Here are a few recommendations if you want to stay close to popular attractions: Whether you are seduced by the endless sun and fun of summer, falls changing leaves and active wildlife, the ethereal, snowy landscapes of winter, or the cold, quiet months of spring, there is truly no wrong time to visit Yellowstone. The main reason to use the East Entrance on your trip to Yellowstone is if you are coming from Cody, or want to include it in your itinerary, either to visit this interesting town or to drive east towards the Bighorn Mountains, Devils Tower and the main attractions of South Dakota (for example Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands National Park) Just past the East Entrance, on the way to Cody, begins a beautiful scenic road called the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which, with its imposing rock towers, will take you to Cody, which is more than 50 miles from the park entrance. Park insiders recommend booking campsites exactly six months in advance, when reservations become available, and checking back often for cancellations if you arent able to snag a spot. 1. 2023 Cond Nast. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. This Phase 1 opening will be limited to restrooms, self-service gas stations, trails and boardwalks. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. No least busy days. As a result, most park roads and visitor centers close by November. The closest place to stay is in Grant Village. Elk and bison shed off their long winter coats and tend to their calves, who are still shaky on their feet, and the first of Yellowstones wildflowers begin to bloom. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. Unlike the other Yellowstone National Park entrances, the North Entrance is the sole entry point that remains open year-round. You can also save by staying in basic cabin lodging. The popular answer is 2 days if you plan on driving the entirety of Yellowstone National Parks Grand Loop and checking off all of its most famous sites. Dawn and dusk are especially good times for photography and wildlife-spotting (particularly in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley) when animals are most active. The parks massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. The West Entrance is found on the western side of the park near the tourist town of West Yellowstone, Montana, not far from the Wyoming border. The best way to get to Yellowstone is by flying unless you live within driving distance. The Northeast Entrance is situated in Montana, less than five miles from Cooke City. Well, this post on the best Yellowstone itinerary is here to help! For more information on our advertisers, see here. The parks vivid wildflowers that cover the hillsides typically last until mid-July. Jackson Hole airport is the only airport inside a National Park in the United States. 1. It remains open from the end of May through the middle of October, though this may change due to unforeseen weather. Yellowstone National Park Has Five Entrances 7. Clear skies and minimal humidity also mean you can enjoy incredible views of the parks snow-capped mountains. Then, one day 3, youll venture up to the northern part of the park to see Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. Whenever it is that you choose to visit Americas first national park, the consensus is universal: stay as long as you can, and appreciate every second. On your last day in Yellowstone, consider one of these options: If you have more than five days to spend in Yellowstone, I highly recommend checking out more of the best things to do! Read more about boat rentals and tours in Yellowstone. The park is vast, sometimes requiring more than an hours drive to get between sights, so plan out your itinerary ahead of time to anticipate costs. Grand Loop. For three days in Yellowstone National Park, youll follow the same 2-day Yellowstone itinerary above. If any U.S. destination could be considered a trip of a lifetime, Yellowstone National Park would surely top them all. Sign up below to get a free copy of my 28-page national park ebook to help you plan your upcoming national park trip! Drive the South Rim road to Artist Point for excellent views of the canyon and Lower Falls. Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. Hot Tip:Yellowstones wildfire season starts around the end of July, when park rangers safely ignite designated areas of the park to promote habitat diversity. West Yellowstone is also an option, about 1 hour 15 minutes from West Thumb. Park guests traveling from Salt Lake City, Idaho, and areas to the west of the park, in general, may also find that the West Entrance is the most practical. The Northeast Entrance often makes the most sense for those traveling from Billings, MT, and other destinations in the states northeast. Morning: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin. Freezing temperatures, frequent snowfall, hibernating wildlife, and road and facility Lets get started! Below I have tried to make a quick list and later will go into greater detail about the main attractions, towns, and hotels near the various entrances of the park so that this can help you plan your itinerary. Grand Loop Road is the primary route for most activities in Yellowstone. Late Afternoon: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The easiest way to get around Yellowstone is by car. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone first. Baby season is still in full swing, when bison and elk calves, wolf pups, and bear cubs can be easily spotted playing behind their parents. Before leaving & what to bring with. As Travel in USA explains, the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is best for those who are traveling from Codyor would like to pass through the town on their way to or from the park. The parks West Entrance is located in Montana, in the town called West Yellowstone, which is particularly convenient for visiting the geyser area, Since then, she's worked as a travel editor at, The Best Ways to Book Cheap Amtrak Train Tickets [Advance Bookings, Rail Passes, and Promo Codes], Dallas Love Field Airport [DAL] Ultimate Terminal Guide, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone, by Season, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone, by Interest, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone for Fall Colors, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone to See Wildlife, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone to Avoid Crowds, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone to Save Money. Home > USA Parks > Yellowstone National Park > How Many Entrances to Yellowstone Are There? From here, dont miss one of the best-kept secrets outside of the park on the Beartooth Scenic Byway (U.S. 212), a mountainous, dazzling drive that summits at nearly 11,000 feet. Canyon Village is closest to Hayden Valley. If youre staying in Old Faithful the night before, another option is to visit West Thumb Geyser Basin first before heading through Hayden Valley in the morning. Yellowstone has eight lodges inside the park, plus several campgrounds. The Old Faithful Outside of Montanas West Entrance, Bozeman has a lively main street and excellent dinosaur exhibits at the Museum of the Rockies. Chris Leipelt via Unsplash, Currently based in New York, Lindsey spent her childhood in Connecticut dreaming of far-off places. If you prefer to stay inside the park, this is the closest access to accommodations near Old Faithful. Whether you have one day in Yellowstone or plan to spend a week there, youll find plenty of inspiration in this guide. Some of the trails have even been standing since the early 19th century. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. The Yellowstone River Picnic area hike gives you the best views of the Yellowstone Canyon. Summer is our busiest season with more than half our annual visitation occurs during June, July, and Morning: Norris Geyser Basin. That said, travel within the park is still challenging, as snow-packed roads prevent cars from venturing too far in, and snowmobiles or snow coaches are still required to reach big-name attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. That said, humidity is never an issue due to lack of rainfall and the thin, high-altitude atmosphere. The first week of the month sees the last of the seasons changing colors. REI Adventures and Wildland Trekking also arrange Yellowstone trips. Early Afternoon: Tower Fall. The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, a stunning stretch of road, is less than a mile away from the East Entrance. To help you choose which entrance is best for you, heres a final breakdown: Have you ever been to Yellowstone National Park? Unlike the otherworldly beauty of a Yellowstone winter, spring is arguably the least scenic time to visit, so crowds are minimal. Or maybe in West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By Memorial Day weekend, warmer temperatures and brighter days really hit their stride and last all the way through September, causing visitor numbers to swell late in the month. Whatever you decide the winds of winter or the summer sun just dont forget to charge your camera. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. WebNorth Entrance. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written by experts who know these products inside out, and what we recommend is what we would (or already) use ourselves. Tis time is late season so it can be winter cold and see snow. WebThere are 4 major entrances to Yellowstone North, South, East, and West. Campsites charge $15 to $32 per night, excluding taxes. If you want to learn more about Yellowstone National Park, check out these posts! In my opinion, four days in Yellowstone National Park is the perfect amount of time to see all the top attractions and the best things to do. Dont miss Grand Riverside Geyser, Chromatic Pool, and Morning Glory Pool! The Grand Loop Road connects Yellowstone's main attractions. In June, temperatures in Yellowstone hover in the high 60s with minimal chance of rainfall. I recommend spending a full day on the scenic drive, stopping to see wildlife and popular attractions. If youre worried about the snow conditions and icy temperatures of November, just wait until December rolls around. Start your day early at Old Faithful, which erupts every 1.5 hours. Forests and mountains become blanketed in powdery snow, frost from steaming hot springs materializes like tiny crystals on nearby trees, and, when its cold enough, water droplets from erupting geysers freeze in mid-air, putting on a show. Take a guided trip with an experienced outfitter, like Montana-based Austin Adventures, who know the park inside and out, and can handle your lodging, logistics, meals, and more, with the best tricks for getting