Yellowstone National Park: A Guide to Its Five Entrances

Yellowstone National Park has five entrances, each offering a unique experience. Depending on what’s on your must-see list and how much time you have, you can choose an entrance that best suits your adventure style. Here’s my breakdown of each entrance, with personal insights to help you decide.

1. North Entrance, Montana

• Open Year-Round

• Key Highlight: Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs

This entrance is the only one open year-round and takes you directly to the famous Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs. While it’s historic and convenient in the off-season, it’s not my favorite part of the park. The wide-open spaces combined with summer heat can make it less enjoyable during peak months.

Closest Town: Gardiner, Montana

• Population: ~800 people

• Elevation: 5,259 feet

Gardiner is a small town with limited entertainment options, but they do have some nice hot springs that are perfect during the shoulder seasons. In the summer, the wide-open spaces and extreme heat can make it less pleasant. However, if you enjoy the heat or want to relax in the hot springs, this entrance could be a good choice for you.

2. Northeast Entrance, Montana

• Key Highlight: Prime wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley

If wildlife is what you’re after, this entrance is your best bet. The drive through Lamar Valley offers some of the best chances to spot bison, elk, and even wolves. The scenery here is stunning, and the pastures filled with buffalo make for an unforgettable experience.

Closest Town: Cooke City-Silver Gate

• Population: ~140 people

• Elevation: 7,580 feet (the highest town in Montana)

Cooke City is a charming little town, but keep in mind that Highway 212, which leads to this entrance, is closed in winter and typically opens in June depending on weather conditions. Always check the Wyoming 511 map before heading out. While the town has a couple of restaurants, a coffee shop, and a taco stand, it’s not ideal for a long stay.

3. East Entrance, Wyoming

• Key Highlight: Fastest route to Yellowstone Lake and the Lower Loop

This is my personal favorite entrance and the one I recommend most often. The East Entrance provides a scenic drive from Cody, Wyoming, and offers the quickest access to Yellowstone Lake and the Lower Loop, where you’ll find iconic attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Hayden Valley.

Closest Town: Cody, Wyoming

• Population: 10,305

• Elevation: 5,000 feet

Cody is a fantastic base for exploring Yellowstone, with its rich Western history, world-class museums, and a variety of lodging and dining options. If you don’t want to drive all day, there are plenty of local companies in Cody that offer guided day trips into the park. Plus, it’s home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which is a must-visit. I focus most of my itineraries around Cody because I know the town so well, and it’s simply the best place for a staycation in my opinion. You can check out my ready-made itineraries at www.wyldreset.com.

4. South Entrance, Wyoming

• Key Highlight: Combines Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park

If you’re planning to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this entrance is perfect. The drive takes you through Grand Teton National Park, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

Closest Town: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• Population: 10,639

• Elevation: 6,800 feet

Jackson is a beautiful small town with a big city vibe. It’s known for its ski resorts, art galleries, and amazing restaurants. However, it’s also the most expensive town in Wyoming, and lodging during the summer is not only pricey but often fully booked well in advance. While I love Jackson for a day trip, I wouldn’t recommend it as a base unless you’re prepared to spend a lot. If you’re visiting in winter, though, it’s a fantastic skiing destination.

5. West Entrance, Montana

• Key Highlight: Quick access to geyser basins

This entrance is the fastest route to Yellowstone’s famous geyser basins. It usually opens at the end of April and closes at the end of October.

Closest Town: West Yellowstone, Montana

• Population: 1,222

• Elevation: 6,664 feet

West Yellowstone is a convenient location, being only 5 minutes from the park gate. However, it gets extremely crowded during the summer months. The town itself is small, with limited lodging and dining options. While it’s great for a short visit, it might not be ideal if you prefer a more spacious and relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts

Each entrance offers something different, so your choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want a well-rounded trip with plenty of activities, Cody and the East Entrance are my top recommendations. And remember, careful planning makes all the difference in Yellowstone. Whether it’s checking road conditions on the Wyoming 511 app or grabbing one of my ready-to-go itineraries from www.wyldreset.com, being prepared will ensure you have an unforgettable adventure.

Happy exploring!