Yellowstone National Park Entrances: Which is Best?

There are five Yellowstone National Park entrances: North, Northeast, South, East, and West.

Spanning more than 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is a pretty big national park and bigger than the state of Rhode Island. Yellowstone spreads across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Different parts of the park can be accessed through the entrances, making it easy to explore. With so much to see, it’s important to know the best way to get inside.

Each of the 5 entrances to Yellowstone takes you to vastly different areas of Yellowstone National Park and it can take a long time (sometimes hours) to drive between them.

The best entrance to Yellowstone largely depends on your travel plans, interests, and the time of year you’re visiting.

So let’s find out which one is right for your adventure!

Here’s a quick summary of each Yellowstone entrance, but you’ll want to keep reading for important details:

1. North Entrance – Only entrance open year-round. Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs
2. Northeast Entrance – Best for travelers coming from the east.  Closest to Lamar Valley
3. East Entrance – Quieter and remote. Best for exploring Yellowstone Lake and backcountry areas.
4. South Entrance – Close to Grand Teton National Park. Best for exploring both National Parks
5. West Entrance – Most popular and busiest. Leads to popular attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

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Map of Yellowstone National Park Entrances

Yellowstone National Park map adapted from the National Park Service. Click to enlarge

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Five entrances to Yellowstone National Park

There are 5 entrances to Yellowstone National Park. Each entrance is different and you will want to choose carefully because Yellowstone is a pretty big park! When deciding the best Yellowstone entrance for you, consider where you’re coming from and how long it will take you to reach certain attractions.

Here, I’ll go over general information about each entrance, including closest attractions, closest towns, and where to stay.

1. North Entrance: Closest to Mammoth Hot Springs

The North Entrance, located in the town of Gardiner, Montana, is the second most popular entrance to Yellowstone National Park. However, compared to the ultra-popular West Entrance, the North Yellowstone Entrance tends to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience.

The North Entrance is closest to Mammoth Hot Springs, which is only a 9 minute drive from the entrance via North Entrance Road.

Use the North Entrance if you are driving from Bozeman International Airport or mainly want to visit Lamar Valley. While the Northeast Entrance is closest to Lamar Valley, entering Yellowstone through the North Entrance is actually the fastest way to get there.

Yellowstone North Entrance is open to vehicles year-round, unlike the other park entrances, making it the best entrance to use if you visit Yellowstone in the winter.

READ NEXT: Nearest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

Closest attractions

The North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is close to several popular attractions both within and outside the park. Some of the closest attractions to this entrance include:

1. Mammoth Hot Springs (5 miles): Located just 5 miles from the North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs and travertine terraces, creating a unique geothermal landscape. You can easily explore the area via boardwalks and trails, witnessing the vivid colors and steamy atmosphere.
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2. Roosevelt Arch (2.5 miles): Located just outside the North Entrance in Gardiner, the Roosevelt Arch is a historic stone archway built in 1903. Dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt, the arch symbolizes the entrance to the world’s first national park and is a popular place to take photos.
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3. Tower Fall (23 miles): Tower Fall is an impressive 132-foot waterfall inside Yellowstone National Park that plunges into the Yellowstone River.
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4. Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley is in the northeastern part of Yellowstone, about a 1 hour drive from the North Entrance. While the Northeast Entrance is technically the closest to Lamar Valley, entering Yellowstone through the North Entrance is the quickest and most convenience way for most people to get there.
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5. Boiling River: Just a few miles from the North Entrance, Boiling River is where the hot spring flows into the Gardner River, creating a natural hot tub. It used to be a popular place to soak and relax in the warm water. Sadly, the 2022 floods in Yellowstone ruined the Boiling River. It is now closed indefinitely.
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6. Paradise Valley: A picturesque river valley between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges near Yellowstone National Park. This beautiful valley runs along the Yellowstone River and is a great option if you are looking for a scenic getaway near Yellowstone without the crowds.

Closest town

Gardiner, Montana is the closest town to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s a small, picturesque town on the northern edge of Gallatin National Forest.

The North Entrance is approximately 1 mile from Gardiner, making it an easy and convenient option if you are staying in town.

If you’re flying into the area, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 90 minutes from Gardiner.

