Whitefish to Gardiner

Today I made the long drive from Whitefish to Gardiner. This is where it gets convoluted. Because a number of destinations in Montana were not available to me, either because of winter closures or closures for other reasons, and the only access to Yellowstone in the winter is from Gardiner, which is in Montana, I decided to spend a few days here and start my Wyoming exploration a bit early.

It will get even more convoluted over the next week as I have to drive through Idaho to get to Jackson Hole, which should provide some limited access to Grand Teton NP from the south. So the next couple of weeks will be a miss-mash of driving through Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The alternative was being in this area in February, which would have been even more of a challenge.

A word about my lodging here.  Gardiner exists solely as the northern gateway into Yellowstone NP.  There are a couple of low-end chains and a bunch of private options.  I am staying at the Yellowstone Gateway Inn.  This is a condo-like property with different size rooms.  Several have multiple rooms and can house families.  Even the most modest option, which I chose, has a bedroom, living area and full kitchen.  The amenities were well thought out and the room was pleasant and comfortable.  The price was right, especially in the off-season.  I would stay here again.

 Tomorrow, I will drive into Yellowstone NP.