Driving to Yellowstone [A Complete Guide to Getting Here By Car]

Yellowstone National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal features, and diverse wildlife. Driving is a great way to get to Yellowstone National Park, particularly if you live in a nearby state, are traveling with a pet, or want to turn your vacation into an epic road trip!

However, one of the challenges of driving to Yellowstone is deciding which entrance to use and which route to take to get there. There are so many great things to do and see in Yellowstone that optimizing your time and stops—even on the way to the park—is important. We’ve driven from Dallas to Yellowstone multiple times a year since we bought “Lincoln’s Lodge” in Gardiner, MT. Plus, we first fell in love with Yellowstone on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip, so getting to Yellowstone by car will always be one of our favorite ways to the park.

In this post, we'll cover the essential information you need for a great road trip to Yellowstone, including the best routes to take, tips for navigating the park's entrances, and what to expect on the way. Whether you're driving from a nearby state or gearing up for a multi-day trek, this guide will help you make the most of your drive to Yellowstone National Park!

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A Note on Yellowstone Entrances: Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances:

North (near Gardiner, MT)
Northeast (near Cooke City, MT)
East (near Cody, WY)
South (near Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park)
West (near West Yellowstone, MT).

Each entrance offers unique features and different scenic views, but it’s important to note that the North Entrance to Yellowstone, located near Gardiner, MT, is the only Yellowstone entrance open year-round—all other entrances close at various times throughout the year.

If you’re driving to Yellowstone in the summer or fall, from mid-May through October 31st, use the following to plan your road trip. If you’re traveling outside these dates, it’s generally best to drive outside the park directly to your lodging.

Best Route to YNP from the North

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the north. This is for you if you’re driving from Bozeman, MT, Glacier National Park, Seattle, WA, or the Canadian Rockies.

We recommend entering Yellowstone via the North Entrance near Gardiner, MT.

The North Entrance, nicknamed “nature’s favorite entrance to Yellowstone National Park,” is the most scenic Yellowstone entrance and one of the best for wildlife watching. It’s closest to Mammoth Hot Springs and offers easy access to great wildlife-watching areas, such as Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley.

Driving from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone

Glacier National Park is approximately 6-6.5 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. East Glacier is approximately 6 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, and West Glacier is approximately 6.5 hours away.

Here’s a look at both routes.

Driving from East Glacier (near St. Mary, MT, and Rising Sun) to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 380 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours.
Directions: To get from East Glacier to Yellowstone via the simplest route, follow US-89 S through Browning, Great Falls, and Livingston to Gardiner. For a slightly more direct route or to explore Bozeman, MT, on your way, take US-89S, to US-287 S, to I-15 S, and I-90 E before rejoining US-89S in Livingston to Gardiner.
Highlights: The simplest route passes by expansive prairies and the Missouri River before traveling alongside the Yellowstone River into Gardiner. The more direct route offers views of forests, rolling hills, and the Bridger Mountain Range before following the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley to Gardiner.

Driving from West Glacier (near Apgar Village and Kalispell, MT) to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 390 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 6.5 to 7 hours.
Directions: Follow US-2 W to Montana Hwy 35 E and US-93 S to I-90 E. In Livingston, take US-89 S along the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley into Gardiner.
Highlights: This scenic route passes along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, offering stunning lakeside views with the Mission Mountains as a backdrop. As you head towards Livingston, enjoy the expansive Montana landscape, and finally take US-89 S, following the Yellowstone River into Gardiner, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park's north entrance.

**East Glacier is approximately 6 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, and West Glacier is approximately 6.5 hours away.**

Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone

When driving from Seattle to Yellowstone, it’s generally convenient to enter Yellowstone from either the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) or the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT).

Seattle is approximately 11 hours from Yellowstone’s North and West Entrances. We’re partial to Yellowstone’s North Entrance for its scenery and wildlife; however, Yellowstone’s West Yellowstone is generally the most popular lodging choice.

Here’s a look at various routes from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North or West Entrance.

Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 755 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 11 hours.
Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 E through the Cascade Mountains, Spokane, WA, and into Idaho. You'll pass Coeur d'Alene, which offers beautiful lake views. After crossing into Montana, continue on I-90 E through Missoula and Butte. Stay on I-90 E until you reach Livingston, MT. This historic town is known for its proximity to Yellowstone and charming downtown area. In Livingston, exit onto US-89 S and follow the highway south along the Yellowstone River into Gardiner.
Road Trip Stops: Spokane, WA, Coeur d'Alene, ID, or Missoula, MT
Highlights: On the drive from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North Entrance, enjoy beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, Coeur d'Alene Lake, and Montana’s Paradise Valley.

Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: About 740 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 11 hours.
Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 E through the Cascade Mountains, Spokane, WA, and into Idaho. You'll pass Coeur d'Alene, which offers beautiful lake views. After crossing into Montana, keep following I-90 E through Missoula and Butte. Getting close to Three Forks, MT, merge onto US-287 S until you reach West Yellowstone, MT, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park's west entrance.
Road Trip Stops: Spokane, WA, Coeur d'Alene, ID, or Missoula, MT
Highlights: On the drive from Seattle to West Yellowstone, pass through the Cascade Mountains, by the beautiful Coeur d'Alene Lake, and through the Madison River Valley with its rolling hills and abundant wildlife.

Driving from Calgary to Yellowstone

Calgary is about 9 hours and 550 miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. On the way from Calgary to Yellowstone, you’ll pass Glacier National Park, making it a great road trip stop.

We personally like driving from Calgary to East Glacier (St. Mary’s), then driving through Glacier National Park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to West Glacier. From West Glacier, we follow Flathead Lake through Missoula to Gardiner. If possible, plan to spend at least one night in Glacier before making your way to Yellowstone. (Both East Glacier and West Glacier make good home bases.)

Here’s a look at the route.

Driving from Calgary to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 550 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 8.5 hours.
Directions: From Calgary, take AB-2 S (the Queen Elizabeth II Highway) and head south towards the US border. After the border crossing at Sweet Grass, MT, follow I-15 S towards Great Falls, MT, then merge onto I-90 E. In Livingston, MT, exit onto US-89 S and head south towards Gardiner. Follow US-89 S along the Yellowstone River, and after about 50 miles, you'll arrive in Gardiner, MT, at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Road Trip Stops: East or West Glacier (Rising Sun or St. Mary and Apgar Village or Kalispell, MT)
Highlights: Start the drive with expansive views of the Alberta prairies, showcasing wide open spaces and rolling fields. After crossing into the US, you'll drive past the Sweet Grass Hills, a prominent range in northern Montana with unique, rounded peaks. In Great Falls, you’ll see the Missouri River and its historic waterfalls, and approaching Gardiner, the route follows the Yellowstone River, offering picturesque views of the river and mountains.

Glacier National Park is great a stop when driving from Calgary to Yellowstone. Consider driving from Calgary to East Glacier, then driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park to West Glacier before continuing on to Yellowstone's North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. (A section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier is pictured above.)

Best Route to YNP from the Northeast

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the northeast. This is for you if you’re coming from Billings, MT, or Bismarck, ND, and you want to drive Beartooth Highway.

We recommend entering Yellowstone via the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, MT.

Note: Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. However, due to its high elevation and snow, it’s generally closed until Memorial Day and only open until mid-September. Summer months are the best time of year to drive Beartooth Highway and avoid unexpected closures.

If you’d prefer not to drive Beartooth Highway or are traveling outside of these dates, drive outside the park to Gardiner and enter via the North Entrance.

Best Route to YNP from the East

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the east. This is for you if you’re coming from Mount Rushmore, Kansas City, MO, Chicago, IL, or Nashville, TN.

We recommend entering Yellowstone via the East Entrance near Cody, WY.

