Forum Discussion

dryfly's avatar
dryfly
Explorer
Jan 13, 2020

Yellowstone - west or northwest enterance?

I will be traveling west on I90 and looking for the least difficult route to enter the park. Would like to avoid steep grades.

Two choices: Hwy 89 to Gardiner would be the closest for me. Second would be to come down Hwy 191 and come through the west entrance. I will be staying in Madison CG.

Suggestions appreciated.
Roads and Routes
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 13, 2020
    I’d enter, or leave, the park from a direction you haven’t taken previously. I don’t seek the easy way but rather the interesting way.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2020
    As the above respondents have indicated, you're best going to the west entrance and will avoid the grade going south into the park from the Gardiner entrance. And as they indicated, the Madison CG is real close to the West Yellowstone entrance, so you'll be able to set up camp quickly after entering the park.
  • Ed_C's avatar
    Ed_C
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2020
    Going to Madison, I think the west entrance would be easier. The climb out of Mammoth is pretty steep, but not a real challenge.
  • paulj's avatar
    paulj
    Explorer II
    Jan 13, 2020
    I think the main grade of 89 occurs inside the park, past Mammoth Hot Springs.

    Grades to West Yellowstone, and from there to Madison are gentle.

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025