marvelous waterfalls, descending rapidly down 132 feet. Unfortunately, the road to Tower Fall was closed when we visited. However, normally it is an easy 20-minute drive.
- Beartooth Highway is a fantastic road to traverse to see different types of ecosystems. Great to include in your road trip itinerary, it’s about 20 miles from the Northeast entrance.
Closest Town
Cooke City is the closest, which isn’t a city at all – the year-round population is just 100! However, if you need somewhere to stay or eat, you’ll find it in Cooke City or Silver Gate.
Where to Stay
Mid-range: High Country Motel and Cabins have direct ski access and rooms with flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms.
Budget: Alpine Motel of Cooke City has beautiful mountain views and excellent amenities.
Closest in-park hotel: Roosevelt Lodge
East Entrance
General Info
The East Entrance is a quiet entrance to Yellowstone since most tourists prefer the West! Therefore, it’s great for anyone who wants to avoid crowds as much as possible. It is also accessible for those who are visiting from Cody or who are road-tripping from elsewhere in Wyoming or states further east. It has good access to Highway 90 and cities in southern Montana, such as Billings.
Entering from the east is best for accessing Yellowstone Lake, and there are several other attractions on this side. However, if you want to see the geysers, you will have quite a drive from the east entrance and might want to consider another entrance.
(Keep in mind that if you are flying into Bozeman International Airport, it doesn’t make sense to go through East Entrance. This entrance is primarily for people who are driving from other destinations in Wyoming.)
Closest Attractions
Like I said earlier, most of Yellowstone’s attractions are in the west – it is geyser country, after all – but you’ll still find plenty to enjoy on the east side! You’ll also have the added benefit of not seeing too many other tourists around, so everything will feel a little bit more special!
- Yellowstone Lake sits at 7,733 feet high and is 20 by 14 miles in size. It’s definitely an attraction to visit the park, and it’s easily accessible from the east entrance. The eastern side of the lake is around 30 minutes drive.
- Hayden Valley is an excellent place for wildlife spotting – look out for elk, bison, and grizzly bears as you are driving. It is around 45 minutes from the east entrance.
- Mud Volcano is the remains of an earlier mud volcano that has already blown itself apart, leaving only a crater filled with bubbling mud. It’s about an hour’s drive from the entrance.
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is also one of the park’s best attractions, the top of which can be reached by hiking Uncle Tom’s Trail. The canyon is actually carved out by the Yellowstone River and has two falls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. You can use the Lookout Point or Artist Point to see the stunning view of the Lower Falls, while the Inspiration Point can be used to see a portion of Yellowstone Falls. It’s about an hour and 10 minutes drive from the east entrance.
Closest Town
Cody is the nearest town to Yellowstone, and it’s a place worth visiting in its own right. Called “the Buffalo Bill Center of the West”, Cody has a charming downtown area and lots of Western history. It’s a great place to stop before or after your trip to Yellowstone!
It’s also worth stopping at Buffalo Bill Dam which is six miles from Cody, towards the Yellowstone entrance.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Bill Cody Ranch has rustic-style rooms as well as a restaurant on site. It is a way away from the town center, but its rooms make it a wonderful place to stay!
Mid-range: Beartooth Inn is a cozy lodge that provides a sauna and hot tub. The rooms are comfy and have all the amenities that you need for a comfortable stay.
Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham Cody has free wifi and serves breakfast each day.
Closest in-park hotel: Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cottages and Lake Lodge Cabins. We stayed at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel in a cottage and it was exactly what we needed after three days of glamping!
Which Yellowstone entrance is best?
To sum it all up:
Overall, the West Entrance is the best Yellowstone entrance due to its proximity to a lot of the most popular attractions. It is relatively close to Bozeman International Airport and has plenty of food and lodging around it.
But the other entrances have their own perks. The North Entrance is the best Yellowstone entrance when it comes to proximity to Bozeman International Airport. It also has easy access to a lot of Yellowstone’s most popular attractions.
The Northeast Entrance is the best Yellowstone entrance for seeing the most wildlife, as it is closest to Lamar Valley, a hot spot for wildlife viewing.
While the East Entrance is furthest from the most popular Yellowstone attractions, it is the best Yellowstone entrance if you’re entering from Cody, WY, or want to explore the less-visited spots.
And the South Entrance is the best Yellowstone entrance if you plan on spending time in Grand Teton National Park, too.
I hope that this gives you a good idea of which Yellowstone entrance is best for you!
And if you’re heading to Yellowstone, here are a few more articles you might enjoy:
- 38 Best Photo Spots in Yellowstone
- 23 Things to Know Before Visiting Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone FAQ: Your Yellowstone Questions Answered
Safe travels!
Jasmine
10 Responses
I worked in Yellowstone last fall and return this week. What do you know about the NE entrance and the Tower area that’s hsd the road closed the last two years? I’m heading there on Sunday.
Also, just because it’s a tourist town, the West entrance is awesome, stunning and the closest to civilization????. Even when a Buffalo is walking down the road and stopping traffic
Hi Elaine! That is so cool that you worked there! I loved the NE entrance since Lamar Valley is one of the coolest places in the park IMO! I loved getting to see all of the wildlife in that area! Unfortunately, the Tower area and the road that connects Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon is still closed. We were unable to get to Tower Falls this year (2021) because of it, which was a bummer. But even so, the area is so beautiful by the NE entrance! And yes, I completely agree about all of that regarding the West Entrance! It’s the easiest to see so much from it! Even if you have to wait an hour for a wildlife traffic jam lol!
We entered Yellowstone from the South entrance. It was stunning to drive through. We stayed in West Yellowstone and we
enjoyed our stay there. Lots of good restaurants and accommodations. We were there in July of 2021. The park was extremely busy. We found that getting into the park before six a.m. was well worth getting up early. You get to see more, animals, no traffic, easy parking, and you can see so much more without waiting. By about 1 or 2 p.m. the traffic was getting ridiculous, so we would go back to our hotel and relax and then go out for a great dinner. We did this three days in a row. I know many will say I am not a morning person. I guess they have to ask themselves are they a waste my time in traffic and see very little and frustrated person?
Thanks for sharing your insight coming in from the South! I definitely thought it was worth the early wake up call as well! Definitely worth beating the long lines! Glad you had a good time in Yellowstone!
Thanks for this well-researched, information-rich post! It came in very handy planning my family’s road trip this summer.
I’m so glad to hear it, thank you, Raphael! I hope it is an amazing trip!
Thank you for all your great information. 6 of us are planning a Harley trip end of June 2022 and will be using you as our guide!
I’m so glad to hear it, thanks for letting me know! I hope you have an incredible time on your trip, June is such a great time to visit Yellowstone!
Can you please add some information about the Canyon Lodge? We have reservations there this summer, and would appreciate some first hand information about it.
Good info but what’s with the posing in front of each attraction? Ruins the experience for other travelers wherever you go. And aren’t you in this to help other travelers? Or just to make money and get free stays?