There are quite a few options for restaurants and lodging in Gardiner. If you’re looking for a great meal after a day of exploring the park, be sure to check out Wonderland Cafe & Lodge, which is an overall favorite in town.

Where to stay near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

There are several great places to stay in or near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. If you prefer to camp, there are private and Forest Service campgrounds around the area, as well as dispersed camping options in the National Forest.  Dispersed camping is allowed on most of the Custer Gallatin National Forest land around Gardiner.

View all stays near the North Entrance to Yellowstone here.

In-park splurge: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins; Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

Mid range: Absaroka Lodge

Budget: Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Camping near Yellowstone North Entrance

• Mammoth Campground (the only campground in the park that is open year-round)
• Eagle Creek Campground
• Yellowstone RV Park

2. Northeast Entrance: Closest to Lamar Valley

The Northeast Entrance is the best entrance for Lamar Valley, which offers some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the park.

Most people who enter Yellowstone through the Northeast Entrance do so to visit Lamar Valley because it is only 9 miles from the entrance (compared to a 4.5 hour drive if you entered through the popular West Entrance).

The Northeast Entrance is also conveniently close to the famous Beartooth Highway, which is perfect if you want to combine your Yellowstone adventure with a scenic road trip.

Although it’s a bit further from major airports like Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Northeast Entrance well-suited for travelers coming from Billings, MT, and other northeastern destinations in the state.

If you’re arriving from Bozeman International Airport, entering through the North Entrance could be the fastest way to reach attractions near the Northeast Entrance.

This entrance is closed during the winter. It typically opens at the end of May and closes around mid-October.

Closest Attractions

1. Lamar Valley (9 miles): Just 9 miles from the Northeast Entrance, Lamar Valley is renowned for its exceptional opportunities for seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. This region is often called “Serengeti of the United States” because of its abundant wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
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2. Trout Lake (16 miles): About 16 miles from the Northeast Entrance, Trout Lake is a picturesque, peaceful lake surrounded by lush forest. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, particularly for observing river otters and other aquatic wildlife.
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3. Beartooth Highway: The Northeast Yellowstone Entrance is the closest entrance to the Beartooth Highway, a scenic byway that stretches 68 miles and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. The highway offers breathtaking views of the Beartooth Mountains, alpine plateaus, and lush valleys, which makes the making it an ideal addition to a Yellowstone adventure.

Closest Town

The closest town to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is Cooke City, Montana. It’s a small picturesque mountain town with a unique blend of Old West charm and modern amenities. Cooke City is located just a few miles from the park and is a great jumping off point for attractions near the Northeast Entrance, such as Lamar Valley.

Where to stay near Yellowstone Northeast Entrance

Despite it’s small size, there’s a decent variety of lodging options in the nearby town of Cooke City. Options include motels, lodges, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. However, during peak seasons, accommodation sells out quickly, so it’s essential to book well in advance.

View all stays near Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance here.

In-park splurge: Roosevelt Lodge (located near Tower Fall and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)

Mid range: High Country Motel and Cabins

Budget: Alpine Motel of Cooke City

Camping near the Northeast Entrance

• Pebble Creek Campground (inside the park): Approximately 9 miles from the Northeast Entrance.  Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Soda Butte Campground (outside the park): 27 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. East Entrance: Closest to Yellowstone Lake

The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is a lot quieter and less crowded than the other Yellowstone entrances due to it’s remote location.

It’s near Cody, Wyoming, and close to the beautiful Fishing Bridge, Avalanche Peak, and Yellowstone Lake, which is the largest mountain lake above 7,000 feet. You can also find the popular Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing just 31 miles away.

This entrance is the best jumping off point to explore the park’s backcountry and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It’s perfect if you want peace and nature, but not the best for seeing geysers and hot pools.

Use the East Entrance if you’re coming from Cody or driving from somewhere further east. But if you’re flying into Bozeman International Airport, this entrance might not be the best choice.

