Southern approach via Tetons
Jackson
- Distance to entrance
- 45.6 mi drive
- Property mix
- Chain hotels + budget
- Town → park shuttle
- No — drive in
Where to Base
Where to base near Yellowstone
Yellowstone has five entrances on four sides, and the town you base in decides which one you use every morning — and which part of the park is close. West Yellowstone sits at the busy west gate near the geysers; Gardiner holds the north entrance and the road that stays open all year; Cooke City is the northeast outpost for the Lamar Valley and the Beartooth; Cody comes in from the east; Jackson approaches from the south through the Tetons. Open a town for its lodging, dining, and what there is to do beyond the park.
-
-
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
-
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
-
Northeast Beartooth summer outpost
Cooke City
- Distance to entrance
- 4.1 mi drive
- Property mix
- Boutique + mid-chain
- Town → park shuttle
- No — drive in
-
East approach full-service town
Cody
- Distance to entrance
- 46.5 mi drive
- Property mix
- Chain hotels + budget
- Town → park shuttle
- No — drive in
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.
Buy your pass →
Learn more about the pass
Ships from US Park Pass. Free shipping in the continental US.