West Entrance Brings You to Geyser ParadiseIf geysers are on the top of your Yellowstone hit list, you may want to enter the park via US 20 and the West Entrance, as it puts you in the heart of the park's geyser country.
Even if you're planning to drive from Jackson to Yellowstone and back in one day, you can still pack in all the major sights. To avoid the crowds we recommend you get an early start—plan to set aside 10 to 12 hours of travel and sightseeing time. See Yellowstone's official tips video.
Make a stop at the Top of the World Resort where you can hike, kayak Beartooth Lake, or camp and watch the sunset from 9,400 feet. For a unique view, a dirt road just off of the Beartooth Highway provides access to the Clay Butte Lookout Tower, a refurbished fire tower with an observation deck.
From Cody, Wyoming, visitors will travel north on WY 120 for 17 miles to the junction of WY 120 and WY 296 – the beautiful Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Follow WY 296 for 47 miles to its intersection with The Beartooth All-American Road – US Highway 212.
The Beartooth Mountains are located in south central Montana and northwest Wyoming, U.S. and are part of the 944,000 acres (382,000 ha) Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, within Custer, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests.
Snuggled at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, the community of 2,500 could hardly be described as “typical” small-town Montana. Boasting drop-dead scenery, limitless outdoor adventures and a thriving arts and cultural community, Red Lodge shines with a vibrancy that attracts newcomers of all ages.
Open Year RoundCooke City/Silver Gate via Yellowstone National Park North Entrance at Gardiner, Mammoth directly to the Northeast Entrance into the Cooke City/Silver Gate Area is open year-round for access to our area.
How long is Beartooth Highway?
From Hamilton, travel 3 miles south on US Highway 93, then turn east on Montana Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) and proceed 26 miles east to the top of the pass (20 miles of gravel). The Pass is closed after hunting season November 28th and weather permitting reopens on Memorial weekend.
Yellowstone National Park is open after a brief closure due to COVID-19 this past spring. But before you head to the park, know that things may feel a bit different. The park is putting the necessary precautions in place to ensure visitors and staff stay safe, healthy and distanced!
How long is Chief Joseph Highway?
The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile travel corridor, beginning (at its eastern most terminus), just south of Red Lodge, Montana at an elevation of 6400 feet and ending (at its western most terminus) near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, at an elevation of 7500
In winter, Cooke City can be accessed by wheeled vehicles through the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, south of Gardiner, Montana. This road is open 24 hours to Cooke City, but not beyond it.
When was the Beartooth Highway built?
According to the MDT Travel and Weather report, snow cover is reported on I-90 between Hardin and the Wyoming state line, however the road is now open for travel. According to the Montana Department of Transportation Travel and Weather report, I-90 is closed for about 22 miles from milepost 496.0-518.0.
The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are from April to May and between September and October. These shoulder months offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the most popular months to visit: The kids are out of school, and the weather is warm enough to sleep outside.
Index
| Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fees |
|---|
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 35.00 (valid for 7 days) |
| Motorcycle, Snowmobile | $ 30.00 (valid for 7 days) |
| Single Entry (foot, bike, ski, 16+ years old) | $ 20.00 (valid for 7 days) |
| Annual Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) | $ 70.00 (Yellowstone Annual Pass) |
It takes longer than two days to really experience the Yellowstone area: three days will be less hectic for sight-seeing, four days means you can take a day off from touring, five or more days leaves room to pursue favorite activities (like fishing or hiking) as well as see some sights off the beaten track.
This is the only campground in Yellowstone to offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups for RVs. Because grizzly bears frequent the area, no tents or tent campers are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the Fishing Bridge RV Park, including the use of portable fire pits.
There are 75.78 miles from Cody to Yellowstone National Park in west direction and 97 miles (156.11 kilometers) by car, following the US-14 and US-16 and US-20 route. Cody and Yellowstone National Park are 2 hours 7 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .
The total driving distance from Billings, MT to Yellowstone National Park is 422 miles or 679 kilometers. Your trip begins in Billings, Montana. It ends in West Yellowstone, Wyoming.
