Sharing a border with Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone sits on the doorstep of a 2-million-acre (809,000-hectare) national forest, six mountain ranges, and thousands of miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling trails. For the outdoorsy, there’s no better basecamp—hotels are within walking distance of the national park, the region’s best ski resorts are just a few hours’ drive away, and there are plenty of things to do. Come winter, the tourists depart and the town quiets, transforming into a true mountain hideaway for snow-lovers, wildlife-seekers, and die-hard nature-chasers.
To avoid crowds, visit anytime but summer. The high season (June–Aug) means throngs of travelers, difficult-to-book lodging, and higher prices. And while some businesses in West Yellowstone will be closed in the off-season, that just means you’ll run into more locals when you’re dining at spots such as Bullwinkle’s Saloon or hitting the snowmobile trails off the Madison River.
If you plan on spending most of your days exploring the 2.2-million-acre Yellowstone National Park, you’ll want your own wheels. But if you’re content posting up in West Yellowstone, you can rely on tour companies to get you around—there are a lot headquartered in West Yellowstone, offering activities from snowmobiling to wildlife-spotting to scenic drives—and you’ll save the rental-car worries for another time. A great network of trails snakes in and around town, too.
At West Yellowstone’s 100 S Geyser St, you’ll find a wooden archway—it’s the trailhead for the Rendezvous Ski Trails, an 18-mile network of forested, alpine glory that’s likely steps from your hotel. In summer, these trails are a great option for hikers and bikers looking to get away from the crowds and in winter they are a great spot for winter sports. Technically, this trail network runs through Gallatin National Forest, adjacent to the national park.
