PARKS Atlas
A lone bison grazes on a hillside overlooking the sweeping Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River meandering through lush meadows and distant mountain ranges bathed in a warm pink-hued sunset sky.

Wyoming, Montana, Idaho · National Park

Yellowstone

America’s first national park — a high volcanic plateau where Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho meet, its geyser basins, hot springs, and wildlife valleys laced together by one big figure-eight road.

A lone bison grazes on a hillside overlooking the sweeping · Yellowstone National Park

Overview

About Yellowstone

Yellowstone is enormous, and the distances are the first thing to plan around. The park sits high — most of it above 7,000 feet — and the main sights are strung along the Grand Loop Road, a figure-eight that ties the geyser basins in the west to the canyon and the wildlife valleys in the east. Getting between two big stops can eat an hour or more before you’ve stopped to look at anything, so a day here is really a choice of which loop you’re driving, not a tour of the whole park. The draw splits three ways, and a good trip usually picks two. The thermal basins — Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic at Midway, the steaming ground at Norris — run along the western and lower part of the loop. The wildlife is concentrated in the open valleys: Lamar in the northeast for wolves and bison, Hayden in the center. The canyon, with its waterfalls, anchors the east side. They don’t sit next to each other. Plan for more days than feel necessary, and plan around the seasons. Most of the interior roads close to cars from roughly November into spring, the boardwalks and overlooks fill earliest in the day, and the animals move at dawn and dusk regardless of your schedule. You cannot see Yellowstone in a day; the honest version is to base near one entrance, give the loop you choose its full morning, and let the rest wait for the next trip.

Established
1872 (the first national park)
Designation
National Park
States
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Entry fee
$35 / vehicle (7 days)
Timed entry
None — no entry reservation

Map

Explore Yellowstone

Explore more

Headline Hikes

Top trails in Yellowstone

  1. A wide open meadow in Yellowstone National Park with multiple columns of white geothermal steam rising from hydrothermal features along the tree line, viewed…

    Upper Geyser Basin

    3.2 mi 101 ft gain 1.0 hr

    Easy Loop Kid friendly

    An easy 3.2-mile loop through the Upper Geyser Basin, which holds Old Faithful and the densest concentration of geysers in the world — the boardwalks here let you walk among dozens of active springs and geysers beyond the famous one everyone gathers for. The flat, stroller-friendly route makes it accessible to almost any visitor with the time to wander. Choose this when you want to see far more than Old Faithful's single eruption and explore the whole geyser field at your own pace.

    View on AllTrails →
  2. A geyser erupts forcefully at Yellowstone National Park, sending a column of water and steam into the air while a group of tourists watches from a nearby vie…

    Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail

    1.6 mi 206 ft gain 40 min

    Easy Out & back Kid friendly

    A 1.6-mile easy out-and-back that climbs to the elevated overlook above Grand Prismatic, the park's largest hot spring — the only spot where you actually see its full ring of blue, green, and orange color from above rather than as steam from the boardwalk. This is the view people picture when they think of the spring, and the short climb is well worth it for anyone who wants that perspective. Go midday when the sun is high if you want the colors to read; this is the photographer's version of the visit.

    View on AllTrails →
  3. A steaming turquoise hot spring pool along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, viewed from a wooden boardwalk that curves around its edge.

    Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop

    3.6 mi 636 ft gain 1.7 hr

    Moderate Loop Kid friendly

    A 3.6-mile moderate loop near Old Faithful that climbs to Mystic Falls and a ridge overlooking the Upper Geyser Basin steaming below — a strong half-day choice that combines a waterfall, forest, and a basin overview in one walk. The 636 feet of climbing keeps it honest without being punishing. Good for hikers who've already seen the Old Faithful boardwalks and want to get above the crowds for a wider perspective.

    View on AllTrails →
  4. A vivid turquoise hydrothermal hot spring pool set within a pale silica-crusted basin emits billowing steam against an overcast sky.

