Hotels in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone: Gateway Town on the Park's Western Edge

West Yellowstone, Montana sits at 6,666 feet elevation, directly on the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park — the world's first national park, established in 1872. The town of roughly 1,300 permanent residents swells dramatically each summer as visitors use it as a base for exploring Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Firehole River canyon, all within 30 miles of town. Winter transforms West Yellowstone into a snowmobile hub; the park's western roads open to over-snow travel from mid-December through mid-March.

Where to Stay

Accommodations cluster along Canyon Street and Yellowstone Avenue, the two main commercial corridors. Properties range from roadside motels to mid-range lodges with snowmobile storage. Staying in town keeps visitors close to the park's West Entrance gate, which opens to wheeled vehicles in late April and closes in early November.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early: The West Entrance gate queue builds by 7 a.m. in July and August — enter before 8 a.m. to avoid waits exceeding one hour.
• Book months ahead: Summer and winter peak seasons fill properties quickly; January and February snowmobile demand is comparable to July.
• Altitude: At 6,666 feet, allow a day to acclimatize before strenuous hikes.
• Fuel up in town: Gas stations inside the park are limited; West Yellowstone is the last reliable fuel stop on the western approach.