Yellowstone National Park Entrances
Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances, each providing access to different regions of the park. These entrances are strategically located to allow visitors to explore various geothermal features, scenic landscapes, and wildlife-rich areas.
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| Yellowstone National Park Entrance Map |
Here are the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park, along with their locations and nearby attractions:
1. West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)
The West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, is one of the most popular and heavily trafficked entrances to the park. This entrance is particularly convenient for visitors coming from the western United States and is known for its easy access to some of Yellowstone's most famous geothermal features and wildlife-rich areas.
The West Entrance provides direct access to the park’s central loop, making it a prime starting point for visiting iconic sites like Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Norris Geyser Basin. These are some of the most recognized geothermal features in Yellowstone and are within a short drive from the entrance.
The gateway town of West Yellowstone offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and visitor services, making it an ideal base for exploring the park. The town also hosts the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, a popular attraction where visitors can learn about Yellowstone’s wildlife.
The areas accessed from the West Entrance, particularly the Madison River Valley and the nearby meadows, are excellent for spotting wildlife such as elk, bison, and occasionally wolves and bears. The region's rivers and streams are also popular for fly-fishing.
The West Entrance is typically open from late April to early November for vehicle traffic, depending on weather conditions. During the winter months, it becomes a hub for snowmobile and snow coach tours, providing a unique way to experience Yellowstone's winter landscape.
Due to its popularity, the West Entrance can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak summer months. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the day to avoid long wait times at the entrance gate.
2. North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located in Gardiner, Montana, is the park's original entrance and the only one open to vehicles year-round. This entrance is steeped in history and offers unique access to some of Yellowstone's key attractions and wildlife-rich areas.
Upon entering through the North Entrance, visitors are greeted by the iconic Roosevelt Arch, a monumental stone archway dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
Just a few miles from the North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the park's most fascinating geothermal areas. The terraces formed by mineral deposits create striking, ever-changing formations of travertine. Mammoth is also home to the park’s headquarters and the historic Fort Yellowstone, where visitors can learn about the park's history and early management.
Unlike other entrances, the North Entrance remains open year-round, making it the primary access point during the winter months. Even when snow closes other roads, visitors can drive from Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs and beyond, where snowcoach and snowmobile tours can take them deeper into the park.
The North Entrance offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in the nearby Lamar Valley. Visitors frequently spot bison, elk, pronghorn, wolves, and grizzly bears in this area.
The road from the North Entrance follows the Yellowstone River through Gardiner Canyon, offering dramatic views of the river and surrounding mountains. This route also provides access to the Roosevelt Arch Bridge and other scenic overlooks.
3. Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana)
The Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located near Cooke City, Montana, is one of the most scenic and least crowded gateways to the park. Known for its stunning landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, this entrance provides access to the remote and rugged northeastern regions of Yellowstone, making it a favorite among those seeking a more tranquil and natural experience.
One of the primary attractions of the Northeast Entrance is its direct access to the Lamar Valley. This valley is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including large herds of bison, elk, and pronghorn, as well as predators like wolves and bears. The valley is a top destination for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts, especially in the early morning and late evening when animals are most active.
Just outside the Northeast Entrance, you’ll find the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States. This winding road climbs to over 10,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling to or from the Northeast Entrance during the summer months when the road is open.
The small towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate, located just outside the Northeast Entrance, provide lodging, dining, and essential services for visitors. These towns maintain a rustic charm and serve as gateways to both Yellowstone and the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
The Northeast Entrance is the least trafficked of Yellowstone's five entrances, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude and a more serene experience in the park. The remote nature of this entrance offers a chance to explore Yellowstone's wild and rugged beauty without the crowds found at other entrances.
From the Northeast Entrance, visitors can drive to the Tower-Roosevelt area, which features the Tower Fall, a stunning 132-foot waterfall, and the Roosevelt Lodge, a historic site named after President Theodore Roosevelt. This area offers access to numerous hiking trails, including those leading into the backcountry.
