Activity Yellowstone
West Yellowstone
An activity in Yellowstone, pricey ($$$) and worth most of a day (about 8 hours). Best time to go: Full day.
Why go
Montana gateway town at the West Entrance, where most snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours to Old Faithful begin.
It is one of 7 curated places we feature in Yellowstone, alongside 3 outdoor spots, 2 sights and 1 place to stay. The closest of our other picks is Grand Prismatic Spring, 16 mi away as the crow flies. Set aside most of a day (about 8 hours) here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.
- Type
- Activity · Adventure
- Price
- $$$
- Time needed
- 8 hr
- Best time
- Full day
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 1 beyond Yellowstone. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.
Sight · 16 mi straight-line - 2Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook
Short climb to a raised platform above Grand Prismatic Spring for the full color rings.
Activity · Yellowstone National Park · 17 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
West Yellowstone is a stop on our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is our only activity pick in Yellowstone; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Yellowstone guide.
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Old Faithful
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting about every 60 to 110 minutes; in winter the plume of steam towers over the snow.
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Old Faithful Snow Lodge
The main winter lodging in Yellowstone's interior, a short walk from Old Faithful and reached only by snowcoach or snowmobile.
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellow-walled canyon where the 308-foot Lower Falls builds a huge cone of ice in winter.
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Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces near the North Entrance, steaming and frosted in winter, with boardwalks you can walk on your own.
-
Lamar Valley
Wide valley in northeast Yellowstone with bison, elk and the park's best chances of seeing wolves in winter.
When to go
Average daily highs in Yellowstone run from 19°F in December to 72°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For West Yellowstone itself, we suggest: Full day.
Modelled monthly averages for Yellowstone from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Yellowstone weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for West Yellowstone, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 44.66222, -111.10694
- Destination
- Yellowstone, Wyoming
West Yellowstone: quick answers
How much time do you need at West Yellowstone?
Plan on most of a day (about 8 hours) at West Yellowstone. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit West Yellowstone?
Our pick: Full day. Insider tip: Book a guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour ahead; private snowmobiles need a permit.
Which TripsCircle routes include West Yellowstone?
West Yellowstone appears on Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add West Yellowstone to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Yellowstone.
Plan Yellowstone
- Yellowstone travel guide 7 places
- Best time to visit Yellowstone weather by month
- Jackson to Yellowstone 79 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Yellowstone
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Outdoors
- Old Faithful Sight
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge Stay
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.