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Located at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone offers a gateway to some of the nation’s most spectacular country. After nearly a century of catering to visitors in the Yellowstone area, the town has developed a special blend of western hospitality. Regardless of your recreational abilities, there are enough summer activities here to keep you, your friends and family busy. Fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking are all available, as are scenic drives to nearby lakes and wildlife refuges. Museums, visitor centers, and other cultural attractions offer information about the history and ecology of the area.
For a glimpse into history, travel past Ennis to the old mining towns of Virginia and Nevada Cities. Catch “gold fever” panning for gold in Alder Gulch where over $130 million in gold was once extracted from the ground. Be sure to visit Virginia City’s famous Boot Hill Cemetery and the infamous Robber’s Roost, hideaway in the 1800s for notorious highwaymen and thieves. To the north, a drive past Big Sky through the winding Gallatin Canyon takes you to Bozeman. The route follows the Gallatin River until it opens into a beautiful valley rimmed with spectacular mountains.
On the other side of West, a drive towards Rexburg, Idaho on U.S. 20 will lead you to  Yellowstone Bear World. This animal park seeks to recreate the era of Yellowstone National Park when grizzly and black bears were commonly found along the park’s roads. As you drive through this park, you’ll also see elk, deer, reindeer, and other animals native to the Rocky Mountain range. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the woods and trails of West Yellowstone. Popular bicycle rides include the Old Union Pacific Rail Bed, the Rendezvous Trail System and the wide shoulder of the road along the Madison River. The mountain biking in West Yellowstone is unparalleled. The types of rides range from meandering old logging roads to hair-raising technical single track, many of which can be found within 15 minutes of West Yellowstone. A popular local ride begins at the junction of Yellowstone Avenue and Iris in West and heads southwest of town. The ride offers a scenic double track trail that parallels the South Fork of the Madison River. Other rides include the Rendezvous Trail System within town.
The terrain is gradually rolling with some steep uphill and downhill portions. The main trails are easy to follow and offer beautiful riding through densely forested country.
For a comfortable road ride, follow the Madison River gradually traveling up the course of the river into the park. You can peddle all the way to Madison Junction (14 miles) or turn around anywhere along the way. Then, it’s a gradual downhill back into West Yellowstone in time for dinner.
If you prefer to travel on your own two feet, visit the Purple Mountain Trail located 14 miles inside the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. Head toward Norris. When you reach Madison Junction, park at the area on your right. The trail begins across the road. The three-mile trek to the top of Purple Mountain takes you to 8,433 ft. and offers spectacular views of Yellowstone’s geyser basins and the Teton Mountain Range to the south. At 11,150 feet, Lone Mountain towers over the surrounding mountains. From here, you have views of the surrounding Gallatin Range, the neighboring Absarokas and Madison Ranges, Yellowstone National Park, the Bozeman Valley, and, on a very clear day, the towering Teton Mountain Range in far off Jackson Hole.
A more mellow walk is at the boardwalk along the edge of the Madison River. A mile inside the park entrance is a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful evening and watch the sunset. Outside the park you’ll find uncrowded trails, quiet lakes, and options unavailable in the park. If you’re hankering to jump onto a horse, our local outfitters and operators can take you on an exceptional trail ride. North of West Yellowstone on Hwy. 287, Whit’s Lake Road Trailhead provides good riding for horses, as does the Red Canyon Road two miles further on. Red Canyon opens up into miles of trails and access to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area where wildflowers, rugged canyons and wonderful views abound.
During the hot days of summer, cool off on a whitewater rafting or fishing trip. Rapids with names like “Screaming Left” and “House Rock” will pump your adrenaline. Wildlife in the area include deer, big horn sheep, moose, bear and river otters.
For more information on lodging, special events and activities in the area call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at (406) 646-7701 or stop by the Visitor Center located just one block west of the park entrance.
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