South Entrance Overview & My Personal Experience

The Yellowstone National Park South Entrance stands as my favorite gateway to America's first national park, and for good reason. Located at an elevation of 6,886 feet, this entrance offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience two magnificent national parks in a single journey. During my first visit through this entrance in 2018, I was immediately struck by the dramatic transition from the towering peaks of Grand Teton to Yellowstone's geothermal wonders.

What makes the South Entrance truly special is its positioning within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Unlike other entrances that provide direct access to major attractions, the South Entrance requires travelers to pass through Grand Teton National Park first, creating what I consider the most scenic approach to Yellowstone. This 57-mile journey from Jackson, Wyoming, through the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, offers breathtaking mountain vistas that serve as a perfect prelude to Yellowstone's wonders. To learn more about the incredible wildlife you'll encounter along this route, check our comprehensive guide.

From a practical standpoint, the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance serves as the third most popular entrance, welcoming approximately 277,773 vehicles annually according to recent National Park Service statistics. This moderate traffic level means you'll encounter fewer crowds compared to the West Entrance while still having access to excellent park facilities and services. The entrance station itself features two charming log cabin buildings where friendly rangers provide maps, current conditions, and helpful advice for your visit. This entrance is featured prominently on our dedicated South Entrance page.

Getting to the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Reaching the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance requires careful planning, as it's arguably the most geographically challenging entrance to access. However, this journey has consistently provided me with some of my most memorable travel experiences. The closest major gateway is Jackson, Wyoming, located approximately 64 miles south of the entrance, serving as the primary hub for most visitors.

Driving Routes to the South Entrance

From Jackson, Wyoming, the route to the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance follows US Highway 191/89/287 north through Grand Teton National Park. This scenic drive takes approximately 1.5 hours under normal conditions, though I always recommend allowing extra time for wildlife viewing and photo stops. The road passes directly through Grand Teton National Park, meaning you'll need entrance passes for both parks unless you have an America the Beautiful Annual Pass. For the best navigation experience, I recommend using a quality pass holder to keep your park passes easily accessible.

During my visits, I've found that flying into Jackson Hole Airport provides the most convenient access, despite typically higher airfares. The airport sits directly adjacent to Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning mountain views during landing. Car rental availability can be limited during peak season, so I always book well in advance.

The journey through Grand Teton National Park to reach the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance includes several must-see stops. I recommend allowing a full day for this drive if it's your first time, as the scenery is truly spectacular and worth experiencing slowly. Key landmarks include Jackson Lake, the Teton Range viewpoints, and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. For detailed information on activities once you arrive, explore our guide to things to do in Yellowstone.

Seasonal Access & Opening Dates

Understanding the seasonal accessibility of the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance is crucial for trip planning. Unlike the North Entrance, which remains open year-round, the South Entrance operates on a seasonal schedule that I've learned to navigate through multiple visits across different seasons. The entrance typically opens on the second Friday of May and closes for the winter season in early November, though exact dates vary based on weather conditions.

2025 Opening Schedule

During my early season visits, I've learned that the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance opening doesn't guarantee access to all park roads. The road from the South Entrance to West Thumb and Grant Village typically opens simultaneously with the entrance, but connections to other parts of the park may remain closed for several additional weeks. This staged opening process means early season visitors should plan their itineraries carefully.

Winter Closure Information

The Yellowstone National Park South Entrance typically closes to regular vehicle traffic in early November, usually following the first significant snowfall. During my winter visits to the region, I've observed that this closure is necessary due to the high elevation and challenging mountain conditions. The exact closure date varies annually, but it generally occurs between November 1st and November 15th.

Winter access to Yellowstone through the South Entrance is limited to guided snowcoach tours and snowmobile excursions, which operate from mid-December through mid-March. These specialized tours provide unique opportunities to experience Yellowstone's winter wonderland, though advance reservations are essential as spaces are limited. For comprehensive tour options, visit our Yellowstone tours guide.

Entrance Fees & Park Passes for South Entrance

One of the unique aspects of accessing Yellowstone through the South Entrance is the dual-park fee structure. Since you must travel through Grand Teton National Park to reach the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, you'll encounter two separate entrance fees unless you have an appropriate annual pass. Through my multiple visits, I've learned the most cost-effective approaches to managing these fees.

Current Fee Structure (2025)

Special Discounts & Free Passes

During my visits, I've encountered several visitors who were unaware of available discounts. The National Park Service offers reduced or free passes for specific groups, which can provide significant savings when accessing the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance.

