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Best day trips from Yellowstone

The best places to escape Yellowstone for a day — drives, train rides, and easy outings within 1–3 hours of the city.

Yellowstone, WY, USA· Airport: BZN
Yellowstone — Day trips | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • Most popular day trips from Yellowstone are within a 90-minute drive of a park entrance, particularly from Gardiner, West Yellowstone, or Jackson.
  • A personal vehicle or rental car is essential for flexibility and accessing varied terrain; public transport options are limited outside primary towns.
  • Roads inside Yellowstone and in surrounding areas may close seasonally due to weather, especially between October and May; check NPS alerts.
  • Grand Teton National Park is directly south of Yellowstone, offering a natural extension for multi-day itineraries rather than a typical 'day trip' due to its size.
  • Cellular service is unreliable or nonexistent in many areas around Yellowstone; download offline maps and carry physical maps.
  • When driving through small towns like Gardiner or West Yellowstone, observe local speed limits strictly, especially for wildlife crossing areas.
  • The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is a common arrival point and convenient for exploring areas north of the park.

While Yellowstone National Park itself could occupy weeks, the surrounding region offers diverse landscapes and activities suitable for day trips. Many visitors arrive via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which serves as a common gateway to the park, making trips outside the park accessible before or after your main Yellowstone itinerary. Planning these excursions can provide a change of pace from thermal features and wildlife viewing, offering glimpses into Western history, mountain towns, or additional outdoor recreation.

When considering day trips from Yellowstone, it's helpful to categorize them by direction and type of experience. North of the park, places like Livingston or Paradise Valley offer fly-fishing access, art galleries, and a different mountain aesthetic. To the south, Jackson Hole provides a more bustling resort town atmosphere with access to Grand Teton National Park, which is often combined with a Yellowstone visit. West Yellowstone, just outside the park's west entrance, is a hub for snowmobiling in winter and provides immediate access to Montana's wilderness in warmer months.

Given the size of the region and the distances between points of interest, a personal vehicle is generally the most practical method for day tripping. Rental car options are plentiful at BZN and other regional airports. Be mindful of seasonal road closures, especially for mountain passes and routes through national parks, as these can significantly impact travel times and accessibility. Always check local conditions and park alerts before setting out.

Packing essentials for any day trip in this area include layers of clothing, sufficient water, and snacks, as services can be spread out. A reliable map or GPS is also advisable, as cell service can be intermittent in more remote areas. Remember that wildlife can be present outside park boundaries, so maintain appropriate distance. If you're looking for tailored recommendations or assistance with logistics, consider reaching out to a travel agent who specializes in the Yellowstone region.

In this guide

  • Top picks for day trips
  • How to get there from Yellowstone
  • Best for nature
  • Best for food and drink
  • Tips for planning

Frequently asked questions

What towns are good for a day trip from Yellowstone?
From the north entrance, Gardiner, Montana, is right outside and offers immediate access to the Roosevelt Arch and Yellowstone River. Moving north, Livingston provides a classic Western town feel with galleries and fly-fishing shops. To the west, West Yellowstone, Montana, is a bustling gateway with shops and restaurants. South of the park, Jackson, Wyoming, is a larger resort town near Grand Teton, offering more amenities and activities. Each town provides a different atmosphere and set of activities, from historical interests to outdoor sports.
Can I visit Grand Teton National Park as a day trip from Yellowstone?
While it's technically possible, visiting Grand Teton as a day trip from within Yellowstone is ambitious and generally not recommended for a fulfilling experience. Grand Teton is a large park itself, located immediately south of Yellowstone, and merits at least a full day, if not more, to explore its scenic drives, lakes, and trails properly. Driving between key points in both parks can consume significant time. Many visitors combine the two parks by allocating separate days to each or spending a night between them.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
What is there to do in Bozeman, MT, for a day trip from Yellowstone?
Bozeman, Montana, located about 1.5 to 2 hours north of Yellowstone's north entrance, makes for a viable day trip, especially if flying in or out of BZN. The city offers a contrast to the park's wilderness with its vibrant downtown, art galleries, and diverse dining options. The Museum of the Rockies, known for its dinosaur exhibits, is a significant attraction. Bozeman also serves as a base for accessing other outdoor recreation like hiking in the surrounding mountains or fly-fishing on the Gallatin River.
Are there any scenic drives outside Yellowstone suitable for a day trip?
Yes, several scenic drives outside Yellowstone are excellent for day trips. The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop, stretching north from Gardiner along the Yellowstone River towards Livingston, offers stunning mountain views, ranch lands, and access to hot springs. The Beartooth Highway (US-212), often cited as one of America's most scenic roads, begins east of the park near Cooke City and climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering alpine vistas. However, the Beartooth Highway is typically open only from late May/early June to mid-October due to snow.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
What wildlife viewing opportunities exist outside Yellowstone National Park?
Wildlife viewing isn't exclusive to Yellowstone's boundaries. The Paradise Valley north of Gardiner is known for elk, deer, and occasional bear sightings, particularly in the foothills and along the Yellowstone River. The national forests surrounding the park, such as the Gallatin National Forest, are habitat for similar animals. Drivers should remain vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk, as animals frequently cross roadways in these areas. Maintaining a safe distance and never feeding wildlife applies to all regions.
Can I do a rafting or fishing trip outside the park as a day trip?
Absolutely. The Yellowstone River, which flows north out of the park, offers excellent opportunities for guided fly-fishing trips and whitewater rafting. Towns like Gardiner and Livingston are common starting points for these excursions, with numerous outfitters available. The Gallatin River, west of Bozeman and accessible from the West Yellowstone area, is another popular spot for both fishing and rafting. These activities provide a different way to experience the region's natural beauty and are well-suited for a half-day or full-day outing.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares

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