Last updated: October 2026
Three of Yellowstone’s five entrances are in Montana: the North Entrance at Gardiner, the West Entrance at West Yellowstone, and the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and Silver Gate. Only about 3% of the park is in Montana, but for many visitors the Montana side is the easiest way in. Bozeman’s airport is about an hour and three-quarters from Gardiner, and the road from Gardiner to Cooke City is the one route through the park that stays open to cars all winter.
This page collects our Yellowstone guides. Each cites the National Park Service and the other official sources it uses.
Which entrance fits your trip
If you want Old Faithful and the geyser basins, go in through West Yellowstone. If you want wildlife in winter, or a year-round option, use Gardiner; Mammoth Hot Springs is about 15 minutes inside the North Entrance. If you want Lamar Valley and a dramatic summer approach, come in over the Beartooth Highway to the Northeast Entrance. Visiting Yellowstone from Montana has drive times from Bozeman (BZN), Billings (BIL) and the West Yellowstone airport (WYS).
Seasons and reservations
Yellowstone doesn’t require vehicle reservations. What does take planning is the season: most park roads close to cars from early November to mid- or late April. Winter oversnow travel, by commercially guided snowmobile or snowcoach only, was scheduled to start Dec. 15, 2026. In-park lodging also follows the seasons; the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, near the North Entrance, is open year-round except for a short closure in March and April.
Add a soak
Two of Montana’s best-known hot springs are near the North Entrance: Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley and Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner. Soaking in the park’s own thermal features is illegal. Our Montana hot springs guide lists posted prices and hours.
Thinking about living nearby?
Bozeman and Billings are the two big Montana cities within reach of the park. See the cost of living in Bozeman and Billings, or the Livingston and Red Lodge town guides.