To Gardiner from W.Yellowstone or Lake Village YNP?

We are spending 3 nights in W.Yellowstone and 3 nights at Lake Village in YNP. We will do one day trip to Gardiner. Is it better to go from W. Yellowstone or from Lake Village? On the map they seem about equal distance. Thanks.

To Gardiner from W.Yellowstone or Lake Village YNP?

Its further from Lake by a little but is a more interesting drive in my opinion. Map showing estimated driving times below.

Check this link out too:

nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

The Madison to Norris leg is open 8:00AM to 10PM with up to 30 minute delays. After Aug 16, its closed. That will have some impact on your trip. You might actually stay in Gardiner to see the northern end of the park.

In my opinion, Gardiner isn%26#39;t a day trip as much as a quick drive through. You%26#39;d be better spending time in Lamar Valley and that area.

To Gardiner from W.Yellowstone or Lake Village YNP?

To make a day trip out of Gardiner you could go a bit farther up the Paradise Valley and have a soak in the pools at Chico Hot Springs. They have day rates for non-guests. Maybe even catch an early dinner in their excellent restaurant. They grow a lot of their produce and herbs on site, even in winter in a hot water heated greenhouse. About 30 miles north of Gardiner. We%26#39;re going back in August since it has become one of our favorite stops between Seattle and St. Paul.

Folks, I am sorry. I left out an important part. We are headed to Gardiner to do a scenic raft ride. That%26#39;s why I want to know from which place is the best route.

What time do you have to be there and when is your trip?

We will be in YNP and W. Yellowstone from July 1-6. We haven%26#39;t booked the raft trip yet because I am still figuring how long the ride to Gardiner will be. I just don%26#39;t know which route is best. I imagine we will leave in early morning at dawn to maximize wildlife viewing on the ride and then be ready for the raft ride when we learn what time we are booking.

Assuming you are staying in a motel in West Yellowstone, you will need to re-enter the park. If there%26#39;s a line-up at the gate, that could add significant time to your drive.

Your thinking on leaving early is right on. To cut down on aggravations, I%26#39;d do it from Lake. Beautiful all the way. The road to Mammoth / Gardiner won%26#39;t open until 8:00AM according to the link I posted above. Even then you%26#39;ll be subject to a delay of up to a half hour.

Long drive from Lake but no way to tell what you%26#39;d see along the way.