A sweeping mountain view, eagles floating over a meandering river, elk wandering through an old Army fort — each entry into Yellowstone National Park makes a different first impression.
There's no wrong way to enter the world's first national park, but the entry can shape the experience.
From Livingston, Mont., visitors follow the Yellowstone River through the Paradise Valley to the town of Gardiner and then Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its thermal terracing and resident elk herd. Visitors enter through a grand stone arch.
From West Yellowstone, Mont., south of Bozeman, visitors are immediately in the park, following the Madison River and arriving near the geyser basins and Old Faithful. This West Gate is by far the most popular.
From Red Lodge, Mont., south of Billings, visitors travel the Beartooth Highway, a spectacular winding road through high alpine landscapes, to Cooke City and then into the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone's northeastern corner.
What the Lamar Valley lacks in geyser features, it makes up for in wildlife. Known as the American Serengeti, the valley draws wildlife watchers from around the world, particularly those who want to see wolves.
The park's south entrance is at its border with Grand Teton National Park. Moose Falls is just inside Yellowstone and marked with a tiny sign. It's worth a stop and a popular (if chilly) swimming hole for those in the know.
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