Want something more intrepid? For more information on our advertisers, see here. Most roads are closed in winter, though you can visit parts of the park via snowmobiling or guided snowcoach (small bus) tours. However, there are ideal windows to visit if youre searching for something specific say, fewer crowds, lower rates, or better weather. After sunrise, it takes a few hours for the light to permeate the canyon and Yellowstone River, so I dont recommend arriving until 9 or 10 AM. If you have one day, the must-see destinations include Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley. Closed to vehicle travel for the winter, the South Entrance of Yellowstone generally opens at the beginning of May and closes at the beginning of November. Start your day early at Old Faithful, which erupts every 1.5 hours. Where to Stay: Old Faithful or Canyon Village. From early to mid-August, large numbers of bison gather in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys to begin the bison breeding season, or what is also known as the rut. Even from a distance, you can hear bulls emitting guttural roars as they try to attract females and strut their stuff to ward off challengers. Only a short drive from Old Faithful, youll find the second most famous landmark. Americas first national park, established in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, marked the beginning of one of the countrys greatest endeavors protecting and preserving its most important natural landscapes. Nights cool down considerably, dipping into the 40s. The main reason to use the East Entrance on your trip to Yellowstone is if you are coming from Cody, or want to include it in your itinerary, either to visit this interesting town or to drive east towards the Bighorn Mountains, Devils Tower and the main attractions of South Dakota (for example Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands National Park) Just past the East Entrance, on the way to Cody, begins a beautiful scenic road called the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, which, with its imposing rock towers, will take you to Cody, which is more than 50 miles from the park entrance. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In Wyoming, the East Entrance gets you close to Yellowstone Lake for boating and fishing, while outside of the park, you can stay in the small frontier town of Cody with its superb Draper Museum of Natural History. Visitor numbers are still peaking in August, when endless summer activities keep guests busy from sun up to sundown. Current Conditions - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park However, that is not to say that you shouldnt venture this way. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. Forests and mountains become blanketed in powdery snow, frost from steaming hot springs materializes like tiny crystals on nearby trees, and, when its cold enough, water droplets from erupting geysers freeze in mid-air, putting on a show. If wearing extra layers doesnt bother you, April can be a nice time to go. 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Each entrance has a nearby city with a range of hotels and restaurants. It positions park guests to explore several of the parks key highlights, including the Upper Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring. The parks massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Wildlife viewing and winter activities, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are still popular in February, when the park is still closed to car traffic and most lodges and tours remain closed. Yellowstone National Park conditions website, 15 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone National Park, Best Places to Stay in and Near Yellowstone. West Entrance. If you spend the night in West Yellowstone, you can also take advantage of this opportunity to go on a delightful excursion through the valleys of Montana, along the Vigilante Trail, exploring fascinating western towns such as Virginia City and Nevada City. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Ultimately, the South Entrance is often the best entry point for those traveling from southern Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, or Colorado. Here is a link to what services will still be open during your stay. In fact, it extends into 3 states (Wyoming, Montana, and a small part of Idaho), and along its borders, there are several access points to the park. Often hailed as the most convenient gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the West Entrance is also the busiest. When planning this kind of trip, it is easy to get carried away and decide to, California is as vast as it is fascinating; it is home to very diverse natural landscapes. September in Yellowstone is particularly thrilling. Lone Mountain Ranch offers guided snowshoeing adventures for guests. Yellowstone Itinerary This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Road closures seal off most of Yellowstone by early November, and tours are all but over. Crowds become an increasing nuisance as June progresses. Visitation Statistics - Yellowstone National - National Hot Tip:Yellowstones fall foliage can be tricky to catch, as the color change comes and goes extremely quickly. Still, despite these challenges closed facilities, swampy hiking conditions, limited open roads there are a few upsides to visiting at this time of year. ), theres a never-ending list of things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Do walk the boulevards over Mammoth Hot Springs and its steamy travertine terraces, but then try a moderate hike at the nearby Bunson Peak Trailhead, ascending through meadows to an 8,564-foot peak with views over Swan Lake Flats. In other words, it is possible to enjoy the parks natural wonders without feeling claustrophobic, so long as you avoid spending too much time near popular attractions. If youre staying outside the park, the closest place to stay is in West Yellowstone, about 1 hour away. Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone West Yellowstone is also an option, about 1 hour 15 minutes from West Thumb. Compared to other nearby towns, staying here will give you the closest access to the top things to do in Yellowstone. As far as accommodations, you can find all the details in my guide on where to stay in Yellowstone. Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze! Many visitors entering the park from this access point also choose to base themselves in West Yellowstone. The week between Christmas and New Years is also busy. Without summers endless crowds to contend with, those that brave winters elements might also discover the only ones they have to share Yellowstone with are the non-hibernating wildlife. Overview of the Regions in This Yellowstone Trip Itinerary. If youre staying in Old Faithful the night before, another option is to visit West Thumb Geyser Basin first before heading through Hayden Valley in the morning. Visitation Statistics - Yellowstone National - National End your one day in Yellowstone with Hayden Valley, an excellent destination to spot wildlife. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94791647', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Old Faithful or Canyon would be possibilites. Looking for more tips on where to stay for your trip to Yellowstone? Its hard to blame them: The weather is consistently sunny and warm, roads, trails, and facilities are all completely open, and seasonal activities allow tourists to enjoy Yellowstone to its fullest potential. Dont miss the multi-colored Mustard Spring or Jewel Geyser either. Two days gives you enough time to see the most popular destinations. No least busy days. As Travel in USA explains, the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is best for those who are traveling from Codyor would like to pass through the town on their way to or from the park. What can you expect now that Yellowstone is open? The best way to spot wildlife is to stake out and wait. Those staying at Grant Village could find using the South Entrance convenient as the accommodation is less than 20 miles away from the entrance. However, Utahs most iconic featuressandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and rock archescan be found throughout the state. Yellowstone Entrance Fee: $35 for a 7-day pass Visiting in Winter: In early November, most park roads close to automobile traffic, including the roads to Old Faithful. 2023 Upgraded Points, LLC. It takes about an hour or so to reach the park from Cody via the Buffalo Bill Highway. Temperatures are still brisk highs only reach the mid-40s, with lows in the 20s which keeps crowds at bay. What attractions are outside the entrance? West Yellowstone is a tourist destination in itself. The park's Mammoth Hot Springs cover a terraced hill of travertine. Elk and bison shed off their long winter coats and tend to their calves, who are still shaky on their feet, and the first of Yellowstones wildflowers begin to bloom. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Yellowstone National Park's main roads create a "figure-eight" shape, so driving around the exterior of both loops to make a "Grand Loop" is a great way to hit many of the park's highlights.Two or three days is Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. By now, park wildlife can be seen throughout the long, daylight hours, and their playful babies, now stronger and more footsure, are a joy to watch. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers particularly like February because it marks the start of mating season for the wolves, when they become much more active and easier to spot against Yellowstones stark white landscape. Tips for Dealing with Crowds In order words, driving the loop in a single day does not do the park justice. Visit a national forest. Scope Rental. Featuring six different visitor centers, the park is shaped by towering mountains, sweeping valleys, and sparkling lakes that rise between dense forests and colorful patches of blooming wildflowers. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. People are Temperatures continue to drop into the lower 50s, and nights are even chillier in the low 20s. The charming small town of Cooke City, Montana, is only four miles away from the Northeast Entrance and serves as a great pitstop on the way to or from Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park Bed and Breakfast, Yellowstone National Park Vacation Rentals, Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park, Browse all 26,549 Yellowstone National Park topics , http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com, Visualizing Yellowstone's "loops" with drive times, June 2023 Yellowstone/GTNP itinerary help, Old Faithful Snow Lodge - Western Cabin vs Deluxe Hotel Room, active 4 to 5 days in Yellowstone with my 26y/o son, See All Yellowstone National Park Conversations, Best airport to fly into for Yellowstone and itinerary help, Need Advice About Visiting Yellowstone :). Hot Tip:Yellowstones lodges, shops, and campgrounds reopen in spring on a staggered schedule, so keep that in mind as you plan out your itinerary. As Americas first national park (and one of the