Yellowstone East Entrance: The Most Scenic (and Least Busy) Yellowstone Entrance
For the past two years, Korri and I have visited Grand Teton and Yellowstone in late September (for my birthday!). We absolutely love those national parks, and it helps that they are close to Boise! During our trip last year, we stayed two nights in Yellowstone and had one full day in the park. Because we stayed at Lake Yellowstone near the East Entrance, we ended up driving out of the park to Cody, Wyoming, and back during that one full day because we love driving the road to the East Entrance so much.
The first time we visited Yellowstone together was in summer 2018 while on our road trip to South Dakota. We drove through Grand Teton and Yellowstone in one day, starting in the South Entrance via Grand Teton and exiting from the East Entrance. Between our trips together and the trips I took as a kid with my family, I’ve now been through all five Yellowstone entrances. Here’s why the East Entrance to Yellowstone is the best Yellowstone entrance! It’s truly a hidden gem!
Why the Yellowstone East Entrance is the Best Yellowstone Entrance
General Information
The East Entrance to Yellowstone is open 24/7 between early May and late October/early November (in 2022, it’s open from May 6th to November 1st; open date is weather-dependent).
The Yellowstone entrance fee for one vehicle (good for 7 days in the park) is $35 and must be paid with a credit card. The motorcycle entrance fee is $30. Interagency annual passes are available for $80 and are good at any national park for a full year.
The East Entrance is located 52 miles west of Cody, Wyoming, along US Highway 14/16/20. Cody is the closest major city to the East Entrance outside of the park. From the East Entrance, Lake Yellowstone Hotel is 28 miles, Canyon Village is 41.5 miles, and Old Faithful is 65.1 miles.
the Drive Between Cody, Wyoming, and the Yellowstone East Entrance
Out of all of the Yellowstone entrances, the East Entrance has the most stunning views leading up to and immediately after the entrance gate. The geology is absolutely beautiful. I have a special place in my heart for rocks because I have a background in the Earth sciences, but I really think anyone can appreciate the rock formations! They might even remind you of another famous national park near Moab, Utah. Photos really don’t do the rocks justice.
If you’re driving from Cody, Wyoming, first you’ll go through a couple of tunnels and pass by Buffalo Bill Reservoir, which is situated right up against mountains that are made up of rocks in various colors. The gorgeous scenery continues all the way through the canyon to the East Entrance and beyond: rock spires, jagged cliff walls, interesting formations (like Chimney Rock). We first drove through in summer 2018 and then again most recently in fall 2021. Most of these images were taken in 2018 because in 2021 I took mostly videos instead of photos!
I’m sure the drive is beautiful at any time of year, but it was especially green and gorgeous in the summer, and the cloud formations were amazing, too! In the fall, if you time it right, the fall colors along the canyon are vibrant (you follow the North Fork of the Shoshone River for most of the way, and most of the color-changing trees are along the river).
I will say that the South Entrance is a close second to most scenic entrance because of the Tetons, but you can’t see them the whole way to the entrance gate so that’s why the East Entrance wins. 😉 I am mesmerized by the geology every time we drive to Cody! I HIGHLY recommend driving through Cody to the East Entrance if you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and coming from the east. You won’t regret it!
Attractions in Yellowstone Near the East Entrance
The area of Yellowstone closest to the East Entrance is a lot quieter than other parts of the park. Once you pass through the entrance, you’ll continue seeing gorgeous geology and foliage all the way to the lake. There are five points of interest in Yellowstone near the East Entrance that are worth a stop! Of course, there are also a few hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for even more of an adventure.
Yellowstone Lake
The first major attraction you’ll come to is Yellowstone Lake, the largest high elevation (above 7,000 feet) lake in North America. Be sure to take the short detour up to the Lake Butte Overlook. If it’s a clear day, you can see the Tetons way off in the distance! I don’t think many people come to this area of the park because it was devastated by a wildfire, so the tall trees are all bare and charred. The foliage is slowly starting to come back but it will take a while.
Sedge Bay
After that, stop by Sedge Bay if you want to get close to the lake and/or stop for a picnic. It’s especially fun (and COLD) on a windy day because the waves can get pretty big for a lake! Korri loves this beach; it’s one of his favorite spots in the entire park.
Steamboat Point
Steamboat Point is a pullout along the highway where you can see some hot springs and geyser activity right by the lake. (You have to stop and get out of your car to actually SEE the geysers, but sometimes you can see the steam from the road.) It smells like sulfur in this area, so be prepared!
Fishing Bridge
Fishing Bridge is the first area of civilization you’ll reach before the junction with the main loop road. There, you’ll find a general store, gas station, auto service center, bookstore, museum, and RV park (by reservation only). I highly recommend grabbing huckleberry ice cream from the general store and enjoying it near the bridge!
At the junction with the loop road, you can turn left to go to Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins or to Old Faithful, or you can turn right to go to Canyon Village and the Falls!
Also of note: We usually see at least one buffalo every time we drive between Fishing Bridge and the East Entrance!
