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Which Yellowstone Entrance Is Best? West vs North vs South vs East vs Northeast
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the most important decisions when planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park is deciding which entrance to use. Because the park covers more than 2 million acres, the entrance you choose can significantly affect how much driving you do and which attractions are easiest to visit. Yellowstone has five main entrances: West, South, East, Northeast, and North. Each entrance provides access to different areas of the park and is closer to certain airports, towns, and landmarks.
Below we break down each Yellowstone entrance, including the closest airports, nearby towns, and which major attractions are easiest to reach from each location. Understanding the differences can help you decide where to stay and how to structure your visit.
West Entrance:
The closest airport to the park is Yellowstone Airport (WYS), just 11 miles away, with a short 21-minute drive. However, Bozeman International Airport (BZN) is often preferred due to more flight options and rental car availability.
The closest major city is Bozeman, Montana, though most travelers stay in West Yellowstone, which has everything you need for a comfortable stay near the park.
Enters the park near Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Springs.
For first-time visitors, the West Entrance provides the most direct route to some of Yellowstone’s most iconic sights. It's one of the most popular entry points, offering quick access to must-see landmarks like Old Faithful and the breathtaking Grand Prismatic Spring. The nearby town of West Yellowstone offers plenty of amenities, making it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the park.
South Entrance:
The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located 50 miles away, with a drive time of about 1 hour and 7 minutes.
The closest major city is Jackson, Wyoming.
Enters the park near Grant Visitor Center and Old Faithful.
The South Entrance offers a unique opportunity to combine your Yellowstone adventure with a visit to the equally stunning Grand Teton National Park. This entrance is perfect for travelers looking to explore both parks, as it provides seamless access to each. The scenic drive from Jackson, Wyoming, winds through breathtaking landscapes, making your journey as memorable as the destination itself.
East Entrance:
The closest airport is Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming, located 52 miles away. Expect a scenic drive that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The closest major city is Cody, Wyoming, a charming town known for its Western heritage and proximity to the park.
Enters the park near Lake Yellowstone and Fisherman's Bridge.
For those heading to Yellowstone National Park, the East Entrance is a fantastic gateway, especially if you're arriving from the charming town of Cody, Wyoming. Cody is just 52 miles from the entrance, making it an ideal starting point for your adventure. The drive from Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody is 1 hour and 10 minutes, showcasing the beauty of the region. Staying near the East Entrance offers quick access to some of Yellowstone’s most iconic sites like Lake Yellowstone and the historic Fisherman’s Bridge.
Northeast Entrance:
The closest airports Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL) and Bozeman International Airport (BZN), both located about 130 miles away. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
The closest major cities are Billings, Montana, and Bozeman, Montana, with Cooke City, a smaller town, being the nearest to the entrance.
Enters park near: Lamar Valley and Beartooth Pass (roads are not typically open in winter).
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the Northeast Entrance provides a less crowded, more scenic route into Yellowstone. This entrance is perfect for travelers eager to explore Lamar Valley and its abundant wildlife. Here, you can spot bison, elk, and if you're lucky, wolves and bears roaming the valley! The drive through Beartooth Pass is another highlight, offering breathtaking views of rugged mountain landscapes. However, it’s important to note that the pass can be closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
North Entrance:
The closest airport is Bozeman International Airport (BZN), located 79 miles away with a drive time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The closest major city is Bozeman, Montana, but most travelers stay in Gardiner, Montana. Gardiner offers all the essentials, including hotels, shops, and restaurants, so there’s no need to commute from Bozeman daily.
Enters the park near Roosevelt Arch and Mammoth Hot Springs.
The North Entrance is perfect for those seeking a reliable, year-round access point to Yellowstone. It's the best route for visiting the remarkable Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can explore the unique limestone terraces and geothermal features. As a bonus, you'll enter the park through the iconic Roosevelt Arch, adding a historic touch to your adventure.
Important notes:
The North and Northeast entrances are the only two entrances that stay open during the winter months
Both are open year-round but can be affected by snowfall and rain during the appropriate seasons.
Keep in mind that entrances with closer large cities will have more options for rental cars, than those with small cities
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Yellowstone Entrance
Each entrance to Yellowstone National Park offers a slightly different experience, and the best choice ultimately depends on your travel plans and priorities.
For many first-time visitors, the West Entrance is the most convenient because it provides quick access to iconic landmarks like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Travelers interested in combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park may prefer the South Entrance, while those hoping to see more wildlife often gravitate toward the Northeast Entrance near Lamar Valley.
No matter which entrance you choose, planning ahead will help reduce driving time and allow you to spend more of your trip exploring the park’s geysers, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.
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