Yellowstone's East Entrance is about an hour from Cody, Wyoming. The East Entrance brings you into Yellowstone through the scenic Shoshone National Forest, often considered one of the most beautiful drives into the park. This entrance is closest to Yellowstone Lake, making it ideal for those interested in fishing and boating.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone covers about 1340 miles and generally takes around 20 hours of driving. Here’s a look at the route.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 1,340 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 20 hours.
Directions: From Chicago, follow I-90 W across Illinois, through Iowa, and into South Dakota. Near Buffalo, WY, follow I-25 N through Wyoming, then merge onto US-14 W towards Sheridan. Continue on US-14 W until you reach the junction with US-16 W towards Cody, WY. In Cody, take US-120 W, which will eventually lead you to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Road Trip Stops: Sioux Falls, SD, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and/or Custer State Park
Features: Entering South Dakota, you’ll encounter the striking landscapes of the Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, including landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. As you approach Cody, enjoy the beauty of the Shoshone National Forest and the historic charm of Cody, WY, founded by Buffalo Bill.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone, consider stops at Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and/or Custer State Park in South Dakota.

Driving from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park

Mount Rushmore is about 425 miles and 7.5 hours from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Here’s a look at possible routes.

Driving fom Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 425 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 7.5 hours.
Directions: From Mount Rushmore, take SD-244 W towards Keystone, SD. Merge onto US-16 W, continuing towards Rapid City, SD, then merge onto I-90 W. Near Buffalo, WY, take I-25 N towards Sheridan, WY, then follow US-14 W until you reach the junction with US-16 W. Follow US-16 W towards Cody, WY and then US-120 W to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Features: Enjoy mountain vistas from the Big Horn Mountains and the historic charm of Cody. The route concludes with the picturesque Wapiti Valley, leading you into the stunning natural scenery of Yellowstone National Park.

If you’d like to drive Beartooth Highway, often considered one of the most scenic drives in America, here’s another route to consider.

Driving from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance:

Distance: About 500 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 8.5 hours.
Directions: Follow US-16 W, then merge onto I-90 W in Moorcroft and follow I-90 W through Billings to US-212 W/US-310 E in Yellowstone County. This will take you to Red Lodge, the start of Beartooth Highway. From there, enjoy dramatic high-altitude views, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks, reaching elevations over 10,000 feet with stunning vistas of the Beartooth Mountains. After crossing Beartooth Pass, keep driving to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone.
Road Trip Stops: Custer State Park, Bighorn National Forest, Red Lodge (a good place to spend the night for more time exploring the Beartooth Highway)
Highlights: Pass by Custer State Park, Bighorn National Forest, and drive Beartooth Highway, often hailed as one of the most scenic drives in America!

Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone

Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone is similar to driving from Mount Rushmore, as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park are about 30 minutes apart. This means you could turn your trek into an epic road trip spanning Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, and maybe even Grand Teton National Park! Start a little further east, and you can even add Badlands National Park to the mix!

Custer State Park is about 410 miles and 7 hours from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Here’s a look at the most direct route.

Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 410 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Directions: Follow US-16 E before merging onto I-90 W. Follow I-90W through South Dakota and into Wyoming. Near Buffalo, WY, merge onto US-16 W. Follow US-16 W towards Cody, WY, then take US-120 W to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Highlights: As you travel through Wyoming, enjoy beautiful vistas of the Big Horn Mountains, featuring rugged peaks, lush valleys, and scenic viewpoints. Known as the gateway to Yellowstone's East Entrance, Cody, WY, offers a rich Western history with attractions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which provides insights into the cultural and historical heritage of the American West.

Best Route to YNP from the South

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the south. This is for you if you’re driving from Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, WY, Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, AZ, or Dallas, TX.

We recommend entering Yellowstone via the South Entrance near Colter Bay Village and the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Note: If you’re driving from CO, TX, or NM, your driving time is similar whether entering Yellowstone from the South or East (Cody, WY). If you’re driving from UT or AZ, driving time is similar to either the South or West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT). We’re partial to entering via the South Entrance when this is the case, so you can drive through (or detour to) the stunning Grand Teton National Park on your way! Turn your drive into an amazing road trip this way and explore two iconic national parks in one trip.

Yellowstone’s South Entrance offers a scenic drive through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and is your gateway to Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, such as West Thumb Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Lake.

Driving from Jackson, WY, and Grand Teton National Park

It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Jackson, WY, to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This route traverses Grand Teton National Park.

