Which Yellowstone Entrance Should You Use From Bozeman?
Bozeman is almost the same distance from two Yellowstone entrances. Gardiner, on the north side, is about 78 miles away and a little under an hour and a half. West Yellowstone is about 97 miles and a bit over two hours. Either one gets you into the park. The better question is which way you want your day to unfold.
If you only have one day, here is what I would do if you were a friend staying with me. Go in through West Yellowstone and come out through Gardiner. You can't see all of Yellowstone in a day, and anyone who says you can is selling something. This route hits the big names without a lot of driving back and forth, and it ends in a town with a good dinner waiting.
Getting out the door
The drive to West Yellowstone runs south on US-191 through Gallatin Canyon, past Big Sky, with the Gallatin River beside you for much of it. Leave early, because the park fills up fast by late morning. Stop at Mama Mac's in Four Corners on your way out. Their breakfast sandwiches are great for the road, and you can grab a sandwich to eat for lunch so you aren't standing in a long food line at midday.
Old Faithful and the geyser basins
Head toward Old Faithful first. Check the posted eruption time when you arrive, since the geyser goes off roughly every hour to hour and a half. If you have a wait, get an ice cream at Old Faithful Lodge and watch it from there. It is a pleasant way to spend the gap, and the area has a faint sulfur smell that surprises a lot of first-timers.
Grand Prismatic Spring
This one is easy to miss, which would be a shame. It really is as amazing as the photos. There are two ways to see it. A newer overlook trail climbs to a high spot where you look down on the whole spring, which is how you get that famous aerial view. The trail starts at the Fairy Falls parking area and is about a mile and a half round trip, but parking there is very limited. The other option is the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin, which takes you right up to the edge of the spring.
The signs here are small. When you enter the park and show your pass, they hand you a map. Find Grand Prismatic on it before you go, because your phone will not work once you are inside. Look at the map while you still have time to plan.
On the way north
From Madison you head toward Norris and then Mammoth. Along the way, stop at Artists Paint Pots. It is a short walk through bubbling mud pots, and it is more fun than you expect. Then take your time at Mammoth Hot Springs. The terraces are unlike anything else in the park, and the boardwalks let you wander at your own pace.
Lamar Valley
If you have time after Mammoth, Lamar Valley is where most of the wildlife is. Bison, pronghorn and wolves draw people from around the world. It is a long detour, so only go if you are not rushed.
The end of the day
You exit through Gardiner, which has more restaurants and bars than West Yellowstone. Eat there, then take the drive home through Paradise Valley. It is a pretty, easy end to a long day.
What to bring
Layers, even in summer. Weather changes fast.
Snacks and water.
A full gas tank. Fill up before you leave Bozeman.
Binoculars if you have them.
Plan around the season
Most park roads are open to regular cars from mid-April through the end of October. Check the park's road status the morning you go. Our Yellowstone guide covers more on what to see once you are inside.