Closed in winter. Open from early May to early November

Closest Attractions

Here’s more information on points of interest near the East Entrance:

1. Fishing Bridge: Once a popular fishing spot, it’s now a great place to view wildlife, like cutthroat trout, and the picturesque Yellowstone River.
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2. Yellowstone Lake (28 miles): Covering 136 square miles, this high-altitude lake is perfect for enjoying stunning views, picnics, and tranquil moments.
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3. Hayden Valley (31 miles): Hayden Valley is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s home to large herds of bison, which are commonly seen grazing in the open grasslands. You might also spot elk, coyotes, and various bird species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes. With some luck, you could even catch a glimpse of wolves or grizzly bears.
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4. Avalanche Peak Trail: A 4.2-mile round trip hike that takes you up a steep incline to incredible panoramic views of Yellowstone’s peaks and valleys.
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5. Sylvan Lake: Surrounded by lush forest, this picturesque lake offers a serene setting for a picnic, fishing, or simply relaxing.
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6. Cody, Wyoming: Step back in time in this historic town with attractions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Cody Nite Rodeo. From the East Entrance, follow the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway, which is a beautiful scenic road that leads to Cody.

Closest town

Cody, Wyoming is about 59 miles east of Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Cody serves as a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone National Park, as well as nearby attractions like the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Shoshone River, and the Beartooth Highway.

The town was founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896. Cody, WY embraces its Old West heritage and offers a glimpse into the past at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and several other museums that celebrate the spirit of the Old American West.

If you’re there between June – August, don’t forget to check out the Cody Nite Rodeo!

Where to stay near Yellowstone East Entrance

If you’re looking for accommodations near the East Entrance, the closest options are located near Yellowstone Lake, such as Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Lake Lodge. Be prepared to pay quite a bit and book very far ahead of time if you want to stay inside the park.

To save a bit of money, try camping or booking one of the many lodges outside of the park around Cody, WY.

View all stays around Yellowstone’s East Gate here.

In-park splurge: Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Lake Lodge Cabins

Mid range: The Cody Hotel

Budget: Cody Cowboy Village

Camping near Yellowstone East Entrance

• Bridge Bay Campground (inside the park): Located near Yellowstone Lake. Reservations are made through Yellowstone Lodge
• Fishing Bridge RV Park (inside the park): Great for RVs and camper vans. Near Yellowstone Lake and the Fishing Bridge. Reservations required
• Canyon Campground (inside the park): Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Allows tents and RVs. Reservations required

4. South Entrance: Yellowstone Entrance Closest to Grand Teton National Park

The South Entrance of Yellowstone is located down S Entrance Road in Moran, WY. It is the ideal access point if you want to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

To get to the South Entrance, you’ll cross the beautiful Jackson Hole Valley.

Keep in mind that going this way means you’ll have to drive through Grand Teton National Park and pay its entrance fee before entering Yellowstone. So, this entrance is best for people who want to see both parks and don’t mind paying for two entrances.

While Yellowstone may be the main attraction, Grand Teton National Park is definitely worth the detour. And entering through the South Entrance allows you to experience both parks without having to backtrack or take a longer route.

Plus, crossing the Jackson Hole Valley to reach the South Entrance offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is an adventure in itself.

Closed in winter. Open from early May to early November

Hiking trail in Grand Teton National Park

Closest attractions

1. West Thumb Geyser Basin (22 miles): A unique geyser basin on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, featuring colorful hot springs and geothermal features.
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2. Lewis Falls (10 miles): Located in the southern part of Yellowstone – roughly half way between the South Entrance and Grant Village. Lewis Falls is a picturesque waterfall that’s easily visible from the road, which is perfect for a quick photo and a stop to stretch your legs.
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3. Grand Teton National Park: Grand Teton is only about 2 hours south of Yellowstone. If you use the South Entrance, chances are you will drive straight through Grand Teton on your way to Yellowstone. You only need about 1-2 days to explore the glacial lakes and jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park.

Closest town

Jackson, Wyoming, is the closest major town to the South Entrance to Yellowstone. Jackson is a little over an hour away from the South Entrance, located in Jackson Hole Valley near Grand Teton National Park. It’s a great town to explore if you’re head to Grand Teton.

There are tons of shops, galleries, and restaurants around the town square.

If you’re into nightlife, grab your cowboy boots and head to the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Where to stay near Yellowstone South Entrance

Most places to stay near Yellowstone South Entrance are in Jackson Hole, over 2 hours away from Yellowstone National Park.

