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Which States Border Yellowstone National Park?

Published:

Modified: 5 October 2026

by Vyky Calabrese

Which States Border Yellowstone National Park?

Montana

Yellowstone National Park is bordered by three states: Montana to the north, Idaho to the west, and Wyoming to the south and east. The park is mostly in Wyoming, which holds 96% of its total area, while Montana and Idaho account for the remainder.

Montana, also known as the "Treasure State," is located in the western United States. One of its most famous features is its border with Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the park.

The state of Montana shares its northern border with the park. This region is known as the North Entrance. Visitors can enter the park through the historic Roosevelt Arch.

Once inside the park, travelers will find themselves surrounded by sights such as the Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Montana's border with Yellowstone provides access to some of the park's most famous landmarks.

In addition to being a gateway to Yellowstone, Montana offers its own natural wonders. The state is home to Glacier National Park, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent." This park boasts over one million acres of wilderness, including alpine meadows, towering mountains, and glacial lakes. Visitors can explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike through the Many Glacier region, or embark on a wildlife-watching adventure.

Montana provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and river rafting. The state's landscapes range from the Rocky Mountains to expansive plains.

Montana offers a variety of accommodations. There are lodges and cabins near the park entrance. Camping enthusiasts can choose from campgrounds dotted throughout the state.

Montana is known for its hearty cuisine, from steaks and game meats to freshly caught trout from the state's rivers.

Montana's border with Yellowstone National Park provides a starting point for an adventure. Whether exploring the wonders of Yellowstone or venturing into Montana's own treasures, visitors will encounter the state's beauty and sense of adventure.

 

Idaho

Idaho, known as the "Gem State," is located in the northwestern part of the United States and shares a border with Yellowstone National Park. This state offers natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Yellowstone's western border reaches into Idaho. The town of West Yellowstone, situated in Montana, serves as a popular gateway to the park. From here, visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems and geological marvels that Yellowstone has to offer.

In addition to its proximity to Yellowstone, Idaho boasts its own natural attractions. The state is renowned for its wilderness areas, including the Sawtooth Mountains and the Clearwater National Forest. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Idaho is also home to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. Spanning over two million acres, this landscape offers exploration and adventure. Visitors can take part in whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, backpacking through rugged mountain ranges, or enjoying the serenity of nature.

Idaho has several historic sites. The city of Idaho City, once the largest city in the Pacific Northwest during the gold rush of the 1800s, is now a preserved ghost town that provides a glimpse into the state's past.

Idaho is known for its potatoes. Visitors can savor dishes featuring this ingredient, from mashed potatoes to loaded potato skins. The state is home to breweries and wineries that offer tastings of locally crafted beverages.

Accommodations in Idaho range from lodges and cabins near national parks to bed and breakfasts in mountain towns. Camping is a popular option, with campgrounds and RV parks scattered throughout the state.

Whether using Idaho as a base for exploring Yellowstone National Park or embarking on an adventure within the state's borders, visitors will find themselves immersed in Idaho's natural landscapes. From mountains to lakes and rivers, Idaho offers an escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Wyoming

Wyoming, known as the "Cowboy State," is located in the western United States and shares the majority of its border with Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone's border stretches into Wyoming, offering access to natural features. The geothermal wonders of the park, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Old Faithful geyser, are accessible from the Wyoming side. The Teton Mountain Range, with its jagged peaks and alpine lakes, is a short distance away from Yellowstone.

Wyoming's proximity to Yellowstone makes it a starting point for outdoor enthusiasts. The state is renowned for its wilderness areas, including Grand Teton National Park and the Absaroka Range. These areas offer hiking, wildlife viewing, mountaineering, and camping.

Wyoming showcases a cultural heritage. The state is known for its cowboy culture, evident in its rodeos, ranches, and western-style towns. Visitors can experience a rodeo, witness a cattle drive, or explore museums that highlight the state's cowboy history.

Wyoming is famous for its archaeological sites, including the rock formations of Devil's Tower National Monument and the fossils at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. These sites offer a glimpse into the state's geological and paleontological past.

Wyoming offers a range of accommodations. Visitors can choose from resorts and lodges, rustic cabins, or campsites.

Wyoming boasts a culinary scene, from steaks at a cowboy steakhouse to bison burgers and trout dishes.

Wyoming's border with Yellowstone National Park provides an opportunity for nature lovers to explore landscapes. Whether you venture into the wilderness of the state's national parks or immerse yourself in its cowboy culture, Wyoming leaves a lasting impression on visitors.