5 Reasons Gardiner is the Perfect Place to Stay to Visit Yellowstone

Gardiner, Montana, is a small, charming town located at the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Nestled along the banks of the Yellowstone River, Gardiner is the only year-round entrance to the park, which means it's open to visitors 365 days a year.

Serving as the original gateway to Yellowstone since the late 1800s, Gardiner is a historic town with a population of about 800 year-round residents. Despite its small size, it has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay while exploring Yellowstone National Park. Here are five reasons why Gardiner, MT, is the perfect place to stay for your Yellowstone vacation!

Aerial view of Gardiner, MT, and the Yellowstone River

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1. Gardiner offers convenient access to Yellowstone’s Northern Range, which is one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching.

Gardiner is the closest full-service town to Yellowstone’s Northern Range, the best area in the park for wildlife watching. You can see wildlife anywhere in Yellowstone, but you’ll have the most consistent and abundant wildlife viewing along this Northern Range!

Yellowstone’s Northern Range stretches from Gardiner through Lamar Valley to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, offering diverse habitats that attract animals like bison, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, wolves, and bears. By staying in Gardiner, visitors can head into the park early in the morning or late in the evening—prime times for spotting wildlife—without driving long distances from other entrances.

Additionally, staying in Gardiner gives visitors the unique opportunity to see wildlife both inside and outside the park. It’s not uncommon to spot elk grazing on the town's lawns or bison wandering along the roads. This proximity means you may not have to go far to experience the excitement of seeing wildlife up close. With Gardiner as your base, you can also easily access wildlife tours, educational programs, and expert guides who can enhance your chances of spotting some of Yellowstone’s most iconic animals.

For wildlife photographers and enthusiasts, Gardiner is the perfect place to stay when visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Year-Round Roadside Wildlife Viewing

Visitors along Yellowstone’s Northern Range can spot wildlife just by driving through the park. This is especially true on the drive between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs, where elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope are commonly seen along the roadside.

Wolf Watching in Lamar Valley

Gardiner provides convenient access to Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. Head here at dawn and dusk to look for wolves, grizzly bears, bison, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, and more. Bison often graze near the road in Lamar Valley, allowing for close viewing and photography opportunities.

Lamar Valley is also one of the best places in the world to spot wild wolves, particularly during the month of February. The Northern Range is home to several wolf packs, and wildlife enthusiasts often gather with scopes to watch the packs hunt and interact in their natural habitat.

Bear Viewing Near Tower-Roosevelt

From mid-May through early June, black bears and grizzly bears are frequently seen along the Northern Range, particularly near Tower-Roosevelt and the Blacktail Plateau. Bears—and bear cubs—emerge from hibernation in these areas, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

The drive through Yellowstone’s Northern Range is highlighted in red.

2. Gardiner is near many of Yellowstone’s most scenic drives, while offering the convenience of modern lodging, amenities, and restaurants.

Gardiner’s location at the North Entrance makes it an excellent choice for visitors who want to be close to Yellowstone’s Northern Range—with abundant wildlife viewing, Mammoth Hot Springs, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the park—while enjoying the comfort and convenience of modern lodging, amenities, and dining options.

The Northern Range is one of the park’s most scenic areas, known for its dramatic mountain views, sweeping valleys, and diverse landscapes. As mentioned, it’s also the best area for consistent wildlife watching, with easy access to famous spots like Mammoth Hot Springs (elk rut in the fall), Tower Junction (bears in spring), and Lamar Valley (incredible year-round wildlife viewing). Staying in Gardiner means you can quickly reach these areas without a long drive from other parts of the park.

Unlike some more remote regions of Yellowstone, Gardiner offers visitors a range of comfortable accommodations to suit every budget, from cozy cabins and campgrounds to motels and vacation rentals. You’ll also find essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, shopping, and outdoor gear shops so you can prepare for your daily adventures without hassle. Having these amenities right on your doorstep makes it easy to plan last-minute hikes, scenic drives, or wildlife-watching trips, knowing that everything you need is within reach.

Another advantage of staying in Gardiner is its variety of dining options, which means you won’t have to travel far after a long day of exploring the Northern Range. From casual cafes and coffee shops to restaurants offering hearty meals and local specialties, there’s something to satisfy every taste. After spending the day taking in the beauty of Yellowstone, you can relax back in town, enjoying a meal while reflecting on your day’s experiences.

This blend of easy access to natural beauty and modern conveniences makes Gardiner an ideal base for visitors looking to explore Yellowstone’s most wildlife-rich and picturesque region.