However, there are still a few options much closer to Yellowstone, including lodges, cabins, and campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park or in the surrounding towns, like Moran or Teton Village.

Book accommodation as early as possible if you plan to stay near Yellowstone’s South Entrance!

Since lodging in the area is for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, it fills up extra fast. We stayed at Hatchet Resort, near the northern border of Grand Teton. We booked about 4 months in advance for our trip in July and it was one of the only available options in the area.

At nearly $300/night it was grossly overpriced for what you got, but that’s to be expected when there are so few options in between two wildly popular national parks.

In-park splurge: Grant Village

Mid range: Jackson Lake Lodge

Budget: Colter Bay Village

Camping near Yellowstone South Entrance

• Colter Bay Campground: Located near the north border of Grand Teton National Park. Reservations required

5. West Entrance: Closest to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic

The West Entrance is most popular entrance to Yellowstone, by far. Most people use this entrance because it’s closest to some of the park’s major highlights, including the Old Faithful Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring.

It’s also close to the town of West Yellowstone, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. If you’re looking for a convenient entrance with plenty of amenities nearby, this is the entrance for you.

The West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is definitely the most convenient entrance for most people. However, because of its popularity, it gets super busy. To avoid insanely long lines, try to get there before 8AM or after noon.

If you’re flying into Bozeman International Airport, the West Entrance is the second closest entrance and takes roughly the same amount of time to drive as the North Entrance. This makes it an easy option for those looking to head straight to the park from the airport.

The West Entrance is open seasonally, typically closing in late fall and opening again in the spring on the third Friday in April at 8 a.m., weather permitting.

Closest Attractions

There are several popular attractions within a short distance of the West Entrance, including Upper Geyser Basin, Midway Geyser Basin, and Lower Geyser Basin.

Here are some main points of interest near the West Entrance you won’t want to miss:

1. Madison Junction: A great starting point for your visit, where the Gibbon and Firehole rivers meet. Enjoy scenic views, picnic areas, and nearby attractions like the Terrace Springs, a small boardwalk loop with hot springs.
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2. Firehole Canyon Drive: This 2-mile, one-way scenic drive offers stunning views of the Firehole River, Firehole Falls, and swimming areas.
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3. Grand Prismatic Spring: This is the spring you likely came to see. As the largest hot spring in the park, its vivid colors and incredible size will leave you in awe. Make sure to visit the nearby boardwalk or hike the Fairy Falls Trail for a birds eye view.
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4. Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin (30 miles): Old Faithful is the most reliable geyser in the park. It erupts about every 90 minutes.
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5. Fountain Paint Pots and Lower Geyser Basin: Discover this diverse geothermal area with a short, accessible boardwalk loop. You’ll see colorful mud pots, hot springs, geysers like the Clepsydra Geyser, and fumaroles showcasing the park’s unique geology.
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6. Biscuit Basin: Another remarkable geothermal area in Yellowstone. You can walk the boardwalk loop around Biscuit Basin that takes you past hot springs, geysers, and the mesmerizing Sapphire Pool.

Nearest town

West Yellowstone is a lively town directly next to the West Entrance to Yellowstone. You can pretty much find everything you need here. There’s a wide of restaurants serving local and international cuisine, shops for souvenirs and outdoor gear, and a good selection of lodging options.

Do yourself a favor and do not leave West Yellowstone without picking up a latte and breakfast burrito from Mountain Mama’s Coffeehouse!

If you have extra time, stop by the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, an educational wildlife center, or the Yellowstone Historic Center for a dose of local history.

Where to stay near West Yellowstone

There are a few lodges near Old Faithful, which are about 30 miles from the West Entrance. Otherwise, you have a ton of hotels and lodges to choose from in and near West Yellowstone.

Honestly, West Yellowstone is a destination in itself. Being less than one mile from the busiest entrance to the park, West Yellowstone is buzzing with travelers – especially during peak season. For this reason, you definitely want to book your accommodation as early as possible if you decide to base yourself in West Yellowstone.

View all stays near Yellowstone West Entrance here.

