Yellowstone’s East Entrance is 52 miles from Cody via US Highway 14-16-20, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. The route follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River into the East Yellowstone Valley, and Cody works as a departure point for a park visit. Plan for an all-day outing if you intend to make the East Yellowstone Loop.
- Route: US Highway 14-16-20, also known as the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway.
- Distance: 52 miles from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
- Route highlights: Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Shoshone National Forest and the East Yellowstone Valley.
- Seasonal access: Road access over Sylvan Pass varies with season and weather.
- Entry: Yellowstone requires an entrance pass, but not a vehicle reservation.
The Route from Cody to the East Entrance
From Cody, follow US Highway 14-16-20 east toward Yellowstone’s East Entrance; the 52-mile route traces the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the East Yellowstone Valley, also known as Wapiti Valley.
About six miles west of Cody, the highway skirts Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Buffalo Bill State Park, beside the reservoir, has camping, picnicking, boating and windsurfing facilities. Beyond the reservoir, the road enters Shoshone National Forest, set aside in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve.
For more context on the canyon stretch, the Shoshone Canyon drive from Cody follows the same corridor. Closer to the park, Pahaska Tepee stands two miles before the East Entrance. Built in 1904, it is described by the Cody Yellowstone visitor guide as Buffalo Bill Cody’s original hunting lodge.
What to Expect on the Drive
The Cody-to-Yellowstone drive moves from the reservoir and forest into a river valley route toward the park entrance. The journey is part of the East Yellowstone Loop, which is estimated to take all day.
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world’s first national park, has five entrance stations. At the East Entrance Station, you can find park information, park newspapers and ranger or staff assistance, as well as buy an entrance pass. Accessible vault toilets are just inside the park.
The East Entrance Station speed limit is 45 mph unless otherwise posted. Drive slowly and cautiously to help protect people and wildlife.
Seasonal Road and Entrance Access
Access to Yellowstone’s East Entrance depends on seasonal road openings and weather, particularly on the route over Sylvan Pass.
The National Park Service says the road between the North and Northeast entrances is open to automobiles year-round, weather permitting. In winter, most other park roads are closed to automobiles and are primarily open to commercially guided snowcoach and snowmobile travel. Conditions can change, and weather may affect road access and services.
Before setting out, check the official site before you go. The National Park Service also provides a live road-status map, recorded road information by phone at 307-344-2117, and Yellowstone road alerts by text: text 82190 to 888-777 to sign up.
Park Entry and Day-Trip Planning
You need an entrance pass to enter Yellowstone, but you do not need a vehicle reservation. You can buy a pass at an entrance station or purchase one before arrival.
The National Park Service lists standard entrance-pass prices between $20 and $35. Non-US residents aged 16 or older must pay an additional $100 per person unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
At the East Entrance Station, passes can be purchased with cash or credit or debit card. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks charge separate entrance fees.
Allow the day for the East Yellowstone Loop rather than treating the entrance as a quick stop. If Grand Teton is also part of your plan, account for its separate entrance fee.
When to Consider an Overnight Visit
The East Yellowstone Loop is estimated to take all day, making an overnight visit worth considering if you want more time for the route and park. Cody is the departure point for the drive, and a two-star inn in Cody can make sense as part of that plan.
FAQs
How far is Yellowstone’s East Entrance from Cody?
It is 52 miles from Cody via US Highway 14-16-20, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway.
Do you need a reservation to enter Yellowstone?
A vehicle reservation is not required, but you do need an entrance pass. Passes are sold at the East Entrance Station and can also be purchased before arrival.
Can you drive to Yellowstone’s East Entrance in winter?
Seasonal road access can change with weather. Most Yellowstone roads outside the North-to-Northeast entrance route are closed to automobiles in winter, so check current road conditions before traveling.