Yellowstone National Park 2

Big Springs Idaho to Yellowstone National Park: A Comprehensive Guide

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Planning a trip from Big Springs, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park? This guide provides essential information on driving routes, lodging options, attractions, and travel logistics. Whether you’re heading to the West Entrance or North Entrance, we’ve got you covered with detailed directions, estimated travel times, and notable landmarks along the way. Discover the best times to visit, seasonal considerations, and fuel cost estimates for your journey.

What are the driving directions from Big Springs, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park?

big springs idaho to yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA), Red Spouter — 2022 — 2458.jpg’ by Dietmar Rabich

The journey from Big Springs, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park offers two main routes:

West Yellowstone Entrance Route

  1. Take US-20 East from Big Springs towards Island Park (22 miles)
  2. Turn left onto ID-87 North (10 miles)
  3. Merge onto US-191 South (90 miles)
  4. Arrive at West Yellowstone entrance

Total Distance: Approximately 122 miles
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

North Entrance via Gardiner, Montana Route

  1. Take US-20 East from Big Springs towards Island Park (22 miles)
  2. Turn left onto ID-87 North (10 miles)
  3. Merge onto I-15 North (170 miles)
  4. Take exit for US-89 South towards Gardiner, Montana (54 miles)
  5. Arrive at North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

Total Distance: Approximately 256 miles
Estimated Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours

What are the notable landmarks along the route?

big springs idaho to yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:Image-American bison rests at hot spring in yellowstone national park 1.jpg’ by Brocken Inaglory, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Island Park, Idaho
  • Henry’s Lake
  • Scenic wilderness areas of Idaho and Montana
  • Gallatin Canyon (on the North Entrance route)

Where can I find lodging near Yellowstone National Park?

Here’s a table of lodging options near Yellowstone National Park:

Location Accommodation Type Average Nightly Rate Contact
West Yellowstone, MT Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone Cabins $200-$300 (866) 661-6458
West Yellowstone, MT Holiday Inn West Yellowstone Hotel $250-$350 (800) 315-2621
Gardiner, MT The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone Hotel $200-$300 (800) 628-9988
Gardiner, MT Gardiner Guest House B&B $150-$250 (406) 848-7311

What attractions can I visit in and around Big Springs, Idaho?

Before heading to Yellowstone, consider exploring these attractions in Big Springs:

  1. Wildlife Viewing
  2. Observe bald eagles, osprey, moose, white-tailed deer, and muskrats

  3. 0.5-mile handicap-accessible trail available

  4. Johnny Sack Cabin

  5. Historic cabin on the National Register of Historic Places

  6. Fishing and Boating

  7. Nearby fishing areas and boat rentals on Henry’s Fork River

  8. Nature Walks

  9. Guided walks on Saturday evenings

  10. Trout Viewing

  11. Feed and observe rainbow and brook trout from the bridge

What are the travel logistics from Big Springs, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park?

How much will fuel cost for the trip?

For a round trip from Big Springs to West Yellowstone (244 miles):
– Estimated fuel cost: $34.32
– Assumptions:
– Average fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon
– Fuel price: $3.50 per gallon

When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?

  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
  • Fewer tourists
  • Pleasant weather

  • Some facilities may be closed

  • Summer (June-August)

  • Peak tourist season
  • All entrances and roads open

  • Larger crowds and potential construction delays

  • Winter (November-March)

  • Limited access (North Entrance at Gardiner open year-round)
  • Unique winter activities available

What seasonal considerations should I keep in mind?

  1. Winter
  2. Most roads and entrances closed

  3. North Entrance at Gardiner open year-round for personal vehicles

  4. Summer

  5. All entrances and roads open
  6. Larger crowds

  7. Potential road construction delays

  8. Spring and Fall

  9. Milder weather
  10. Fewer crowds
  11. Some facilities and roads may be closed or under construction

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey from Big Springs, Idaho to Yellowstone National Park. Remember to check current conditions and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

References:
1. Montana’s Yellowstone Country Scenic Road Map
2. Directions & Transportation – Yellowstone National Park
3. Big Springs – Island Park Idaho

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