FAQs

West Yellowstone is in the southwest corner of Gallatin County. It is located three miles from Wyoming whose border is in Yellowstone National Park. West Yellowstone is nine miles from Idaho. West Yellowstone is proud to be the western entrance into Yellowstone National Park. West Yellowstone has a seasonal airport. Bozeman, Montana is 90 miles away. Idaho Falls is 110 miles away. Salt Lake City is the closest metropolitan area. Click here for travel information.
The West Yellowstone, Montana travel planner is the best place to start planning your trip. It is available online or it can be sent to you in the mail.
West Yellowstone, Montana has a variety of lodging properties to meet your needs. Because the summer season in West Yellowstone is quite busy, the Chamber of Commerce maintains a daily list of properties with vacancies during the summer months.
West Yellowstone, Montana has restaurant options ranging from family dining to fancy fare. Some dining options are only open seasonally. Because there is limited dining during the off-season and winter seasons, the Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of open restaurants during that time of the year. The list can be found on the “Just for Today” page.
Spring is a time to explore a new life in the region. Bison calves, elk calves, and bear cubs are available to enjoy.
Summertime in the West Yellowstone, Montana region is when all roads and trails have opened for the season. Summer is also the busiest season. Make sure you plan and prepare. Make lodging reservations before traveling. Prepare for crowds.
Fall is the time to hear elk bugling and catch the bison rut. Beautiful days are capped with cool evenings.
Winter is the time for adventure. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing allow families and individuals to explore winter recreation.
Earthquake Lake, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater, and the Yellowstone Aerial Adventures Zipline & Ropes Course are some of the West Yellowstone, Montana area attractions.
Yellowstone National Park is 2.2 million acres. It is best explored over several days. Many people visit the lower loop on one day and the upper loop on another. There is a fee to visit Yellowstone. There are seven-day passes and annual passes available. These can be purchased ahead of time on the Yellowstone National Park website or at the west entrance station.
The entry fee to Yellowstone National Park is $35 for private, non-commercial vehicles and $30 for motorcycles. Entry fees are valid for seven days from the date of purchase. You can purchase your entry pass online in advance here. The “America the Beautiful” pass covers entrance fees into national parks and other federal fee areas at a rate of $80.00 for a calendar year.
Hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, shopping, dining, fishing, and biking are activities available to enjoy.
Check out West Yellowstone’s calendar of events.
Weather and road information is available here. West Yellowstone is located at an elevation of 6,666 feet, mountain weather can be unpredictable.  Summer average temperatures are in the 70s and 80s (F), lows in 40s & 50s (F). Winter temperatures can be among the coldest in the Lower 48, highs in the 20s & 30s (F) during the day to below zero at night. The ground is covered in snow. In fall and spring, crisp mornings are frequently followed by cool, brilliant days.
All seasons: Layering clothes will help keep you comfortable all day. You should also have a water-resistant, windproof outer layer. Winter: Warm clothes including jackets, thermals, wool, gloves, hats, boots (Dress in layers) Bring: backpack, sunglasses, lip balm, sunblock, insect repellent.
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity with visitors. Yellowstone National Park, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, and popular scenic drives provide ample opportunities for observing wildlife.
Wildlife viewing should be done from a distance. This is for the safety of both the wildlife and visitors. Yellowstone National Park requires a minimum distance of 25 yards from all wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Feeding wildlife is strictly forbidden.
West Yellowstone, Montana is home to fabulous fishing all year-round. Fly fishing during the summer and ice fishing during the winter draw anglers from all over the world. Montana fishing licenses are available through all of the local fly-fishing shops. Yellowstone National Park has its own regulations and licenses. The fishing page has more information.
West Yellowstone, Montana is the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the eastern boundary of the town is the western boundary of Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is a block away from the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce building.