In-park splurge: Old Faithful Inn, Lodge, and Cabins

Mid range: Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Budget: Evergreen Motel

Camping near Yellowstone West Entrance

• Madison Campground (inside the park): 278 sites. 16 miles north of Old Faithful. Reservations required.
• Baker’s Hole Campground (outside the park): 73 campsites on a first-come-first-served basis. Located near West Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Park KOA Mountainside (outside the park): 37 miles from Old Faithful. Walk-ins allowed.

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Closures for Regular Vehicle Traffic

The map below shows open and closing dates for roads in Yellowstone National Park, subject to weather conditions.

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Map from www.nps.gov

North Entrance: This is the only entrance that is open year-round. However, the road from Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Geyser Basin is closed from early November – late April.

West Entrance: Open late April to early November

East Entrance and South Entrance: Open from early May to early November

Roads outside Yellowstone: Some roads, such as Dunraven Pass, Beartooth Highway (US-212), and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296) may close in the winter due to inclement weather.

Road conditions in Yellowstone National Park can be unpredictable and change quickly. Check the National Park Service website for the current status of park roads and road construction before you go.

Which entrance to Yellowstone is best?

The best entrance to Yellowstone largely depends on your travel plans, interests, and the time of year you’re visiting. Each of the 5 entrances to Yellowstone offers a unique experience and immediate access to vastly different areas of the park.

Most people will find that the West Entrance to Yellowstone is the best, but that’s not always the case.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

1. North Entrance: The only entrance open year-round. Take Highway 89 from Gardiner, MT. This entrance is perfect if you plan to visit during winter or want to be near the Mammoth Hot Springs area. It’s also the only entrance with access to Cooke City in winter. It has the original entrance sign.
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2. Northeast Entrance: Pick this entrance if you’re coming from somewhere out East and are interested in exceptional wildlife viewing, as it provides access to the Lamar Valley. Follow Highway 212 from Red Lodge, MT. Not the best entrance for RVs due to steep mountain grades and tight switchbacks through the Beartooth Mountains. If you have a large RV, choose the North Entrance instead. Closed in winter.
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3. East Entrance: Ideal if you are traveling from Wyoming and you prefer a quieter and more remote experience. Follow Highway 80 from Cody, WY along the North Fork of the Shoshone River. This entrance is suitable for exploring Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, and backcountry areas. This entrance is closed in winter.
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4. South Entrance: Choose this entrance to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as they are connected through this entrance. Follow John D. Rockefeller Jr. Highway from Jackson, WY. On this route, you will get breathtaking views of Teton Range. This entrance is closed in winter.
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5. West Entrance: This entrance is most popular and most convenient. It is is ideal for you if it’s your first visit because it puts you right in the heart of Yellowstone’s geothermal area and close to popular attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. This entrance is closed in winter.
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Entrance fees

Here’s a breakdown of entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park:

• Non-commercial vehicles: $35 per vehicle
• Motorcycle or snowmobile: $30 (You need a permit or be part of a guided tour to enter on a snowmobile)
• On foot or bicycle: $20

Your entry into Yellowstone is good for seven days from the day you purchased it.

Alternatively, you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 that grants free access to all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more for a year. This is the best deal if you plan on visiting more than three national parks within the next 12 months. It’s which is easy to do on a good road trip – especially out west!

The America the Beautiful Pass can be purchased online or at any National Park entrance or visitors center.

On certain days during the year, entrance to all US National Parks is free to everyone.

Entrance-free dates are: 

• January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 22: First day of National Park Week
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 23: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

These dates are subject to change. Double check the National Park Service website for updates before you go.

Which Yellowstone Entrance is best in winter?

In winter, the best entrance to Yellowstone is the North Entrance, located near Gardiner, Montana. This entrance is the only one that’s open year-round and provides access to a very limited area of the park between early November and April.

The North Entrance allows you to visit Mammoth Hot Springs and access the road to Cooke City, which is kept open throughout the winter.

Keep in mind that during winter, most of the roads in the park are closed to regular vehicles due to heavy snow. Starting around mid-December, roads closed to regular cars open to snow coaches, snowmobiles, or via guided tours.

Did this guide to Entrances to Yellowstone help you plan your trip to America’s Oldest National Park? Let me know in the comments!