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There’s so much to do around here that it can be nice to establish a home base from which to set out on day trips and explore all the region has to offer, both in and outside the park. Think of a day trip as a mini vacation within your vacation — each day, a new itinerary of park discovery, small-town exploration or outdoor adventure. Here are some recommendations.
From Bozeman or Livingston, make your way to Gardiner, Yellowstone’s northern entrance and the gateway to park adventure. Stroll the steaming travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs — it’s like walking on another planet. Step back in time at Fort Yellowstone, where old army buildings tell stories of the park’s past. Feeling ambitious? Head toward Tower Junction for roadside waterfalls, sagebrush prairies and maybe even a bison traffic jam. Undine Falls is just off the road, and Wraith Falls is a quick half-mile stroll from the road. Don’t miss Tower Falls, 2 miles south of the junction. Wrap up your day with a hearty meal in Gardiner or a rejuvenating soak at Chico Hot Springs.
Bozeman: Visit the Museum of the Rockies, home to a world-renowned collection of dinosaur fossils and regional history exhibits. Then, explore downtown Bozeman’s eclectic mix of boutique shops, eateries and breweries — it’s a perfect balance of laid-back and lively. If adventure calls, head to Hyalite Canyon for hiking or snowshoeing, depending on the season, or catch some epic views on a drive to Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
Livingston: Tour the Yellowstone Gateway Museum and soak up Livingston’s Old West charm while exploring its art galleries, fly-fishing shops and The Murray Hotel, a historic spot. For a dose of nature, drive into Paradise Valley, where dramatic peaks and winding rivers will take your breath away. Don’t miss the chance to relax at Chico Hot Springs.
Gardiner: Raft the Yellowstone River with a local rafting guide, or take a wildlife tour to spot elk, eagles and maybe even a bear. Afterward, kick back at Yellowstone Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters and mountain views set the stage for pure relaxation.
Bozeman: Stay at Howler’s Inn, a wolf sanctuary.
Livingston: Sleep in cabin-comfort at Yellowstone Valley Lodge.
Gardiner: Get away from it all at the remote cabins of Crevice Mountain Lodge.
Start your day at Norris Geyser Basin, where a barren white landscape gives way to geothermal pools, spewing geysers and seething steam vents. For more sublime sights, head to the Midway Geyser Basin to marvel at Great Fountain Geyser and the vivid hues of Grand Prismatic Spring. You can also easily spend a day exploring Old Faithful and its surrounding geyser basins. Easy, flat trails wind through the Geyser Hill area, the Firehole River Loop and the Black Sand Basin, just a mile west of Old Faithful. Consider a mile-long stroll at Biscuit Basin on the way back. During the winter, snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours of the park are excellent options.
Big Sky: Snowshoe to Ousel Falls in winter or hike there in summer to find a waterfall framed by wildflowers. For more adrenaline, hit the slopes at Big Sky Resort. In the warmer months, go fly-fishing on the Gallatin River, hike Beehive Basin or experience the thrill of ziplining. Wrap up the day with a meal and live music at Big Sky Town Center — where mountain-town vibes meet great shopping and eats.
West Yellowstone: Get up close and personal with rescued wildlife at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center any time of year. In winter, explore snow-packed trails on snowmobiles or fat bikes, or try ice fishing on Hebgen Lake. In summer, paddleboard or kayak on Hebgen Lake or Quake Lake and learn about their geological history. For history buffs, stop by the Museum of the Yellowstone before heading out for a hike or guided horseback trail ride in the Gallatin National Forest.
Big Sky: Stay in a mountain chalet at the 320 Guest Ranch, 12 miles south of Big Sky.
West Yellowstone: Keep it cheap with a log hostel bunk at the historic, timber-laden Madison Hotel.
Embark on a wildlife safari in your own car through Lamar Valley, where bison roam, wolves prowl and the occasional bear lumbers by. Then drive to Tower Junction, where you’ll turn south for a quick peek at Tower Falls. Make your way to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where thundering waterfalls plunge into vibrant canyon walls. Take the North Rim Drive to a series of canyon overlooks, and if you only have time for a short hike, take the half-mile trail to Brink of the Lower Falls, which puts you right on the edge of a 300-foot roaring waterfall. If you’ve got more time, hike as much of the easy North Rim Trail as you’d like.
Silver Gate (just a few miles from Cooke City): Marvel at the antique touches (like vintage stoves) of the Silver Gate Cabins, built in the ’30s.
Adventure starts with a scenic drive along the iconic Beartooth Highway (seasonal). Twist and turn past glacial lakes and rugged peaks to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. Stop at the Gardner Lake pullout for the best view of the Bear’s Tooth rock formation. An easy 3-mile gravel road takes you up to Clay Butte Lookout, an old fire lookout tower open in July and August. Once in the park, explore Lamar Valley (aka America’s Serengeti) or hike to Tower Falls. Get close-up views of Yellowstone's natural residents by renting a Swarovski spotting scope from the Silver Gate Lodging general store.
Ski the slopes of Red Lodge Mountain in winter or stroll through the historic downtown in summer, exploring unique shops, galleries and eateries. Don’t miss the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum to learn about the region’s coal mining and cowboy past. You could also spend part of the day hiking the Lake Fork Trail to Lost Lake for stunning mountain views (Note: The U.S. Forest Service website lists dozens of day hikes in the Beartooth area), or drive the Beartooth Highway for a bucket-list experience. Make stops at viewpoints like the Bear’s Tooth rock formation or Clay Butte Lookout for incredible photo opportunities.
The Pollard Hotel: Built in 1893 as the first brick structure built in Red Lodge, the historic Pollard Hotel is known for famous guests in history, a formal dining room, a casual pub and a health club featuring racquetball courts, a full gym, locker rooms and saunas.
Rock Creek Resort: Nine minutes outside of Red Lodge toward the park and 14 miles from the slopes at Big Sky Resort, find a breathtaking location and upscale environment.
