If you’re searching “what city is Yellowstone National Park in?”, the answer is a little different from what you might expect: Yellowstone National Park is not located in a single city.
Yellowstone is primarily in northwestern Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. The park is surrounded by several gateway communities, including West Yellowstone and Gardiner in Montana, as well as towns such as Cody and Jackson in Wyoming.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, the better question is often: Which city or town should I stay in to visit Yellowstone?
For many visitors, West Yellowstone, Montana is one of the most convenient gateway towns, particularly for accessing the park through its West Entrance.
Quick Answer: What City Is Yellowstone National Park In?
Yellowstone National Park is not in one specific city. Most of the park is located in northwestern Wyoming, while smaller portions are in Montana and Idaho.
The closest gateway communities include:
- West Yellowstone, Montana — near the West Entrance
- Gardiner, Montana — near the North Entrance
- Cooke City, Montana — near the Northeast Entrance
- Cody, Wyoming — a popular gateway on the east side
- Jackson, Wyoming — a popular base south of Yellowstone
The National Park Service specifically lists West Yellowstone and Gardiner among the communities within five miles of Yellowstone.
Where Is Yellowstone National Park Located?
Yellowstone is in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, but its boundaries cross state lines.
Approximately:
- 96% of Yellowstone is in Wyoming
- 3% is in Montana
- 1% is in Idaho
The park covers nearly 3,500 square miles, making it much larger than a typical city or local attraction.
This is why saying that Yellowstone is “in Wyoming” is generally correct, but saying it is “in a city” is not.
Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and the entrances are spread around the park. Driving between major areas can take several hours, so choosing your gateway town based on which entrance you plan to use can make a big difference.
What Is the Closest City to Yellowstone National Park?
There isn’t one single closest city because Yellowstone has several entrances and gateway communities.
For most travelers, the most useful nearby towns are West Yellowstone and Gardiner.
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone sits immediately outside Yellowstone’s West Entrance and is one of the most popular bases for visitors.
The town has hotels, restaurants, shops, visitor services and other amenities, making it convenient for travelers who want to stay close to the park.
The National Park Service operates a visitor information desk in West Yellowstone, and the town is directly connected with Yellowstone’s West Entrance.
West Yellowstone can be especially convenient if your itinerary includes attractions such as:
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Midway Geyser Basin
- Madison
- Firehole Canyon
The western part of Yellowstone contains several major geothermal attractions, including Grand Prismatic Spring.
Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner is located just outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
It is another important gateway community and is particularly convenient for visiting Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern section of the park.
The National Park Service lists Gardiner as one of the communities within five miles of Yellowstone.
Gardiner is also useful for travelers interested in the northern Yellowstone area and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Is Yellowstone in Wyoming or Montana?
Both—but mostly Wyoming.
Yellowstone’s largest portion is in Wyoming, while smaller sections extend into Montana and Idaho.
This can cause confusion because some of Yellowstone’s most popular gateway towns are actually in Montana.
For example:
| Location | State | Relationship to Yellowstone |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana & Idaho | Main park |
| West Yellowstone | Montana | West Entrance gateway |
| Gardiner | Montana | North Entrance gateway |
| Cooke City | Montana | Northeast Entrance gateway |
| Cody | Wyoming | East-side gateway |
| Jackson | Wyoming | South-side gateway |
So if someone asks “What city and state is Yellowstone National Park in?”, a more accurate answer is:
Yellowstone National Park is primarily in northwestern Wyoming, with portions in Montana and Idaho. It is not located within a single city.
What Cities Are Near Yellowstone National Park?
Several towns and cities are useful when planning a Yellowstone trip.
1. West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone is one of the closest and most convenient gateway towns.
It is located directly outside the West Entrance and is a popular choice for visitors who want easy access to western Yellowstone.
2. Gardiner, Montana
Gardiner is near the North Entrance and is especially convenient for Mammoth Hot Springs and northern Yellowstone.
3. Cooke City, Montana
Cooke City is near Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance and provides access to the Lamar Valley area.
