First I would like to say I have learned tons of info reading this forum to plan our family trip to YNP this June-everyone seems very knowledgable her. since I am a little late with the reservations inside the park I am going to try to book inWest Yellowstone. I would like to know how long it takes to get from there to the Old Faithful area on average. I saw one post that said it took 45 minutes! I was hoping it was a little closer, if I could get some confirmation about the time it might take it would help lots.
Thanks so much!
Margaret
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ptguard10
alabama
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1. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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it's 30 miles but depending on what time you are driving it 45 minutes sounds about right. here's a link to the figure 8 map showing distances within the park.
something to think about is possibly moving around the perimeter of the park during your stay. i also like the gardiner area & there's a little lodge about 30 minutes north of there that's great called chico hot springs. great restaurant & hot springs to soak in after a day of hiking.
you might also try some of the lodging within teton np, such as signal mtn lodge or the colter bay cabins.
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RM-MN
Bemidji, Minnesota
Destination Expert
for Yellowstone National Park
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2. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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People's situations change all the time and especially this year, so there will be cancellations at the in-park lodging. Check the cancellation policies at the place inWest Yellowstone before you book, then watch for a cancellation at one of the Yellowstone lodges. Call Xantera regularly to see if they have a cancellation and then book with them if one opens where you want to stay, canceling the one in West Yellowstone after you get in-park lodging.
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HawkeyeII
Englewood, Fl.
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3. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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Just a quick note regarding driving distances within YNP:
Mileages seldom equal times. While the posted speed limit is 45 MPH, you can seldom count on being able to do that. There are too may variables when driving in Yellowstone to simply convert distance to time. We have to factor in things like, time of day, roadwork, traffic, weather, and most importantly the wildlife activity and the stoppages that they cause, a.k.a. "buffalo or bear Jams." So the roughly 32 miles fromWest Yellowstone to Old Faithful might take you anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour. But you are presumably there to enjoy the park, so relax and enjoy even the waiting when necessary!
H
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davydee
International...
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4. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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From one of the travel guides we got, the figure was just over an hour from theWest Yellowstone entrance to the Old Faithful area. At least from my perspective, it'd be too easy to stop along the way and look aorund. Since I haven't been there since 1966, it'll probably take me a whole day! David
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Stepjarsteve
Holly Hill, Florida
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5. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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It really does depend on whats going on. because the road narrows in a few spots, the buffalo were walking in the middle of the lane because for them, thats the easiest route to walk. You could imagine the line ofcars but also imagine the great pictures. Not to mention the animal jams like the eagles. you just can't help stopping and getting a picture of an eagle thats sitting atop a tree on one single limb. The point is, you'll enjoy the trip to get their just as much as walking around the geysers. Even staying at grant village which is kind of close, takes a little bit to get there because of the winding roads. Just get an early start(brrr it'll be cold) and you'll get to see the early animals and get to old faithfull with plenty of time to look around. You would think traffic would be a problem until you're the one starting the animal jam. Then its just awsome...
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Shell_Net
Wyoming & Sanibel
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6. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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Keep checking and trying for in-park lodging. This past summer we were at a mid-morning ranger-led walk/talk atYellowstone Lake and a couple came running up to the group about half-way through the program, complaining that they had no idea "West" Yellowstone was so far away from places in Yellowstone.
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Destination West Yellowstone MT
West Yellowstone...
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7. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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It is 14 miles from the West entrance which isWest Yellowstone to Madison Junction and then 16 miles (if you turn right) to Old Faithful. (Some people just never look at a map and head north to Norris and all the way around the lake to Old Faithful - go figure.)
It is roughly 40-45 minutes if you don't make any stops. It is also quicker earlier in the day and early evening.
It is also quicker in May and June or September and October than July and August.
If you go into the park in mid-morning in the heaviest traveled months, there are many more people, campers, tour busses, and jams (people and/or wildlife) along the roads.
I'd be smart about when you travel in the park and read a map.
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AKJ
Bruceton Mills...
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8. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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As Yellowstonefan pointed out 20-25 minutes to Madison. From there, here's a link to a map of the park with estimated driving times. Bear in mind that estimated means very little other than something to plan with.
//www.alandsuejohnson.com/yellowstone_home.htm
I'll add the time and distance fromWest Yellowstone to the map later.
It was pointed out that early in the AM there's less traffic. That's true of cars. We've seen more wildlife on or near the road in the early too so just be careful
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Xochipilli
Salt Lake City, Utah
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9. Re: Distance from West Yellowstone?
13 years ago
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Why rush? There's a bald eagle nest on the road betweenWest Yellowstone and Madison Junction. Take a few minutes (and some binoculars, although they aren't really necessary) to watch the eaglets. By that time, they should be exercising their wings.