you safely off the beaten path. Yellowstone National Park Bed and Breakfast, Yellowstone National Park Vacation Rentals, Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park, Browse all 26,549 Yellowstone National Park topics , http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Visualizing Yellowstone's "loops" with drive times, June 2023 Yellowstone/GTNP itinerary help, Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Western Cabin vs Deluxe Hotel Room, active 4 to 5 days in Yellowstone with my 26y/o son, See All Yellowstone National Park Conversations, Best airport to fly into for Yellowstone and itinerary help, Need Advice About Visiting Yellowstone :). If youre taking a national park road trip, these are the other nearby destinations: Read More: 7-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Road Trip. Hot Tip: Explore the beauty of Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park anywhere, anytime with our guide to virtual tours of iconic national parks around the U.S.! After the school year concludes, families take time off and pack up the kids to enjoy summers improving weather. March through November is the busiest time of the year. Her first flight was to Disney World at age 11. From Montana, the West Entrance points to geysers and hot springs, including Old Faithful. Mid Morning: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone South Rim. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here is the best 4 days in Yellowstone itinerary. Motorcycles and snowmobiles are $30, and anyone entering on foot or by bicycle or skis must pay $20 each. There is a Yellowstone National Park Entrance for every kind of park guest. Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park, Tips for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone National Park, If You Have More Time in Yellowstone National Park, Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowstone Itineraries, Final Thoughts on This Itinerary for Yellowstone, Day 1: Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, & Grand Prismatic Spring, Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Hayden Valley, Day 3: Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, & Lamar Valley. Temperatures hover around the mid-60s, though cooler nights signal a change of seasons is approaching. In this case, travel anytime in winter (between October and February) and early spring to snag the best rates. Read more in this disclosure policy. Home to specialty boutiques, a range of hotels, and popular restaurants, the town has more than enough to keep travelers satisfied. Fancier hotels, like the legendary Old Faithful Inn, can see room rates exceed $500. So..weather permitting, you'd come in the South entrance. The parks West Entrance is located in Montana, in the town called West Yellowstone, which is particularly convenient for visiting the geyser area, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, but also the Norris Geyser Basin. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Most major park roads begin to reopen at the end of the month. If you arent up for the hike, you can also see Grand Prismatic, a short walk from the Midway Geyser Basin parking lot. Grand Loop connects to all five entrances, affording access to every park feature no matter which way you enter. Read More: 15 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park. Gardiner, just outside the park at the North Entrance of Yellowstone, is another excellent place to stay for visiting Yellowstone. What attractions are outside the entrance? 2023 Upgraded Points, LLC. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The best way to get to Yellowstone is by flying unless you live within driving distance. The Paradise Valley, a major river valley in southwestern Montana, is 15 miles away from the North Entrance and serves as one of the closest attractions beyond the parks borders. Travel. If youre lucky, you may also spot elk, moose, grizzly bears, and bald eagles! Jackson Hole, home to upscale stays like the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, is one of the park's most popular gateway towns. However, its worth noting that because of Yellowstones massive size its larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined youll find that the rest of the park can be much quieter and emptier than the numbers let on. The nearest hotel inside the park (28 mi away) is the Roosevelt Lodge, not far from the magnificent Tower Fall and about 19 miles away from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Hotels are mostly empty by now and there is a steady stream if traffic headed into town on highway 20. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. After seeing the Grand Canyon, head back through Hayden Valley to the West Thumb Geyser Basin, stopping to see Yellowstone Lake along the way. All Rights Reserved. If you must come in summer, avoid the crush of traffic by visiting outside the parks busiest hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., arriving strategically late or as early as 6 a.m., when wildlife is out, and roads and boardwalks are clear. Staying Near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park The Northeast entrance to the park is probably one of the least used entrances as there is not a ton of stuff nearby. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The ultimate Yellowstone road trip Start and end at any of Yellowstone's five entrances, 142 miles; allow 23 days. Hot Tip:Yellowstones fall foliage can be tricky to catch, as the color change comes and goes extremely quickly. Drawing more of the crowds, the popular North Entrance takes you through the famed Roosevelt Arch to Mammoth Hot Springs. Let us know in the comments below! Are you looking for more ideas to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park? To reach the South Entrance, you will cross the Jackson Hole Valley, one of the most important tourist and nature attractions in Wyoming. Sign up for a tour from the Yellowstone Association Institute. Many are passing through the Tetons to get to Yellowstone. Yellowstone Lake, the largest mountain lake at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, is 28 miles away, Fees for entering Yellowstone National Park are $20 per person on foot and $35 a car, and reservations are currently only required for camping. Evening: Lamar Valley. National parks overcrowded? Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and p. rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. From early to mid-August, large numbers of bison gather in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys to begin the bison breeding season, or what is also known as the rut. Even from a distance, you can hear bulls emitting guttural roars as they try to attract females and strut their stuff to ward off challengers. This gives you enough time to see all the highlights without feeling too rushed. 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This post may contain affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Once Memorial Day weekend hits, rates to begin to rise and dont come back down until the end of the fall. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. To get to the trailhead, park at Jenny Lake and take the ferry across the lake. In 5 days, you can see top attractions, hike popular trails, and see plenty of wildlife and scenic drives. It is made up of two smaller geyser basins: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. If you do not stop for any reason, and do not encounter any traffic or delays along the way, 4 hours can be accomplished. WebThe very fastest way is to come from Livingston, MT down Hwy 89 into Gardiner and the North Entrance. Fall isnt all rosy, however. Yellowstones aspen and cottonwood trees turn brilliant shades of gold before shedding their leaves. If we had to settle on the best time of year to experience Yellowstone, fall wins with flying colors both figuratively and literally. Dont miss the multi-colored Mustard Spring or Jewel Geyser either. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94790946', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yellowstone? The. Bears, moose, wolves, and coyotes are also popular sightings, if a bit rarer since they tend to steer clear of noise and commotion. 7 Days in Grand Teton & Yellowstone Itinerary, 7 Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Road Trip, 8 Best Airports and Flights to Yellowstone, The ideal number of days to spend in Yellowstone, Exclusive travel and packing tips for your trip to Yellowstone. To that end, the weather in Yellowstone can be difficult to predict. The best plan is to get to the park early. Campgrounds shut down throughout September, and lodges begin to lock their doors. Yellowstone is considerably large. Late Afternoon: West Thumb Geyser Basin. Check the geyser prediction schedule the night before to determine when to arrive. WebTraffic on highway 20 headed into West Yellowstone starts picking up with all the folks staying in Island Park, Ashton, and beyond. Hot Tip:Yellowstones lodges, shops, and campgrounds reopen in spring on a staggered schedule, so keep that in mind as you plan out your itinerary. Dont forget your binoculars as the wildlife might be far away. By May, snowfall has usually concluded for the season, and temperatures begin to rise into the 50s. Marked by the iconic and original Roosevelt Arch, the North Entrance is the entry point of choice for those traveling from the Pacific Northwest. At 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park is massive. Beartooth Highway Distances/Hikes/Waterfalls. I recommend staying inside the park for this Yellowstone itinerary if possible as it will save several hours a day in driving time. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers particularly like February because it marks the start of mating season for the wolves, when they become much more active and easier to spot against Yellowstones stark white landscape. Head north along Grand Loop Road from Norris to read Mammoth, a small village near the North Entrance of Yellowstone. It takes about an hour or so to reach the park from Cody via the Buffalo Bill Highway. Named for William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Western showman extraordinaire, the city -- about 50 miles east of the If you arent interested in exploring the Midway Geyser Basin more, consider adding the entire hike to Fairy Falls instead. Even so,most roads and facilities start to close during the second week of October in preparation for winter. As far as accommodations, you can find all the details in my guide on where to stay in Yellowstone. Within 60 miles of Wyomings South Entrance, upscale Jackson Hole shines with locally owned options, like Gavin Fines new Bistro, luxury Hotel Jackson and Stio for splurge-worthy