Whether you’re embarking on a romantic getaway abroad, a cross country trip to beautiful Yellowstone, or heading over the river and through the woods to your grandmother’s house, you’ll have a more enjoyable time if you learn to expect the unexpected. The truth is, traveling can come with complications. The other truth is, complications don’t
48 Hours in West Yellowstone: How to Make the Most Out of an Outdoorsy Weekend
The small town of West Yellowstone, nestled at the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is ruggedly Western yet comfortably homey in a way that echoes the landscape surrounding America’s first national park. Small-town hospitality, Western grandeur, and a decidedly outdoorsy lifestyle combine to create an authentic experience at the doorway to some of North
Read More… from 48 Hours in West Yellowstone: How to Make the Most Out of an Outdoorsy Weekend
Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching
Yellowstone Park and our surrounding national forests offer wildlife viewing and birdwatching year-round. You will see bison migrating to their calving grounds, elk bugling during rut, antelope babies playing tag, and bear cubs rolling in the meadow under their mother’s watchful eye. Excellent birding surrounds West Yellowstone. Serious bird-watchers can explore the trails, forests, and
Unique Adventures
What’s on your adventure bucket list? How about seeing live grizzly bears, wolves, and birds of prey? Or becoming a Junior Smokejumper? Maybe floating down the river or exploring a working cattle ranch or historic Western town is more your pace. No matter how laid back or thrill seeking you are, there is unique adventures
Shopping
Forget about power shopping and get into a relaxed mode. Casually stroll down West Yellowstone’s streets and you will find an assortment of stores, galleries, and specialty shops. In West Yellowstone, there’s always a little something for everyone. Enjoy the old-fashioned friendliness and pause on a bench to do some people-watching while indulging in a
Scenic Drives
Take a road trip along one of the scenic driving routes surrounding West Yellowstone. Explore the beautiful landscapes of southwest Montana and Yellowstone Country, or find the hidden gems on the backcountry roads. These routes will allow you to experience the unspoiled nature along winding rivers and the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains and
Golf
Golf in West Yellowstone, at these elevations, golfers get longer drives, spectacular views, and wildlife spectators. Tee up and get a round in at two nearby courses. There’s a beautiful, casual nine-hole course located only 20 miles from West Yellowstone at Island Park, Idaho. During some of the season, a pause to gather morel mushrooms
For Families & Kids
West Yellowstone abounds with fun activities and events for families and kids year-round, including the Junior Smokejumper program, Yellowstone’s Junior Ranger program, and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center’s Keeper Kids program. And don’t miss the annual award-winning Kids’N’Snow program or the cross-country ski races and events just for kids. Explore Now see all activities
ATV/UTV
The same trail system that made West Yellowstone famous for snowmobiling is available for ATV and UTV use in the summer. Many trails are limited to machines under 50 inches, so make sure to inquire before heading out in your OHV or side-by-side. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the trail system is well marked
Birding in Greater Yellowstone
No matter what time of year you plan to visit West Yellowstone, a birding adventure awaits. Whether you are hiking through an alpine forest or snowshoeing along a riverbank, the Greater Yellowstone region hosts a rich population of birds for every season. Birding enthusiasts and casual watchers alike can revel in the majestic sights of