Here are my top finds for the Old Faithful Area of Yellowstone NP
🏨Lodges: Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, 1872 INN
📍Tours: Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour from West Yellowstone, Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone including Grand Prismatic & Old Faithful
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Picture this: You wake up before sunrise and step outside with a hot cup of coffee. You walk to Old Faithful and watch it erupt under the star-filled sky. No other tourists, no parking lot scramble, no hour-long drive into the park. Just you, the moon, and one of nature's most spectacular shows!
This is what staying at Old Faithful Snow Lodge makes possible, and it's impossible from any hotel outside the park.
Most Yellowstone visitors lose 2+ hours daily to entrance lines, traffic, and parking lot chaos. Snow Lodge guests spend those hours actually experiencing the park. Walk to Old Faithful and stroll the Geyser Hill Trail, all before 8 AM.
Explore the Old Faithful Inn's rustic architecture without rushing back before dark.
The convenience alone makes the Snow Lodge worth it, but add in modern amenities, working WiFi (nearly impossible elsewhere in Yellowstone), and year-round access, and you've got the park's best-kept secret for maximizing your Yellowstone adventure.
Why Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge?
While hotels in West Yellowstone cost $50-$100 less per night, that savings disappears when you factor in what Snow Lodge guests gain:
Prime Location in Yellowstone's Icon
Step outside, and you're a few minutes from Old Faithful Geyser. Walk to Geyser Hill Trail, Black Sand Basin, and historic Old Faithful Inn without moving your car. The Snow Lodge sits in the heart of the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the world's highest concentration of geysers.
Save 2-3 hours Every Day
External hotel guests lose their mornings to 30-mile drives, 45-minute entrance station waits (I've personally waited for 90 minutes at an entrance gate in July), and parking lot chaos at Old Faithful.
Snow Lodge guests? They're already on their second geyser viewing while others sit in traffic.
Experience Yellowstone Before the Crowds
Watch Old Faithful erupt at dawn with nobody else around. Hike Geyser Hill Trail at sunrise. Photograph Morning Glory Pool in perfect light. These magical moments are impossible when you're commuting from outside the park.
Modern Amenities
The Snow Lodge is Yellowstone's newest lodge, featuring in-room WiFi, mini-refrigerators, multiple USB charging ports, comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms. After a day of hiking, you'll appreciate these touches.
Year-Round Access to Old Faithful
One of only two lodges open in the winter, the Snow Lodge offers snowmobile and cross-country ski access to a snow-covered Yellowstone wonderland. Summer guests enjoy the same prime location with added dining options and ranger programs.
Outstanding Dining Without Leaving
Start your day with huckleberry pancakes at the Obsidian Dining Room (trust me, they're worth the trip alone).
The premium you pay for staying in the park isn't a cost, it's an investment in experiencing Yellowstone the way it was meant to be experienced: fully, deeply, and without wasting half your vacation in a car.
Park Alerts
Before you book, know these current conditions at Old Faithful:
Winter Access (November - March)
The lodge requires snowmobile or snow coach access from West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs. Roads are not plowed, so plan accordingly.
Book a snowcoach through a licensed operator like Yellowstone Expeditions, Backcountry Adventures, or Yellowstone Vacations. Tours depart from West Yellowstone daily or connect from Mammoth Hot Springs (Near Gardiner).
Summer Peak Season (July - August)
Make sure to book 6-12 months in advance as the lodge fills quickly.
Wildlife Safety
Large animals like Bison and Elk frequent the Old Faithful Area. Follow safety guidelines and stay at least 25 yards from large animals and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Also, make sure to check the NPS Yellowstone Park Roads Page and NPS Park Alerts before leaving on your trip so you do not run into any unexpected delays.
Room Types and Amenities
There are 168 total rooms between the Snow Lodge and cabins. The Snow Lodge is a modern lodge with a rustic architecture (Parkitecture) style. This means visitors receive modern conveniences with a classic park feel. The lodge was built with heavy timber construction, exterior log columns, and a cedar shingle roof. The interior of the lodge has a western theme that was recognized with the prestigious Cody Award for Western Design.
