Yellowstone is Huge.

Yellowstone National Park is huge. This is something that locals can’t stress enough and still hopefuls call wanting the “walking tour.” When you’re visiting a place this massive (and your vacation is only so long) you need a plan. First, consider that the Park is shaped like a figure eight (8) and is referred to in loops: The Upper Loop (the top of the 8) and the Lower Loop (you guessed it…the bottom). Yellowstone is flanked in all compass directions by entrances and each entrance is home to a gateway community: Jackson Hole, WY to the south, Cody, Wyoming to the east, West Yellowstone, Montana to the west, and Gardiner, Montana to the north. Each entrance has something special and unique to offer, so before you hang your hat, determine your priorities, and plan accordingly.

Assuming that your Yellowstone priority is touring Yellowstone Park, you should turn your attention to West Yellowstone. This is not to say that the city of West Yellowstone outshines or bests the other towns in Yellowstone Country. It is simply to say that this is the smartest choice for a Yellowstone itinerary. West Yellowstone is ideally situated right where those two loops meet (figure eight, remember?). A line on a map and a road aptly named Boundary Street are the only things that separate this charming community from the country’s first national park. Staying in West you will travel 14 miles from Yellowstone’s west gate to Madison Junction where you will make your biggest touring choice of the day: left or right, Upper or Lower. No other entrance can offer you this potential for minimal backtracking and maximum time spent in the Park versus just driving home.

Location is only one argument for choosing West Yellowstone…but that’s a whole different entry altogether. The point is that there are many things to consider when planning your trip to Yellowstone, and choosing your headquarters should be the start. When you’re ready to put the other pieces in place, be sure and take advantage of local resources and knowledge. The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce (all cities in Yellowstone Country have amazing Chambers) is a great place to find ranches, hotels, or campgrounds, activities, additional travel tips, and more, more, more.