    Norris Geyser Basin

    1.8 mi 154 ft gain 40 min

    Easy Loop Kid friendly

    An easy 1.8-mile loop through Norris, the hottest and most dynamic thermal basin in the park — features here run more acidic and unpredictable than the famous geysers, so the basin looks raw and changes more often. It's a manageable walk for most travelers who want to feel how volatile Yellowstone's underground really is. Choose it when you want active thermal ground over a single well-known eruption.

    View on AllTrails →
  5. Tourists walk along a raised boardwalk beside the vivid orange and white mineral-encrusted edges of Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin, with steam…

    Midway Geyser Basin Trail

    0.7 mi 55 ft gain 15 min

    Easy Loop Kid friendly

    A 0.7-mile easy boardwalk loop that carries you right past Grand Prismatic and Excelsior Geyser Crater — close-up, at steam level, where the scale and color of the park's biggest hot spring hit you. It's flat, short, and stroller-friendly, which makes it one of the highest-reward quick stops in the park. Pair it with the overlook trail if you want both the up-close walk and the view from above.

    View on AllTrails →
  6. An aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin, showing the vivid gradient from deep blue at the spring's center to turquoise,…

    Fairy Falls Lollipop Trail

    8.5 mi 183 ft gain 2.6 hr

    Moderate Loop

    A longer 8.5-mile moderate loop that strings together Fairy Falls and the thermal country around Midway Geyser Basin, including views toward Grand Prismatic, the park's largest hot spring. This is a half- to full-day outing for hikers who want the waterfall and the geyser-basin scenery in one walk rather than as separate roadside stops. Choose it if you have the legs and the time and prefer a quiet trail to a packed overlook.

    View on AllTrails →

Trail descriptions are field-tested summaries; verify current conditions and closures with NPS before hiking.

See all trails

Permits & Reservations

Permits for Yellowstone

Yellowstone keeps day-visiting simple — no timed entry, and no permit for the boardwalks, drives, or front-country trails. Permits come in only for a backcountry night or a day on the water; get them before you go so the trip doesn't stall at the ranger desk.

Permit listings sourced from the Recreation Information Database (RIDB). Confirm current dates, fees, and how to apply on Recreation.gov or at the park before you go — some permits are first-come or issued in person.

See all permits

Inside the Park

Stay inside Yellowstone

The lodges inside Yellowstone — Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Mammoth, and the rest — put you on the loop at dawn and dusk, when the wildlife moves and the drive in from a gateway town would cost you the light. They book 12–18 months out through the park concessioner; reserve direct, not a third-party site. Each pick below says who it suits.

  • Old Faithful Inn

    In-park lodge

    Old Faithful Inn

    Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful)

    Price $$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Summer only (typically early May to early October). The hardest in-park room to get - book the moment the 13-month window opens.

    The 1904 log 'Old House' standing right beside Old Faithful, with a seven-story lobby and geyser views from the front porch — the single most-requested place to sleep in the park. Historic rooms are rustic and some share a bath, so you're booking it for the building and the location, not modern fittings. It books direct through the park's concessioner with no booking fee, and it's the hardest in-park room to land — reserve the moment the booking window opens.

    Top pick for first-timers (sleep in the park)

    • Historic 1904 lobby
    • Steps from Old Faithful
    • Summer only - books out fast
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • In-park lodge

    Old Faithful Snow Lodge

    Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful)

    Price $$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Two seasons: summer (roughly early May to October) and winter (roughly mid-December to early March); closed between.

    The park's newest in-park hotel, opened in 1999 at Old Faithful, with rooms that are modern by park standards. It's one of only two lodgings open in winter, when it can only be reached by snowcoach or skis and becomes a base for oversnow touring. Books direct through the concessioner. A strong choice in summer for modern comfort at Old Faithful — and the obvious pick if you're coming in winter.