The NPS lists Silver Gate and Cooke City among the communities within five miles of Yellowstone.
4. Cody, Wyoming
Cody is farther from the park than West Yellowstone and Gardiner but is an important eastern gateway community.
It can be a good choice if your Yellowstone itinerary includes the park’s east side.
The NPS lists Cody among the communities within 50 miles of Yellowstone.
5. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a popular destination south of Yellowstone and is often combined with a visit to Grand Teton National Park.
However, it is not directly outside a Yellowstone entrance, so travelers should allow substantially more driving time compared with staying in West Yellowstone or Gardiner.
The NPS lists Jackson among the nearby communities within 50 miles of Yellowstone.
Which City Is Best to Stay in for Yellowstone?
The best town depends on which parts of Yellowstone you want to see.
Stay in West Yellowstone if:
- You want easy access to the West Entrance
- Old Faithful is high on your list
- You want to visit Grand Prismatic Spring
- You’re focusing on western Yellowstone
- You want plenty of visitor amenities nearby
Stay in Gardiner if:
- You want to explore Mammoth Hot Springs
- You’re interested in northern Yellowstone
- You plan to visit the Lamar Valley
- You want access to the North Entrance
Stay in Cody if:
- You’re approaching Yellowstone from the east
- You want to explore the eastern side of the park
- Your trip includes Cody and Yellowstone
Stay in Jackson if:
- You’re combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton
- You want to spend time in Jackson as part of your trip
- You’re approaching Yellowstone from the south
How Many Entrances Does Yellowstone Have?
Yellowstone has five entrance stations:
- North Entrance
- Northeast Entrance
- East Entrance
- South Entrance
- West Entrance
The entrances connect different parts of the surrounding region to Yellowstone’s internal road network. The National Park Service notes that several entrances can be closed to regular vehicles during winter, so checking current road and entrance conditions is important before driving to the park.
Yellowstone Entrance and Nearby Gateway
| Yellowstone Entrance | Nearby Gateway |
| West Entrance | West Yellowstone, Montana |
| North Entrance | Gardiner, Montana |
| Northeast Entrance | Cooke City / Silver Gate, Montana |
| East Entrance | Cody, Wyoming |
| South Entrance | Jackson area / Grand Teton region |
Your choice of entrance matters because Yellowstone is enormous. For example, the NPS notes that popular destinations such as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are roughly 50 miles apart by road.
What Is the Closest Major City to Yellowstone?
If by “city” you mean a larger city rather than a small gateway town, several options are available.
The National Park Service lists:
- Bozeman, Montana
- Billings, Montana
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Cody, Wyoming
among the larger cities and communities serving the Yellowstone region.
Bozeman is particularly useful for travelers flying into Montana because it provides access toward West Yellowstone and the northern part of the park.
However, you don’t necessarily need to stay in a major city. For many Yellowstone trips, staying in a smaller gateway community such as West Yellowstone or Gardiner can save driving time.
Can You Fly Directly to Yellowstone National Park?
There is no commercial airport inside Yellowstone National Park.
However, several airports serve the surrounding region.
According to the National Park Service, commercial airlines serve Cody and Jackson, Wyoming; Bozeman and Billings, Montana; and Idaho Falls, Idaho year-round. West Yellowstone Airport has seasonal service from Salt Lake City from early May through mid-October.
Your best airport depends on where you’re staying and which entrance you plan to use.
For example:
West Yellowstone itinerary:
Bozeman or West Yellowstone Airport may be convenient.
North Yellowstone itinerary:
Bozeman can be a useful option for reaching Gardiner.
East Yellowstone itinerary:
Cody is a convenient regional airport option.
South Yellowstone + Grand Teton itinerary:
Jackson Hole can make sense.
Is Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone City?
No.
There is no city called “Yellowstone City” that contains Yellowstone National Park.
This is a common misunderstanding caused by the park’s name.
Yellowstone is a huge protected area spread across multiple counties and three states. The surrounding gateway towns are separate communities outside the park.
