A Guide to Gardner Canyon Yellowstone: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning to visit Yellowstone National Park? If so, make sure to include a stop at Gardner Canyon on your itinerary. Nestled within the sweeping wilderness of the park, Gardner Canyon is a haven for both adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

It is a beautiful and tranquil spot in Yellowstone that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, an avid photographer, or someone simply seeking solace in nature, Gardner Canyon Yellowstone provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

The History of Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone

Gardner Canyon holds a rich tapestry of history, dating back to the indigenous tribes who first called Yellowstone home. The region was a vital hunting ground for many tribes, such as the Crow, Shoshone, and Blackfoot. They revered the land, and their spiritual connection to it is imprinted on the canyon’s landscape.

Gardner Canyon was named after Johnson Gardner, a fur trapper who was part of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in the early 19th century. Gardner frequented the Yellowstone region in the 1830s, seeking beavers and other wildlife whose furs held high value in the lucrative fur trade industry. His frequent visits and exploits in the area led to the naming of the canyon in his honor.

In the early 19th century, the canyon began attracting explorers from across the continent. John Colter, considered the first European American to have visited the region, described an area of “fire and brimstone”, fueling intrigue about Yellowstone’s geological wonders.

Geological Wonders of Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone

The geological wonders of Gardner Canyon are a spectacle to behold. Its landscape is dotted with hot springs, geysers, and thermal pools, reflecting the dynamic geothermal activity beneath the Earth’s surface.

Hot springs are a common sight in the canyon, each a natural hot tub heated by the Earth’s geothermal energy. Rain and melted snow seep into the ground and descend deep into the Earth. As they get closer to the Earth’s hot mantle, the water heats up and rises again, resulting in a hot spring.

Geysers are another signature feature of Gardner Canyon, are hot springs with constrictions in their plumbing. These constrictions prevent water from circulating freely to the surface, where heat would escape. Instead, the deep water remains under high pressure and temperature until it becomes superheated. When the water at the top of the column cools off slightly, a violent eruption ensues, shooting a column of steam and water high into the air.

While thermal pools in the canyon are the result of thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria that thrive in extremely hot conditions. These microbes form colorful mats around the edges of the pools, creating an array of vivid hues that add to the area’s breathtaking beauty.

How to Reach Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone

Gardner Canyon is accessible from multiple locations within and outside Yellowstone National Park. Here are three primary routes to consider:

• From Mammoth Hot Springs: Begin your journey from Mammoth Hot Springs, a major hotspot in Yellowstone, located in the northwest corner of the park. Head east on the Grand Loop Road and follow the signs to reach Gardner Canyon. The drive is approximately 5 miles and offers scenic views of the Yellowstone landscape.
• From Bozeman, Montana: If you’re coming from Bozeman, take the US-89 S towards Livingston. Continue on US-89 S until you reach the park’s North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana. From there, follow the signs to Gardner Canyon. This route is approximately 80 miles long.
• From Yellowstone’s South Entrance: If you’re entering the park from its South Entrance, head north on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. Continue onto Grand Loop Road and follow the signs to Gardner Canyon. This route is approximately 90 miles and takes you past multiple iconic spots in the park, including Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake.

Top Things to Do in Gardner Canyon Yellowstone

• Hiking: Gardner Canyon offers several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. These trails wind through diverse landscapes, from dense forests and rolling meadows to rocky cliffs and serene rivers. Some popular trails include the Beaver Ponds Loop and the Blacktail Plateau Drive. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon and a chance to spot various wildlife species, including elk, bison, and bears.
• Fishing: Gardner Canyon is home to the Gardner River, an excellent spot for fly fishing. The river is teeming with cutthroat trout, making it a paradise for anglers. Fishing licenses are required and can be obtained at the park’s visitor centers.
• Wildlife Viewing: Gardner Canyon is a prime location for wildlife viewing. From large mammals such as bison, elk, and bears to a variety of bird species, the canyon’s rich biodiversity offers ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Photography: With its dramatic landscapes, intriguing geological features, and diverse wildlife, Gardner Canyon is a haven for photographers. Whether capturing a sunrise over the rolling hills, a geyser’s eruption, or a majestic bison in its natural habitat, photographers will find endless inspiration here.
• Camping: Immerse yourself in the wilderness by staying overnight in one of the campgrounds in the vicinity of Gardner Canyon. Fall asleep under a star-studded sky and wake up to the sounds of nature, making for an unforgettable experience.
• Picnicking: Gardner Canyon is an ideal location for a picnic. Pack a lunch, find a scenic spot along the trail, and enjoy your meal amidst the tranquility of nature.
• Thermal Pool Viewing: Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the canyon’s thermal pools. These naturally heated pools created by Yellowstone’s geothermal activity are an enchanting sight and a clear reminder of the park’s volcanic origins.

Accommodation Near Gardner Canyon Yellowstone

• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins: Just a short drive from Gardner Canyon, this hotel offers both hotel rooms and cabin rentals, complete with modern amenities and easy access to the park’s attractions.
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn: Located in Gardiner, Montana, this inn offers suites with full kitchens, perfect for families or long stays.
• Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel: For a unique experience, consider staying in these luxurious tipis just outside the park’s entrance in Gardiner.

Dining Options Near Gardner Canyon Yellowstone

• The Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room: Located inside the park, it offers a menu featuring game meat and traditional American fare.
• The Terrace Grill: A casual outdoor eatery in Mammoth Hot Springs, offering burgers, salads, and ice cream.
• The Yellowstone Grill: Located in Gardiner, this local favorite serves breakfast and lunch with options like pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, and salads.
• Wonderland Cafe & Lodge: This establishment in Gardiner offers an all-day menu, specialty coffee, and locally brewed beers.

FAQs about Gardner Canyon Yellowstone

What are the entrance fees for Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone?

Visiting Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone National Park does require an entrance fee, as it is part of the National Park Service. Here are the current fees:

• Private, Non-commercial Vehicle: $35. This pass allows all passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter the park. The pass is valid for seven days.
• Motorcycle or Snowmobile: $30. This pass admits one motorcycle or snowmobile and its riders. It’s valid for seven days.
• Individual (by foot, bicycle, etc.): $20. This pass admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, etc. It’s valid for seven days.

For frequent visitors, an annual pass, known as the ‘Yellowstone National Park Annual Pass’, is available for $70 and provides unlimited entry for one year from the month of purchase. All fees are subject to change.

What is the best time of year to visit Gardner Canyon?

The best time to visit Gardner Canyon is between May and September when the weather is warm and all the park’s facilities and roads are open. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Do I need a special permit for hiking or camping in Gardner Canyon?

While you don’t need a special permit for hiking, camping within Yellowstone National Park, including in Gardner Canyon, does require a permit. Campsites can be reserved ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a sense of serenity that’s simply unparalleled. It’s a place where memories are made, and where the wonders of the natural world are waiting to be discovered around every corner. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your camping gear, don your hiking boots, and set off for a memorable adventure at Gardner Canyon in Yellowstone National Park.