Where is Cody Yellowstone?

Cody Yellowstone is located in Northwest Wyoming. It comprises the towns of Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park.

What towns are in Cody Yellowstone?

Cody Yellowstone is a region in Wyoming that comprises the towns of Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse, as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park.

What activities are available in Cody Yellowstone?

The list of things to do in Cody Yellowstone is practically endless: rodeo spectacles, outdoor adventure, dynamic dining, and more.

Where can I find places to stay in Cody Yellowstone?

Whatever style of accommodations you’re looking for, you can find it in Cody Yellowstone. Visit our Stay page for more information about Cody Yellowstone hotels, ranches, campgrounds, RV resorts, and more.

How do you drive to Cody Yellowstone?

Interstates 25 and 90 allow an approach to Cody Yellowstone from the southeast and east. From the north, Montana 310 connects I-90 with Wyoming 120. From the south, take I-25 to Casper and then US 120 to Thermopolis, and Wyoming 120 to Meeteetse and Cody. From the east, Powell and Yellowstone Country are approached by US Hwy. 14-A and the scenic Medicine Wheel passage through the Big Horn Mountains.

Can you fly to Cody Yellowstone?

Yes. Yellowstone Regional Airport, located in Cody, serves the entire area with year-round United Airlines flights from Denver, Colorado.

What is the best time of year to visit Cody Yellowstone?

Cody Yellowstone is an all-season destination, with unique activities and attractions available year-round.

Where can I get a free Cody Yellowstone Vacation Guide?

Visit our Request Information page to receive a free printed Vacation Guide by mail or download the digital version right away.

What’s the weather like in Cody Yellowstone?

Cody Yellowstone offers four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and sunny with mild nights, offering excellent opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Winters are cold with significant snowfall, offering opportunities for winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and opportunities to see fascinating wildlife.

Where can I eat in Cody Yellowstone?

Cody Yellowstone offers a dynamic and growing food and beverage scene, with a variety of family restaurants, craft breweries, international foods, and traditional Western dinners available for curious diners.

How close is Cody, Wyoming, to Yellowstone National Park?

The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, just 52 miles west of Cody via Highway 14-16-20 (the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway). The Northeast Entrance is 78 miles from Cody via WY 296 (the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway). Other entrances into Yellowstone are Highway 191-89-287 in Wyoming, and Highways 20, 287, 191, 89; 212 in Montana.

Can you enter Yellowstone National Park from Cody, Wyoming?

There are two ways to enter Yellowstone National Park from Cody Wyoming. The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is 52 miles from Cody via the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The Northeast Entrance is 78 miles away via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Is Cody a good place to stay if you want to visit Yellowstone National Park?

Absolutely! Located just 52 miles from the East Gate and offering a fantastic Western experience, Cody offers the ideal home base for exploring Yellowstone.

Is the road from Cody to Yellowstone open?

The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is typically open from the beginning of May until the end of October. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the National Park Service website.

Which Yellowstone entrance is closest to Cody?

Yellowstone’s East Gate is the closest entrance to Cody. It is 52 miles away.

How far is Cody from Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone?

Mammoth Hot Springs is located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the North Entrance. It is approximately 125 miles from Cody. You can add a stop at Mammoth Hot Springs by extending your drive of the East Yellowstone Loop, one of our recommended Scenic Byways.

Who can I contact for more information about Cody Yellowstone meetings and group travel?

Contact Executive Director Ryan Hauck at 307-587-8589 or ryan.hauck@codyyellowstone.org for more information.

Everything You Need to Know About Yellowstone’s East Gate Opening for the Season

Posted by: Park Country Travel Council

Posted on: April 23, 2024

Calling all adventurers! You probably already know that Cody Yellowstone boasts easy access to the world’s original national park, a sprawling natural wonderland offering 2.2 million wild acres and sights like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You probably also know that the drive from Cody to Yellowstone is an unforgettable experience, famously called one of the most scenic in the United States. Located just 52 miles west of downtown Cody, the East Gate of Yellowstone is your gateway to legendary outdoor adventures, cherished family memories, and breathtaking landscapes.

Here’s the exciting news: the East Gate opens for the season on the first Friday of May, which falls on May 2nd in 2025. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Cody is hosting family-friendly festivities worthy of one of America’s most beloved destinations.

East Gate Opening FAQ

When does the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park open in 2024?

The East Gate of Yellowstone National Park opens on May 2, 2025.

How far is Yellowstone’s East Gate from Downtown Cody?

The drive from Downtown Cody to the East Gate is around 52 miles.

Are there any special events in Cody that coincide with the East Gate opening?

Yes! Head over to the Cody Chamber at 836 Sheridan Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for a complimentary celebratory pancake breakfast!

