AboutBruce Gourley Expertise General and specific questions about Yellowstone National Park.
Experience I live near Yellowstone, have spent untold thousands of hours in the Park over the years, and am owner of Yellowstone Net (www.yellowstone.net) which features extensive information and reservation services for the Yellowstone region via the Internet.
Publications Yellowstone Net Newspaper, among others
Expert: Bruce Gourley Date: 5/25/2008 Subject: Day Trip Through Yellowstone
Question Hi -- My husband and I will be driving through Yellowstone in early June and, unfortunately, only have a day to drive through from North to South. We will be coming in from Billings and staying in Jackson. Do you have recommendations for "must see's" as well as best routes?
thanks in advance for your expertise!
mlf
Answer Hello Mary,
Driving from Billings to Jackson in one day will make for a very long day. My suggestion is to go West on I-90 to Laurel, then South to Red Lodge, and over the Beartooth Highway to the NE entrance to Yellowstone.
Upon entering the Park, follow the road through Lamar Valley (look for wildlife) to the Tower / Roosevelt junction, turn south and drive to Canyon. Visit the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone at Canyon.
Then you have a choice. The shorter route is to head due South down to Yellowstone Lake. This segment goes through the Hayden Valley, and is an excellent place to see wildlife. Stop at the Lake area for a short visit, then continue South to West Thumb Geyser Basin (take a 20-30 minute stroll through the basin). Afterwards, continue South to Jackson.
Or ... from Canyon head west to Norris Junction. If you have time, visit the Norris Geyser Basin. If not, turn South at Norris Junction and continue on to Old Faithful, which you will certainly want to see. Between Norris and Old Faithful, there are plenty of other thermal features you can choose from, if you wish ... plus you will see some wildlife. After Old Faithful, continue South to Jackson.
Regardless, I recommend you leave Billings no later than 6 AM, earlier if possible.
