Major city · United States
GardinerGardiner, Montana
Base here 2 nights for Yellowstone's North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs; the town itself is a 15-minute walk, not a destination.
Gardiner sits at Yellowstone's North Entrance, the only gate open to cars year-round, and the Roosevelt Arch marks the boundary. The town is small enough to cross on foot in 15 minutes, so people use it as a bed base for Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley wildlife and the Boiling River, not as a sightseeing stop in itself. Two nights covers the gateway sights; three or more if you want Lamar Valley at dawn.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for full park access; May and Oct for fewer crowds with some closures
- avoid Nov–Apr for the park road south of Mammoth (closed to cars); Jul–Aug for peak crowds and lodging prices
- Airports
- BZN · BIL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Gardiner911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gardiner, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGardiner is a small, low-crime town; the real risks are wildlife, fast weather changes and lightning in the park, plus petty theft in busy lots.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (About 1.5 h drive to Gardiner; year-round nonstops from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix…
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable end to end in about 15 minutes, and several trailheads start from the streets.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner main$18–35
- BeerDraught beer in a bar$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedTent or RV site, a night, per roomUS$25
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$350
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (About 1.5 h drive to Gardiner; year-round nonstops from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Seattle and more.) · BIL Billings Logan International (About 3.5 h drive; the state's busiest airport, useful for eastern Montana loops.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Gardiner: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
8 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
7 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable end to end in about 15 minutes, and several trailheads start from the streets. For Yellowstone you need a car: Mammoth Hot Springs is about 5 mi (8 km) south, Lamar Valley about 40 mi (65 km) east. No public bus serves the park from Gardiner.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mammoth Hot Springs
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive US-89 south through the North Entrance, about 8 km (5 mi)Drive US-89 south through the North Entrance, about 5 mi (8 km)
Boardwalks over the terraces; elk often graze around the buildings.
Lamar Valley
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive the park road east from Mammoth, about 65 km (40 mi)Drive the park road east from Mammoth, about 40 mi (65 km)
Go at dawn or dusk for wolves, bison and bears; bring binoculars.
Boiling River
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min plus the walk
Drive south from Gardiner, park on the east side, then walk about 800 m (0.5 mi) upstreamDrive south from Gardiner, park on the east side, then walk about 0.5 mi (800 m) upstream
Daylight only, swimsuit required, no alcohol; closed in spring for high water and often into mid-summer.
Livingston, Montana
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive US-89 north, about 80 km (50 mi)Drive US-89 north, about 50 mi (80 km)
Food and gallery town on the way to Bozeman; good for a half-day.
Cooke City
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Drive the park's Northeast Entrance road via Lamar Valley
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night and drive Beartooth Pass.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Park Street / North Entrance strip
Closest to the Roosevelt Arch and the park gate; walk to the entrance in under 10 minutes.
Scott Street (main drag)
Most motels, cafés and shops; 5–15 min walk to the gate depending on where you stay.
Hellroaring Street / west end
Quieter motels and lodges; still a short walk to the centre.
Jardine Road and Maiden Basin
Cabins, RV parks and tipi stays outside the town grid; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–260 excl. bed
- High
- $260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 2 nights × US$200 | US$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$170 | US$680 |
| Yellowstone 7-day private vehicle pass1 × US$35 · check | US$35 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$95 | US$95 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$124 |
| Trip total≈ US$341 per person per day, bed included | US$1,364 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; park entry and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Elk or bison burger | $15–22 |
| Sit-down dinner main | $18–35 |
| Draught beer in a bar | $6–9 |
| Whitewater rafting trip, half daycheck | $70–120 |
| Motel room, summer weekendcheck | $200–350 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wildlife is wild: keep at least 100 m from bears and 25 m from bison, elk and moose — every year visitors are injured by getting close.
- Weather flips fast; a warm morning can turn to cold rain or snow, and hypothermia is a real risk on exposed trails.
- Lightning injures and kills people in the park area — if you hear thunder, get inside a building or vehicle.
- Boiling River closes in spring for hazardous high water and often does not reopen until mid-summer; daylight hours only, swimsuit required, no alcohol.
- Petty theft happens in busy park areas: lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
- Cell service and wifi are patchy outside town; download maps and park info before you drive in.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
GardinerGardiner, Montana
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Gardiner; the nearest consulates are in Denver and Salt Lake City, embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Yellowstone 7-day vehicle pass: $35 per private vehicle (check)
- BZN airport → Gardiner taxi or shuttle: about $150–250 one way (check)
- Rental car, one day: $60–160 depending on season and size (check)
Say or show
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest restroom? — Where is the nearest restroom?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gardiner. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for full park access; May and Oct for fewer crowds with some closures · avoid Nov–Apr for the park road south of Mammoth (closed to cars); Jul–Aug for peak crowds and lodging prices · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BZN: last rental-car desk hours, shuttle options, drive time to Gardiner.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Park Street and the arch, Scott Street, Hellroaring Street, Jardine Road.
- Place pages with verified hours and closures (Mammoth Hot Springs, Boiling River, Lamar Valley) plus eat pages with last orders.
- Winter-access fixtures so the year-round gate claim can go green.