Bozeman sits smack between two entrances to Yellowstone National Park, the north entrance, at Gardiner, MT, and the west entrance in West Yellowstone, MT, making it the perfect area to set up a home base. Either entry is good access for a day trip or an overnight stay, or you could spend a few days looping through the park and ending up back in Bozeman.
Bozeman to West Yellowstone (West Entrance)
US 191 S through Gallatin Canyon, 90.9 miles, 1 h 41 min
If you haven't experienced Gallatin Canyon, get ready to be awed. The majestic rock walls line either side of the road, the river flows directly next to it, and lush meadows pop up along the way. From Bozeman, the road winds along the Gallatin River to the turn-off to Big Sky. If you fish, plan to make some stops along the way. This stretch is also known for whitewater rafting and kayaking. If you don't have time to participate, at least pull over to watch some of the excitement. Travel in the winter can be slower due to inclement weather through the canyon. About halfway to Yellowstone, you'll come to a stoplight at the Big Sky turnoff. (As they say, sometimes it's good to get off the beaten path!) If you continue straight, you'll arrive in West Yellowstone. Stay on the main street, and it will take you right to the entrance. This entrance is closest to Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake.
US 287 S through Ennis, 125 miles, 2 h 10 min
Though a bit longer, this route to West Yellowstone is just as scenic, but often the roads are better in the winter. Heading out past Four Corners to Norris, you'll drive through rolling hills with mountain backdrops, following the Madison River for a spell. At Norris (we highly recommend the hot springs), turn left to Ennis (a fishing mecca), and continue until you reach US 191 S. Turn right, and you'll end up in West Yellowstone.
Bozeman to Gardiner (North Entrance)
I-90 E to Livingston then US-89 S to Gardiner, 77.9 miles, 1 h 18 min
Head over the pass to Livingston (maybe stop for a bite or to peruse the shops) and then through the aptly named Paradise Valley to Gardiner, MT. Here you'll pass through Roosevelt Arch into the Park. Just inside the Park, you'll find Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lamar Valley, a wolf-watching hotspot.
Plan Your Visit Here
Bus
If driving isn't your thing,the KARST stage offers charter services.
Speaking of buses, if you would like to tour the park on the Historic Yellow Bus Tour, you can get a unique experience and an insider's tour inside the park seasonally from May to October.
Getting to Bozeman
These days, getting to Bozeman is easy. With nine major airlines and twenty four directflights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, you can be here in no time.
If you’re driving, be ready to be wowed. The mountain vistas are breathtaking from every direction. And, as always, watch for animals and traffic that comes from watching animals. There are beautiful and amazing sights to see. Be safe on the road!
For more information, check out the Yellowstone National Park road Information.
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In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.
FAQs
West Yellowstone Entrance
The West Entrance is the park's busiest and most popular entrance, and it's also the second-closest to Bozeman International Airport, taking roughly two hours to drive to the West Entrance.
Which entrance to Yellowstone is best from Bozeman? ›
West Yellowstone Entrance
The West Entrance is the park's busiest and most popular entrance, and it's also the second-closest to Bozeman International Airport, taking roughly two hours to drive to the West Entrance.
What is the most scenic route from Bozeman to Yellowstone? ›
Paradise Valley is probably the most scenic of the three drives from Bozeman to Yellowstone. It has mountains on both sides with a scenic valley in between. It's a lovely drive. There are two roads through Paradise Valley: You can stay on Highway 89 or take the back way along Route 540.
Is there a public transportation from Bozeman to West Yellowstone? ›
There are 3 ways to get from Bozeman to West Yellowstone by bus, shuttle, taxi, or car
- Take the bus from Msu to Mountain Village Center Link Express to Big Sky.
- Take a shuttle bus from Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort to West Yellowstone, MT Big Sky to West Yellowstone.
The West Yellowstone Airport is the closest airport to Yellowstone. This small airport is located in West Yellowstone, which is just a short 5-minute drive to the park's West Entrance. This entrance is the one I suggest basing your trip out of, so flying into West Yellowstone is an extremely convenient option.
How do I get to Yellowstone park from Bozeman? ›
IF you want to go to the west entrance take the highway south from Bozeman to west yellowstone. if you want to go to the north entrance go east from Bozeman on I90 to Livingston then south on 89 to the north entrance. The first is winding and busy the second open and less crowded. Both are beautiful drives.
What is the most scenic entrance to Yellowstone? ›
The East Entrance to Yellowstone has long been a favorite, and that's because it is the most untamed and wild entrance to the park. Once leaving from Cody, visitors take what is known as the “Northfork” 54 miles deep into the wilderness to the official entrance of Yellowstone.
Is Bozeman a good base for Yellowstone? ›
Bozeman is a vibrant, modern mountain town that's also the most accessible and convenient place to stay if you want easy access to Yellowstone National Park.
Can you do a day trip from Bozeman to Yellowstone? ›
Located only an hour from the park's north entrance, embarking on a Yellowstone National Park tour with Yellowstone Safari Company from Bozeman offers an immersive journey into the heart of the world's first national park.
How long does it take to get to Old Faithful from Bozeman? ›
Yes, the driving distance between Old Faithful to Bozeman is 121 miles. It takes approximately 2h 36m to drive from Old Faithful to Bozeman.
We offer a daily shuttle (winter season only) from the Bozeman Airport to/from Yellowstone National Park.
How do I get from Bozeman to Yellowstone without a car? ›
The best way to get from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park without a car is to bus and shuttle which takes 4h 56m and costs . How long does it take to get from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park? It takes approximately 4h 56m to get from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park, including transfers.
Can you stay in Bozeman for Yellowstone? ›
Stay for a few days in accommodations that blend modern comforts with a hint of Old West charm. Enjoy endless dining options, biking and hiking trails, museums, boutique shopping, and a calendar packed with local events. With Bozeman as your basecamp, get ready for your Yellowstone adventure to reach legendary heights.
Is the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone pretty? ›
The scenic drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone West Entrance is accessed via US 191 S. It's an easy drive accompanied by a mountainous backdrop and beautiful emerald-hued flowing streams.
Which Yellowstone entrance is closest to Bozeman airport? ›
Arriving at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park
The north entrance is located in Gardiner, Montana, 50 miles south of Livingston, Montana at Interstate 90. Closest airport is Bozeman, Montana, 85 miles. Rental Car: Rental cars are available at the Bozeman Montana Airport.
Is it better to stay inside Yellowstone or outside? ›
Staying in Yellowstone is the best way for visitors to experience everything the park has to offer. With nine lodging facilities offering over 2,000 rooms in the summer, accommodations in Yellowstone are plentiful for those wishing to experience the national park in its summertime glory.
Can you drive from Bozeman to Jackson Hole through Yellowstone? ›
The 3- hour drive between Bozeman MT and Jackson Hole WY takes you through parts of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
What is the most scenic route into Yellowstone? ›
Beartooth Highway
One of the most dramatic approaches to Yellowstone, this National Scenic Byway winds a 68-mile serpentine route between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana.
