On June 12, record-breaking rain and snowmelt caused the Yellowstone River to flood, leaving behind severe damage to roads and other infrastructure in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding communities. It was an unprecedented disaster, timed right at the start of the summer travel season.
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Since then, the park has been working hard to re-open. Many travelers who’ve planned a visit to the Yellowstone region are wondering what to do next. Here are the latest updates and tips to help you experience a Montana summer vacation while supporting the park’s gateway towns.
Yellowstone National Park updates
On June 22, the park’s East (Cody, Wyoming), South (Grand Teton/Jackson, Wyoming), and West (West Yellowstone, Montana) entrances along the southern loop reopened. With that announcement came a new Alternating License Plate System, which was phased out on July 2 when most of the park’s north loop was reopened. Now that 93 percent of the park’s roads are accessible, all vehicles can enter the park without reservations or specific license plate numbers.
Yellowstone is working to reconnect Mammoth Hot Springs with Gardiner and Cooke City as soon as possible with temporary solutions. The park is also looking to restore limited visitor vehicle access to the North Entrance, but the exact timing is unclear. On June 30, Yellowstone announced that visitors can access the park on foot through the North and Northeast entrances to fish and hike in open areas. At the time of publication, travelers accompanied by commercial guides are also allowed to enter through the Northwestern entrance via Old Gardiner Road, as reported by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
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Access the latest updates from the National Park Service by visiting the Yellowstone National Park website, or sign up to receive road alerts by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
For the most part, trails and campsites located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are now open, with a few exceptions. Visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest website and Montana Fish & Wildlife website for the most up-to-date information about public lands outside of the national park.
Visit Southwest Montana like a local
Yellowstone’s charming and adventure-filled gateway towns are open for business. It’s a rare chance to experience Montana’s famous hiking trails, live music, and local food without the usual summer crowds. There are endless opportunities for adventure and fun in this part of Montana, even without access to Yellowstone National Park.
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As a current resident of Park County, Montana, here are my recommendations for a trip to Southwest Montana this summer.
Cooke City and Silver Gate
You can access Cooke City and Silver Gate via Chief Joseph Highway (Wyoming Highway 296) from the southeast as parts of Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance road and the Beartooth Highway are closed for repairs. There’s no cell phone service here, so be prepared to go off the grid.
Things to do
- Learn about the area’s history at the Cooke City visitor center.
- Go mountain biking or ATVing.
- Visit the Cooke City General Store, which looks much the same as it did in the late 1800s.
Eat and drink
Nearby campgrounds
- Soda Butte Campground
- Colter Campground
- Chief Joseph Campground (open July 15 through September 30, weather dependent)
Gardiner
Gardiner is typically a busy summer destination, serving as the home base for thousands of Yellowstone visitors.
Things to do
- Pose for a photo under Yellowstone’s iconic Roosevelt Arch.
- Book a whitewater rafting trip through outfitters like Montana Whitewater and Flying Pig Adventures.
- Attend a rodeo.
Eat and drink
Nearby campgrounds
Livingston
Livingston was the original gateway to Yellowstone during the days of railroad travel. Today, this charming and historic town attracts artists, cowboys, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to do
- Stroll the downtown shops, including galleries, antique and vintage stores, plant shops, and more.
- Visit the Livingston Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons throughout the summer.
- Catch a movie at Empire Twin Theatres.
Eat and drink
Nearby campgrounds
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is located between Livingston and Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner. The valley is dotted with small towns, including Emigrant, Chico, Pray, and Pine Creek.
Things to do
- Relax in the naturally heated waters of Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone Hot Springs.
- Enjoy live music at Pine Creek Lodge, the Old Saloon, or the Music Ranch Montana.
- Hike Pine Creek Falls, a 3-mile, round-trip trail suitable for kids and dogs.
Eat and drink
Nearby campgrounds
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is the last stop before driving the iconic Beartooth Highway (which is currently closed for repairs) to Cooke City and Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance. The historic downtown is known for its proximity to some of the best skiing, hiking, and fishing in the area.
Things to do
- Go horseback riding with Elk River Outfitters.
- Peruse Red Lodge Clay Center’s collection of artwork for sale, or take a pottery class.
- Watch the famous pig races at Bear Creek Saloon & Steakhouse, located about 20 minutes outside of Red Lodge.
Eat and drink
Nearby campgrounds
Help keep Montana communities afloat
If you’re considering a trip to Montana soon, use the tips above as a starting point for your summer bucket list. These communities continue to rebuild from the devastating flood as they welcome back visitors.
You can help keep small towns afloat while enjoying all Montana has to offer. Don’t forget to recreate responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles while visiting public lands and Big Sky Country.
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