West Yellowstone Travel Guide
Discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and more in this comprehensive tour guide for West Yellowstone.
- Introduction to West Yellowstone
- List of Places to Visit in West Yellowstone
- Hiking/Biking Routes of West Yellowstone
- Best Things to Do in West Yellowstone: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for West Yellowstone
- Food and Drink Scene of West Yellowstone
- Where to Stay in West Yellowstone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in West Yellowstone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of West Yellowstone
- Best Time to Visit West Yellowstone
- Do’s and Don’ts of West Yellowstone
- Safety and Health
- Getting to West Yellowstone: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in West Yellowstone
- Where to Go Next from West Yellowstone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
West Yellowstone is a small town located in Yellowstone Country, Montana, United States, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The town serves as the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is a popular destination for visitors who want to explore the park while staying in a more affordable location. With a myriad of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious dining options, West Yellowstone offers something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive tour guide for West Yellowstone to help you plan your trip.
Introduction to West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is a charming town that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The town has a rich history and a vibrant culture that can be seen in its architecture, museums, and local events. In addition to being a great basecamp for exploring the park, West Yellowstone has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to spend some time before or after your national park adventure.
List of Places to Visit in West Yellowstone
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Yellowstone Historic Center: This museum features exhibits on the history of West Yellowstone, from its early days as a railroad town to its role in the development of Yellowstone National Park.
- Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: A non-profit wildlife park and educational facility that features resident grizzly bears and gray wolves in naturalistic habitats.
- Eagle’s store: A historic general store built-in 1908, it has locally made blankets, jewelry, and other souvenir items.
Natural Attractions of West Yellowstone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Yellowstone National Park: With its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the world. Visitors can explore the park by foot, car, bicycle, or even on horseback or snowmobile during the winter months.
- Earthquake Lake: A natural wonder that was created after an earthquake in 1959 caused a landslide dam. Visitors can learn about the event at the Earthquake Lake Visitor’s Center and take in the scenic views of the lake.
- Horseback riding: Explore Yellowstone Country’s scenic vistas on horseback through one of the many outfitters in the area.
Hiking/Biking Routes of West Yellowstone
- Bighorn Pass Trail: A moderately difficult, 9-mile hike up to Bighorn Pass offers beautiful vistas with a chance to spot wildlife.
- Riverside Trail: An easy 3-mile hike that offers beautiful views of the Madison River.
- Rendezvous Mountain Bike Trails: A network of singletrack trails suitable for all skill levels.
Best Things to Do in West Yellowstone: Activities and Tours
- Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Center: A rehab center for abandoned or abused exotic cats, grizzly bears, wolves, and other animals.
- National Park Tour: Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide to learn all about Yellowstone National Park and its unique features. Tours can be customized to your interests, schedule and can involve a variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.
- Fly Fishing: Experience world-class fly fishing on the nearby Madison River or local streams
Week-Long Itinerary for West Yellowstone
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the town and Yellowstone Historic Center |
| 2 | Tour of Yellowstone National Park |
| 3 | Hike up Bighorn Pass Trail |
| 4 | Go fishing in the Madison River |
| 5 | Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center |
| 6 | Go horseback riding |
| 7 | Take a day trip to Earthquake Lake |
Food and Drink Scene of West Yellowstone
Must-Try Dishes
- Buffalo Burger: A Montana classic and must-try for any meat eater.
- Huckleberry Pancakes: A breakfast staple to fuel up before hitting the trails or exploring the park.
- Wild Game: Elk, bison, and deer for adventurous eaters.
Local Beverages
- Yellowstone Ale: A local craft brew that captures the spirit of the park.
- Sarsaparilla: A non-alcoholic root beer that’s popular in the American West.
- Huckleberry Vodka: A fiery taste of the famous Montana berry.
Where to Stay in West Yellowstone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Explorer Cabins Yellowstone: Cozy log cabins located just minutes from the park entrance.
- Yellowstone Under Canvas: Luxury camping with beautiful views of the mountains.
- Gray Wolf Inn & Suites: Family-friendly hotel close to the town center.
What to Buy in West Yellowstone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Huckleberry Jam: A sweet and tart taste of Montana that you can enjoy at home.
- Yellowstone T-Shirt: A memento to remind you of your trip to Yellowstone Country.
- Handmade Jewelry: Local artists create unique jewelry inspired by the beauty of the area.
Local Culture and Customs of West Yellowstone
Montanans are known for their hospitality, and those in West Yellowstone are no exception. When greeting someone, it’s customary to offer a handshake. Tipping in restaurants, bars, and other service industries is expected, with 15-20% of the bill being the standard.
Best Time to Visit West Yellowstone
The best time to visit West Yellowstone is in the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the park and surrounding area is easily accessible. The park is popular in the winter months for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of West Yellowstone
Do:
- Do take a photo with the Yellowstone Park Arch at the park entrance.
- Do respect wildlife and keep a safe distance when viewing them.
- Do dress in layers as the weather can change quickly and be unpredictable.
Don’t:
- Don’t leave any trash behind - always follow the “leave no trace” principles.
- Don’t approach or feed any wild animals, it’s dangerous and illegal.
- Don’t exceed the speed limit when driving in the park - the wildlife have the right-of-way.
Safety and Health
Safety in West Yellowstone
While West Yellowstone is a relatively safe place, there are still some precautions to take. Wildlife encounters are a common occurrence, so it’s important to know how to minimize the risk of an attack. It’s also important to stay on marked trails and follow park rules and regulations while exploring Yellowstone. Keep an eye on the weather as inclement weather can occur without warning, so be prepared.
Health in West Yellowstone
There are no specific health concerns in West Yellowstone, but it’s always important to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and heat, and wear appropriate gear when adventuring outdoors.
Getting to West Yellowstone: Transportation Options and Logistics
The easiest way to get to West Yellowstone is by car. The town is located just off Highway 20, which runs through the park. For those flying in, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 90 miles away. Shuttle services and car rentals are available from the airport.
Airports Near West Yellowstone
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- West Yellowstone Airport
Bus Stations Near West Yellowstone
- Salt Lake Express
- Greyhound
Other Options
- Rent a car and make the scenic drive to West Yellowstone.
- Take a private car service from the airport.
How to Get Around in West Yellowstone
The best way to get around West Yellowstone is by car, but there are several other transportation options available. Many of the activity providers offer transportation to and from their activities, and local shuttle services are available during peak season.
Where to Go Next from West Yellowstone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Bozeman: A college town located about an hour and a half’s drive from West Yellowstone and a hub for outdoor adventures.
- Big Sky: Home of the Big Sky Ski Resort in the winter and a popular hiking, fishing, and mountain biking spot in the summer.
- Jackson Hole: This Wyoming town is famous for its skiing, wildlife, and natural beauty, and is located just a few hours drive from West Yellowstone.
Conclusion
West Yellowstone is a hidden gem situated in the heart of Yellowstone Country, offering a plethora of outdoor activities and cultural experiences for visitors. Armed with this comprehensive tour guide, you are now equipped with all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to West Yellowstone and its surrounding areas.
