Bozeman to West Yellowstone: Scenic Gallatin River Drive
The drive from Bozeman to West Yellowstone has several options, including the most direct route along the Gallatin River with beautiful scenery.
Bozeman to West Yellowstone
Bozeman, Montana, is a fantastic place to begin your adventure. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Yellowstone National Park, this charming city is home to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Check out Main Street in downtown Bozeman for great shopping and restaurants. The Museum of the Rockies is a great partial-day excursion.
With several direct flights from various cities, it’s one of the best airports for Yellowstone and a convenient starting point for picking up a car rental and beginning your journey.
The drive from Bozeman to the West Entrance of Yellowstone is beautiful and typically just under a 2-hour ride, but keep in mind, it can vary based on road conditions and weather conditions. A handy tip? Check the National Park Service website for updates on road closures and conditions before you hit the road.
Remember that the West Yellowstone entrance is typically closed from November to April. The only entrance that is open year-round is the North Entrance at Gardiner.
West Yellowstone
Once you arrive at the west entrance, your right outside Yellowstone. From Old Faithful geyser to the mesmerizing colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, everything is close by.
The actual town of West Yellowstone is flat and not quite what we were expecting. We wouldn’t choose to stay in the town for an extended stay, but just stopping in for a night or two.
In West Yellowstone, check out the Wolf Discovery Center. The center shows the lives of wolves, grizzly bears, and birds of prey.
West Yellowstone Accommodations
West Yellowstone offers a range of accommodation options to suit every family’s needs and budgets.
We would choose to book one inside Yellowstone, such as Canyon, Bridge Bay, Grand Village (Located just next to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone), and Fishing Bridge RV Park.
These booked up early, though we were able to book several nights at different campgrounds last minute for our most recent trip in early June.
One of our favorite places to stay is Springhill Suites in Island Park, about a 20-minute drive from West Yellowstone. This hotel sits right on the river and offers larger rooms accommodating larger families. This photo was taken right outside the hotel:
Remember, no matter where you decide to stay, it’s always a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Here’s a map of some of the best deals in West Yellowstone:
Where to Chow Down in West Yellowstone
From burgers and fries to fresh salads and delicious vegetarian options, there’s plenty to satisfy even the pickiest eater. A local favorite is the Buffalo Bar.
Conclusion
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Yellowstone National Park is one of the United States’ most treasured destinations. Pack up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.
