Staying Near Yellowstone
FIRST TIME VISITING YELLOWSTONE?
START HERE.
Choosing Where to Stay in Yellowstone Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park can feel daunting. Where should you stay? Which entrance is best? What’s available in summer versus winter?
The good news: there’s no wrong choice, just different experiences. Whether you stay in West Yellowstone or Gardiner, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Yellowstone’s geysers, wildlife, and iconic landscapes. This guide breaks down the benefits of each location so you can choose what fits your travel style, season, and priorities.
Two Great Gateways.
Two Distinct Experiences.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Convenience, Variety & All-Season Access
West Yellowstone is one of the most popular places to stay for first-time visitors, and for good reason. Located just outside the West Entrance, it offers the widest range of lodging, dining, tours, and in-town amenities. An authentic wild west, mountain town, there’s fun for all ages in and around West Yellowstone.
Warm Season (Spring–Fall)
Why choose West Yellowstone in the warm months:
- Easy access to iconic sights like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
- Walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and attractions
- The largest selection of lodging options.
- Guided tours, rentals, and transportation options all in one place.
- Cozy Explorer Cabins that include privacy and room to spread out.
- Brands you trust like Holiday Inn® West Yellowstone.
- The newly renovated and family-friendly Gray Wolf Inn & Suites
- Amenity-rich Yellowstone Park Hotel
Activities available:
- Guided Yellowstone bus tours with a certified interpretive guide.
- Thrilling side by side rentals to explore the national forests surrounding West Yellowstone.
- Wildlife viewing and photography
- Authentic western rodeo
- Hiking, sightseeing, and geyser basin exploration.
- The popular Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is great for all ages.
Gardiner, Montana
Wildlife, Scenic Views & a Quieter Pace
Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, marked by the iconic Roosevelt Arch. It offers a more rugged, wildlife-focused experience that many visitors describe as Yellowstone’s quieter side. Gardiner is ideal for travelers who prioritize wildlife and dramatic landscapes over downtown bustle.
Warm Season (Spring–Fall)
Why choose Gardiner in the warm months:
- Close, convenient access to Lamar Valley, one of Yellowstone’s top wildlife areas.
- Fewer crowds and a laid-back feel.
- Stunning mountain views and riverside scenery.
- Close to popular mineral-rich hot springs for soaking.
- Minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Unique Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins, the ultimate in relaxation, includes kitchenette.
- The newly-renovated, riverfront Ridgeline Hotel® at Yellowstone features on-site dining and western hospitality.
Activities available:
- Wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley (the Serengeti of North America).
- Whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River.
- Horseback riding in the high country plains.
To Note: Yellowstone Vacation Tours does not operate warm-season tours from Gardiner. Guests explore the park independently during summer stays.
Winter Season
Winter is when West Yellowstone truly shines as a Yellowstone basecamp.
Why West Yellowstone is ideal in winter:
- The most convenient entrance that offers both snowcoach and snowmobile tours.
- Direct access to winter over-snow travel inside the park.
- Strong in-town services during the winter season.
- Snowmobile rentals to explore the nearby National Forests on hundreds of miles of groomed trails.
Winter activities include:
- Cozy snowcoach tours to Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Guided snowmobile tours inside of Yellowstone National Park.
- Snowmobiling in surrounding national forests, including the beloved Two Top Mountain.
Winter Season
Gardiner offers a unique winter advantage; access to Yellowstone’s only plowed, year-round road.
Why Gardiner works in winter:
- Direct access to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
- Exceptional winter wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Year-round access to hot springs like Yellowstone Hot Springs, perfect for cold weather soaking in geo-thermal heated waters.
- Fewer crowds than other winter getaways.
Winter activities include:
- Snowcoach tours to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful (note: guided snowmobile tours do not depart from Gardiner).
- Wildlife watching along the North Entrance Road
- Snowshoeing and winter hiking inside and outside the park.
Gardiner is a strong choice for winter travelers focused on wildlife and scenic solitude rather than motorized tours.
Which Yellowstone Gateway
Is Right For You?
Choose West Yellowstone if you want:
- The most tour and activity options
- Easy logistics for first-time visitors
- Both snowcoach and snowmobile access in winter
- A lively town atmosphere
Choose Gardiner if you want:
- Prime wildlife viewing
- A quieter, more rugged experience
- Access to Yellowstone’s year-round road
- A slower pace with fewer crowds
No matter which side of Yellowstone you choose, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. Our team helps first-time visitors match lodging, tours, and seasons to create a trip that feels effortless, not overwhelming. Ready to learn more? Check out our seasonal itinerary pages here.
DISCOVER
At Yellowstone National Park, the opportunities to explore are endless. Plan your adventure today.
Tours & Rentals
Experience an up-close view of the park, while learning about the fascinating history, geology and wildlife.