Where to Purchase Passes

You can purchase entrance passes at the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance station, where rangers accept both cash and credit cards. However, I recommend purchasing your America the Beautiful Pass online in advance to save time and ensure you have proper documentation. The pass typically arrives within 2-3 weeks of ordering.

Must-See Attractions Near the South Entrance

The Yellowstone National Park South Entrance provides access to some of the park's most spectacular and less crowded attractions. During my numerous visits through this entrance, I've discovered hidden gems and popular destinations that showcase the incredible diversity of Yellowstone's geothermal features and natural beauty. The relatively lower visitor numbers compared to other entrances mean you'll often have more intimate experiences with these natural wonders. To learn fascinating details about the park's geological features, check our Yellowstone facts guide.

Immediate South Entrance Area Attractions

West Thumb Geyser Basin - A Unique Lakeside Experience

Approximately 22 miles from the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, West Thumb Geyser Basin represents one of the park's most unique geothermal areas. This hydrothermal wonderland sits directly on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, creating a rare combination of hot springs and pristine mountain lake scenery that I consider among Yellowstone's most photogenic locations.

Grant Village & Yellowstone Lake Access

Grant Village, located 22 miles from the South Entrance, serves as the primary service hub for visitors entering through this route. During my stays at Grant Village, I've appreciated its strategic location providing access to both the lake's recreational opportunities and connections to other park areas. The village offers lodging, dining, a visitor center, and boat launch facilities. For hiking to various attractions, I always pack my reliable waterproof hiking boots which have served me well on countless Yellowstone trails.

Connecting to Major Park Attractions

From the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance area, you have excellent access to the park's famous attractions via the Grand Loop Road. My recommended route connects you to Old Faithful (32 miles), Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (43 miles), and Mammoth Hot Springs (55 miles). This positioning makes the South Entrance an excellent starting point for comprehensive park exploration.

Where to Stay Near the South Entrance

Choosing accommodation near the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance requires understanding the unique geographic and logistical considerations of this area. Through my extensive travels in this region, I've stayed at various properties and can provide insider perspectives on the best options for different types of travelers and budgets.

Inside Yellowstone National Park

Grant Village - My Top Recommendation

Located just 22 miles from the South Entrance, Grant Village represents the most convenient accommodation option for visitors entering through this route. During my multiple stays here, I've appreciated the lakeside location, modern amenities, and central position for exploring both the southern attractions and connecting to other park areas.

Why I Recommend Grant Village:

• • Direct Yellowstone Lake access
• • Full-service restaurant and general store
• • Hotel rooms and RV-friendly campground
• • Visitor center with educational exhibits

Booking Information:

Reservations open one year in advance and fill quickly for peak season. Book early for summer visits!

Lewis Lake Campground

For visitors seeking a more rustic experience, Lewis Lake Campground offers 85 sites in a beautiful forested setting just 10 miles from the South Entrance. This campground has become one of my favorite spots for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities. I always pack a comprehensive emergency survival kit when camping, as wilderness conditions can change rapidly.

Site Types:

• • Standard tent sites
• • RV sites (no hookups)
• • Group sites available

Amenities:

• • Flush toilets
• • Potable water
• • Boat launch nearby

Reservations:

• • Available through Recreation.gov
• • First-come, first-served sites
• • Seasonal operation only

Jackson, Wyoming Area

While Jackson offers the widest selection of accommodations near the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, the 64-mile distance means it's not ideal as a daily base for park exploration. However, Jackson provides excellent options for pre- and post-park stays, luxury accommodations, and access to dining and entertainment options not available in the park.

Grand Teton National Park Options

For visitors wanting to experience both national parks, staying within Grand Teton National Park provides a compromise between Jackson's amenities and Yellowstone's proximity. During my visits, I've found these options particularly appealing for their mountain scenery and access to both parks' attractions.

Final Recommendations for Your South Entrance Visit

After years of exploring Yellowstone through various entrances, the Yellowstone National Park South Entrance remains my personal favorite for visitors seeking a comprehensive national park experience. The combination of Grand Teton's alpine splendor and Yellowstone's geothermal wonders creates an unmatched journey that showcases the best of America's national park system.

The Yellowstone National Park South Entrance offers an unparalleled gateway to America's first national park, combining the scenic beauty of two magnificent parks with convenient access to some of Yellowstone's most spectacular features. Whether you're seeking geothermal wonders, pristine wilderness, or simply the chance to disconnect from daily life, this entrance provides the perfect starting point for your Yellowstone adventure.

Remember that visiting Yellowstone is more than just seeing attractions—it's about connecting with nature, understanding our natural heritage, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The South Entrance, with its unique approach through Grand Teton and access to less crowded areas of the park, offers the ideal opportunity for these meaningful experiences.