Yellowstone Attractions Near Gardiner

There’s no shortage of activities around Yellowstone’s North Entrance. One of the top things to do is to visit Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique geothermal feature known for its stunning terraces of travertine. Gardiner provides quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs, just 5 miles and less than 15 minutes away. Visitors can explore its iconic travertine terraces, stroll boardwalk trails, and visit the Albright Visitor Center, which offers historical exhibits on Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history.

Wildlife watching is also a must, especially in Lamar Valley and along the Northern Range—from Gardiner, MT, to Cooke City, MT—where bears, elk, bison, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, and wolves can be seen.

For those seeking adventure, the Yellowstone River offers incredible whitewater rafting trips and fly fishing access in the summer, and nearby trails offer horseback riding and hiking trails. In the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become popular activities from Yellowstone’s North Entrance.

The Northern Range offers some of Yellowstone’s most scenic drives. From the rolling meadows of Lamar Valley to the rugged views of Mount Everts while crossing Gardner Canyon, the Northern Range is perfect for a day of scenic driving with plenty of pullouts to take in the views.

Driving Times from Gardiner to Top Park Attractions

Note: This is driving time only and does not include additional time for traffic, wildlife stops, or other.

Dining in Gardiner

Gardiner is a small town, but it offers a variety of great dining options for visitors! For breakfast, Yellowstone Perk, Tumbleweed Cafe, and Yellowstone Grill are popular spots to start the day, and Bear’s Brew is ideal for grabbing coffee and breakfast before heading into the park.

Gardiner Market is the town’s go-to spot for groceries or quick meals to-go. Two Bit City offers excellent food truck options, including quick, flavorful meals.

For a classic, hearty meal, The Corral is famous for its delicious burgers and fries. The Wonderland Cafe provides a relaxing dining atmosphere with a diverse menu of local favorites, while the Sage Fireside Room in nearby Paradise Valley offers an upscale dining experience with stunning views. Outlaw Pizza serves up great carryout for pizza lovers, and "The Outlaw" pizza is a local favorite.

Don’t miss the Huckleberry Ice Cream at Yellowstone Perk or Gardiner Gifts—either is perfect for a sweet treat. If you’re looking for live music or a fun atmosphere, Pine Creek Lodge Restaurant and Blue Goose Saloon are top choices.

Inside the park, check out the Old West Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge for a fun dining experience along Yellowstone’s Northern Range.

3. The Yellowstone River runs through Gardiner, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with fly fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, and more.

Gardiner is known for its scenic views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding mountains, as well as its wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities like fly fishing, river rafting, and horseback riding.

The Yellowstone River, which flows right through Gardiner, is a prime spot for fly fishing, drawing anglers from all over the world who come to catch trout and other native fish. Local outfitters offer guided trips for beginners and experienced fishers, ensuring anyone can have a rewarding experience on the river.

The same river also provides thrilling opportunities for river rafting, with several companies offering guided trips through its rapids, ranging from calm, scenic floats to more adventurous whitewater runs.

In addition to water-based activities, Gardiner is surrounded by stunning landscapes perfect for horseback riding. Several local ranches and tour companies offer guided horseback rides from Gardiner and the nearby Roosevelt Corral, allowing visitors to explore the area’s rugged terrain, mountain vistas, and beautiful valleys in a way that feels authentic and adventurous.

With the Gallatin National Forest nearby, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and camping, adding even more options for outdoor fun.

During the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become popular activities, particularly in the Paradise Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs areas.

For those looking for a unique adventure, wildlife safaris are available year-round, offering guided tours to some of the park’s best wildlife-watching spots.

Staying in Gardiner means you can easily access these activities and head out on adventures right from town, making it a convenient and exciting hub for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors!

The Yellowstone River flows right through the town of Gardiner, MT.

4. Gardiner is the gateway town at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, which is the only park entrance open year-round.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Gardiner is its proximity to Yellowstone’s North Entrance, marked by the iconic Roosevelt Arch.

The North Entrance is best known for being the only entrance open year-round, making it a key access point in winter when other park entrances are closed. If you’re visiting between November 1st and mid-April, the North Entrance is the only vehicle-accessible entrance to Yellowstone, making Gardiner the gateway to Yellowstone’s unique winter landscapes.

From here, you can drive through the park’s Northern Range to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and beyond, experiencing the quiet beauty of snow-covered scenery without the crowds of the summer season. This makes Gardiner an ideal base for those looking to explore Yellowstone during its quieter months.

Embark on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures on trails throughout Paradise Valley or Mammoth Hot Springs—or join guided tours that head further into the park’s interior.

Lamar Valley, which remains open via the road from Gardiner, is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, as winter is one of the best times of year to spot wolves, bison, elk, and other animals. With fewer people around, you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat, often framed against stunning, snowy backdrops.