Driving from Jackson, WY, to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 60 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Directions: From Jackson, follow US-191 N. Continue on US-191 N, which will lead you to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, or turn left onto Teton Park Road at Moose, WY, to drive further into Grand Teton National Park’s interior.
Road Trip Stops: Jenny Lake, Mountain View Turnout, Mount Moran Turnout
Highlights: Enjoy stunning views of Grand Teton National Park!

Driving from Denver to Yellowstone

Driving from Denver, CO, to Yellowstone’s South Entrance covers about 510 miles and 8.5 hours of driving time. Here’s a look at the route.

Driving from Denver to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 510 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 8.5 hours.
Directions: From Denver, head north on I-25 N. Near Fort Collins, merge onto US-287 N towards Rawlins, WY. In Rawlins, continue on US-287 N to I-80 W. Follow I-80 W to the junction with US-191 N near Rock Springs, WY. Merge onto US-191 N. Follow US-191 N toward the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Road Trip Stops: From Moran, WY, detour to Grand Teton National Park.
Highlights: Pass by the Medicine Bow National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

Driving from Dallas to Yellowstone

Dallas is approximately 1300 miles and 20 hours from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Although we’re typically driving directly to Gardiner, this route is largely similar, and we almost always pitstop for the night in Denver. Here’s a look at the most direct route from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance.

Driving from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 1,300 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 20 hours.
Directions: Follow US-287 N toward Amarillo. Continue following US-287 into Oklahoma, then merge onto 1-70 W toward Denver. Merge onto E470 N, head north on I-25 N. Near Fort Collins, merge onto US-287 N towards Rawlins, WY. In Rawlins, continue on US-287 N to I-80 W. Follow I-80 W to the junction with US-191 N near Rock Springs, WY. Merge onto US-191 N. Follow US-191 N toward the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Road Trip Stops: Caprock Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, CO, and/or Grand Teton National Park
Highlights: The drive begins through the flat, expansive plains of Texas, offering views of wide-open spaces and agricultural land. As you approach the Texas Panhandle, the Caprock Canyon area provides striking red rock formations and scenic landscapes. Driving through Colorado, you'll pass by the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, and from Moran, WY, you can detour to Grand Teton National Park.

Driving from Phoenix to Yellowstone

Driving from Phoenix to Yellowstone covers approximately 1,000 miles and takes around 15-16 hours of driving. Here’s a breakdown of the route.

Driving Phoenix to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 970 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 16 hours.
Directions: From Phoenix, head north on I-17 N. Continue on I-17 N to US-89 N near Flagstaff. Pass through Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, then turn right on I-15 N. Turn right on US-189 near Provo, UT, before merging onto I-80 E, then WY State Highway 89. Continue onto UT-16, then turn right onto UT-30 E, then US-30 W to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.
Road Trip Stops: Sedona, AZ, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, AZ, Kanab, UT (Zion National Park, “The Wave”, Bryce Canyon National Park), Provo, UT, Park City, UT, and Grand Teton National Park
Highlight: This route passes through so many incredible destinations on your way to Yellowstone National Park! You could take the direct route and get there as quickly as possible (in about 16 hours), or you could easily spend a week or more just getting to Yellowstone National Park from Phoenix.

Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone

Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone covers approximately 860-960 miles and takes around 14-15 hours of driving.

You can join up with the above route from Dallas to Yellowstone by heading from Albuquerque to Raton, NM. There, you’ll connect with the route through Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and onward. Another option is to drive past the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests through Alamosa and Leadville, CO. From there, pass by the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park before entering Wyoming. Here’s a look at the route:

Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 860 miles.
Driving Time: Approximately 14.5 hours.
Directions: Follow I-25 N and US-84 W/US Hwy 285 N to CO-17 in Alamosa East. Then, continue on US Hwy 285 N, before taking US-24 W, CO-91 N, CO-9 N and US-40 W trough Colorado ski country to CO-14 E. Get on I-80 W/US-287 N/US-30 in Walcott from CO-125 N, WY-230 W and WY-130 W. Drive to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.
Road Trip Stops: Sante Fe and Carson National Forests, Taos, NM, Breckenridge or Vail, CO, Steamboat Springs, CO, and Grand Teton National Park
Highlights: Drive through Sante Fe and Carson National Forests. Drive through Colorado ski country, passing nearby cities like Breckenridge and Vail, before passing by the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Best Route to YNP from the West

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the west. This is for you if you’re coming from Salt Lake City, UT, Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV, or Boise, ID.