biggest! Dont miss Grand Riverside Geyser, Chromatic Pool, and Morning Glory Pool! However, if you only have one day, you can see the top attractions. When is the best time to visit Yellowstone? Because such a monumental amount of snow means roads are near-impossible to keep clear, snowplows sit in their sheds until March, letting winter do its work. Cooking/Grilling in cabins/picnic areas in YNP. However, the fact that it is farther from the main attractions compared to the West Entrance makes it a bit more inconvenient in my opinion. As a result, most park roads and visitor centers close by November. Sign up below to get a free copy of my 28-page national park ebook to help you plan your upcoming national park trip! Old Faithful is Yellowstone's most iconic geothermal feature. With so many popular sites just off Grand Loop Road, including Grand Prismatic Spring and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, most visitors tend to stay close to the road in an effort to pack the main sights into one or two days. National parks overcrowded? Visit a national forest. How to divide my time between YNP and GTNP? In general, these lodges are the most centrally located to the best activities in Yellowstone: If youre interested in camping, these are the most centrally located campgrounds for your Yellowstone itinerary: For more on the pros and cons of each campground, check out this post on camping in Yellowstone National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94791468', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yellowstone. Hot Tip:If youre taking planning a road trip into the park near the end of the year, make sure your drive begins and ends at Yellowstones North Entrance the only entrance that remains open year-round because of its low elevation. The west access may be the best choice for those coming from Salt Lake City (follow this itinerary), a nice 5- hour drive through Utah and Idaho, passing by the beautiful Mesa Falls. July is the hottest month by far in Yellowstone National Park, with temperatures peaking in the 80s. No Xanterra or Delaware North facilities will be open, nor will any Crowds flock to Yellowstone as park reopens after floods Park managers raised the gates at three of Yellowstones five entrances for the first time since June 13. 1. 10 Ways to Experience Yellowstone Minus the Crowds Is there really a bad time to visit this bucket-list destination? People are there for a number of days to visit both parks. Minutes from the Lamar Valley, the Northeast Entrance is perfect for those who are looking for the best wildlife-viewing opportunities while in Yellowstone. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. So..weather permitting, you'd come in the South entrance. Clear skies and minimal humidity also mean you can enjoy incredible views of the parks snow-capped mountains. Alternatives to the Most Popular However, it is open to over-snow vehicles, including skis, snow coaches, and snowmobiles, from mid-December through mid-March. Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park, Tips for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone National Park, If You Have More Time in Yellowstone National Park, Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowstone Itineraries, Final Thoughts on This Itinerary for Yellowstone, Day 1: Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, & Grand Prismatic Spring, Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Hayden Valley, Day 3: Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, & Lamar Valley. Featured Image Credit: Those who are combining their trip to Yellowstone with some of the landmarks in South Dakota, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, may also prefer to use this entrance. This impressive and picturesque waterfall only requires a quick visit, but it is well worth your time. It boasts fantastic views and makes a brilliant detour on the way to or from Yellowstones West Entrance. From the South Entrance, you can also access Yellowstone Lake as well as backcountry hiking in forests and high meadows, though whats just beyond this entrance is a big deal; within a half-days drive, you can be at the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park. Hikers and backpackers will find numerous trailheads dotting the roadside. Like September, October in Yellowstone National Park is glorious. Try AllTrails new Trails Less Traveled filter, which lets you search for popular trails light on traffic, including the challenging 11.2-mile Sepulcher Mountain Trail. Fall isnt all rosy, however. The Montage Big Sky will open this December. Drawing more of the crowds, the popular North Entrance takes you through the famed Roosevelt Arch to Mammoth Hot Springs. Uncrowded Spots in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks Or did you decide to stay some nights in Yellowstone? Round-trip ferry tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for children. Here is the best 4 days in Yellowstone itinerary. West Yellowstone is also an option, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Hayden Valley. How do you organize your trip information? Freezing temperatures, frequent snowfall, hibernating wildlife, and road and facility closures that render much of the park off-limits can be difficult to contend with for all but the most dedicated travelers. You can access it via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, which connects the park to Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone has five entrances, but the West Entrance is the busiest during the summer. When shes not writing (with her