A Tiny Town On The Montana-Wyoming Border Is A Yellowstone Gateway Surrounded By Mountains

Sitting just on the border between Montana and Wyoming is a tiny town reminiscent of an alpine village. Silver Gate is a truly stunning hidden gem, where you can find rustic log cabins, wooden storefronts, and a stunning backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains. To make it even better, it's just a stone's throw away from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, taking just four minutes to get there by car. This makes it one of the best places to stay in or around Yellowstone National Park.

Silver Gate may be small in size, but as one of the closest bases to Yellowstone National Park, it provides easy access to the quieter regions. In particular, Lamar Valley, an area of the park where visitors can spot bison, wolves, and bears. This is considered to be one of the top things to do if you only have one day in Yellowstone National Park.

The town of Silver Gate is not the easiest spot to get to, with a lack of public transport, but most visitors choose to rent a car or drive in. It is located just a three-hour drive from Billings-Logan International Airport, making it relatively easy to get to from out of state. Though the journey can be time-consuming, it's incredibly worthwhile, as the route takes visitors along the scenic Beartooth Highway.

Surrounded by the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Silver Gate is a true paradise for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're hoping to enjoy a scenic hike along the trials, go fishing in pristine streams, or go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the winter season, there's plenty to enjoy here. Just outside of town is the aforementioned Beartooth Highway. Considered a must-see drive, it boasts stunning vista points and plenty of things to see and do along the route as visitors take in incredible landscape views on this stunning U.S. road trip route.

If you plan on being out and about in the mountains, be sure to pack well. Hiking boots, layered clothing, bear spray, and a good camera are all essentials. For outdoor adventures, it's best to visit between late spring and early fall, when temperatures range between 38 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. At this time of year, the Beartooth highway is open, and wildlife is most active, making your outdoor excursions incredibly thrilling. Wintertime is a great option for those looking for a small slice of solitude, and the snow that sits in the area is incredibly picturesque. That said, the wintertime sees limited services and road closures, so it's important to be prepared for the harsh conditions the winter season brings about.

Though a very small town with a population of around 100, Silver Gate still has all the essentials, including accommodation, stores, and even restaurants. Silver Gate Lodging is a top choice, with rooms ranging between $275 and $305 per night. The Log Cabin Cafe is a must-try spot if you're looking for somewhere to eat. They sell a hearty breakfast that's sure to get you prepared for a day in the great outdoors.

Other great things to do in Silver Gate include a visit to Stop the Car Trading Post. Here you can buy souvenirs, snacks, and locally made goods (and pretty much anything else you can think of). You can also take a guided wildlife tour into Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, also known as the "Serengeti of North America" thanks to its abundant animal life. Plenty of local tour companies operate these trips seasonally, to ensure there's plenty of opportunity to see various animals.