Yellowstone National Park Hotels Guide: Stay, Travel & More

Yellowstone National Park is a place like no other. It has exploding geysers, colorful hot springs, big waterfalls, and wild animals like bison and bears. It’s the first national park in the world—and one of the most exciting places to visit. Whether you want to stay in a cozy lodge, explore the park’s top sights, or learn the best ways to get there, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip. From top Yellowstone National Park hotels to travel tips and must-see spots, everything you need is right here.

Introduction / History

Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park, created in 1872. It is famous for its geysers, wildlife, and natural beauty. Long before it became a national park, Native American tribes lived in the area for thousands of years. They hunted, fished, and used the hot springs for healing.

In the late 1800s, early explorers saw Yellowstone’s colorful hot springs, tall waterfalls, and geysers like Old Faithful. This beauty helped convince the U.S. government to protect it forever.

Today, millions of people visit every year and look at Yellowstone National Park maps to explore its lakes, mountains, rivers, and geysers. August is one of the best months to travel, as the weather is warm, most areas are open, and the park is full of natural beauty and activity.

Why Yellowstone National Park Is Important

Yellowstone is not just another park — it is one of the most important natural places in the world. Here’s why:

First national park in the world
Home to more than half of all geysers on Earth
Rich with wildlife like bison, elk, wolves, and bears
Full of unique geothermal features and colorful hot springs
Connected to Native American culture and history
Helps scientists study nature and climate

With so many visitors each year, national park lodging Yellowstone has become very important. Staying close to major sights gives you more time to enjoy the park.

Best Yellowstone National Park Hotels Nearby

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn Specialty: Historic charm and unbeatable geyser views

Built in 1904, this is the most iconic hotel at Yellowstone and a National Historic Landmark.
Its rustic architecture features a massive stone fireplace and log construction.
Located just steps away from the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, you can watch eruptions from the comfort of the inn.
Best choice for travelers who love history and want a central location.
Frequently ranked one of the most popular Yellowstone National Park hotels.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins Specialty: Lakeside luxury with peaceful surroundings

The oldest hotel Yellowstone National Park offers, established in 1891.
Overlooks the serene Yellowstone Lake—perfect for relaxing and enjoying sunset views.
Elegant Colonial-style architecture with a full-service dining room and piano lounge.
Ideal for those looking for a peaceful and scenic national park lodging Yellowstone experience.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Canyon Lodge & Cabins Specialty: Modern comfort near Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon

This is the largest sustainable Yellowstone National Park lodging facility.
Located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and famous waterfalls.
Offers modern hotel rooms and rustic cabins with eco-friendly features.
Great for families and those who want easy access to hiking and sightseeing areas.
A top hotel Yellowstone National Park visitors pick for location and comfort.

Top 3 Yellowstone National Park Hotels (Outside the Park)

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites – West Yellowstone, MT

Gray Wolf Inn & Suites Specialty: Family-friendly comfort steps from the West Entrance

One of the most popular Yellowstone National Park hotels outside the park.
Offers spacious rooms, an indoor heated pool, free parking, and pet-friendly options.
Located across from the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and close to restaurants and shops.
Perfect for families and large groups who want easy access and amenities.

Yellowstone Gateway Inn – Gardiner, MT

Yellowstone Gateway Inn Specialty: Apartment-style suites near the North Entrance

A top-rated hotel at Yellowstone for long stays and self-catering travelers.
Offers suites with full kitchens, living areas, and private patios.
Walking distance from the park entrance, grocery stores, and eateries.
Great for visitors who want flexibility and home-like comfort in their hotel Yellowstone National Park experience.

Jackson Lake Lodge – Grand Teton National Park (near South Entrance)

Specialty: Panoramic Teton views and easy access to two national parks

Located in Grand Teton National Park but just a short drive to Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
Offers upscale national park lodging Yellowstone style with stunning mountain scenery.
Great dining, a scenic terrace, and wildlife often seen on the property.
Ideal for travelers wanting to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton with style.

