Only two Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites are available on Emerald Harmony, making them our most exclusive suites. Enjoy your own private terrace, complete with a spacious hot tub for ultimate indulgence, as well as an extra roomy lounge and bedroom.
Visiting Yellowstone National Park and Its Gateway Cities
Yellowstone National Park is a crown jewel of the American wilderness—a vast volcanic landscape teeming with geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and awe-inspiring scenery. Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone sprawls across over 2.2 million acres of rugged terrain, covering parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Its geothermal features such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring captivate millions of visitors each year, while its abundant wildlife—bison, elk, bears, and wolves—draws nature enthusiasts and photographers from around the globe. But before visitors can begin their Yellowstone adventure, they typically arrive via one of several prominent gateway cities. Each offers a unique atmosphere and serves as a practical and cultural introduction to the national park experience.
Jackson, Wyoming
Located about 60 miles south of Yellowstone’s South Entrance, Jackson is one of the most scenic and luxurious basecamps for Yellowstone explorers. Nestled in the shadow of the Teton Range, Jackson is also the gateway to Grand Teton National Park, which lies just south of Yellowstone and is often visited in tandem. The town of Jackson offers a rustic Western ambiance with upscale flair. Visitors can stroll the historic town square framed by elk antler arches, browse art galleries, dine in gourmet restaurants, and enjoy rodeos and music festivals. Jackson Hole Airport, located inside Grand Teton National Park, makes air travel directly into the region particularly convenient. Adventure seekers will find plenty to do nearby, from rafting the Snake River to skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in winter. Jackson appeals to those looking for natural beauty with modern comforts.
Founded by the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, this historic town lies about 50 miles east of Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Cody is steeped in the spirit of the Old West and makes for an ideal starting point for those wishing to combine their park experience with a dose of cowboy culture. The town’s centerpiece is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West—a sprawling complex of five museums that explore everything from Western art to Plains Indian history to the life of William F. Cody himself. Visitors can also enjoy nightly rodeos in summer, historic downtown shops, and scenic drives along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. The road from Cody to Yellowstone is both dramatic and picturesque, passing through Shoshone National Forest and offering stunning canyon views.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Just outside the park’s West Entrance, West Yellowstone is a compact and convenient town that caters specifically to Yellowstone travelers. It provides easy access to some of the park’s most famous attractions, including Old Faithful and the Lower Geyser Basin. Accommodations range from rustic cabins to full-service hotels, and the town is known for its welcoming, family-friendly vibe. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center offers a rare opportunity to see these animals up close in a sanctuary environment, making it a great educational stop. West Yellowstone is also a prime destination for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter months when the park transforms into a snow-covered wonderland. Yellowstone Airport, a small regional hub, provides seasonal flights during the summer.
Bozeman, Montana
Situated about 90 miles north of Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Bozeman is a vibrant university town nestled in the Gallatin Valley. Known for its outdoor recreation and cultural sophistication, Bozeman serves as a gateway not only to Yellowstone but also to the surrounding national forests and ski resorts. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport offers the most extensive flight options in the region, making it a practical starting point for many travelers. The city boasts a thriving downtown lined with shops, brewpubs, and restaurants, as well as the Museum of the Rockies, which features one of the nation’s most impressive dinosaur fossil collections. From Bozeman, visitors can drive south through Paradise Valley, a stunning stretch of land that follows the Yellowstone River into the park.
Gardiner, Montana
Located directly at Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Gardiner is the oldest gateway town and retains a frontier-like charm. The Roosevelt Arch—a stone gateway dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt—stands as a historic symbol welcoming travelers into Yellowstone. Gardiner provides easy access to the Mammoth Hot Springs area and is open year-round, unlike some other park entrances that close during winter. With the Yellowstone River flowing through town and elk and bison often wandering through neighborhoods, Gardiner offers an immersive wildlife experience before visitors even enter the park. The town is small but well-equipped with inns, lodges, outfitters, and local restaurants.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Though located approximately 110 miles west of Yellowstone’s West Entrance, Idaho Falls serves as a larger urban hub with amenities and an airport (Idaho Falls Regional Airport) that accommodates several major airlines. The city offers a more suburban experience with modern shopping centers, parks, and a charming River Walk along the Snake River. It’s a popular entry point for travelers heading toward both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. The route from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone takes drivers through the picturesque high plains of eastern Idaho and the scenic Island Park region, which features volcanic calderas, forests, and fly-fishing streams.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Although more distant—roughly 320 miles from the park’s South Entrance—Salt Lake City is the closest major metropolitan area to Yellowstone and is frequently used as a starting point for road trips into the park. Salt Lake City International Airport offers broad national and international connectivity, which makes it especially appealing for travelers flying in from across the U.S. or abroad. The city itself boasts a rich cultural scene, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. From Salt Lake City, visitors often drive through Logan, Idaho Falls, or Jackson en route to the park, enjoying changing landscapes that range from desert to alpine forest.
Yellowstone’s remote beauty is balanced by the accessibility provided by its diverse array of gateway cities. Whether you prefer the rugged Western heritage of Cody, the refined mountain town of Jackson, the small-town hospitality of West Yellowstone and Gardiner, or the urban convenience of Bozeman, Idaho Falls, or Salt Lake City, each offers a unique entryway into America’s first national park. No matter where your journey begins, Yellowstone’s geysers, canyons, rivers, and wildlife promise an unforgettable adventure that starts the moment you arrive.
