- Yellowstone gateways closest to Big Sky, Montana are North (Gardiner, MT) and West (West Yellowstone) Entrances.
- Visit Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- View wildlife in the Lamar Valley including wolves and bears.
- Fish one of several rivers or Yellowstone Lake.
- Open year-round, Yellowstone access is best during summer.
Overview
Thousands of travelers flock to Yellowstone every year, to take in the amazing scenery and diverse wildlife of America's first national park. Opened in 1872, Yellowstone's landscape includes alpine peaks, arid valleys, hot springs, geysers, mountain lakes, pine forests, canyons and so much more. A vast assortment of wildlife roam the park's interior, providing ample photo opportunities for visitors along the roads and trails. Grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, elk, deer, eagles, antelope, and big horn sheep are just some of many species “at home” in Yellowstone.
Location/Directions
Situated mainly in southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming, Yellowstone has 5 entrances – North, West, South, East and Northeast. Visitors from Montana's Big Sky area generally enter the park via the North or and West Entrances.
Seasons
The North Entrance, near Gardiner, Mt, is open year-round. The West Entrance (West Yellowstone) is generally open from late April through early November but offers access to snowmobiles, snowcoaches, and cross country skis in the winter.
Highlights
Geysers and Hot Springs
Visit Old Faithful and take a boardwalk tour of Mammoth Hot Springs, just a couple of the many geothermal features in the park.
Lakes and Rivers
Anglers will enjoy their choice of locations including the Yellowstone, Firehole, Gibbon and Madison Rivers, Yellowstone Lake and more. Fishing licenses required.
Guided Tours
Make your Yellowstone vacation planning easier and book a tour with a local outfitter. Try a guided horseback ride, day hike, boat or bus tour, or sign up for regularly scheduled ranger-led presentations.
Wildlife
Yellowstone's diverse range of wildlife species is a primary draw for most travelers. Though an assortment of animals can be found throughout the park, the Lamar Valley is the ideal location to view such elusive creatures as wolves and bears.
Campgrounds
A dozen designated campgrounds are located in the park, providing hundreds of sites and certain amenities depending upon location. Be sure to make reservations early when available; campgrounds fill quickly during July and August. Call 866-439-7375 or Book Online.
Additional Information
7-day entrance fees for Yellowstone are as follows:
- $30/private vehicle ($50 for access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks)
- $25/snowmobile or motorcycle
- $15/foot, bicycle, skis
- $60/annual park pass
