Experience Yellowstone
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
Getting to Yellowstone from The Wilson
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.
Exploring Yellowstone Without a Car
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.
America's First National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the first national park in the world—setting the precedent for protected public lands across the globe. Spanning over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it’s home to an extraordinary collection of geothermal wonders, alpine rivers, deep canyons, and abundant wildlife.
The park sits atop a supervolcano, fueling its more than 10,000 hydrothermal features—including the famous Old Faithful Geyser, colorful hot springs, and steaming fumaroles. But Yellowstone is more than geologic spectacle—it’s a living, breathing wilderness where herds of bison still roam, grizzlies fish for trout, and wolves howl across the Lamar Valley.
For over 150 years, Yellowstone has drawn explorers, artists, scientists, and nature lovers from all over the world. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the legacy of this place never fades—it only grows deeper with each return.
Wildlife Watching
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.
Stay in the Know
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.
Your Basecamp for Yellowstone
After a day exploring geysers, canyons, and wildlife, come home to comfort at The Wilson Hotel. Located in Big Sky’s Town Center—just over an hour from Yellowstone’s West Entrance—our all-suite hotel offers the perfect balance of modern convenience and mountain 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.