Driving Here
From Salt Lake City, Utah
Take I-15 north to Idaho Falls, Idaho (213 miles)
At exit 119, take ramp RIGHT to US-20 E
From Idaho Falls, Idaho
Take US-20 E (approx. 110 miles)
From Bozeman, Montana
Take US-191 S (approx. 90 miles)
From Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park
Take WY-22 W (17.1 miles) over Teton Pass into Idaho
Stay on ID-33 heading northwest (23.9 miles)
Turn RIGHT (north) onto ID-32 (28.4 miles) towards Ashton
Remain on ID-32/ID-47 for one mile through the town of Ashton
Then turn RIGHT (north) onto US-20 E (37 miles) to West Yellowstone (50 miles)
Driving Tips
Year-Round
- Use turnouts to let others pass
- No littering. Never throw cigarettes out the window.
- Watch for wildlife on the road.
Winter: We have snow—be prepared!
- Roads can be snow-packed and icy. SLOW DOWN.
- Carry chains at all times from November through April.
- Keep your gas tank and windshield wiper fluid full.
Summer
- Keep air conditioning off to prevent overheating.
- Carry plenty of water with you.
Note: The west gate into Yellowstone National Park is open to regular auto travel in the summer months only, from mid-April through early November. Winter access is by commercially guided snowcoach or snowmobile only—no personal motor vehicles.
Flying Here
Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
Located just one mile north of West Yellowstone, the Yellowstone Airport is open mid-May through mid-October and is served by SkyWest Airlines (Delta Connection and United Express). It is open for private aviation seasonally as well. The Yellowstone Airport offers accurate weather forecasts; safe, non-mountainous approaches onto an 8000-foot-long runway; and an ILS landing system accommodating private aircraft from a single-engine Cessna to a Boeing 747. This airport is non-towered; however, the common traffic advisory frequency is 123.0. The airport is fully lighted for nighttime use with IFR lead-in and approach lighting as well. Car rentals are available on-site, but please call ahead.
Other area airports serving West Yellowstone year-round include Bozeman, Montana (90 miles north), and Idaho Falls, Idaho (110 miles south).
Transportation
Bus & Shuttle
Bus and shuttle service is available from several operators for transfers to and from airports in Bozeman, Montana; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Reservations are required and fees do apply. Local shuttles can also provide drop-offs from the West Yellowstone area to Yellowstone Park trailheads in the warm season and by snowcoach in the winter.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available on a seasonal basis in West Yellowstone at multiple locations, including the Yellowstone Airport and in-town businesses.
Taxi
Taxi service is available year-round in West Yellowstone and to drop-off locations within Yellowstone Park. Reservations are required.
Guided Tours
During the warm months, park-approved tour operators offer tours into Yellowstone Park and to the Grand Teton National Park/Jackson area. Guided winter tours into Yellowstone Park and the Custer Gallatin National Forest are offered via snowcoach or snowmobile. Learn more about guided tours.
Weather
Located at an elevation of 6,666 feet, mountain weather can be unpredictable. Summer average temperatures are in the 70s and 80s (F), with lows in the 40s and 50s (F). Winter temperatures can be among the coldest in the Lower 48, with highs in the 20s and 30s (F) during the day to below zero at night and ground that is covered with snow. In fall and spring, crisp mornings are frequently followed by cool, brilliant days.
What to Wear
Layering clothes will help keep you comfortable all day. You should also have a water-resistant, windproof outer layer. Boots, hats, and gloves are a must for winter.
Traveling with Pets
Here in West Yellowstone, there are pet-friendly lodging properties that can be found by searching in the Sleep section. The Boundary Trail is also pet-friendly for skiing and hiking.
There are NO BOARDING FACILITIES available in West Yellowstone. The closest kennels are in Ennis, Belgrade, and Bozeman, Montana, or Idaho Falls, Idaho. You can also contact West Yellowstone/Ennis Veterinary for possible arrangements before your arrival.
Pets are allowed in Yellowstone National Park, but there are strict guidelines you will need to follow. Pets are allowed in public areas, parking lots, and within 100 feet of any road. They must be on a leash that is no more than six feet in length at all times. Visitors are not allowed to tie their pets to trees or other objects and leave them unattended. Pet kennels cannot be left outside of vehicles.