    Top pick for winter visitors

    • Open in winter
    • Modern in-park rooms
    • At Old Faithful
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • Lake Yellowstone Hotel

    Hotel / inn

    Lake Yellowstone Hotel

    Lake Village (Yellowstone Lake)

    Price $$$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Summer only (typically mid-May to early October).

    The 1891 colonial-revival hotel on the shore of Yellowstone Lake — the most refined place to stay inside the park, with a lake-view sunroom where string music plays in the evening. Rooms range from historic hotel rooms to an annex and back cabins, and it's the premium in-park option. It books direct through the concessioner with no booking fee. Choose it when the evening — the lake, the sunroom, a quieter pace — matters as much as the daytime touring.

    • Historic 1891 hotel
    • Yellowstone Lake views
    • Most upscale in-park stay
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • In-park lodge

    Canyon Lodge & Cabins

    Canyon Village

    Price $$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Summer only (typically early June to late September).

    The largest in-park lodging, rebuilt in 2016 in central Canyon Village — the closest base to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the most practical midpoint for reaching the whole park in a day's drive. Rooms and cabins are modern but plain. It books direct through the concessioner with no booking fee. The everyday workhorse for a family or group that wants to see all of Yellowstone without a single corner of it being a two-hour haul.

    Top pick for families

    • Closest to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
    • Central touring base
    • Largest in-park complex
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • Hotel / inn

    Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins

    Mammoth Hot Springs (north end)

    Price $$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Two seasons: summer (roughly late April to early October) and winter (roughly mid-December to early March).

    At the park's north end beside the travertine terraces and the year-round North Entrance — hotel rooms and cabins, with a few cabins offering private hot tubs. It's one of only two in-park lodgings open in winter, and the North Entrance road stays open to cars all year, making it the easiest cold-season base to reach by car. Books direct through the concessioner. A good choice for the northern half of the park and for anyone wanting reliable year-round access.

    • Open in winter
    • By the Mammoth terraces
    • Year-round North Entrance access
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • Hotel / inn

    Grant Village

    Grant Village (West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake)

    Price $$$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Summer only (typically late May to late September).

    Modern motel-style buildings near West Thumb on the southwest shore of Yellowstone Lake — the closest in-park base to the South Entrance, which makes it the natural choice when you're pairing Yellowstone with Grand Teton just to the south. Rooms are plain; the draw is purely the south-side position. Books direct through the concessioner. Pick it for the routing, not the room.

    • Closest in-park to the South Entrance
    • On Yellowstone Lake
    • Good for a Teton-combined trip
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

  • Cabin

    Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

    Tower-Roosevelt (northeast)

    Price $$ Proximity Inside the park

    Season Summer only (typically early June to early September).

    Rustic log cabins at Tower-Roosevelt in the park's quiet northeast corner — the closest in-park base to Lamar Valley, where the bison herds and wolf-watching draw early-morning crowds with spotting scopes. The simplest Roughrider cabins don't have a private bath; the slightly larger Frontier cabins do. It's the most affordable way to sleep inside the park and books direct through the concessioner. Best for travelers who care more about being out at dawn than about hotel comforts.

    Top pick for wildlife watchers

    • Lamar Valley wildlife base
    • Rustic log cabins
    • Most affordable in-park option
    Book direct

    Concessioner direct booking - operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Xanterra), per the NPS Yellowstone 'Lodging' page. Not an affiliate link.

In-park lodges book direct through the park concessioner unless a booking partner carries real availability. Rooms are limited and release on a fixed window — reserve early.

Where to Stay

Lodging near Yellowstone

The gateway-town picks at the five entrances — where to base when the in-park lodges (their own band above) are full or out of budget. Each card says who it suits and links straight to booking.

  • City Center Motel

    Motel

    City Center Motel

    West Yellowstone

    Price $$$$ Proximity 0.1 mi from gate

    Season

    A plain motel right in the middle of West Yellowstone, a tenth of a mile from the park's west gate — you walk to dinner and roll out to the entrance in minutes. There are no resort frills here; you're paying for the location and a clean room before an early start into the geyser basins. A solid pick if your day starts at the gate and you don't want a long morning drive in.

