Exploring Gardiner: Hot Springs And Scenic Beauty Near Yellowstone National Park

It is that time of the year when we start to plan our vacation getaways. A fan favorite has always been and will always be Yellowstone. This past weekend, I went with some friends to Gardiner to the Yellowstone Hot Springs. It was the first time there for me and "wow" is all I can say.

I love a good hot spring and a tiny town. We did some shopping in the few stores that were open and soaked in that amazing mineral water. We booked a cute little Airbnb and settled in for a relaxing weekend.

At first, our plan was just to hit the springs and call it good, but being that close to Yellowstone, you almost have to go! So, we did! Being so early in the season, we had no idea how far we could go and what roads were even open. Luck would have it the North Entrance was open.

The North Entrance in Gardiner is unique because it is the only entrance that is open for vehicle travel throughout the entire year, and that includes the winter months. The North Entrance is marked by the historic Roosevelt Arch, which was dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.

The drive from Livingston through Paradise Valley to Gardiner and the North Entrance is well known for its scenic beauty, and it did not disappoint. From the Yellowstone River to the diverse wildlife, it is breathtaking. Gardiner is known for its excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

From Elk to buffalo to even Mountain Sheep, it delivered. They say that the winter months can offer excellent opportunities to see wolves, too. We didn't see any of those little guys or bears, but we did see pretty much everything else.

The Elk were out in full force. In town, around town, and outside of town. They were everywhere and by the dozens.

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Make sure you know the current conditions of Yellowstone Park and the gates before you head out on a big adventure. Watch out road trips to the park; here we come!