What to Do Before the East Gate Opens

Kick off your springtime adventure in Yellowstone with a delicious breakfast at our 11th Annual Park & Pancakes Breakfast! Celebrate with us at the Cody Chamber (836 Sheridan Avenue) between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for free pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee, and juice — the perfect fuel for a day of exploring Yellowstone. It’s one of our favorite days of the year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

A large dam with water cascading out, creating a powerful flow and splashes below

Once you’re ready to head to the park, you can plan some must-see stops before you get to the East Gate. For example, you can stop by the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center to view an engineering marvel that has stood tall since its completion in 1910. The route to the East Gate is part of the East Yellowstone Loop, which features many of the region’s most impressive sights.

Where to Stay

Whatever your travel style, Cody Yellowstone offers the perfect basecamp for your Yellowstone adventures, with unique lodging options catering to every explorer’s spirit. Craving a Wild West experience? Saddle up at a dude ranch and immerse yourself in cowboy culture. History buff? Sink into the charm of a historic downtown hotel. Seeking a homey touch? Cozy B&Bs await. Cody Yellowstone boasts an amazing variety of accommodations to suit every budget and desire. If you’d like to stay as close to the East Gate as possible, consider Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch or Pahaska Tepee Resort, which are both located within five miles of the park.

What to Pack (AKA What’s the Weather Like in May?)

Much like our wild landscape, the weather in Cody Yellowstone can be unpredictable! But May brings along warmer temperatures, and it’s generally quite comfortable to explore outdoors, with daily average high temperatures of about 65 degrees. Make sure to pack enough to be prepared for any type of weather Northwest Wyoming could throw at you! You’ll want a good pair of hiking boots if you plan to explore our famous trails, parks and pathways. Plus, with winter having recently wrapped up, there’s a good chance melted snow has left things a bit muddy.

If you’re unsure what to pack, we’ve got a guide for that! Check out our guide to packing for a Cody Yellowstone road trip. The wilderness is not a place where you want to play it by ear, so make sure to plan ahead so you don’t get caught in any sticky situations.

What to Expect in May in Yellowstone

Yellowstone in May offers a chance to explore the park before the peak summer crowds arrive. Enjoy the space and discover the park at your own pace!

Springtime is also the right time to photograph Yellowstone’s cutest residents: baby animals! From bison calves (affectionately called “red dogs” because of their exuberant behavior and brightly colored fur) to black bear cubs and wolf pups, May and June tend to be the right time to spot the new additions to Yellowstone’s growing animal population. As always, it’s important to remember the dos and don’ts of wild animal encounters — you never want to get between a momma and her babies, so pack your binoculars and long-range lenses and keep your distance!

Remember to pack your photography equipment—there are plenty of places to bring out your inner Ansel Adams and capture stunning springtime shots. Are you more of a mobile phone photography enthusiast? Snap some memorable shots for your social media accounts and watch the likes roll in!

Where You Should Explore

The choice of attractions to tackle during your Yellowstone adventure is entirely up to you. Yellowstone is jam-packed with sights – 2.2 million acres worth! But there are ways to see some of the most iconic attractions, even if you only have a day.

When you enter the East Gate, you’ll be treated to the park’s first dramatic mountain views along Sylvan Pass. Then you’re a short drive to the gorgeous Yellowstone Lake, the largest body of water in the park, which covers a remarkable 136 square miles with 110 miles of scenic shoreline. The gorgeous blue water shines brightly against the green of Yellowstone’s vegetation and provides lots of picturesque views with mountain backdrops.

Yellowstone Lake’s northern tip gives way to the Yellowstone River. Here, you’ll find Fishing Bridge, offering breathtaking views of both the lake and river. Take a moment to soak in the majesty of the landscape. This spot is also a popular trailhead, making it a perfect base camp for a day of exploration. Continuing along the Yellowstone Lower Loop leads you to many of the park’s crown jewels, including Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Old Faithful.

Make sure to plan ahead to get a chance to tackle everything you’d like to see while you’re there. Maybe start with the five must-see spots in Yellowstone and plan around that. Waterfalls, mountain hikes, wildlife experiences, and more — there’s always something spectacular to see, no matter what route you choose to travel through the park.

Join Us for Yellowstone’s East Gate Opening on May 2!

A river running through the mountains with a rainbow

It’s shaping up to be another spectacular year in Cody Yellowstone in 2025, and the opening of the East Gate to America’s original national park is a milestone that ushers in even more opportunities for outdoor adventure. Join us on May 2 for one of our favorite days of the year! And keep an eye out for official road information from the U.S. National Park Service by checking out their Park Roads – Yellowstone National Park page for the latest updates.