Northeast Entrance

The Northeast Entrance is accessible via US-212. If coming from the west, you'll drive through the park from Mammoth Hot Springs. If coming from the east, you'll approach via the Beartooth Highway.

No, the Northeast Entrance Road (connecting Cooke City to Tower-Roosevelt) is typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1st through late May or early June due to snow.

The Northeast Entrance provides direct access to the Lamar Valley, making it the ideal starting point for wildlife viewing.

No, there is no direct north-south road connecting the Northeast Entrance to the Old Faithful area. You would need to drive west to Mammoth Hot Springs and then south, or exit the park and re-enter from the west or south.

There are no official park shuttle services that directly serve the Northeast Entrance. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles.

Yes, all visitors need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass. These can be purchased at any park entrance station or online in advance.

The Northeast Entrance is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, weather permitting. However, services within the park may have limited hours.

Entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through the official Yellowstone National Park website or recreation.gov, which can save time at the entrance station.

The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is a public road and does not have an entrance fee. However, you will need a Yellowstone National Park pass if you plan to enter the park via this route.

Arriving very early in the morning (before 8 AM) or later in the evening can help you avoid the peak crowds, especially during the summer months.

The Lamar Valley, easily accessed from the Northeast Entrance, is renowned for bison, pronghorn, elk, bears, and wolves. Keep a safe distance and use binoculars!

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities, including trails in the Lamar Valley and along the Beartooth Highway. Always be bear-aware and carry bear spray.

Key viewpoints include the Top of the World, various pull-offs overlooking glacial lakes, and the scenic overlooks near the Montana/Wyoming border.

Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent in most of the Lamar Valley and along the Beartooth Highway. Download offline maps and inform someone of your plans.

Services are minimal. You'll find a small visitor contact station and restrooms. The nearest services like gas, food, and lodging are in Cooke City-Silver Gate.

There are no restaurants directly within the park at the Northeast Entrance. The closest dining options are in Cooke City and Silver Gate, just outside the entrance.

Cooke City offers a range of casual dining, including diners, cafes, and pubs serving American comfort food. It's a great place to refuel after a day of exploring.

Yes, there are designated picnic areas in Lamar Valley. Remember to pack out all your trash and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cooke City has a small general store where you can purchase basic groceries and snacks. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before entering the park if possible.

Prices are typical for a remote tourist town. While not cheap, it's generally more affordable than dining options within the main tourist hubs of Yellowstone.

Lamar Valley is unparalleled for wildlife photography. Early morning and late evening light create magical scenes. Look for bison herds, wolf packs, and bears.

A telephoto lens (200mm+) is highly recommended for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive landscapes of Lamar Valley and Beartooth Highway.

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for both wildlife and landscapes.

While not directly at the Northeast Entrance, guided photography tours operate within Yellowstone National Park and can often be customized to focus on the Lamar Valley area.

The alpine lakes, vast mountain panoramas, and dramatic switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway offer stunning landscape photography opportunities.