Snow Lodge booking tip: Make sure to try to book your room 6-12 months ahead for July and August (peak season)
There are 5 ADA Rooms available with roll-in showers, accessible toilets and sinks, and a 1 double and 1 single bed.
There is 1 ADA cabin available with an accessible bathtub with handrail and shower hose, accessible toilet and sink, 2 queen beds, and a cabin entry ramp.
The Snow Lodge and Cabins are a non-smoking/non-vaping facility.
Deluxe Lodge Room
There are 134 deluxe rooms in the main lodge area. These rooms feature a 1 King or 2 Queen beds, a full private bathroom, a hair dryer, a safe, an alarm clock, a fan, and a mini-refrigerator. We also had a nice leather chair, a desk and chair, and a rack to place your luggage on.
Western Cabin
There are 24 Western cabins (710-733). These modules of four were built in 1989 and are modernly furnished. Each cabin includes 2 Queen beds, a full bathroom, heat, a hair dryer, a safe, an alarm clock, a fan, and a mini-refrigerator.
Room 732 is an ADA cabin with an accessible bathtub with handrail and shower hose, accessible toilet and sink, 2 queen beds, and a cabin entry ramp.
Frontier Cabin
There are 10 Frontier cabins (700-709). These duplex cabins have 2 Double (full-size) beds, a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink, heat, an alarm clock, a fan, and a hair dryer.
Lodge Amenities
- Free WiFi is available in some public areas
- Free self-parking on site
- RV/Bus/truck parking on site
- Cooked to order breakfast for a fee between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
- 2 Restaurants
- Bar/lounge
- 24-hour front desk
- Gift Shop/newsstand
- Elevator
- Bathrooms with free toiletries
- Coffee/tea makers
- Children are welcome
What's not included (and why that's okay)
- Rollaway/ extra beds are not available
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available
- No pets allowed
- No Microwave
- No TV
- No A/C. This is okay, as the average high does not reach above 70 degrees except for July and August. July and August have an average high temperature of 79 Degrees and the temperature cools off quickly at night. The lodge sits at 7300 feet in elevation!
My Experience staying in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge
I love the Old Faithful Snow Lodge! In fact, we have stayed at the Snow Lodge on three separate occasions. On our most recent trip, we stayed in room 2004, a Premium King Room on the second floor. The room was fairly large with plenty of room to move around. We had 1 King-sized bed, a leather chair, a desk and chair, a private bathroom, and two closets.
The Snow Lodge is also the newest and most modern lodge in Yellowstone, and it has nice modern-day conveniences like a mini refrigerator and several charging options.
The beds were firm but comfortable, and we welcomed the extra space in the deluxe room. It was nice not being cramped like some rooms I have stayed at in the past.
We only heard a little bit of noise from our room, but then again, we had our window open, letting in the cool mountain air. I would say the room was pretty quiet.
We personally really appreciated the electrical outlets and USB plug-ins at the desk and made it easy to charge camera batteries, cellular phones, etc. We also really appreciated the toiletries (especially the teddy bear soap bar) and the fact that we did not have to worry about bringing these items on our trip.
My personal favorite part of staying at the Snow Lodge is getting up in the morning and going to the Obsidian Dining Room for breakfast. They have a large stack of pancakes that you can get with Huckleberries and all I can say is that I would happily book this lodge again for another round of those pancakes!
The only con that I can see is that the Snow Lodge does not have Air Conditioning. Of course, this hardly ever matters as it is located at 7,300 feet in elevation and the only months where the temperature averages above 70 degrees are July and August, with an average of 79-degree highs during the day. They do provide fans for those warmer days.
Some would argue that not having a TV is a con, but let's face it, you are in the heart of Yellowstone National Park! There are so many other great things to get out and see.
My conclusion is that I would happily book another stay at the Snow Lodge! I have highly recommended this property to numerous people in the past and will continue to do so.
Dining Options
Obsidian Dining Room
Serves Breakfast, Dinner
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations
Summer is first-come, first-served.
Winter: Reservations are required and are exclusively available to overnight guests staying at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge during the winter season. Guests with reservations will receive an email 60 days before their arrival with detailed instructions on how to book dinner reservations online. For non-lodge visitors, same-day availability can be checked directly at the host stand.
