Not only is West Yellowstone the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but the town and surrounding area is packed with indoor and outdoor activities. Here are a few favorites from the local folks at Pete's Rocky Mountain Pizza and Pasta.
Hebgen Lake, Montana
- White Water Raft the Gallatin River: Head towards Bozeman about 45 miles and you will hit Big Sky. There are many raft companies that can take you down the Gallatin.
- Fairy Falls: This is a 5-mile round trip hike to an amazing 200-foot waterfall; trail is easy.
- Mystic Falls: This is a short and easy 1.5 miles hike round-trip to a memorable waterfall, or take the longer more rigorous trail for spectacular view of the Old Faithful Geyser Basin; moderate difficulty, about 4 miles.
- Swim at the Firehole: Follow the Firehole canyon road and about 2/3 the way up is a pullout and swimming area (Please swim responsibly as currents can be strong and there is no lifeguard on duty)
- Grizzly Discovery Center & IMAX Theater: A unique way to get up close to bears, wolves & otters, and learn about the animals.
- Playmill Theater: local theater troupe; they put on 3 different shows throughout the summer. Shows sell out fast. playmill.com
- Black Sands Springs: About 2 miles west of town is a beautiful natural spring. Depending on the season you can drive right to this spring, or it’s an easy and family fun bike ride. Map
- Quake Lake: Go visit the historic quake lake area and visitor's center. The lake was formed by a powerful earthquake in 1959. Take highway 191 about 8 miles turn left onto highway 287 towards Ennis. Go about 18 miles to the lake, visitor center is on the right.
- Hebgen Lake: A peaceful lake just 8 miles outside of town, you can rent a kayak and have your own peaceful journey or picnic at one of the many picnic areas around the lake.
- Cliff and Wade Lake: Take a 30 mile drive out to two of the most picturesque lakes in the area. Keep going past Quake Lake about 5 miles on highway 287 you will see the dirt road and sign on the left. Depending on which lake you want to go to it’s about a 5-mile journey on a dirt road.
- Bike or Walk the Riverside Trail to the Madison River: From the corner of Madison and Boundary Street you will see a sign for the Riverside Trail that ends at the river. Round trip is 3.5 miles.
- Take a Dip in the Boiling River Hot Springs: Head into the park toward Mammoth Hot Springs and continue on Highway 89 toward Gardiner and the pull-out is the first right before the bridge. Bring water shoes.