What State Is Yellowstone National Park Closest To?
Yellowstone is primarily associated with Wyoming because approximately 96% of the park lies within Wyoming. Smaller portions are in Montana and Idaho.
If you’re filling out an address or looking for the park on a map, you will often see Yellowstone National Park, WY.
The National Park Service headquarters mailing address is listed in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
Is West Yellowstone Actually in Yellowstone National Park?
No.
West Yellowstone is a town in Montana located outside the park.
It is directly adjacent to Yellowstone’s West Entrance, which is why its name can be confusing.
The West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center is located in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, and provides information for visitors traveling into Yellowstone.
So:
West Yellowstone = town in Montana
Yellowstone National Park = national park spanning Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
They are next to each other but are not the same place.
Is Gardiner Inside Yellowstone National Park?
No.
Gardiner is a Montana community immediately outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
It serves as one of the park’s main gateway communities and is particularly convenient for accessing Mammoth Hot Springs and northern Yellowstone.
The NPS identifies Gardiner as being within five miles of the park.
What Is Yellowstone Closest to?
Yellowstone is surrounded by several notable destinations.
Some of the most useful nearby places include:
- West Yellowstone, Montana
- Gardiner, Montana
- Cooke City, Montana
- Cody, Wyoming
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park
- Bozeman, Montana
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
The National Park Service recommends checking the relevant state travel information when planning a Yellowstone trip because the park is connected to communities across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Yellowstone Location on a Map
Yellowstone sits in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with its boundary extending into southern Montana and eastern Idaho.
Its location is important when planning a road trip because the park is much larger than many first-time visitors expect.
Instead of choosing a hotel first and then figuring out the route, it’s usually better to decide:
- Which Yellowstone attractions you want to visit
- Which entrance makes the most sense
- Which gateway town is closest to that entrance
- How many days you have
- Where you’ll travel after Yellowstone
This can significantly reduce unnecessary driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city is Yellowstone National Park in?
Yellowstone National Park is not located in one city. It is primarily in northwestern Wyoming, with portions in Montana and Idaho. Nearby gateway towns include West Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana.
Is Yellowstone in Wyoming or Montana?
It is in both Wyoming and Montana, as well as a small portion of Idaho. Most of the park—about 96%—is in Wyoming.
What is the closest town to Yellowstone?
There is no single closest town to the entire park. West Yellowstone and Gardiner are two of the most important nearby gateway communities, while Cooke City is also very close to the Northeast Entrance.
What city should I stay in for Yellowstone?
For many first-time visitors focusing on the western attractions, West Yellowstone, Montana is a convenient choice. Gardiner is particularly useful for northern Yellowstone, while Cody and Jackson can make sense for eastern and southern itineraries.
What major city is closest to Yellowstone?
Depending on the direction you’re traveling, Bozeman, Montana; Billings, Montana; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Jackson, Wyoming; and Cody, Wyoming are among the important cities serving the Yellowstone region.
Is West Yellowstone a city?
West Yellowstone is a town in Montana, located just outside Yellowstone’s West Entrance.
Is Yellowstone National Park in a city?
No. Yellowstone is a vast national park rather than a city-based attraction. It spans parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
What is the best entrance to Yellowstone?
There is no universally best entrance. The best entrance depends on the attractions you want to see. The West Entrance is convenient for western attractions such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, while the North Entrance is useful for Mammoth Hot Springs and northern Yellowstone.
Final Answer: What City Is Yellowstone National Park In?
Yellowstone National Park isn’t in a single city. It is primarily located in northwestern Wyoming, with small portions in Montana and Idaho.
If you’re looking for the closest gateway town, West Yellowstone, Montana, is one of the most popular choices because it sits directly outside the park’s West Entrance. Gardiner, Montana, is another major gateway near the North Entrance.
For the best Yellowstone trip, don’t choose your base solely by the city name. Look at the entrance, attractions, driving distances and season before booking your stay.
That approach will help you spend less time driving and more time exploring Yellowstone.