outerwear. Freezing temperatures, frequent snowfall, hibernating wildlife, and road and facility closures that render much of the park off-limits can be difficult to contend with for all but the most dedicated travelers. Yellowstone National Park conditions website, 15 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park, Best Places to Stay in and Near Yellowstone. The north entrance is a few miles from Mammoth Hot Springs, a collection of colorful and ever-changing rock formations shaped by hot water rising to the surface. For example, in one day, you can see both Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, the most popular spots in Yellowstone. Winters in Yellowstone are long and harsh. Snow starts to become a factor in October, though its 4-inch average means there shouldnt be too much to worry about until late in the month. Which entry did you use? Just outside of its gates, Gardiner is a great place for whitewater rafting down the Yellowstone River. 9am - Lines are starting to form, but not really backed up. For all the details on Day 1 and Day 2, refer to the previous section. Dont forget to bring binoculars or a spotting scope! One of the worlds most intact temperate ecosystems, Yellowstone spans 2.2 million acres and three statesWyoming, Montana, and Idahoand has five entrances, with three in Montana and two in Wyoming. It will take you about 1.5 hours from the Canyon VC to the West gate. Read on for everything you need to know to plan an expert trip to Yellowstone National Parkwhether it's your first time visiting, or your fiftieth. This month delivers a wallop to Yellowstone: monthly snowfall averages an incredible 72 inches, with an additional 15 inches of rain on top of that. In the detailed Yellowstone itinerary below, I lay out the best places to stay each night of your trip. Daily temperatures reach into the 30s, and 10 inches of average snowfall is easier to contend with than earlier in the winter. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, bears, coyotes, and even wolves! ahead of time. In order words, driving the loop in a single day does not do the park justice. As frigid as it can get in December, the amount of snowfall comes back down considerably come January, whose monthly average is around 15 inches. Grand Loop connects to all five entrances, affording access to every park feature no matter which way you enter. Rapid City is the best airport near Yellowstone for travelers who want to visit the best of South Dakotas Black Hills and the best of Wyoming in one amazing trip. The Roosevelt Lodge is 28 miles away from the Northeast Entrance, making it another good choice for those staying at the Lodge or in nearby Cooke City, MT. An even more glorious sight? If you have more than two days in Yellowstone, the northern loop of Grand Loop Road is also worth a visit, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. Together with August, July is also Yellowstones most crowded month. The closest airports to Yellowstone National Park are: I use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices and compare routes. Snowfall is expected to start in late October and continue through late April or early May. Just be wary about packing too light: while June can be warm in the lower valleys, higher elevations still experience some light snow. You can also rent skis from the shops at Mammoth Hot Springs or enjoy privately guided snowshoeing adventures as part of a stay at Lone Mountain Ranch in the Big Sky area. Some of the top hotels in West Yellowstone include: Remember that Yellowstone is a top-rated destination. Grand Loop Road connects all the entrances to Yellowstone. The Yellowstone River winds through the scenic valley, where visitors can often catch glimpses of roving wildlife. Of course not. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 The road to take to the Northeast Entrance is the Beartooth Highway, one of the most beautiful scenic mountain roads in the Great American West. If seeing this phenomenon is important to you, research weather patterns and peak estimations to make sure you dont miss it. Just have a good time and get early morning starts. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94791647', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Old Faithful or Canyon would be possibilites. Where to Stay: Old Faithful or Canyon Village. It is framed by the magnificent Tetons. Scope Rental. Finally, end your time here at the Old Faithful Inn and Visitor Center. Yellowstone was the first to open back in late May, but it was only allowing entrance from the Wyoming side as Montana had a 14-day quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors until June 1. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94789760', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yellowstone in a couple weeks Sept 25 -Oct 2 nd which days has the least crowds? If youre short on time, I recommend prioritizing the southern loop of Grand Loop Road. If youve got your eye on camping, nearly all of Yellowstones 12 campgrounds require reservations from May 1 to mid-October. People are there for a number of days to visit both parks. Start your last day in Yellowstone with a trip to the Norris Geyser Basin. Find a spot to sit, relax, and watch for wildlife. In fact, it extends into 3 states (Wyoming, Montana, and a small part of Idaho), and along its borders, there are several access points to the park.