how far is cody wyoming to yellowstone

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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18-01-2025

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Yellowstone National Park and the charming town of Cody, Wyoming, make a fantastic pairing for any Western adventure. But just how far is the journey between them? Let's explore the distance and different routes to help you plan your trip.

The Distance: More Than Just Miles

The simple answer is: it depends. The distance between Cody and Yellowstone isn't a single number. It varies greatly depending on which entrance to Yellowstone you're targeting and the specific route you take. The park is vast!

Yellowstone has five entrances:

• North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana): This is generally the closest to Cody, offering the shortest driving distance.
• Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana): Further than the North Entrance.
• East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming): This is the closest entrance to Cody itself, however, driving into the park means a longer trip within its boundaries to reach popular attractions.
• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana): This is the furthest option from Cody.
• South Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana): Also a significant distance from Cody.

Driving Distances and Routes: Planning Your Yellowstone Adventure

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the driving times and distances for the most common routes from Cody to Yellowstone's entrances:

1. Cody to the East Entrance: This is the closest Yellowstone entrance to Cody. However, remember that the East Entrance leads you to the Lamar Valley and other areas at the eastern end of the park. To reach iconic landmarks like Old Faithful, you will need to drive a substantial distance within Yellowstone itself.

• Distance: Approximately 50 miles (80 km).
• Driving Time: Around 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This is minimal travel time to reach the East Entrance itself; reaching other parts of the park will significantly increase travel time.

2. Cody to the North Entrance (via Chief Joseph Scenic Highway): This is a picturesque route, but considerably longer. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, a breathtaking route along the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, offers stunning views but also adds to the travel time.

• Distance: Approximately 100 to 130 miles (160 to 210 km), depending on your exact route within the park.
• Driving Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic, stops for photos (highly recommended!), and road conditions. This is a longer option, but worth it for scenic appreciation.

3. Cody to other Yellowstone Entrances: The West and South entrances are significantly further from Cody and will require a multi-hour drive of 150 to 250 miles, depending on the exact route. These are not recommended from a travel-time perspective, unless this specific area of the park is your planned goal.

Tips for Planning Your Trip:

• Check Road Conditions: Mountain passes can be closed due to snow in spring and fall. Check road conditions before you leave, particularly if traveling during shoulder seasons. The National Park Service website is an excellent resource.
• Allow Ample Time: Don't underestimate the driving time, especially if you're using the scenic routes. Build in extra time for unexpected delays.
• Gas Up: Gas stations can be limited in some areas, so make sure your vehicle is topped off before heading into the park.
• Pack Accordingly: Yellowstone's weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Conclusion: Cody to Yellowstone – A Journey Worth Taking

The distance between Cody, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park truly depends on your chosen route and destination within the park itself. While geographically close at the East Entrance, reaching other park attractions can require lengthy internal drives. Planning your route carefully, considering driving time and road conditions will make your trip to this iconic national park a memorable one. No matter which entrance you choose, the journey will reward you with breathtaking scenery and the wonder of Yellowstone.