border collie asleep at her feet), shes devouring books, exploring the world, or planning her next trip. Mesa Falls is located around 50 miles from the West Entrance. On your other thread you indicate you'll be staying in Jackson for your whole trip with day trips to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In addition, youll find a quick recap on the first two days below. You can visit Yellowstone National Park in one day if you are only interested in seeing the top attractions. Im sharing the best 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day itineraries for Yellowstone National Park, plus: Are you ready to plan an epic Yellowstone National Park vacation, no matter how much time you have to spend? went to Glacier and Yellowstone This might be an opportune time to try out one of Yellowstones adrenaline-packed winter activities like cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or ice-climbingfrozen waterfalls unique experiences you can only get this time of year. To stay inside the park, you should aim to book lodging at least 9 to 12 months out and book reservable campgrounds six months out. We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. The Grand Loop Road connects Yellowstone's main attractions. Ad Choices. Least busy days - Yellowstone National Park Forum Early Afternoon: Tower Fall. Dont forget to bring binoculars or a spotting scope! Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. Dawn and dusk are especially good times for photography and wildlife-spotting (particularly in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley) when animals are most active. Daily temperatures reach into the 30s, and 10 inches of average snowfall is easier to contend with than earlier in the winter. Near the East Entrance, you will also find the trailhead of Avalanche Peak Trail and a selection of picnic areas, such as those near Sylvan Lake. Theres also technically a Northeast entrance, but Id recommend planning to enter at one of the main entrances because they are closest to the sites youll want to see. Less than a mile from the most popular park entrance, the town is alive with the hum of travelers during the on-season. Cody has many accommodations, but if you prefer to spend the night closer to the parks attractions, the closest accommodations to the East Entrance are near Yellowstone Lake (with the exception of Grant Village), The Northeast Entrance is located a few miles from Cooke City, a small town where there are some accommodations available. Although park lodges remain closed for the winter season, you can find some great deals at less commercialized accommodations in nearby towns like Gardiner and Jackson. If you choose to drive to Yellowstone National Park, these are some rough distances from major cities or nearby towns: Read More: 8-Day Salt Lake City to Yellowstone Itinerary. As a warning, the final Therefore, I highly recommend booking your accommodations when you get your trip on the calendar. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre looking for an easier route, the trail is only 5.6 miles if you start from Chittenden Road instead (but its somewhat less scenic!). Freezing temperatures, frequent snowfall, hibernating wildlife, and road and facility A 5-day trip is considered idealbecause you will feel far less rushed. Where to Stay: Canyon Village. Sprawled across 3500-square miles, Yellowstone National Park is a haven of geothermal wonders, dense forests, and rocky canyons. Together with August, July is also Yellowstones most crowded month. Delays and construction are commonas the park recovers from winter and prepares for summer, and many lodges and restaurants still remain closed. While most of the park is undeveloped forest and mountains, Yellowstones main attractions and eight developed regions are almost entirely situated along the 142-mile, Grand Loop Road, also dubbed the Figure Eight for its shape. The most popular and developed entrances are the North and the West entrances. The best way to enter the park will depend on where youre traveling from and what you plan to do within the park. Spring tends to see more rain than the fall, though fall tends to be a bit busier. to Yellowstone Staying Near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park The Northeast entrance to the park is probably one of the least used entrances as there is not a ton of stuff nearby. REI Adventures and Wildland Trekking also arrange Yellowstone trips. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. It is another quite common route from Salt Lake City (here is the itinerary that awaits you). Check the geyser prediction schedule the night before to determine when to arrive. It is made up of two smaller geyser basins: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Home > USA Parks > Yellowstone National Park > How Many Entrances to Yellowstone Are There? The Northeast Entrance winds through Yellowstones wildlife wonderland, the Lamar Valley. I recommend walking through the Lower Terrace and skipping the drive-through Upper Terrace if youre short on time. Cody is famously home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which can easily take two days to see completely. Shes passionate about creating travel content that inspires her readers to take a leap of faith and power through their bucket lists. Canyon Village and Mammoth are each about 1 hour away. Pebble Creek and Mammoth also have first-come first-served sites. Yellowstone Lake, the largest mountain lake at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, is 28 miles away, while the Hayden Valley is 31 miles away.