    Top pick for budget gateway base

    Find on Booking.com See all West Yellowstone lodging options

    Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices indicative; vary by date.

  • Moose Creek Inn

    Hotel / inn

    Moose Creek Inn

    West Yellowstone

    Price $$$$ Proximity 0.2 mi from gate Rated 8.5/10

    Season

    A straightforward West Yellowstone hotel a couple of blocks from the west gate, with a review score around 8.5. It sits in walking distance of the town's restaurants and shops, so you can park the car for the evening once you're back from the park. A good middle-of-the-road choice for a couple or small group basing out of the west side.

    Find on Booking.com See all West Yellowstone lodging options

    Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices indicative; vary by date.

  • Holiday Inn West Yellowstone by IHG

    Hotel / inn

    Holiday Inn West Yellowstone by IHG

    West Yellowstone

    Price $$$$ Proximity 0.3 mi from gate Rated 8.7/10

    Season

    A reliable full-service chain hotel three-tenths of a mile from the west gate, scoring around 8.7 — the safe pick when you want known standards and a points program rather than a surprise. It's walkable to West Yellowstone's dining and an easy morning roll to the entrance for the Old Faithful and Madison drives. Choose it if predictability matters more than character.

    Find on Booking.com See all West Yellowstone lodging options

    Booking.com via Awin affiliate (advertiser 6776). Prices indicative; vary by date.

In-park lodges book direct through the concessioner; gateway-town stays surface through partner search.

See all lodging

Where to Base

Where to base near Yellowstone

Five towns ring the park on four sides, and the one you base in decides which gate you use every morning. West Yellowstone sits by the geysers, Gardiner holds the year-round north road, Cooke City is the Lamar Valley outpost, Cody comes in from the east, and Jackson approaches through the Tetons.

  • Southern approach via Tetons

    Jackson

    Distance to entrance
    45.6 mi drive
    Property mix
    Chain hotels + budget
    Town → park shuttle
    No — drive in
    Explore Jackson

  • West entrance services hub

    West Yellowstone

    Distance to entrance
    Walkable (0.4 mi)
    Property mix
    Small inn / motel mix
    Town → park shuttle
    No — drive in
    Explore West Yellowstone

  • North entrance year-round base

    Gardiner

    Distance to entrance
    Walkable (0.4 mi)
    Property mix
    Small inn / motel mix
    Town → park shuttle
    No — drive in
    Explore Gardiner

  • Northeast Beartooth summer outpost

    Cooke City

    Distance to entrance
    4.1 mi drive
    Property mix
    Boutique + mid-chain
    Town → park shuttle
    No — drive in
    Explore Cooke City

  • East approach full-service town

    Cody

    Distance to entrance
    46.5 mi drive
    Property mix
    Chain hotels + budget
    Town → park shuttle
    No — drive in
    Explore Cody
See all gateway towns

Areas of the Park

The districts of Yellowstone

Yellowstone is too big to take in from one base — it's a ring of developed areas around a figure-eight road, each its own kind of day. Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin hold the geysers; Mammoth is the year-round north end with its travertine terraces; Canyon, Lamar, Lake, and Grant each anchor a different corner. Pick the one or two you're building your days around, and its page scopes the trails, camping, and timing to just that part of the park.

Multi-day routes

The signature routes of Yellowstone

Yellowstone is really one big drive — the Grand Loop, a figure-eight road that strings the geyser basins, the canyon, and the lake together. This is how to run it in order, where to start, and what to do when winter closes the interior.

On the road

Services along the way

Yellowstone's interior is vast and services are spread thin between the developed villages. These are the road junctions worth knowing on the loop — where to find a restroom, a store, a campground, or a place to sleep before a dawn start, and where there's nothing at all, so you fuel up first.