How to Get to Yellowstone National Park

Getting to the park is easy with a little planning. Here are your travel options:

By Air

Nearest airports include:

Jackson Hole, WY (JAC)
Bozeman, MT (BZN)
Cody, WY (COD)
Idaho Falls, ID (IDA)

Once you land, you can rent a car or book a shuttle to the park. Having a car gives you flexibility to explore using Yellowstone National Park maps.

By Road

There are five entrances to the park:

North (Gardiner, MT)
West (West Yellowstone, MT)
South (Grand Teton National Park)
East (Cody, WY)
Northeast (Cooke City, MT)

Driving inside the park? Use the Grand Loop Road, a circle route that connects major areas. You’ll need Yellowstone National Park maps to plan your trip.

In the Park

Inside the park, you can:

Drive yourself
Join a guided tour
Take a seasonal shuttle (limited service)

In winter, snowcoaches and snowmobiles are used to visit geysers and hot springs.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is beautiful all year round, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s what to expect during each time of year:

Summer (June to August)

This is the busiest and warmest time of the year.
Most roads, trails, and services are open.
You can visit every major area using Yellowstone National Park maps without weather problems.
The downside is big crowds, especially at popular spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Yellowstone National Park hotels are often fully booked, so you need to reserve months in advance.

Fall (September to October)

This is the busiest and warmest time of the year.
Most roads, trails, and services are open.
You can visit every major area using Yellowstone National Park maps without weather problems.
The downside is big crowds, especially at popular spots like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Yellowstone National Park hotels are often fully booked, so you need to reserve months in advance.

Winter (December to March)

Yellowstone becomes a snowy wonderland!
Most park roads close except the North and Northeast Entrances.
You can only reach places like Old Faithful by snowcoach or snowmobile.
Stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, the only Yellowstone National Park lodging open inside during winter.
Great for photography, cross-country skiing, and quiet geyser viewing.

Spring (April to May)

This is a time of new life—animals come out with their babies, and wildflowers begin to bloom.
You may see baby bison, elk calves, and bear cubs.
Some roads and Yellowstone National Park hotels are still closed until mid-May.
A lovely season for nature lovers and those who want to avoid crowds.

Wildlife Watching Tips

Yellowstone is one of the best places in the world to see wild animals in their natural homes. You might spot:

Bison grazing in valleys
Elk walking near lodges or in open fields
Grizzly bears and black bears (usually in spring and fall)
Wolves, especially in Lamar Valley
Moose, eagles, foxes, and coyotes

Safety Tips:

Always stay at least 100 yards (90 meters) away from bears and wolves.
Stay 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison, elk, and other animals.
Use binoculars or zoom lenses—never try to get close for a selfie.
Follow ranger instructions and warning signs at all times.
Remember: even calm-looking animals can be dangerous.

Wrap Up!

Yellowstone National Park is a place of adventure, beauty, and nature. From geysers to grizzly bears, it’s full of wonders. To enjoy your trip, staying at the right Yellowstone National Park hotels is very important. Whether you choose a historic hotel at Yellowstone, a modern lodge, or a cabin outside the gate, hotel Yellowstone National Park choices can make your stay better.

Using Yellowstone National Park maps, plan your drive, see the top spots, and enjoy wildlife. There’s something for everyone—from solo travelers to families.

Book your Yellowstone National Park lodging early, pack smart, and respect the park’s rules. That way, you’ll help keep this amazing place beautiful for future generations.

Start planning your trip with Xplooya!

FAQ’s

Where should I stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park?

One of the best places to stay is Canyon Lodge & Cabins. It is located near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and is about an hour’s drive from the geyser basins. This makes it a great base for exploring different parts of the park.

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in Yellowstone National Park?

Most hotels inside Yellowstone cost between $200 and $400 per night. Hotels just outside the park usually have similar prices, though some may be slightly cheaper.

Is it better to stay inside Yellowstone Park or outside?

It’s better to stay inside the park if you can. You’ll be closer to the main sights and spend less time driving. The Yellowstone National Park map on the official website shows where the hotels and lodges are. To book a room, use the Xanterra website—they manage most of the Yellowstone National Park hotels.