MileHacker Logo
Yellowstone Montana Itineraries

Yellowstone Montana Itineraries

Yellowstone Montana Montana, USA Travel Guide

Time-Based Itineraries

24-hour layover highlights (from West Yellowstone):

Morning: Enter the West Entrance. Drive to Fountain Paint Pot and Midway Geyser Basin for Grand Prismatic Spring. Enjoy short boardwalk walks. Afternoon: Visit Old Faithful. Watch an eruption. Explore the historic Old Faithful Inn. Evening: Dinner in West Yellowstone.

Weekend Getaway North Entrance Focus

  • Day 1 (Arrival in Gardiner): Arrive at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and drive to Gardiner. Explore Roosevelt Arch and Gardiner town. An evening soak at Boiling River is possible. Dinner in Gardiner.
  • Day 2 (Mammoth & Lamar Valley): Morning exploration of Mammoth Hot Springs (Upper and Lower Terraces, Fort Yellowstone). Drive to Lamar Valley for prime wildlife viewing. Pack a picnic lunch. Return to Gardiner.
  • Day 3 (Paradise Valley & Departure): Scenic drive north through Paradise Valley on US-89. Optional stop at Yellowstone Hot Springs or a short hike in Gallatin National Forest. Depart from BZN.

Extended Itineraries

For exploration, consider a week-long or two-week adventure.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience Montana-Centric

This itinerary balances Yellowstone'the key attractions with Montana's surrounding areas.

Daily Breakdown

  • Days 1-2 (West Yellowstone Focus): Arrive at BZN, drive to West Yellowstone. Explore town, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Dedicate a full day to Lower Geyser Basin (Fountain Paint Pots, Grand Prismatic Spring) and Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful).
  • Days 3-4 (Central Park & Canyon): Drive from West Yellowstone towards Canyon Village (Wyoming side). Explore Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (Upper and Lower Falls, Artist Point). Drive north for lodging near Tower-Roosevelt or Mammoth.
  • Days 5-6 (Northern Loop & Lamar Valley): Explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Fort Yellowstone. Drive to Lamar Valley for prime wildlife viewing. A ranger program or short hike is an option. Overnight in Gardiner or Cooke City.
  • Day SEVEN (Beartooth Highway & Departure): If seasonal roads permit, drive the scenic Beartooth Highway from Cooke City. Otherwise, explore more of Gallatin National Forest or revisit a favorite park spot. Depart from BZN.
Consider booking experiences via GetYourGuide to complement your itinerary.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

For a truly immersive experience, expand your trip to two weeks.

Extended Adventures

  • Combine the one-week itinerary with an additional week.
  • Apply this time for discovery Grand Teton National Park.
  • Undertake more extensive hiking in Yellowstone's backcountry.
  • Explore Montana's surrounding national forests, perhaps with camping or extended hikes.

Interest-Based Routes: History & Culture

Tailor your itinerary to explore the rich history and cultural landscape of the region.

A Deep Dive into the Past

  • Concentrate your visit on Mammoth Hot Springs (Fort Yellowstone) and the Roosevelt Arch.
  • Explore the historical lodges, like Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
  • Include visits to the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman.
  • The Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston is another valuable stop.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

For those seeking active pursuits, this way maximizes outdoor thrills.

Thrill-Seeking Itinerary

  • Prioritize hiking, with trails like Bunsen Peak or Specimen Ridge.
  • Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone or Gallatin Rivers.
  • Consider horseback riding through scenic landscapes.
  • A guided fishing trip on a local river is an option.

Other Interest-Based Itineraries

Customize your trip to match your specific interests, from culinary exploration to family activities.

Food & Culinary Focus

Dine in West Yellowstone and Gardiner, trying local bison or elk dishes and huckleberry treats. Stock up at local markets for scenic picnics.

Family-Friendly Journey

Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Focus on easy boardwalk trails and short ranger programs. A boat tour on Yellowstone The body of water is also an option. Emphasize wildlife viewing with binoculars.

Art & Architecture

Appreciate the rustic architecture of the park lodges and Mammoth's historic buildings. Visit art galleries in Bozeman and Livingston.

Dining Diversity

Yellowstone's gateway towns have a taste of local cuisine, including unique regional ingredients.

Budget-Based Plans

Travel Yellowstone Montana efficiently, regardless of your budget.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize your adventure while keeping costs low.

Thrifty Travel Tips

  • Prioritize camping, either in-park or in the surrounding National Forest.
  • Self-cater meals using groceries purchased outside the park.
  • Hike extensively and participate in free ranger programs.
  • Consider joining a group to divide rental car costs.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A comfortable journey balancing experience and cost.

Balanced Approach

  • Stay in mid-range hotels or cabins in gateway towns.
  • Mix restaurant meals with packed lunches to manage expenses.
  • Rent a standard car for transportation.
  • Enjoy some paid activities like a half-day guided trip or a rafting trip.

Luxury Experience Plan

Enjoy high-end services and exclusive activities for an unforgettable trip.

Elevated Comfort

  • Stay in in-park lodges or premium vacation rentals.
  • Enjoy fine dining experiences.
  • Rent a high-end SUV for comfort and style.

Exclusive Activities

  • Opt for exclusive guided tours, for wildlife viewing or fishing.
  • Consider scenic flights over the park for unparalleled views.
  • Look into other exclusive experiences tailored to your desires.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart strategies for a fulfilling trip that respects your budget.

Budget-Savvy Travel

  • Go in the shoulder season (spring or fall) for better rates and fewer crowds.
  • Book accommodations and rental cars well in advance for competitive prices.
  • Purchase the America the Beautiful Pass if visiting multiple national parks.
  • Cook some of your dishes to save on dining expenses.

Seasonal Specialties

Yellowstone's character changes with the seasons, offering different experiences.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Summer: All roads stay open. Hiking, fishing, and rafting are popular. Wildlife activity peaks. Weather usually gives optimal outdoor conditions.
  • Winter: Snowmobiling or snow coach tours get to the interior. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular. Excellent opportunities exist for seeing bison and elk compared to the snow, and for wolf viewing in Lamar Valley. The North Entrance (Gardiner) stays open year-round for vehicle access to Mammoth and Lamar Valley.
  • Festival/Events: Check local calendars for smaller town festivals, rodeos, or art shows in gateway communities. These local culture encounters are unique.
  • Off-Season (Spring/Fall): Enjoy the quiet solitude of spring (May) or fall (September/October). Prepare for changeable weather and potential road closures. Prime seasons for wildlife viewing, as animals are often more active and visible.

Night Safety

Pack a headlamp, even unless you plan night hikes. Park roads and trails lack lighting, and a headlamp is beneficial for early morning starts or unexpected delays.
← Previous
Sustainable Travel in Yellowstone Montana
← Back to Yellowstone Montana
Next →
Yellowstone Montana Travel Hacks

Next Up: Yellowstone Montana Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Continue to Yellowstone Montana Travel Hacks