West Yellowstone Montana
Fly-fishing with mountain views on the south fork of the Madison River
A group enjoying a horseback ride on a forest trail
Cross-country skiing on the Boundary Trail, tracing the border of Yellowstone National Park
Lakeside campsite with canoes and paddleboards prepped for adventure
A moose wading into fresh waters to drink
Riding an ATV on a picturesque mountain trail
A bison calf under the watchful eye of its mother
A nanny mountain goat with her kid on Sepulcher Mountain
The enchanting colors of Black Sand Basin's geothermal hot springs in Yellowstone National Park
Backpacking among colorful wildflowers
- Major Airports:
- Yellowstone/West Yellowstone (WYS)
- Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN)
- States:
- Montana
Reconnect with nature in and around Yellowstone National Park
Visit Yellowstone National Park
The oldest national park in the USA is just minutes from town. West Yellowstone is the closest entry point to see Old Faithful, one of Yellowstone’s iconic natural landmarks, and there’s so much more to do. Hike to the steaming natural chimneys at Monument Geyser Basin, see the 26-meter cascade at Gibbon Falls, go for a swim at the Firehole Falls summer swimming hole, and cast a line on the Madison and Firehole Rivers. Depending on the time of year, you might spy elk, bison or bald eagles. Note that road access changes throughout the year due to weather conditions; visit the park’s website to view current conditions.
Outdoors and Western Experiences
Montana is quintessential cowboy country. Join an authentic chuckwagon dinner at a dude ranch, complete with campfire cooking, cowboy poetry and storytelling under the stars. June through August, watch daredevil cowboys climb on bucking horses and bulls at the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo. West Yellowstone’s outdoor experiences abound including hunting, fishing and boating around Hegben Lake, and horseback riding in the mountains. In 1959, a massive earthquake rocked the region, causing a landslide that dammed the Madison River and created Earthquake Lake. See fascinating photos and informative displays at Earthquake Lake & Visitor Center, then go out boating and fishing on “Quake Lake.”
Can’t-miss Local Experiences
Housed in a historic train depot, the Yellowstone Historic Center documents the history of travel to and within the national park through a collection of antique vehicles, from stage coaches to snow plows. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center gives you the rare opportunity to safely view grizzly bears and three packs of wolves (bonus: the bears don’t hibernate, so they’re visible year round). Book a day of high-altitude, high-speed fun on ropes courses and zip lines at Yellowstone Aerial Adventures. It’s the perfect activity for thrill-seekers and families traveling with older kids. For a break from the outdoors, catch a Hollywood hit or the breathtaking nature documentary, “Yellowstone,” on the aptly named Yellowstone Giant Screen theater at a whopping six stories tall.
Fun Fact
The streets of West Yellowstone weren’t paved until 1988, the same year sidewalks were added. But during the winter, a layer of snow is still left on the roads to allow travel around town by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe.
Photo: Dobson Ent. Inc./Courtesy of West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is completely bordered by three national forests and Yellowstone National Park.
Photo: Dobson Ent. Inc./Courtesy of West Yellowstone
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center guarantees that you’ll see grizzly bears 365 days a year. It’s also home to wolves, birds and river otters.
Photo: Holly Scholl Photography/Courtesy of West Yellowstone