Yellowstone covers more than 2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Driving between major sights, such as Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, can take over an hour, so your base matters.
Our top pick: Yellowstone Day Tour from West Yellowstone
Gateway towns and lodges
- West Yellowstone, Montana: the busiest gateway, steps from the west entrance and close to Old Faithful. Lots of hotels and restaurants.
- Gardiner, Montana: at the north entrance with the stone arch, a smaller town and a good base for wildlife in Lamar Valley.
- Cody, Wyoming: about an hour from the east entrance, a larger town with more rooms.
- Jackson and Grand Teton: a base to the south, usually combined with Grand Teton National Park.
- In-park lodges: the most convenient but limited, and they open only for part of the year. Book as far ahead as possible.
Most popularWest YellowstoneMost hotelsOld Faithful, geysersRead guide
Plan the loop: the main roads form a figure eight. Decide which side you want to see each day and choose the gateway that matches.
Check hotel prices in West Yellowstone
Getting there
The closest airports include Bozeman, Montana, about 90 miles from West Yellowstone, and Jackson Hole. A rental car is almost essential.
Park tours
Yellowstone Day Tour from West Yellowstone
A full-day guided tour including the entry fee. 4.8/5 from over 430 reviews.
Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
A day tour starting from Jackson. 4.9/5 from over 240 reviews.
Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour from West Yellowstone
A van tour for wildlife watching. 4.9/5 from over 60 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay for Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone is the most popular gateway, right at the west entrance, with many hotels. Gardiner is at the historic north entrance. In-park lodges save driving time but book out far in advance.
Can you see Yellowstone in one day?
You can see highlights such as Old Faithful on a long day, but distances are large and speed limits low. Two or three nights gives a more relaxed visit.
Is Yellowstone open in winter?
Parts are, but most roads close to regular cars from late autumn to spring. Winter visits use specialized over-snow transport.
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