Obsidian Room Operating Dates
Winter (December 16, 2025, through March 1, 2026)
Summer (April 24, 2026, through October 25, 2026)
The 106 seat Obsidian Dining Room continues the lodges western decor with log chairs, light fixtures in the shape of trees, and a large fireplace for the rooms centerpiece.
The breakfast menu has a very popular all you can eat breakfast buffet. They also have other menu items you can order and I personally can't get enough of the Huckleberry pancakes. Have I mentioned the pancakes?
Dinner continues the western theme with offerings like Bison Short Ribs, and wild Alaska Salmon.
Geyser Grill
Dress Code: Casual
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Geyser Grill Operating Dates
Winter (December 15, 2026, through March 15, 2026)
Summer (April 24, 202,6 through October 26, 2026)
The Geyser Grill offers fast casual American fare like burgers, value meals, and deli sandwiches. We stopped here on our way back out to explore the park, and I really enjoyed the hamburger. It made for a convenient stop for food without burning too much daylight, and headed back out exploring Yellowstone.
Firehole Lounge
The Firehole Lounge is a comfortable and casual lounge next to the Obsidian Ding Roo,m known for its comfortable seating near the fireplace. The lounge serves drinks, snacks, or even a full meal from the Obsidian Dining Room.
Reserve Your Room Near Old Faithful
Practical Information
The Old Faithful Snow Lodge closes briefly in the spring, typically between early March and mid-May. The lodge closes again in the fall from October until the winter season begins in December.
Lodge opening dates and dining room dates can vary from year to year based on the weather and road conditions.
Closest Airports
(JAC) Jackson Hole Airport is 60 miles south. Year-round service is provided by Alaska, American, and Delta Airlines. Seasonal service is provided by Allegiant, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.
(BZN) Bozeman International Airport is 90 miles north. Year-round service is provided by Alaska, American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. Seasonal service is provided by Allegiant, Frontier, JetBlue, and Sun Country Airlines.
Check-in Time - 4 pm
Check out Time - 11 am
Address
2051 Snow Lodge Ave
Yellowstone National Park, WY. 82190
Smoking - All rooms and facilities at Yellowstone National Park are non-smoking.
Pets - Pets are not allowed
Cooking is prohibited in all accommodations.
Wifi - We had really great WiFi during our stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. It was the best we have experienced anywhere in the park.
Parking - Free parking is available in the summer months. Winter months requires a snowcoach/snowmobile transportation (see Park Alerts section)
Elevation - The elevation at the Snow Lodge is over 7000 feet and visitors can experience mild altitude sickness effects including shortness of breath, and fatigue. Make sure to drink extra water and take it easy on your first day.
Geyser Predictions - Stop at check-in or at the visitor center and obtain eruption times for Old Faithful Geyser.
Essential Items
- Layers for temperature changes (7,300 feet elevation equals cool mornings/evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (High altitude=intense sun)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated at high elevation)
- comfortable hiking shoes/boots
- Binoculars/camera (with extra batteries/memory cards) for wildlife viewing
- Light rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer)
Optional Items
- Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper)
- Extra pillow (Beds have 3 small pillows; bring your own if you prefer large/multiple pillows
- Toiletry items beyond basics
- Snacks (The lodge has a small convenience store with limited items)
Winter Visits (December - March)
- Heavy winter coat, gloves, hat
- Insulated boots
- Warm layers (thermal underwear)
- Hand/Toe warmers
- Sunglasses (the sun off of the snow can be intense)
Book the Snow Lodge Before it Fills
Best Yellowstone National Park Tours & Activities
Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (677+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 12 hours | 🚐🦌 Check Rates and Availability
One of the most booked and highest-reviewed full-day Yellowstone experiences, this comprehensive guided day tour covers every iconic sight in the park in a single well-organized 12-hour journey.
The tour guarantees Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and all the must-see highlights, with the guide staying by your side throughout, never leaving guests to figure things out on their own. A lunch is included. Recommended by 98% of travelers across nearly 700 reviews. Booked an average of 40 days in advance. Pickup is included from hotels in West Yellowstone.
Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (385+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚐🌋 Check Rates and Availability
This full-day van tour is the go-to choice for visitors who want to see the Lower Loop's greatest hits without worrying about driving, parking, or navigation. Departing from West Yellowstone at 7 AM with hotel pickup included, the day begins with an early-morning wildlife sweep through Shadow Canyon of the Madison River, where bear and elk are regularly spotted. From there the tour hits the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs overlook, Old Faithful and the historic Old Faithful Inn, West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake, the bison-filled Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone at Artist Point.
Hotel pickup included from West Yellowstone. Booked an average of 30 days in advance.
6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (93+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🥾🌋
Check Rates and Availability
Most visitors to Yellowstone spend their time at Old Faithful watching the eruption from the crowded viewing area and then heading back to the parking lot. This tour goes somewhere completely different. Starting at the Daisy Geyser Trailhead and following the Firehole River through the Upper Geyser Basin, your guide takes a small group of up to 14 guests past hissing steam vents, vivid hot springs, and geysers that most park visitors walk right past without knowing what they are looking at.
The route covers 6 miles and about six hours on your feet, passing Grotto Geyser, Observation Point, Daisy Geyser, and a climb up to the Observation Point overlook above Old Faithful where reviewers consistently say the view puts the standard ground-level crowd experience to shame. One reviewer watched Old Faithful erupt twice from two completely different vantage points on the same tour. Another caught Grand Geyser erupting up close after their guide rerouted around a bison blocking the trail.
Click here to find more great Yellowstone National Park Tours.
Things to do When Stayong at The Old Faithful Snow Lodge
🌋 Watch Old Faithful erupt
🥾 Walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk trail in summer past Castle, Grand, Riverside, and dozens of other geysers
🦬 Watch bison moving through the geyser basins in winter, warming themselves near thermal features in scenes unlike anything else in the park
🏊 See the vivid blue Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, a short distance north of the lodge
🌿 Hike the Lone Star Geyser Trail for a backcountry geyser experience away from the crowds in both summer and winter
🎭 Join ranger-led programs and geyser prediction talks at the nearby Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
🍽️ Dine at the Obsidian Dining Room inside the lodge, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in both summer and winter seasons
🍺 Relax at the Firehole Bar adjacent to the dining room with a cold drink and the warmth of the lodge after a day on the trails or the ski tracks
☕ Warm up by the lobby fireplace with coffee after a cold morning watching Old Faithful erupt in the winter steam
🛒 Shop the lodge's gift shop for books, Yellowstone souvenirs, and winter gear essentials
🎿 Ski and snowshoe through the snow-covered geyser basins in winter, one of the most unique and magical outdoor experiences in the American national park system
🛷 Arrive by snowcoach or snowmobile in winter, the only way to reach the Old Faithful area when the roads are closed to wheeled vehicles
Don't Miss Your Chance to Stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge
After staying here three times, I can confidently say the Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers one of the best Yellowstone lodging experiences available. Remember the benefits of staying at the Snow Lodge include:
- Saving 2-3 hours everyday on commute times, traffic, and finding parking
- Experience Old Faithful Your Way and beat the crowds for a more intimate experience
- Did I mention the Huckleberry pancakes? 🥞☺️
Don't forget to book your stay and end up spending precious hours of your Yellowstone vacation commuting from outside the park. Wake up at Old Faithful instead.
Book the Snow Lodge Before it Fills
Lodging Options in the Old Faithful Area
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The most iconic hotel in the American national park system, a National Historic Landmark and the largest log structure in the world, sitting just steps from Old Faithful geyser!
Built in 1903 from local rhyolite stone and lodge pole pine, the soaring 7-story lobby with its massive stone fireplace and hand-crafted copper and wrought iron clock is one of the most breathtaking interior spaces in any hotel anywhere. Choose from historic Old House rooms, some with shared bathrooms straight out of the early 1900s, to modern Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, and Geyser Basin View Suites. Live music fills the lobby each evening, and the elegant Old Faithful Inn Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dinner reservations required. Also on site are the Bear Pit Lounge, Bear Paw Deli and Coffee Bar, & gift shop. No TVs, WiFi, or air conditioning keeps the historic magic intact. Open early May through mid-October, book up to 13 months in advance as this is the most requested lodging in Yellowstone!
