Choosing the right entrance to Yellowstone National Park can significantly impact your visit. Each entrance offers unique attractions, travel times, and experiences. This guide will help you decide which entrance best suits your needs, considering factors such as proximity to key attractions, parking facilities, activities, and seasonal accessibility.
What Are the Main Entrances to Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances:
- West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)
- South Entrance (near Jackson, Wyoming)
- North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
- East Entrance (near Cody, Wyoming)
- Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana)
Each entrance provides access to different parts of the park and offers unique advantages depending on your travel plans and preferences.
Which Entrance Is Best for Accessing Key Attractions?
West Entrance
- Closest attractions: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin
- Travel time from Bozeman Airport: Approximately 90 miles, 2 hours
- Best for: First-time visitors, geothermal feature enthusiasts
South Entrance
- Closest attractions: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone Lake
- Travel time from Jackson, WY: Approximately 57 miles, 1-2 hours
- Best for: Combining visits to Grand Teton and Yellowstone
North Entrance
- Closest attractions: Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley
- Travel time from Bozeman Airport: Approximately 85 miles, 1.5 hours
- Best for: Year-round access, wildlife viewing
East Entrance
- Closest attractions: Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden Valley
- Travel time from Cody, WY: Approximately 53 miles, 1 hour
- Best for: Quieter experience, backcountry exploration
How Do Parking Facilities and Accessibility Differ at Each Entrance?
| Entrance | Parking Availability | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| West | Ample parking in West Yellowstone and near major attractions | Generally accessible, with designated spaces and trails |
| South | Shared parking with Grand Teton National Park | Accessible facilities available, some challenging terrain |
| North | Year-round parking near Mammoth Hot Springs | Generally accessible, with designated spaces and trails |
| East | Less crowded parking near entrance and attractions | Accessible facilities available, limited by remote location |
What Activities and Amenities Are Available at Each Entrance?
West Entrance
- Ranger-led tours and educational programs
- Variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations in West Yellowstone
- Summer concerts and winter snowcoach tours
South Entrance
- Combined tours with Grand Teton National Park
- Upscale amenities in Jackson, WY
- Summer festivals and winter skiing opportunities
North Entrance
- Wildlife viewing tours in Lamar Valley
- Basic amenities in Gardiner, MT
- Winter access to Cooke City
East Entrance
- Backcountry exploration programs
- Range of amenities in Cody, WY
- Summer hikes and winter snowmobiling
What Are the Entrance Fees and Operating Hours for Each Entrance?
- Standard entrance fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
- Operating hours: Generally open from early May to early November, with variations:
- West Entrance: Open third Friday in April to first Sunday in November
- South Entrance: Open second Friday in May to first Sunday in November
- North Entrance: Open year-round
- East Entrance: Open second Friday in May to first Sunday in November
Which Entrance Should I Choose Based on My Travel Plans?
- For first-time visitors: West Entrance offers easy access to popular attractions
- For Grand Teton combo trip: South Entrance is ideal
- For year-round access: North Entrance is open all seasons
- For a quieter experience: East Entrance provides a less crowded option
Choose the entrance that aligns best with your itinerary, desired attractions, and travel preferences to make the most of your Yellowstone National Park visit.
References:
- https://www.jasminealley.com/best-yellowstone-entrance/
- https://wereintherockies.com/yellowstone-five-entrances/
- https://theadventuresatlas.com/yellowstone-national-park-entrances/