We recommend entering Yellowstone via the West Entrance near West Yellowstone, MT.

Note: If you’re coming from UT or AZ, your driving time is similar whether entering Yellowstone from the West or South (near GTNP). If you’re coming from Seattle or Portland, driving time is similar to either the West or North Entrance (Gardiner, MT).

The West Entrance is the busiest and most popular way to enter Yellowstone, located near the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. It provides quick access to some of the park’s most famous geothermal features, including the Midway and Lower Geyser Basins, and is a great entry point for those planning to explore Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser country.

Driving from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone

The most direct route from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park takes you to Yellowstone’s West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT) and covers about 320 miles and 4.5-5 hours of driving time. Another option is to add about an hour and 15 miles to your trip to pass through Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance (near Moran, WY, and Colter Bay Village).

Direct Route: Driving from SLC to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 320 miles.
Driving Time: About 4.5-5 hours.
Directions: From Salt Lake City, the most direct route to the West Entrance of Yellowstone is to drive north on Interstate 15 to Idaho Falls and then east on U.S. Highway 20, which will lead you directly to West Yellowstone, Montana.
Road Trip Stops: Lava Hot Springs, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Highlights: This route offers a scenic drive through Idaho, with views of the Snake River Plain and Targhee National Forest. Consider making a pit stop to soak in the Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools.

Driving from SLC to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 335 miles.
Driving Time: About 6 hours.
Directions: Alternatively, you can follow I-15 N to Lava Hot Springs, then turn right onto US-30 E. From Soda Springs, follow ID-34 E to US-89 N in Etna. Then, drive to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County to explore Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
Road Trip Stops: Lava Hot Springs, Grand Teton National Park
Highlights: The main highlight of this route is passing through Jackson, WY, and Grand Teton National Park on your way into Yellowstone!

It's about 6 hours from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone's South Entrance and about 5 hours from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone's West Entrance.

Driving from Boise to Yellowstone

Driving from Boise, Idaho, to Yellowstone National Park covers about 400 miles and typically takes around 5.5-7 hours. Here’s the most direct route from Boise to Yellowstone, taking you to Yellowstone’s West Entrance.

Driving from Boise to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 390 miles.
Driving Time: About 5.5 hours.
Directions: From Boise, take Interstate 84 east to U.S. Highway 20. Follow U.S. Highway 20 north through Idaho Falls and continue east into West Yellowstone, Montana.
Road Trip Stops: Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
Highlights: Consider stopping at the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve on your way. There are currently over 500 documented caves at the Craters of the Moon National Monument, with the majority of those caves being “lava tubes.” Explore some of these caves along the Caves Trail.

Driving from Los Angeles to Yellowstone

Driving from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park covers about 1,000 miles and typically takes 16 to 18 hours. You’ll start by heading northeast on Interstate 15, passing through areas like the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City. The route will take you through varied landscapes, from desert to mountain terrain.

When driving to Yellowstone National Park from Los Angeles, you can enter through either the West or South Entrance, each offering unique routes and experiences.

Driving from L.A. to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 1010 miles.
Driving Time: About 14.5 hours.
Directions: Get on US-101 S, then follow I-15 N through Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Idaho Falls. Take US-20 E from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone.
Road Trip Stops: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Salt Lake City
Highlights: This is the most direct route from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park and offers many scenic stops along the way in places like Zion and Bryce Cayon National Parks.

Driving from L.A. to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 1010 miles.
Driving Time: About 15.5 hours.
Directions: Get on US-101 S, then follow I-15 N through Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. From there, take I-80 E to I-80BL/US-189 BUS N in Evanston. Then, follow UT-16 N and US-30 W to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.
Road Trip Stops: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City, Grand Teton National Park
Highlights: This route adds an hour of driving time but takes you through the nearby Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance. It’s a great way to see both parks in one trip!

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide!

For every time of year you want to visit, our guide is packed with insider tips, must-see spots, and expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

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Happy Travels!