The 43,750-sq-mile Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem doesnāt suddenly end at the park fence. Enveloping the park kernel is a protective cushion of national forests and wilderness areas that offer almost as much scenic splendor as the park itself, but without the crowds and the pesky permits. Try to allocate at least a few days to explore this exceptional area.
Latched onto Yellowstone Parkās northern boundaries, the three gateway towns of Gardiner, West Yellowstone and Cooke City serve as functional visitor hubs, good for a bed and a bite to eat, but itās the four corridors that radiate out from the park that offer the real scenic draws. Plan your itinerary to combine the stunning Beartooth and Gallatin routes, or the Beartooth, Wapiti and Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy via the Wild West town of Cody, and youāll have the ultimate add-on to a classic Yellowstone trip.
Road Distances (miles)
Note: Distances are approximate
Best Places to Eat
AYellowstone Valley Grill
A2nd St Bistro
AChico Inn Restaurant
AWalkers Grill
ARed Box Car
Best Places to Stay
AMurray Hotel
AChamberlin Inn
ARainbow Ranch Lodge
AChico Hot Springs
A320 Ranch
BEARTOOTH ROUTE
Billings
%406 / Pop 110,300 / Elev 3123ft
Itās hard to believe laid-back little Billings is Montanaās largest city. The friendly oil-and-ranching center is not a must-see but makes for a decent overnight pit stop, or a point of departure for Yellowstone National Park via the breathtaking Beartooth Hwy.
Pompeyās Pillar and the further away Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monuments are worthwhile stops for history buffs, and downtown has a certain unpolished charm for those who prefer the modern West.