The Northeast Entrance is open from late spring through fall, depending on weather conditions. While it’s typically closed to vehicles during the winter, it becomes accessible to snowmobiles and snow coaches, allowing winter visitors to explore the park’s northeastern regions.
The Northeast Entrance, with its proximity to the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, the scenic Beartooth Highway, and the quaint towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate, provides a unique and memorable way to experience Yellowstone's natural wonders. Its remote location offers a peaceful retreat into the park’s wilderness, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
4. East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming)
The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located near Cody, Wyoming, is known for its scenic approach through the Absaroka Range and the Shoshone National Forest. This entrance provides access to the park's eastern regions, including Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding wilderness areas, making it a favored route for visitors seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure.
The road leading to the East Entrance from Cody winds through the Shoshone National Forest, offering breathtaking views of rugged mountain landscapes, dense forests, and the North Fork of the Shoshone River. This drive is considered one of the most scenic approaches to Yellowstone, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzly bears.
Once inside the East Entrance, visitors have easy access to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America. The lake’s expansive waters and surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The Fishing Bridge area, located nearby, is a popular spot for observing the lake's abundant birdlife and exploring its shores.
The East Entrance is flanked by the towering peaks of the Absaroka Range, which form a dramatic gateway into Yellowstone. These mountains, named after the Absaroka tribe, are known for their rugged beauty and offer numerous opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.
The town of Cody, named after the famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody, is a gateway to the East Entrance and a destination in its own right. Cody offers a rich array of Western history and culture, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of museums dedicated to the American West. The town also hosts rodeos, historical reenactments, and other events that celebrate its frontier heritage.
The East Entrance provides access to some of the park’s less-visited and more remote areas, including the Pelican Valley, which is known for its large grizzly bear population. This makes it an excellent choice for those interested in backcountry hiking and exploring Yellowstone’s wilder side.
The East Entrance is typically open from early May to early November, depending on snow conditions. The road from Cody to the entrance is maintained year-round, but inside the park, it is closed to vehicles during the winter months.
The stretch of U.S. Highway 14/16/20 that leads from Cody to the East Entrance is often called the "Cody Road." This route offers historical landmarks, such as the Wapiti Valley, which was a favored hunting ground for Buffalo Bill, and the Pahaska Tepee, his original hunting lodge that now serves as a historic site and visitor center.
5. South Entrance (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)
The South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a key gateway that connects Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park. This entrance offers visitors a seamless transition between two of America’s most iconic national parks, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the broader Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The South Entrance is uniquely positioned as the northern gateway for visitors traveling from Grand Teton National Park. The two parks are connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, a scenic 8-mile (13 km) stretch of road that offers stunning views of the Teton Range and the surrounding wilderness. This entrance is ideal for those planning to visit both parks on the same trip.
Once inside the South Entrance, visitors have quick access to Yellowstone Lake, one of the park’s most prominent features. The West Thumb Geyser Basin, located on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, is one of the first major geothermal areas encountered when entering from the south. This basin features hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots, all set against the backdrop of the lake.
The South Entrance is easily accessible from Jackson Hole, a popular resort town known for its outdoor recreation, luxury amenities, and proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Jackson Hole is a great base for visitors, offering a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities, including skiing, hiking, and wildlife tours.
The South Entrance provides access to the southern regions of Yellowstone, including the Lewis River, Lewis Lake, and the Lewis Falls. This area is less crowded than the central parts of the park, offering a more tranquil experience with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring less-visited geothermal features.
The South Entrance is typically open from mid-May to early November, depending on snow conditions. The road to the entrance from Jackson Hole is maintained year-round, but within Yellowstone, vehicle access is limited during the winter months.
The South Entrance serves as the starting point for several scenic drives within Yellowstone. Visitors can travel north to the park’s central loop, which provides access to major attractions like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Hayden Valley, renowned for its wildlife.
