Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide: Location, How to Reach, Things to Do, Hotels, and More
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Known for its geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, it attracts millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip and searching for details like where’s Yellowstone National Park, where to fly into for Yellowstone, or things to do, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Where’s Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States, covering parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
However, most of the park (about 96%) lies in Wyoming, making Wyoming the primary state associated with Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park Location Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary State | Wyoming |
| Other States | Montana, Idaho |
| Closest Major Cities | Bozeman, Jackson, Idaho Falls |
| Year Established | 1872 (world’s first national park) |
What State Is Yellowstone National Park In?
Although it stretches across three states, Yellowstone is mostly in Wyoming. The Montana and Idaho portions include some park boundaries and access points but contain fewer attractions compared to the Wyoming section.
How to Reach Yellowstone National Park
Travel to Yellowstone depends on how far you’re coming from and your starting city. Below are the main ways to reach the park: by air, taxi, bus, and train.
Where to Fly Into for Yellowstone? (Major Airports)
The best way to reach Yellowstone is by flying into one of its nearby airports.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park
| Airport Name | Airport Code | Distance to Yellowstone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hole Airport | JAC | Inside the park (South Entrance) | Closest and most scenic airport |
| Yellowstone Airport (Seasonal) | WYS | 5 minutes to West Entrance | Open only summer; ideal for West Yellowstone |
| Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport | BZN | 1.5 hours to North Entrance | Best for year-round flights |
| Idaho Falls Regional Airport | IDA | 2 hours to West/South Entrance | Budget-friendly option |
| Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport | COD | 1 hour to East Entrance | Best for accessing East Yellowstone |
Bozeman and Jackson Hole airports are the most popular choices for tourists.
Reaching Yellowstone by Train
There are no train stations inside Yellowstone, but you can reach nearby cities and continue by bus or car.
Closest Train Access Points
| Train Service | City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | Bozeman (via shuttle from Livingston, MT) | Closest Amtrak route |
| Amtrak | Salt Lake City | Connect to bus or rental car |
| Amtrak | Idaho Falls (via bus transfer) | Good for southern access |
After reaching the nearest Amtrak stop, travelers typically take a bus or taxi to the nearest entrance.
Reaching Yellowstone by Bus
Bus service to Yellowstone is available seasonally.
Bus Options
| Service | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Salt Lake City → Idaho Falls | Then taxi/shuttle to park |
| Salt Lake Express | Idaho Falls → West Yellowstone | Most reliable route |
| Shuttle Companies | Bozeman, Jackson → Yellowstone | Daily trips in peak season |
West Yellowstone is the most accessible entrance via bus.
Reaching Yellowstone by Taxi or Car Rentals
Taking a taxi or renting a car is the easiest way to explore the park.
Taxi Options
| City | Availability |
|---|---|
| Jackson | High, airport taxis available |
| West Yellowstone | Seasonal taxi services |
| Bozeman | Airport taxis and Uber available |
| Idaho Falls | Local taxi and rideshare |
Taxis can take you to the park, but exploring Yellowstone requires a car because distances inside the park are long.
Driving Inside Yellowstone
Once inside, the Grand Loop Road connects all major attractions. A private vehicle gives the most freedom to explore.
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is packed with natural wonders. Below are the top attractions you shouldn’t miss.
1. Old Faithful Geyser
The most famous geyser in the world erupts around every 90 minutes.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its vibrant rainbow-colored waters.
3. Yellowstone Lake
Perfect for kayaking, scenic drives, and photography.
4. Mammoth Hot Springs
Terrace-like hot spring formations created over thousands of years.
5. Lamar Valley
Best place for wildlife viewing including bison, wolves, and bears.
6. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Home to the stunning Lower Falls, one of the best viewpoints in the park.
7. Norris Geyser Basin
One of the hottest and most dynamic geothermal areas.
8. Hayden Valley
A hotspot for wildlife similar to Lamar Valley.
Madison Campground Yellowstone
Madison Campground is one of the most popular places to stay inside the park.
Madison Campground Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone |
| Season | May to October |
| Reservations | Required and fill up early |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic areas, no showers |
| Nearby Attractions | Firehole Canyon, Gibbon River, Norris Geyser Basin |
Its central location makes it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.
Hotels in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone offers both in-park lodges and hotels near the entrances.
Hotels Inside Yellowstone
| Hotel Name | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Old Faithful Inn | Near Old Faithful | Historic architecture |
| Lake Yellowstone Hotel | Yellowstone Lake | Elegant lakeside stay |
| Canyon Lodge | Canyon Village | Modern, spacious rooms |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel | North Entrance | Winter access, wildlife viewing |
Hotels Near Yellowstone Entrances
| Entrance | Nearby Town | Hotel Options |
|---|---|---|
| West Entrance | West Yellowstone | Holiday Inn, Explorer Cabins |
| North Entrance | Gardiner, MT | Yellowstone Gateway Inn |
| South Entrance | Jackson, WY | Snow King Resort, Elk Country Inn |
| East Entrance | Cody, WY | Buffalo Bill Village |
Yellowstone National Park Eruption Facts
Yellowstone sits above a supervolcano, and many visitors wonder about future eruptions.
Is Yellowstone About to Erupt?
- No scientific evidence suggests an imminent eruption.
- The last major eruption occurred 640,000 years ago.
- The U.S. Geological Survey monitors Yellowstone closely.
- Minor earthquakes and geyser activity are normal geothermal processes.
Yellowstone Eruption History
| Event | Years Ago |
|---|---|
| First major eruption | 2.1 million years |
| Second major eruption | 1.3 million years |
| Third major eruption | 640,000 years |
Yellowstone is safe to visit, and its geothermal activity is what makes the park beautiful.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone
Season Overview
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Summer (June–Aug) | Best weather, busiest season |
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Fewer crowds, fall colors |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Limited access, snow tours |
| Spring (April–May) | Wildlife watching, some road closures |
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park is a natural world wonder with unmatched geothermal activity, wildlife, and landscapes. Whether you’re searching for Yellowstone National Park location, planning the best airport to fly into, looking for Madison Campground Yellowstone, or figuring out things to do, this guide provides a complete overview. With proper planning, hotel bookings, and transportation options like taxis, buses, trains, and airports, your Yellowstone adventure will be unforgettable.