No matter what time of year you’re fortunate enough to have time to spare in the name of vacation fun, Yellowstone makes for an amazing place to settle in and relish time away from the hustle of life. That said, if you’re looking to ring in the new year somewhere refreshing, scenic, and endlessly exciting in good company, you’ll find a trip this way at the beginning of January is truly unforgettable! In Yellowstone, there’s something for everyone to enjoy whether you’re one for the winter hiking trails, you can’t wait to indulge in delicious moments, or you’re ready to relax alongside family and friends and simply enjoy the scenery. No matter when you arrive, how long you stay, or how many others you adventure alongside, a New Year’s in Montana is always worth your while.
See Old Faithful Erupt for the First Time in the New Year
When you want to be a part of some of the more unique traditions a trip to Yellowstone offers up over New Year’s, consider taking time to gather with others and see Old Faithful erupt for the first time as a new calendar year gets underway. Bidding farewell to the past 12 months is easy when your new year starts off in scenic Yellowstone National Park. At midnight each New Year’s many visitors and locals alike gather at the geyser to make sure they’re among the first to see the first eruption after the clock strikes twelve. This longtime holiday tradition typically includes visitors, park employees, and locals coming together to witness this special moment. Once it occurs, you can count on a lot of noise, singing, New Year’s toasts, and more to make the experience that much more memorable.
Enjoy New Year’s Wildlife Watching
The beauty of finding yourself waking up on New Year’s Day near Yellowstone National Park is that you can spend the first day of the year encountering some truly incredible creatures if you choose to. January is a great time to book your place on a guided wildlife tour of the park and see all of the animals that call the area home and thrive throughout the winter across these impressive landscapes. Tours can be booked in comfortable and heated vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about the cold, but can still make the most of the incredible views with ease!
Make Time for a Delicious New Year’s Eve Dinner
If you’ve booked your West Yellowstone New Year’s Eve trip and you’re looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal to kick things off on a savory note, make sure your holiday itinerary includes the Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon. This fan-favorite local eatery typically hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner for those who are looking to pair fantastic flavor and entertainment alike. There’s plenty of live music to enjoy throughout the evening and a champagne toast to look forward to at midnight as well. The event typically runs from 9:00 pm until 1:00 am and is a great way to ring in the new year in West Yellowstone in style and good company. You can find the family-friendly Wild West Saloon conveniently located at 14 Madison Avenue right in the heart of West Yellowstone. If you’re looking to stay within Yellowstone National Park itself, places like the Old Faithful Lodge and the Mammoth Hotel often offer special New Year’s menus available to non-guests this time of year. Just make sure you have a reservation in advance for this dining experience that’s sure to fill up fast.
Add a New Year’s Day Snowshoe Adventure or Ski Outing to Your Holiday Lineup
Booking a stay in West Yellowstone puts you within easy reach of great ski and snowshoe trails on the first day of January. When you’ve made your New Year’s resolutions and they include a focus on healthy habits, you can start things off on the right foot in Yellowstone by grabbing your outdoor gear and exploring the mesmerizing local routes on day one of the new calendar year. Some of the top trails to explore near West Yellowstone include the Bighorn Pass Ski Trail which is a good choice for skiers of all skill levels. You can spend a full day on this route discovering the terrain off Highway 191 at your own pace, and you won’t need a reservation to enjoy the journey. Yet another route to consider checking out is the Black Butte Ski Trail which spans 14 miles totals and follows the Black Butte Creek with the reward of stunning mountain views included.
Book Your New Year’s Getaway Today
Finding time to enjoy West Yellowstone is always the right choice and when you’re heading here over New Year’s, the team at Sweet Home Montana is ready and waiting to help you find just the right accommodations to match your journey. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options available and to start planning your trip.