  • Madison Junction

    • Restrooms
    • Picnic area
    • Ranger station

    Where the road in from the West Entrance meets the Grand Loop — a natural first stop on the way south to Old Faithful or north to Norris. There are restrooms, a picnic area, and a small ranger station here, but no gas and nowhere to stay, so fill the tank in West Yellowstone before you drive in.

    Plan a West Yellowstone stop →

  • Tower-Roosevelt

    • Cabins
    • General store
    • Campground

    The rustic northeast junction, and the closest place to sleep inside the park before an early start into Lamar Valley's wildlife country. Roosevelt Lodge has cabins and a casual dining hall, there's a general store, and the Tower Fall campground sits just south — the base to pick if dawn in Lamar is the point of the trip.

    See in-park lodging →

Camping

Camping in Yellowstone

The park's campgrounds are the in-park alternative to the lodges — some reservable months ahead through Recreation.gov, some first-come sites you race for at dawn.

  • In-park · Frontcountry

    Bridge Bay Campground

    Reservation $33/night 432 sites

    Inside the park. Reservation-only — book ahead on Recreation.gov.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    • Dump Station
    Campground Details

  • In-park · Frontcountry

    Canyon Campground

    Reservation $39/night 273 sites

    Inside the park. Reservation-only — book ahead on Recreation.gov.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    • Dump Station
    Campground Details

  • In-park · RV Camp

    Fishing Bridge RV Park

    Reservation $89/night 310 sites

    Inside the park. Reservation-only — book ahead on Recreation.gov.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    • Dump Station
    • Hookups
    Campground Details

  • In-park · Frontcountry

    Grant Village Campground

    Reservation $39/night 430 sites

    Inside the park. Reservation-only — book ahead on Recreation.gov.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    • Dump Station
    Campground Details
  • Indian Creek Campground

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Indian Creek Campground

    Reservation $20/night 70 sites

    The quiet, low-key base between Mammoth and Norris, away from the big basins — pick it for a calmer night if you don't mind the morning drive to the geysers. Reserves on Recreation.gov.

    • Vault Toilets
    • Water

    Data Source: Recreation.gov

    Campground Details
    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    You'll be redirected to Recreation.gov

  • Lewis Lake Campground

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Lewis Lake Campground

    Reservation $20/night 85 sites

    A lakeside camp at the park's south end by the South Entrance — the practical pick when you're routing a Yellowstone–Grand Teton trip or want paddling and quiet over the geyser crowds farther north.

    • Vault Toilets
    • Water

    Data Source: Recreation.gov

    Campground Details
    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    You'll be redirected to Recreation.gov

  • In-park · Frontcountry

    Madison Campground

    Reservation $33/night 276 sites

    Inside the park. Reservation-only — book ahead on Recreation.gov.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    • Dump Station
    Campground Details
  • Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)

    Reservation $25/night 85 sites

    The campground nearest the North Entrance and the one that stays open through winter — the practical base for a cold-season trip or anyone who wants to be by the Mammoth terraces and park headquarters.

    • Flush Toilets
    • Water

    Data Source: Recreation.gov

    Campground Details
    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    You'll be redirected to Recreation.gov

  • Closed

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Norris Campground

    Closed for the foreseeable future.

    $25/night 112 sites
    • Flush Toilets
    • Water
    Campground Details

  • Closed

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Pebble Creek Campground

    Pebble Creek Campground was significantly impacted by the 2022 floods and will remain CLOSED until further notice for flood recovery work.

    $20/night 27 sites
    • Vault Toilets
    • Water
    Campground Details
  • Slough Creek Campground

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Slough Creek Campground

    Reservation $20/night 16 sites

    Off the Lamar Valley road in the park's northeast corner — the wildlife-watcher's pick, on the ground before dawn for wolves and bison, and some of the hardest sites in the park to land.

