buckeyegal

We are planning a trip to Yellowstone and can't decide between Bozeman and Billings airports. Bozeman is of course closer but if we flew into Billings we could get to the Park over the Beartooth Byway which we want to see at some point on the trip. Any thoughts on this?

bob_brown

The Beartooth Highway is worth it. I just drove over it for the umpteenth time and we will do it again. As you descend on the Wyoming side, keep alert for a fire tower that has been turned into something of a visitor center. It will be on your right near the junction with the Chief Joseph Highway.
The views from the fire tower are fantastic. Visitors are allowed up there because it is no longer a working installation. If you get an early start from Billings, or Red Lodge, I recommend taking the Chief Joseph Highway to Cody, Wy, and come into the park via the East Entrance. The Eastern one is the most spectacular of the 5 entrances, and gives the visitor a dramatic first look at Lake Yellowstone.

The south entrance is arguably more scenic, but not because of the entrance itself. You can come in by the Tetons that way.

I suggest coming in by the Bear Tooth and exiting through Bozeman where you can pay a visit to the Museum of the Rockies. The Indian display is much improved, the dinosaur exhibits are improved, and the exhibit on early Montana life is new.

drsawyers

You don't mention when you'll be visiting, but keep in mind that the Beartooth Highway is not open in winter.

I believe bob_brown is referring to the Clay Butte lookout tower. It opens even later in the Spring than the Highway - it had just opened when I was there at the beginning of July. Here is a photo of Clay Butte itself:
http://pages.prodigy.net/drsawyers/531_SDWYMT_03.jpg

And here are a couple of views from the lookout tower. The first is of the Beartooth Range:
http://pages.prodigy.net/drsawyers/517_SDWYMT_03.jpg

And this is of Beartooth Lake:
http://pages.prodigy.net/drsawyers/522_SDWYMT_03.jpg

bob_brown

There are several airports in the surrounding towns including Jackson Wyoming, Pocatello Idaho, Idaho Falls, as well as Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula.

Missoula is a little far out, but Salt Lake city is farther away.

Before settling on the airport, consider the complete deal you can get with air fare and rental car rates.

ternstail

West Yellowstone is the closest commercial airport to the the park and is served by Skywest from Salt Lake City.

buckeyegal

Thanks for all the comments. We are still planning and appreciate all the advice. We definitely will do the Beartooth Highway at some point.