Yellowstone National Park is surrounded by iconic gateway communities that each offer a unique way to experience America’s first national park. The primary Yellowstone gateway towns include West Yellowstone, Montana; Gardiner, Montana; Cooke City, Montana; Silver Gate, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; Jackson, Wyoming; and Ashton, Idaho near the Bechler Ranger Station area. From lively mountain towns filled with restaurants and shops to quiet outdoor communities that serve as hidden access points into Yellowstone’s wilderness, every gateway provides a different Yellowstone adventure.
West Entrance — West Yellowstone, Montana
Located at Yellowstone’s west entrance, West Yellowstone is one of the park’s most popular gateway communities. The town offers:
• Lodging and cabins
• Restaurants and shopping
• Snowmobile access in winter
• Family-friendly attractions
• Easy access to Old Faithful and geyser basins
West Yellowstone serves as a convenient home base for visitors wanting quick access to many of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions.
North Entrance — Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner sits at Yellowstone’s historic north entrance and is the only entrance open year-round to regular vehicle traffic.
Known for its rich history and wildlife viewing opportunities, Gardiner offers:
• Access to Mammoth Hot Springs
• Elk and bison viewing
• The Roosevelt Arch
• Rafting and outdoor recreation
• Year-round Yellowstone access
The town’s close proximity to the Lamar Valley also makes it a favorite destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Northeast Entrance — Cooke City & Silver Gate, Montana
Near Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, Cooke City and Silver Gate provide access to some of the park’s most rugged and scenic landscapes.
This area is especially popular for:
• Wildlife photography
• Access to Lamar Valley
• Scenic drives along the Beartooth Highway
• Snowmobiling and winter recreation
• Remote mountain experiences
Visitors looking for dramatic scenery and quieter Yellowstone experiences often gravitate toward this region.
East Entrance — Cody, Wyoming
Cody serves as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone and is famous for its western heritage and cowboy culture.
Highlights include:
• The Buffalo Bill Center of the West
• Rodeos and western attractions
• Scenic drives through Shoshone National Forest
• Easy access to Yellowstone Lake
• Historic downtown experiences
For travelers who want both Yellowstone adventure and classic western charm, Cody delivers a memorable combination.
South Entrance — Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson and nearby Grand Teton National Park create one of the most iconic gateway experiences in the American West.
This southern Yellowstone gateway offers:
• Luxury lodging and dining
• Grand Teton access
• Scenic mountain views
• Wildlife safaris
• Outdoor recreation year-round
Many visitors combine Grand Teton and Yellowstone into one unforgettable road trip through Jackson.
Southwest Yellowstone Access — Ashton, Idaho & The Bechler Ranger Station
One of Yellowstone’s lesser-known gateway experiences can be found near Ashton, Idaho, which provides access to the remote Bechler Ranger Station area in Yellowstone’s southwest corner.
Often called Yellowstone’s “Cascade Corner,” the Bechler region is famous for:
• Spectacular waterfalls
• Remote hiking trails
• Geothermal features
• Scenic meadows and forests
• Backcountry camping
• Peaceful wilderness experiences
Unlike Yellowstone’s busier entrances, the Bechler Ranger Station area offers travelers a quieter, more secluded side of the park.
Popular attractions in the region include:
• Cave Falls
• Union Falls
• Bechler Meadows
• Backcountry waterfall trails
• Scenic wilderness routes
For visitors looking to escape the crowds and experience Yellowstone’s untamed beauty, the Bechler region near Ashton is one of the park’s hidden gems.
