Trip Planner
This is where Yellowstone begins — and where the Old West still lingers. With fewer than 900 residents, Gardiner might be a small town, but it plays a big role as the only year-round entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River cuts through the heart of town, and the wildlife often outnumbers the people — think elk, bison, antelope, and the occasional bear or wolf.
Gardiner is more than a park gateway — it’s a lively, full-service basecamp lined with outfitters, gear shops, cozy lodges, restaurants and saloons. Grab a local brew, trade trail stories over dinner, or gear up for your next adventure — the town buzzes with the spirit of exploration. Just up the road near Emigrant, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers mineral-rich soaking pools (including hot and cold plunges and a Kneipp Walk — a stone path where you walk barefoot through alternating hot and cold water pools to boost circulation and deliver a refreshing “thermal shock” to the body) framed by mountain views — the perfect end to a day on the river or trail.
Enter the park through the iconic Roosevelt Arch, one of the most photographed landmarks in the West. Gardiner is the only place you can drive into Yellowstone in winter, making it a launch point for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and wolf watching in the Lamar Valley. In summer, it's all about hiking, rafting and fishing. Don’t miss nearby Mammoth Hot Springs, headquarters of Yellowstone National Park, where steam rises from sculpted terraces just five miles from town — and note this fun fact: Gardiner sits squarely on the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
Come Memorial Day weekend, Gardiner throws one of the rowdiest events in the region: the Hells A-Roarin’ Horse Drive, complete with a barbecue and live music. It’s a real-deal tradition and a taste of the town’s Wild West origins.
Head into the Northern Range — the northern section of Yellowstone — for top-tier wildlife watching. This is where you'll find herds of bison and elk, as well as coyotes, foxes, moose, bears and wolves. Winter is especially rewarding for photographers and skiers. For a different view, hop aboard a snowcoach tour through the park’s frosted interior.
Gardiner keeps the energy going year-round with beloved local events. The Hells A-Roarin’ Horse Drive kicks things off each Memorial Day weekend, followed by the Gardiner Rodeo in June and the Gardiner Brewfest in July. In August, experience The Lighting of Teepees at the Roosevelt Arch. Seven teepees are illuminated nightly at sunset, honoring the historic and continued presence of American Indian Tribes in the Yellowstone region. Winter brings its own charm with the Gardiner Christmas Stroll and Tree Lighting in December and a January Chili Cook-Off, proof that this Yellowstone outpost has more than just wildlife to keep you entertained.
