Whether you’re looking for a big adventure in the wilderness or a peaceful place to recharge, West Yellowstone is the ideal base camp for enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful terrain. As Yellowstone National Park’s busiest gateway community, this charming town (pop. 1,300) plays host to 4 million visitors each year. Surrounded by three national forests, prairies, peaks, and lakes, West Yellowstone is a four-season hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. 

During the summer, the area’s hidden fishing spots, mountain bike trails, and whitewater rapids take center stage. As the seasons change, however, Montana’s famous “cold smoke” powder steals the spotlight. Winters in West Yellowstone can be frigid and bitter—the town holds the record for the lowest recorded temperature in the continental US—but skiers and snowmobilers relish the groomed trails and frosty scenery. Wildlife viewing is popular year-round, but especially during the spring (when wildlife newborns appear) and fall (when elk mating season occurs). 

While the region’s most famous sights are located within the park, West Yellowstone still has plenty to offer visitors, from quaint shops to quirky restaurants. Fueling up for your next big adventure? Casual pizza joints, cozy breakfast spots, and fantastic tacos are all on order here. The local IMAX Theater, a great spot to visit after a full day of exploring, screens nature films and blockbusters on its six-story screen. If you’re interested in getting up close and personal with area wildlife, check out the exhibits and interactive displays at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. (The educational facility is also home to grizzlies and wolves that wouldn’t otherwise survive in the wild.)

No matter when you visit, West Yellowstone boasts enough outdoor activities to make your head spin. Cast your line in top blue-ribbon trout streams, or try your luck at Hebgen Lake, one of the state’s top stillwater fisheries. If mountain biking is more your style, you’ll be pleased to discover that the TransAmerica Trail carves a path directly through town. And while Yellowstone offers more than 1,000 miles of trails in the park, the forests around West Yellowstone are also a dreamscape for hikers—not to mention cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Thanks to 150 inches of annual snowfall, Rendezvous Trail System is as popular during the winter as it is during warmer months.

With its wildlife, geysers, and iconic vistas, you could spend weeks soaking up the scenery in Yellowstone National Park. See world-famous waterfalls and hot springs, go for a swim in the Firehole River, or spend time learning about the history of the park at the West Yellowstone Visitors Center. Whether you have two days or two weeks to spend here, this natural wonder is a must-see destination that belongs on your bucket list.

West Yellowstone rentals make it easy to take advantage of all that the region has to offer. Explore the selection of rustic cabins, cozy retreats, and spacious lodges available on FlipKey to find the perfect accommodations for your next Rocky Mountain Adventure.