The West Yellowstone center point is approximately 13 miles east of Earthquake Lake and 15 miles north of West Yellowstone Airport.
Planning your vacation for summer or winter will provide you with the best experience in this town. During the summer, you can hike in the nearby forest or take day trips to other Montana towns without worrying about ice and snow. Visit Old Faithful, track the bison herds, or spend your time pursuing other forms of wildlife. In winter, you can go skiing, play in the snow, or try your hand at snowboarding. Several outfits in and near West Yellowstone lease other wintertime gear, as well.
Fall and spring become far less predictable, so you'll want to plan for all contingencies. You might experience sunny days and mild weather, or Mother Nature might dump a fresh pile of snow on West Yellowstone. In autumn, you might experience some changing colors in the local foliage, though, so a visit during this time could prove enjoyable, especially if you don't mind nippy nights.
If you're looking for discounts on hotel rooms, consider staying at a chain establishment, such as Days Inn and Holiday Inn. They will shave a few dollars off your hotel bill if you're a member of AAA or a senior citizen.
Maybe you want to enjoy great amenities in West Yellowstone, but you're not willing to shell out big bucks for the experience. Fortunately, this town offers several mid-priced locations that bridge the gap between budget-friendly and upscale.
You might want to book your reservations at the Days Inn West Yellowstone, for example, which offers the familiarity of a chain hotel franchise as well as the delight of a scenic mountain location. There's an indoor pool and hot tub for your relaxation, and the pool features a 100-foot water slide for the kids — and the adults, of course. You'll like the on-site restaurant because you don't have to leave the venue to grab a bite to eat, and as a guest at the Days Inn, you get two free breakfast coupons. A free shuttle will take you to and from the airport, which can cut down on traveling costs, and you'll get free wireless internet access throughout the establishment.
In your room at the Days Inn West Yellowstone, you can watch cable channels on the 32-inch flat-screen television and make your own refreshments using the coffeemaker, refrigerator, and microwave. Choose from economy and deluxe rooms to further control your travel spending, all of which come with simple, understated furnishings and decor. You'll get a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and premium toiletries.
The Clubhouse Inn is another excellent choice if you're looking for value in West Yellowstone. This venue is within walking distance of the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, which will delight children and adults alike. The hotel offers a spacious indoor pool that brings in lots of natural light and offers lounge chairs if you feel like relaxing by the pool. Other amenities include a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, elevator, coin-operated laundry facility, and concierge desk.
In your room, you'll find lodge-themed furnishings and decor with lots of neutral colors and nature-inspired prints. If you feel like splurging, choose a king room with a jacuzzi tub so you can soak all your troubles away. All rooms contain refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers, as well as irons and ironing boards. You'll like the pillowtop beds and the 37-inch flat-screen televisions.
To maximize your time in Yellowstone National Park, plan to spend at least three to five days in the park. Avoid driving through the wilderness; instead, get out of the car and explore the park on foot. You'll see more wildlife and get a better appreciation for this destination's grandeur. Carry plenty of food and water, and consider tying a jacket around your waist just in case the temperatures drop suddenly.
West Yellowstone serves as a gateway to the park as well as an idyllic mountain destination. Choose one of the hotels recommended above and start planning your trip to Montana.