Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and the world, spans over 3,472 square miles across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and rugged landscapes, Yellowstone is a vast wilderness area with multiple entry points to accommodate visitors traveling from different directions. The park is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, and its entrances are strategically located to provide access to its most popular regions, including geyser basins, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and wildlife-rich valleys. Understanding each entrance is essential for planning your trip, estimating travel time, and maximizing your park experience.
Yellowstone has five main entrances: North, Northeast, East, South, and West. Each entrance offers unique access to different parts of the park and comes with its own set of travel considerations, including nearby airports, road conditions, and seasonal closures. This article explores each entrance in detail, highlighting distances, access routes, and notable features to help visitors make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table of all Yellowstone entrances
| Entrance | Location | Closest Airport | Main Access Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Entrance | Gardiner, Montana | Bozeman Yellowstone Int’l (BZN) | Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley | Year-round access, winter visits, wildlife |
| Northeast Entrance | Cooke City & Silver Gate, Montana | Billings Logan Int’l (BIL) | Lamar Valley, northern park | Wildlife photography, quiet entry |
| East Entrance | Cody, Wyoming | Cody Yellowstone Regional (COD) | Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone | East-side exploration, central attractions |
| South Entrance | Jackson, Wyoming | Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) | West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, southern loop | Grand Teton + Yellowstone combined trips |
| West Entrance | West Yellowstone, Montana | Yellowstone Airport (WYS) | Old Faithful, geyser basins, Madison Junction | Quick access, iconic geothermal features |
North Entrance – Gardiner, Montana
The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is located in Gardiner, Montana, and is the only entrance open year-round for both private vehicles and buses. It is considered the most accessible entrance for winter visits, offering a unique opportunity to explore the park when many other roads are closed due to snow.
The North Entrance provides direct access to the Mammoth Hot Springs area, which is famous for its terraces formed from travertine deposits. Visitors entering from this gateway can explore the historic Fort Yellowstone, wildlife in the Lamar Valley, and other northern park attractions. The North Entrance is approximately 90 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, making it a practical option for visitors flying into Montana.
This entrance serves as a convenient starting point for a counterclockwise drive through the park, often referred to as the Grand Loop, which allows visitors to experience the northern and eastern portions of Yellowstone before heading south and west. Wildlife viewing is excellent along the North Entrance corridor, with frequent sightings of elk, bison, and sometimes grizzly bears.
During winter, this entrance is one of the few open to snowcoach and snowmobile tours, providing visitors with the chance to explore Yellowstone’s iconic features in a serene, snow-covered setting. It is ideal for visitors seeking year-round access and proximity to northern park attractions.
Northeast Entrance – Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana
The Northeast Entrance is situated near the small Montana towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate. This entrance provides access to the northern and northeastern sections of Yellowstone, including the Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America” due to its abundant wildlife.
Travelers entering through the Northeast Entrance can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Wolves, bison, bears, and elk are commonly observed in this area, making it a favorite entrance for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
The Northeast Entrance is connected to Billings Logan International Airport by approximately 130 miles of scenic highway. The entrance itself is open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, due to snow accumulation and road conditions in the surrounding mountains. Visitors traveling from this direction often approach Yellowstone via U.S. Highway 212, which traverses the Beartooth Highway, considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
This entrance is especially convenient for travelers who plan to explore the northern park first, then gradually move south toward Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the geyser basins. The Northeast Entrance is less crowded than the North or West Entrances during peak season, providing a quieter and more intimate park experience.
East Entrance – Cody, Wyoming
The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is located near Cody, Wyoming, and is the primary gateway to the eastern section of the park. This entrance is ideal for visitors who wish to explore the areas around Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the scenic drives along the Yellowstone River.
Travelers using the East Entrance often approach from Cody, a historic western town founded by Buffalo Bill Cody. The airport at Cody, Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport, provides regional flights, making it a practical option for those flying in from nearby western hubs. The drive from Cody to the East Entrance typically takes about one hour, passing through wide valleys and rolling landscapes that showcase the beauty of Wyoming’s high plains.
Entering through the East Entrance allows visitors to explore the park’s central features without needing to traverse the entire Grand Loop immediately. Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America, is accessible from this gateway. It is a hub for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation, with opportunities to see bald eagles, osprey, and waterfowl.
The East Entrance road also connects to other park attractions, including the Yellowstone River, which provides fishing, photography, and hiking opportunities. Visitors entering from the east often plan a clockwise loop to explore the southern and western regions of the park, including the Old Faithful geyser basin and Madison Junction.
South Entrance – Jackson, Wyoming
The South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is located near Jackson, Wyoming, and provides direct access from Grand Teton National Park, creating a seamless route for visitors who wish to explore both parks. This entrance is approximately 50 to 60 miles from Jackson Hole Airport, making it a popular option for travelers flying into western Wyoming.
Visitors entering through the South Entrance experience a dramatic transition from the Teton Range to Yellowstone’s volcanic plateau. The road passes through scenic landscapes with frequent opportunities for wildlife sightings, including bison, moose, and bears. The South Entrance is ideal for those planning to explore the southwestern and central parts of Yellowstone, including West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, and the geyser basins near Old Faithful.
During the summer months, this entrance is busy with tourists heading north from Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. The South Entrance serves as a gateway for those combining a Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary, allowing for efficient travel between the two parks.
Roads from the South Entrance are generally well-maintained, with seasonal closures possible at higher elevations. Visitors are advised to plan their routes carefully and check for current conditions, especially during late spring and early fall when snow may still be present in the higher elevations.
West Entrance – West Yellowstone, Montana
The West Entrance is the most heavily used entry point to Yellowstone National Park and is located near the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. It is only a few miles from Yellowstone Airport, making it the most convenient entrance for visitors flying into WYS.
This entrance provides access to the geothermal features of the western section of the park, including Madison Junction, Norris Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful. The West Entrance is also the primary gateway for visitors traveling from Idaho and southwestern Montana.
West Yellowstone town offers extensive visitor amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and guided tours, making it a convenient base for exploring the park. The entrance is open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, as winter snow restricts access to most roads leading into the park.
Visitors entering from the west often plan a clockwise loop through the Grand Loop, starting with the geyser basins, then moving north toward Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern park attractions. The West Entrance is ideal for travelers who want quick access to the iconic geothermal features while minimizing driving time within the park.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park’s multiple entrances provide diverse access points depending on your travel plans, arrival location, and areas of interest. The North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, offers year-round access and proximity to Mammoth Hot Springs. The Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate is perfect for wildlife viewing and northern park exploration. The East Entrance from Cody provides access to Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The South Entrance from Jackson facilitates a seamless connection with Grand Teton National Park. Finally, the West Entrance near West Yellowstone offers the most convenient access to the geyser basins and geothermal attractions.
Choosing the right entrance depends on factors such as season, proximity to airports, and the specific park features you wish to explore. By understanding each entrance’s location, access routes, and nearby amenities, visitors can plan an efficient and rewarding journey through Yellowstone, experiencing its unique landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal wonders with minimal stress.