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
One of only two lodges open in winter inside Yellowstone, a stunning award-winning parkitecture masterpiece with heavy timber construction, exterior log columns, and a cedar shingle roof, just a 5-minute walk from Old Faithful!
The newest full-service lodge in the park, completed in 1999 and winner of the Cody Award for Western Design, it features a cozy lobby fireplace, the elegant Obsidian Dining Room serving wild game and regional cuisine, the casual Geyser Grill, Firehole Lounge with a second fireplace, Bear Den Gift Shop and Ski Shop with cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals, free WiFi, and free parking. Rooms and cabins feature mini-fridges, coffee makers, hair dryers, and modern bathrooms, with pet friendly cabins available. In winter, heated snowcoach tours depart right from the lodge for park-wide sightseeing. Open late April through late October and mid-December through early March!
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - 1892 Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
West Yellowstone's most refined boutique hotel, a gorgeous adults-only mountain lodge just 1 mile from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, named after the year America's first national park was established!
The 18 rooms feature gas fireplaces, premium bedding, bathrobes and slippers, dual towel warmers, flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-fridges, and walk-in showers, all wrapped in rustic-chic Montana style with cowhide chairs and western throws. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, and the cozy lobby lounge with a stone fireplace is perfect for unwinding after a long day in the park. Sauna, fitness center, business center, free WiFi, and free parking included. Open year-round!
Click this link or the map below for a complete list of hotels and vacation rentals in the West Yellowstone, Montana Area.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07ec196333b001540b97aYellowstone National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yellowstone National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $30.00 Entry for one driver and one passenger (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons) ($25.00 plus $20.00 per person)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Yellowstone National Park Information
- Yellowstone National Park Guide - Your complete guide to exploring the world's first National Park!
- Things to do in Yellowstone - These are the top things to do that you don't want to miss, including exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs, the Museum of the National Park Ranger, Yellowstone Waterfalls, Kayaking in Yellowstone, fishing in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail, and more!
- Yellowstone National Park Facts - Learn more about our 1st National Park and fun facts about the wildlife in the park.
- Yellowstone Wildlife Guide- Complete Guide to seeing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, including the most popular wildlife viewing areas, including Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
- Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Lodging Guide - This complete guide to all of Yellowstone National Park's Lodges and cabins
- Ultimate Yellowstone Camping Guide - This complete guide to camping in Yellowstone includes all front country campgrounds
Yellowstone Geyser Basin Areas
- Upper Geyser Basin, including Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, and Old Faithful Geyser.
- Midway Geyser Basin, including Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole Lake Drive.
- Lower Geyser Basin, including Fountain Paint Pot Trail and Firehole Canyon Drive
- Norris Geyser Basin-This basin is known for having some of the hottest water and springs in the park. It is actually two basins: Porcelain Basin and Black Basin, with famous geysers, including Ledge Geyser, Cistern Geyser, and Steamboat Geyser.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin - Beautiful boardwalk trail with hydrothermal features right next to Lake Yellowstone!
- Mud Volcano - The Mud Volcano area is Located south of Canyon Village and North of Lake Yellowstone. It has several hydrothermal features, including a mud volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring.
Additional Montana National Parks
- Complete Guide to Grand Teton National Park - Your complete guide to go explore Grand Teton National Park before or after you visit Yellowstone!
- Epic Guide to Glacier National Park - Complete guide to exploring Glacier National Park
- Little Bighorn Battlefield - Also known as Custer's Last Stand, a place where the Plains Tribes fought their last major battle and won.
- Big Hole National Battlefield - site of the pivotal battle in the Nez Perce War of 1877 between Colonel Gibbon's troops and five bands of the Nez Perce Indians led by the famous Native American Leader, Cheif Joseph.
- Grant Kohr's Ranch National Historic Site - See what ranch life was like in the 1800s in Montana
Check out all of the Montana National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in South Dakota, North Dakota National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
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