    • Vault Toilets
    • Water

    Data Source: Recreation.gov

    Campground Details
    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    You'll be redirected to Recreation.gov

  • Tower Fall Campground

    In-park · Frontcountry

    Tower Fall Campground

    Reservation $20/night 31 sites

    A small, no-frills camp by the Tower–Roosevelt junction in the northeast — handy to the waterfall it's named for and the Lamar Valley wildlife drives, for travelers focused on the park's quieter northern loop.

    • Vault Toilets
    • Water

    Data Source: Recreation.gov

    Campground Details
    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    You'll be redirected to Recreation.gov

Campground listings sourced from the Recreation Information Database (RIDB). Recreation.gov is the only authorized booking site — confirm fees, dates, and site counts there before reserving.

See all campgrounds

Experiences

Things to do near Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a driving park, and the guided options reflect that — full-day loop tours that handle the wheel and the wildlife-spotting, plus rentals and audio drives. The full set sits below.

  • E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park

    mountain-bike-tours

    E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park

    Duration 5 hr Price From $250 Rating 5.00★ (46)

    An e-bike tour trades the car for pedal-assist, so you cover real ground on the park roads and paths without the climb wearing you out — the motor takes the effort out of the grades. It's a good fit if you want to be outside and moving rather than looking through a windshield, and the assist makes it workable for riders who haven't been on a bike in a while. Half a day on two wheels, with a guide setting the pace. It carries a perfect 5.0 rating, though across a smaller set of 46 reviews.

    • Free cancellation
    Book on Viator

    Experience powered by Viator.

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  • Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

    bus-tours

    Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

    Duration 11 hr Price From $269 Rating 4.92★ (475)

    A full day on a guided bus is the simplest way to see the park's headline stops without planning a route, parking at crowded lots, or watching the road instead of the scenery. A driver-guide handles the logistics and points out what you'd miss on your own, which suits first-timers and anyone who'd rather absorb the place than navigate it. With 475 reviews at a 4.9 rating, it's the most-reviewed day tour here and a dependable single-day option. Plan on a long day given the distances inside the park.

    • Free cancellation
    Book on Viator

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  • Yellowstone Lake & Hot Springs / 3 Hour Morning or Twilight Tour

    water-tours

    Yellowstone Lake & Hot Springs / 3 Hour Morning or Twilight Tour

    Duration 3 hr Price From $125 Rating 4.92★ (95)

    A three-hour tour on Yellowstone Lake gets you onto the water for a view of the shoreline and its hot springs that you can't reach by road. Choosing the morning or twilight slot matters here: early and late are when the light is best and the lake is calmest, so pick by whether you're an early riser or want to cap the day on the water. It suits travelers looking for a shorter, lower-effort outing that's different from the geyser-basin crowds. Rated 4.9 across 95 reviews.

    • Free cancellation
    Book on Viator

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See all experiences

Getting There

Getting to Yellowstone

Most visitors fly into Bozeman (BZN) for the geyser side or Jackson (JAC) to pair the trip with Grand Teton; Cody, Billings, and a budget hop to Salt Lake City are the other ways in. Which of the five entrances you use decides your first morning, so pick the gate before you book the bed.

Drive approaches

  • Bozeman, MT (BZN) 1h 30m

    via US-191 S to West Yellowstone

    The closest major airport. US-191 reaches the West Entrance in about 90 minutes; US-89 through Livingston reaches the North Entrance at Gardiner in about the same. The usual fly-in for a geyser-first trip.

  • Jackson, WY (JAC) 1h to the gate

    via US-89/191/287 N through Grand Teton

    You drive the length of Grand Teton to reach the South Entrance — about an hour to the gate, two-plus to Old Faithful. The right approach if you are pairing the two parks.

  • Cody, WY (COD) 1h to the gate

    via US-14/16/20 W over Sylvan Pass

    The East Entrance approach, open in summer only. Cody is worth a day for the Old West museums before you reach Yellowstone Lake.