Staying in Gardiner means you can take advantage of the town’s modern amenities even during the winter season. While many parts of the park become less accessible, Gardiner remains a fully-functioning town with open restaurants, lodges, and stores, making it easy to plan a winter vacation without worrying about seasonal closures. Local outfitters offer winter-specific activities like snowshoe tours, wildlife safaris, and guided excursions into the park, ensuring you can make the most of your visit.

Gardiner is the perfect place to stay to visit Yellowstone between November and mid-April, as it’s the only entrance open to self-driving during winter months. Plus, with its proximity to Lamar Valley, Gardiner is ideal for those interested in winter activities like wildlife watching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and photography!

5. Gardiner also borders the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, home to many dog-friendly trails.

Staying in Gardiner is a great option if you’re bringing a dog with you, as the town and surrounding areas offer plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and services. While dogs have limited access inside Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner provides a welcoming atmosphere for pets, with several local restaurants featuring outdoor seating areas where dogs are allowed.

For those looking to get out on the trails, the nearby Custer-Gallatin National Forest is a fantastic spot for dog-friendly hikes. Unlike Yellowstone, where dogs are mostly restricted to parking areas and campgrounds, Custer-Gallatin allows leashed dogs on many of its trails, providing a more flexible and enjoyable outdoor experience for pet owners. There are several scenic trails just a short drive from Gardiner, including routes that take you through beautiful forests, along rivers, and to stunning viewpoints.

In addition to trails and dining, Gardiner’s location makes it easy to find pet-friendly lodging, with many hotels, cabins, and campgrounds welcoming dogs. This means you can plan a comfortable stay that accommodates both you and your pet, whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a more budget-friendly motel.

Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Gardiner

Since you can’t hike with dogs (leashed nor carried) in Yellowstone, your best bet is to head to nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest, where dog-friendly trails are available outside the park.

Here are some dog-friendly hikes near Gardiner, MT.

Pine Creek Falls
North Fork Bear Creek Trail
LaDuke Trail
Passage Falls Trail
Suce Creek Trail #44 & Suce Creek West Trail #450 Loop
Pine Creek Lake
Black Mountain

And here’s a guided dog-friendly hiking tour in the nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Gardiner

The Corral allows dogs on their patio, making it a great place to grab a bite while keeping your dog by your side.

Tumbleweed Cafe, Outlaw Pizza, Yellowstone Grill, and Sagebrushers Food Truck are pet-friendly, too.

Dogs are also allowed at “Two Bit City” in Gardiner, where many great food trucks are available for lunch and dinner.

FAQs about Gardiner, MT

Where is Gardiner, MT?

Gardiner is a small town in southwestern Montana, located at the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It sits right on the edge of the park boundary, making it the primary gateway for visitors entering from the north. Gardiner is part of Park County, Montana, and sits about 90 minutes from Bozeman, Montana, home to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport—the busiest airport in the region and a gateway for most Yellowstone visitors. The drive from Bozeman to Gardiner is a scenic route that follows the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

What's the best way to get to Gardiner, MT?

The best way to get to Gardiner is typically by flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which is the nearest major airport, located about 90 minutes away. From Bozeman, you can rent a car and drive south on U.S. Route 89, a scenic road that follows the Yellowstone River and takes you directly to Gardiner. For those already in the park, you can also reach Gardiner by driving north from Mammoth Hot Springs to Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Gardiner is easily accessible whether you’re arriving from outside the park or continuing your journey within Yellowstone.

Can I access the entire park from Gardiner?

Absolutely! While Gardiner is closest to the park’s northern attractions, it is still possible to reach other parts of Yellowstone from here. Grand Loop Road allows visitors to explore areas like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake with scenic drives from Gardiner. However, it takes about two hours to reach the southernmost points of the park, such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin. If you’re hoping to see as much of Yellowstone as possible in one trip, we recommend splitting your trip between Gardiner, MT, and Canyon Village, which is one of the most central locations in Yellowstone.

Where should I stay in Gardiner?

When choosing where to stay in Gardiner, we highly recommend accommodations within walking distance of the town’s dining and coffee shops, as this makes it easy to explore the area on foot after a day of adventure. Staying on the north side of the bridge (closer to the park entrance) means you’ll be closer to the Roosevelt Arch and park entrance. Staying on the south side of the bridge, you’ll find more options for restaurants, shops, and amenities, along with the Gardiner Market and lovely views of the Yellowstone River. Both sides offer lodging within walking distance of town amenities and even the Roosevelt Arch, so you’ll find plenty of great options to suit your needs anywhere directly in town!

Click here to stay with us in Gardiner, MT, where cozy cabins, stunning mountain views, and Yellowstone adventures await just outside your door!

Keep Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries, our Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the stress out of planning a vacation to one of America’s largest national parks, and let us be your virtual tour guides thanks to our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

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