From erupting geysers to dramatic canyons and sprawling valleys teeming with wildlife, Yellowstone is packed with unforgettable sights. With over 2 million acres to explore, it helps to know where to start. These iconic landmarks and natural wonders are some of the most popular—and most awe-inspiring—stops within the park.
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring
Lamar Valley Wildlife
Yellowstone Lake
Mammoth Hot Springs
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park—located in West Yellowstone, Montana—is the closest and most convenient access point from The Wilson Hotel. About an hour’s drive, this route isn’t just efficient—it’s one of the most scenic drives in the region. You’ll follow the winding Gallatin River through a stunning canyon filled with towering pines, rugged cliffs, and the occasional elk or moose sighting.
It’s also the closest entrance to Old Faithful—Yellowstone’s most iconic geyser. From The Wilson, you can be standing in front of it in just over an hour, compared to well over two hours from Bozeman or Jackson Hole. That’s what makes the West Gate so special—once you're in the park, you're already close to some of the best sights to see.
To get there from The Wilson, simply head down Lone Mountain Trail, turn onto US-191 South, and enjoy approximately 48 miles of picturesque highway as you cross briefly into Wyoming and back into Montana. From there, follow signs into West Yellowstone, where you’ll find the official park entrance, visitor center, and gateway to your next adventure.
No car? No problem. Big Sky offers several transportation services that can get you from The Wilson Hotel to Yellowstone National Park with ease. Whether you’re looking for a private shuttle, a guided tour, or something in between, these local providers offer seasonal options to help you explore the park—without getting behind the wheel.
A few local transportation services:
We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak summer months. Our front desk team is happy to help you connect with a provider.
Yellowstone is one of the best places in North America to see wildlife in their natural habitat. From the sweeping grasslands of Lamar Valley to the forested ridges near Yellowstone Lake, the park is home to an impressive array of animals—some of which you’re almost guaranteed to see.
Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and pronghorn antelope. If you’re lucky (and quiet), you might also spot bears, wolves, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Binoculars or a zoom lens are a must—no selfie is worth the risk of getting too close. (We know they look fluffy, but please don’t pet the bison.) For your safety and theirs, always observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow all park guidelines.
Before you head into the park, it’s important to check current conditions—Yellowstone’s weather, road access, and trail availability can change quickly, especially with seasonal snow, wildlife activity, or geothermal hazards.
We recommend downloading the official National Park Service App, which offers offline maps, live updates, suggested itineraries, and alerts for closures or safety notices. It’s the best way to explore confidently, even when cell service drops off (which it will).
For the latest park conditions, visit the Yellowstone Current Conditions page, and be sure to stop by a visitor center if you need maps or trail advice on-site.
After a day spent exploring Yellowstone’s iconic geysers, dramatic canyons, and abundant wildlife, unwind in comfort at The Wilson Hotel. Located in the heart of Big Sky Town Center, just over an hour from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, our all-suite hotel features spacious accommodations and fully equipped kitchens—offering the perfect blend of modern convenience and mountain-inspired charm.
Start your mornings with complimentary breakfast, hit the trails or the park, then wind down with a soak in the hot tub, cocktails at the Lobby Bar, or dinner just steps away at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar. With spacious suites, pet-friendly options, and year-round adventure at your doorstep, The Wilson isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to launch your Montana story.
Planning a day in the park? Don’t forget to check out our Yellowstone Road Ready package—includes a nightly gas card and market road trip snacks.
The closest entrance is the West Entrance, located in West Yellowstone, Montana. It is the most popular gateway to the park, providing direct access to iconic geyser basins, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
The Wilson Hotel is a scenic 47-mile drive (about 50 to 60 minutes) from the park's West Entrance. The drive takes you directly along Highway 191, tracing the beautiful Gallatin River canyon where A River Runs Through It was filmed.
Yes, Big Sky is the perfect basecamp for a Yellowstone day trip. Because the West Entrance is just an hour away, guests at The Wilson Hotel can easily spend a full day exploring the park's wildlife, waterfalls, and geysers, and return to Big Sky in time for dinner and a swim in our heated outdoor pool.
Guests can choose to drive themselves for a self-guided road trip, or book a guided day tour. If you prefer a guided experience, our front desk team can connect you with premium local guiding partners who offer private wildlife safaris, geothermal tours, and winter snowcoach excursions with door-to-door pickup from the hotel.
Yes, Highway 191 between Big Sky and West Yellowstone is maintained and open year-round. However, please note that interior park roads close to regular vehicle traffic in early November to prepare for winter snowcoach tours, and reopen to standard vehicles in mid-to-late April.
Celebrate July 4th with a 4-night Big Sky getaway from $250 per night.
Book Now