  • Billings, MT (BIL) 2h – 3h

    via I-90 + US-89 (North) or US-212 Beartooth (Northeast)

    Reaches the North Entrance via Livingston year-round; the Beartooth Highway to the Northeast Entrance is a summer-only alternative over an 11,000-foot pass.

  • Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) 5h

    via I-15 N + US-20 to West Yellowstone

    The budget-airfare option many road-trippers use — about five hours to the West Entrance, often paired with Grand Teton on the way up.

Entrance stations

  • North Entrance (Gardiner, MT)

    Enters at Gardiner under the stone Roosevelt Arch and climbs five miles to Mammoth Hot Springs and the park headquarters. US-89 from Livingston and I-90 feeds it. This is the entrance to use if your trip runs into winter, because it is the only one cars can use all year.

    Season Open to cars year-round — the only Yellowstone entrance that is. The plowed road continues from Mammoth east through Lamar Valley to Cooke City through the winter. [VERIFY: NPS.gov current road status]

    Best for Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley wildlife, and any trip that runs into the winter season.

  • Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT)

    The quietest way in, at Silver Gate and Cooke City on US-212, with the road passing straight through Lamar Valley. Beyond Cooke City, the Beartooth Highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet — one of the great alpine drives in the country, but only in summer.

    Season The road from Mammoth through Lamar Valley to Cooke City is plowed year-round; the Beartooth Highway (US-212) east of Cooke City closes for the season, roughly mid-October to late May. [VERIFY: NPS.gov + Beartooth Highway status]

    Best for Lamar Valley wildlife at dawn, and the Beartooth Highway drive in summer.

  • East Entrance (Cody, WY)

    The approach from Cody, climbing over Sylvan Pass on US-14/16/20 and dropping to the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Cody itself is a full day of Old West before you even reach the gate.

    Season Closed to cars in winter — typically early November to early May, when Sylvan Pass is snowed in. [VERIFY: NPS.gov current road status]

    Best for Yellowstone Lake and the Canyon side, with a Cody approach.

  • South Entrance (Jackson, WY)

    Shared with Grand Teton — you drive the length of the Tetons on US-89/191/287 to reach it, which is why so many trips pair the two parks. It lands near Grant Village and the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake.

    Season Closed to cars in winter — typically early November to mid-May; over-snow travel by snowcoach or snowmobile is the only access in that window. [VERIFY: NPS.gov current road status]

    Best for Pairing Yellowstone with Grand Teton, and the Grant Village and Lake south end.

  • West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT)

    The busiest gate, sitting right in the town of West Yellowstone on US-20 with every service at hand. It is the shortest drive to the geyser basins and Old Faithful, which is why most first trips come in this way.

    Season Closed to cars in winter and reopens to vehicles in spring, around mid-April; over-snow access only in between. [VERIFY: NPS.gov current road status]

    Best for Old Faithful and the geyser basins — the fastest route to the thermal areas.

Yellowstone’s interior roads close to cars from roughly early November into spring — only the North/Gardiner-to-Cooke City road stays plowed year-round. Opening and closing dates shift with snowpack; confirm the current road status on the NPS Yellowstone page before you plan a route.

Sightseeing

Viewpoints in Yellowstone

The overlooks and pullouts worth stopping for — geyser basins, the canyon, and the valley turnouts — sorted by how far you walk to reach them and the light that suits each one.

See all viewpoints

When to Go

The best time to visit Yellowstone

Best Time to Visit

Yellowstone

Summer & early fall. Most roads close to cars in winter; wildlife and geyser basins draw the biggest crowds in summer.

  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
Spring
42° / 17°F
Summer
68° / 36°F
Fall
46° / 21°F
Winter
24° / 2°F
When to Visit Yellowstone
See the full seasonal guide

Plan Your Trip

Tips for visiting Yellowstone

Best times to visit

  • Sweet spot

    Late May – June, September

    Roads and lodges are open, wildlife is active in the valleys, and the summer parking crush hasn’t peaked. Snow can still close a high pass into June; book in-park lodging months ahead.

