Top Things to Do in West Yellowstone
- Explore West Yellowstone on Foot
- Have a Close Encounter with Grizzly Bears and Wolves
- Ride a Mountain Bike on West Yellowstone Trails
- Get Your Heart Pumping While Whitewater Rafting
- Pitch Your Tent at a West Yellowstone Campground
- Go Fly Fishing and Land a Big Trout
- Try Cross-Country Skiing on Some of the Best Trails in the U.S.
- Hit the Trail on a Snowmobile
- Visit Yellowstone National Park
Dubbed “the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park,” the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, has always served as an amazing nexus point for travel and outdoor adventure. Despite its relatively small size—housing just over 1,300 permanent residents—it bustles with travelers seeking active escapes in Big Sky Country all year round. If you’re planning to visit the region and are looking for adventurous activities beyond Yellowstone itself, here are some suggestions that should keep you busy.
01. Explore West Yellowstone on Foot
With more than 900 miles of hiking trails inside Yellowstone National Park, some of the best hikes are located just outside its boundaries. West Yellowstone provides fantastic trekking routes often much less crowded than those inside the park.
- South Teepee Creek Road Trail: Nearly 14 miles of scenic and secluded walking, featuring an elevation gain of over 1,550 feet for an outstanding workout.
- Horse Butte Lookout Trail: A shorter, 4-mile out-and-back hike leading to panoramic views of the countryside and a 40-foot fire tower, involving a 450-foot climb.
02. Have a Close Encounter with Grizzly Bears and Wolves
The wildlife around West Yellowstone is abundant, offering opportunities to spot a variety of creatures like elk, moose, and deer. For a guaranteed close encounter, visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
This center allows for safe observation of grizzly bears and wolves in their natural setting. Open year-round, it’s an essential stop for animal lovers and children, making it a must-see for visitors of all ages.
03. Ride a Mountain Bike on West Yellowstone Trails
While Yellowstone National Park has hundreds of miles of trails, none are open to mountain biking. Fortunately, West Yellowstone is surrounded on three sides by the Gallatin National Forest, offering trails for all levels of riders.
For bike rental and local riding tips, visit Free Heel and Wheel. Popular trails include:
- Sheep Creek Trail: A challenging 10-mile out-and-back route that rewards riders with stunning lake views.
- Mile Creek Trail: A 7-mile trail connected to the Great Divide Trail system, expanding your riding options.
04. Get Your Heart Pumping While Whitewater Rafting
West Yellowstone is centrally located on the Gallatin and Madison Rivers, making it an ideal spot for whitewater rafting, especially in late spring and early summer. During these times, the waters can get quite wild.
For an exhilarating experience, Geyser Whitewater Expeditions offers half and full-day river trips, catering to various skill levels from leisurely floats to Class III and IV rapids to give you an adrenaline rush.
05. Pitch Your Tent at a West Yellowstone Campground
Camping in Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic experience, though reservations can be challenging during peak season. West Yellowstone offers several excellent campsites just outside the park.
The Hebgen Ranger District features various backcountry camping options, including:
- Baker’s Hole Campground
- Beaver Creek Campground
- Cabin Creek Campground
- Lonesomehurst Campground
- Rainbow Point Campground
06. Go Fly Fishing and Land a Big Trout
West Yellowstone is positioned near prime fishing spots, making it a top destination for anglers. With the Gallatin and Madison Rivers nearby, there are countless opportunities to cast your line throughout the year.
For expert insights on the best fishing spots, visit Arrick’s Fly Shop. The knowledgeable staff can recommend the most effective flies for every season and offer tips on current fishing conditions.
07. Try Cross-Country Skiing on Some of the Best Trails in the U.S.
Outdoor adventures in West Yellowstone extend into winter, making it one of the best winter playgrounds in the country. The area receives an average of 200 inches of snow each year, providing excellent conditions for winter excursions.
Cross-country skiing is particularly popular, with the U.S. Biathlon team training in nearby areas. Try the Rendezvous Ski Trails for over 20 miles of backcountry routes, or the shorter 5-mile Boundary Ski and Snowshoe trail directly accessible from town.
08. Hit the Trail on a Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is another popular winter activity in West Yellowstone, with over 400 miles of trails to explore. The region caters to both beginners and skilled riders, offering a range of experiences.
Try the Madison Arm Loop for gentler terrain or the Two Top Trail for more challenging rides. Rentals and guided tours are available through Back Country Adventures.
09. Visit Yellowstone National Park
No visit to West Yellowstone would be complete without mentioning the national park itself. As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone offers spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, along with numerous camping options.
If Yellowstone is on your travel list, using West Yellowstone as your base is an excellent way to experience everything this incredible region has to offer.
