Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
R
OAD
L
OGS AND
D
ESTINATIONS
I. NORTHWESTERN SECTION
Each road log section begins at a gateway community and continues into the park to a junction on the Grand
Loop Road. The exception is section II, “The Bechler Region,” whose roads do not connect with interior park
roads.
Approaches to the West Entrance
From Bozeman, Montana, driving south on U.S. Highway 191 through the Gallatin Canyon,
you traverse pleasant mountain scenery without crossing any high mountain passes. On this
route, you can find all types of accommodations. About halfway along the 90-plus miles (145
km) from Bozeman to West Yellowstone is the road to the famous ski resort of Big Sky. Further
south, more than 20 miles (32 km) of U.S. 191 pass inside the western edge of Yellowstone.
If you're approaching from the west or south, there are two other good roads you might
take. They are U.S. 287 and the road from Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Ashton, Idaho (Interstate
15, then U.S. 20). The Ashton to West Yellowstone drive is described in the other direction on
B
OZEMAN,
M
ONTANA
B
OZEMAN
Y
ELLOWSTONE
I
NTERNATIONAL
A
IRPORT
Population (2010): 37,300 8 mi. (13 km) NW
Bozeman is a rapidly growing town and one of Montana's oldest, established in 1864. The
former agricultural college, now Montana State University, is the home of the
Museum of the
Rockies,
with a planetarium and excellent dinosaur and geology exhibits.
FROM BOZEMAN TO THE WEST ENTRANCE
You'll need about two hours' driving time to cover the distance to West Yellowstone. The road
follows the Gallatin River up its beautiful mountain-bound canyon. Take Interstate 90 west to
Montana Highway 85, which leads to U.S. 191, or take U.S. 191 due west out out of town and
then follow it south.
The village of Gallatin Gateway is 15 miles (24 km) from Bozeman, just of the highway.
As you pass near it, you'll see the restored
Gallatin Gateway Inn,
built as the terminus of the
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad (nicknamed the Milwaukee Road), which