  • Peak

    July – August

    Every road and lodge is open and so is everyone else — lots fill by mid-morning at Old Faithful and the canyon. Start early, and treat midday as drive-and-overlook time.

  • Winter

    November – April

    Most interior roads close to cars; the only way to the geysers is by snowcoach or guided snowmobile from the gateways. Quiet, snowbound, and a completely different trip — plan it as one.

What to pack

  • Bear spray (and know how to use it) Yellowstone is grizzly country, and the park recommends carrying bear spray on every trail. Buy or rent it in the gateway towns — you can’t fly with it.
  • Layers for a 40°F swing At 7,000–8,000 feet the mornings are cold and the afternoons warm fast; summer thunderstorms roll in most afternoons. A warm layer and a rain shell belong in the day pack even in July.
  • Binoculars The wildlife in Lamar and Hayden valleys is usually far off the road. Glassing the valley is how you actually see the wolves and bears the park is known for.
  • A full tank + snacks Distances between services inside the park are long and gas stations are few. Fill up in the gateway town and carry water and food for the loop.

Permits & reservations

In-park lodges are run by the park concessioner and book up to 12–18 months out — reserve direct through the lodge operator, not a third-party site. Yellowstone has no entry timed-reservation; an America the Beautiful pass or the entrance fee is all you need to drive in.

What to Pack

Gear for Yellowstone

The short list for a high, wild park — bear spray, layers for the altitude swing, and the optics that turn a far-off shape in the valley into a wolf.

  • Day Hiking Backpack

    Packs

    Day Hiking Backpack

    $148–$202

    Whether you're bagging peaks or on a bikepacking adventure, the men's Osprey Talon 22 pack is the ideal solution for toting all the gear you need while keeping you comfortable for the long haul.

    Why it matters Carries water, snacks, and layers for a full day on trail with a comfortable hipbelt.

    Shop on REI
  • Hiking Boots

    Footwear

    Hiking Boots

    $136–$185

    Take on urban landscapes in the Merrell Moab 3 Lux shoes. These hiking shoes use full-grain leather for a traditional look that doesn't lack support.

    Why it matters Grippy, broken-in-comfortable boots with a wide toe box for mixed park terrain.

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  • Trail Runners

    Footwear

    Trail Runners

    $127–$173

    Keep confidence underfoot. With excellent grip and the same reassuring comfort as the original, the men's Salomon Speedcross 6 trail-running shoes offer a powerful connection to the trails.

    Why it matters Lighter than boots for fast, dry-trail days; many hikers prefer them.

    Shop on REI
  • Trekking Poles

    Safety

    Trekking Poles

    $101–$138

    Balancing comfort and reliability, the 3-piece-adjustable Black Diamond Trail trekking poles have updated EVA foam grips and plush straps for added security and improved handling on the trail.

    Why it matters Save your knees on descents and steady you across stream crossings like the Narrows.

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  • Hydration Reservoir

    Water

    Hydration Reservoir

    $34–$47

    With high-flow hydration and an on/off lever at the bite valve that makes it easy to prevent leaks, there's a lot to like about like the CamelBak Crux Crux 2-liter reservoir.

    Why it matters Drink hands-free on the move so you actually stay hydrated in the heat.

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  • Insulated Water Bottle

    Water

    Insulated Water Bottle

    $38–$52

    Stay refreshed and hydrated wherever you wander with a 32 fl. oz. Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth insulated water bottle equipped with a leakproof Flex Straw cap and 24-hour insulation.

    Why it matters Keeps water cold all day; the most-used item in any park daypack.

    Shop on REI

Prices and stock change often — confirm the current price with the retailer before buying.

Save on Entry

One pass covers Yellowstone — and every other US national park.

The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.

America the Beautiful National Park Pass — the 2026 annual pass card Buy your pass → Learn more about the pass

Ships from US Park Pass. Free shipping in the continental US.