Yellowstone: Traveling from Bozeman to Jackson

Let’s get a little more information to better help.

It sounds like you have an overnight available before your first night in Jackson?

When are you traveling?

What time does your flight arrive in to Bozeman?

How many nights do you have in Jackson, at OF and Canyon?

Editing to add: I just looked back at your thread from nearly a year ago! Are you still planning 10 days?

And what route are you planning on taking?

Unless you plan to go way out of your way to get to Jackson, your options are most
likely Big Sky (which isn't really a town), West Yellowstone, or Driggs.

Mammoth Hot Springs is another option but getting to Jackson from there involves
going thru the park, which could be pretty tedious.

Unless you want to do some hiking or other outdoor stuff, I suspect Bozeman is your
best bet.

So you are flying in/out of Bozeman, rather than the open jaw Jackson/Bozeman you mentioned in a previous discussion?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/yellowstone-aacc853b-bf47-48f9-8550-ddb6ea8fda13

Yes, I booked my lodging based on arrival in Jackson and staying 3 nights, allowing 2 days in GT, then 3 nights in Old Faithful, and 2 nights at Canyon Lodge, then leaving through Gardner back to Bozeman for flight next day. I originally planned on flying into Jackson but my flights were better RT to Bozeman. Because of the unexpected arrival a day early in Bozeman, I was trying to figure points of interest and a town for lodging n the way to Jackson. We will be arriving in Bozeman at 1pm. So now it’s a total of 9 nights.

Thank you, All of your feedback has been very helpful.

I'd say West Yellowstone is good stopover.

And this is the end of Sept.

I'd agree with the West Yellowstone recommendations. I'd probably also drive thru the park the next day instead of outside the park. To me it's more scenic although if there happens to be some kind of early winter storm outside the park will likely be better road conditions. I'd go via Canyon and Hayden Valley to up your chances of seeing wildlife even though you will be staying at Canyon later in your trip.

If you do choose to go the route outside the park from West Yellowstone to Jackson via Ashton/Tetonia/Driggs you could stop at Mesa Falls. The Visitor Center might still be open then but you can drive back to the Upper Falls anyway.

IF you want a long day of driving you could drive east from Bozeman to Columbus MT, drop off the interstate there to Red Lodge (about 2.5 hours from Bozeman). From Red Lodge you could go to Cody via Belfry and overnight in Cody (another hour further from Red Lodge and doable if you get in at 1PM). The next AM you could see the Buffalo Bill Center of the West 5-museum art center, then head to Jackson after an early lunch. It's about a 5-hour drive from Cody to Jackson via Yellowstone (in the East entrance, out the South Entrance).

The most scenic drive in the area is over Beartooth Highway but end of September is very iffy weather-wise due to the elevation up there (over 10,000'). It can be storming up there when it is bright and clear on either end. This time of year I'd only suggest Beartooth if you were doing an out and back day trip where you would have an easy Plan B if the weather was yucky.

Thank you again for all the great detailed recommendations.

2 more questions… 1-In West YS, is there any thoughts on staying at the Explorer Cabins vs Kelly Inn for 2 adults? The Explorer Cabins are a bit more $ but if it’s worth it for a better experience I’m open to it. 2- When arriving in Bozeman is there an outdoor store in Bozeman or on route to West YS to stock on supplies like cooler, Coleman stove, etc? I thought it may be less pricey than waiting to get to Jackson.
Thanks again!

"1-In West YS, is there any thoughts on staying at the Explorer Cabins vs Kelly Inn for 2 adults? The Explorer Cabins are a bit more $ but if it’s worth it for a better experience I’m open to it."

I've stayed at the Kelly a number of times and usually ask for one of the rooms that opens out onto the parking lot so I can back my car up and load easily. I have not stayed at the Explorer Cabins but they are well-rated. HOWEVER...how much time do you think you will spend in your room? For me, I'm gone at sunrise and don't come back until sunset. You are only going to be there one night, right? So, I'd go with Kelly.

"2- When arriving in Bozeman is there an outdoor store in Bozeman or on route to West YS to stock on supplies like cooler, Coleman stove, etc? I thought it may be less pricey than waiting to get to Jackson."

There is this company a number of folks from the Yellowstone Trip Advisor forums have used. Since I drive over from N. Idaho I've not got first hand experience. There is also Walmart and Target in Bozeman. Last time I stopped in Target (before Covid) it seemed small and not well-stocked but that's been more than 5 years. The Walmart is right off the interstate which should have coolers and a stove. You can also stop in Belgrade at the Albertson's there (Belgrade is actually where the airport is located). They should have coolers but may not have a Coleman Stove. There is also an REI in Bozeman.

https://explore-rentals.com

I’m trying to finalize best routes for arrival/departure routes, and appreciate nsights.
Arrival: I’m trying to finalize our drive from Bozeman>West YS>Jackson - I was mapping the Hayden Valley Route and it said it would be about 7 hours. We would prefer not to be driving that long. Since we will be staying in Canyon Village later, is there a more direct route where we can also enjoy the journey with interesting stops?

Departure: Canyon Village > Bozeman
My original route was from North Entrance/Gardiner to Bozeman, however the Beartooth Hwy sounded wonderful. When I map that it says use the northeast entrance/Cook City and that will take 7 hours. Is that correct? We don’t want to drive 7 hours. Is there another way to see Beartooth, maybe a day trip from Canyon Village?

Thank you.

A great spot to stop for the night (and enjoy a mix of good food, sights, and small-town charm) is West Yellowstone. It’s just outside the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park and makes for a natural halfway point. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and even attractions like the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. It’s also super close to scenic spots like Earthquake Lake and Hebgen Lake, if you’re into nature.

Here is a link to approximate drive times within Yellowstone. Most people who visit the park frequently have driven segments in less time than shown on the map. This is still a good estimate of drive times as you'd rather overestimate than under.

https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/content/uploads/2025/05/Map_YNP-Xanterra-Detailed_CMYK-v2025-1-scaled.jpg

Bozeman Airport to West Yellowstone: 1.5 hours

West gate to South Gate via Hayden: ~4 hours

South Gate to Jackson proper: 1.5 hours

The mapping program drive times are generally not accurate for Beartooth and underestimate the time needed to travel from Cooke City to Red Lodge.

Canyon to NE Entrance: 2 hours
NE Entrance to Red Lodge: 2.5-3 hours, more if you stop more often for the scenery
Red Lodge to Bozeman: 2.5 hours
Add in time for stops for food, fuel, comfort, scenery. I'd say it would take closer to 8+ hours. IF you do this, consider having lunch at the Red Boxcar just as you come in to Red Lodge from Beartooth. It's a burger place, right beside Rock Creek. Food is good, setting is awesome if the weather is pretty.

Alt route via North Entrance and Gardiner:

Canyon to North Entrance: 2 hours
North Entrance to Bozeman Airport: 1.5 hours

Yes, you can definitely do Beartooth as a day trip from Canyon. When I go I generally do it as a day trip from either Mammoth or Gardiner so about the same drive time. It usually takes me the whole day but I stop a lot and do birding along the way. It's usually an 8-4:30 day for me with time for lunch in Red Lodge. I usually don't stop to hike as I am a solo traveler. There has been a grizzly sow with a cub being seen often east of Cooke City before you get to the junction of WY296 so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The first wolf I ever saw in the area was outside Cooke City instead of in the park, lol.

Thank you again!