Yellowstone National Park, a crown jewel of the American wilderness, is surrounded by charming gateway communities that serve as vital hubs for visitors. These entrance towns and cities to Yellowstone National Park offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and activities, enhancing the overall experience for millions of annual visitors. From the bustling West Yellowstone to the scenic Jackson, each town provides unique amenities and access points to the park’s natural wonders.
What Are the Main Entrance Towns to Yellowstone National Park?
The primary entrance towns to Yellowstone National Park are:
- West Yellowstone, Montana
- Gardiner, Montana
- Cody, Wyoming
- Jackson, Wyoming
Each of these towns offers distinct experiences and serves as a gateway to different areas of the park.
How Do the Populations of These Entrance Towns Compare?
The populations of the entrance towns vary significantly:
| Town | Population (2020 Census) |
|---|---|
| West Yellowstone, Montana | 1,061 |
| Gardiner, Montana | 875 |
| Cody, Wyoming | 9,852 |
| Jackson, Wyoming | 10,429 |
As we can see, Jackson and Cody are considerably larger than West Yellowstone and Gardiner, offering more urban amenities while still maintaining a small-town charm.
What Are the Average Hotel Prices in Each Entrance Town?
Hotel prices fluctuate based on the season, with peak prices during summer months. Here’s a general overview:
- West Yellowstone, Montana
- Peak season: $200 – $400 per night
-
Off-season: $100 – $200 per night
-
Gardiner, Montana
- Peak season: $150 – $300 per night
-
Off-season: $80 – $150 per night
-
Cody, Wyoming
- Peak season: $120 – $250 per night
-
Off-season: $80 – $150 per night
-
Jackson, Wyoming
- Peak season: $250 – $500 per night
- Off-season: $150 – $300 per night
Jackson tends to have the highest prices due to its popularity and upscale amenities, while Gardiner often offers the most budget-friendly options.
When Is the Peak Tourist Season for Each Entrance Town?
The peak tourist season varies slightly among the entrance towns:
- West Yellowstone and Gardiner: June to August, with a secondary peak in September and October
- Cody: June to August, with additional winter tourism for skiing and snowmobiling
- Jackson: Dual peak seasons – June to August for summer activities, and December to March for winter sports
What Amenities and Facilities Are Available in Each Entrance Town?
Each entrance town offers a range of amenities to cater to visitors:
West Yellowstone, Montana
- Wide range of accommodations including hotels, motels, and lodges
- Numerous restaurants and cafes
- Limited parking during peak season
- Some shuttle services and tour operators for transportation
Gardiner, Montana
- Mix of hotels, motels, and lodges
- Several restaurants and cafes
- Generally easier parking than West Yellowstone
- Limited public transportation, some tour operators offer shuttle services
Cody, Wyoming
- Variety of hotels, motels, lodges, and vacation rentals
- Diverse dining options, including cowboy-themed eateries
- Ample parking availability
- Limited public transportation, some local shuttle services available
Jackson, Wyoming
- High-end hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals
- Sophisticated dining scene with upscale restaurants
- Challenging parking in town center during peak season
- More developed public transportation system, including shuttles and buses
What Activities and Tours Are Available in Each Entrance Town?
Each entrance town offers unique activities and tours:
West Yellowstone, Montana
- Guided tours of Yellowstone National Park
- Wildlife watching tours
- Outdoor adventure tours
- Tour costs: $50 – $200 per person
- Summer events include outdoor festivals
- Winter activities include snowcoach tours and cross-country skiing
Gardiner, Montana
- Guided hiking and fishing tours
- Wildlife tours
- Tour costs: $50 – $200 per person
- Seasonal events like the Gardiner Christmas Stroll
Cody, Wyoming
- Horseback riding tours
- Ranch tours
- Yellowstone National Park tours
- Tour costs: $50 – $250 per person
- Cody Nite Rodeo during summer
- Year-round events at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Jackson, Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park tours
- Wildlife tours
- Skiing and snowmobiling tours
- Tour costs: $50 – $300 per person
- Seasonal events like Jackson Hole Winter Festival and Fall Arts Festival
Where Can Visitors Find Information and Book Tours in Each Entrance Town?
Here’s a list of visitor centers and some popular attractions in each entrance town:
West Yellowstone, Montana
- West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center: (406) 646-7701
- Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
- Yellowstone IMAX Theatre
Gardiner, Montana
- Gardiner Visitor Center: (406) 848-7971
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Yellowstone River
Cody, Wyoming
- Cody Visitor Center: (307) 587-2777
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Cody Nite Rodeo
Jackson, Wyoming
- Jackson Hole Visitor Center: (307) 733-3316
- Grand Teton National Park
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Visitors can contact these centers for information on local tour operators and to book various activities and excursions.
By exploring these entrance towns and cities to Yellowstone National Park, visitors can enhance their overall experience and discover the unique charms of each gateway community. Whether you’re seeking luxury accommodations in Jackson or a more rustic experience in Gardiner, these towns offer diverse options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.
References:
1. https://outdoor-society.com/a-closer-look-at-yellowstone-national-park-visitation-may-2024/
2. https://www.yellowstone.co/entrances.htm
3. https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/gateway-towns/