West Yellowstone, Montana Review: Hotel, Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing & Dining

West Yellowstone is approximately 2 hours drive from Bozeman, Montana and 1 hour from Big Sky. If there is time, it is worth a stop at the Big Sky Resort - in the lobby for a white hot chocolate! You can also usually see big horn sheep at the turn to Big Sky.

February is a great time for snowmobiling and cross country skiing in West Yellowstone; however, much of the town is shut down during the winter months. There are usually only 2-3 restaurants open for each meal and shops don't have set hours.

The town truly is set up for snowmobiling, so drive with caution, as you will most likely encounter snowmobiles on the roads and crossing the highways.

There are 2 main cross country ski trail heads. The Rendezvous trail is groomed daily and requires a day pass for $5, which can be paid at the trail head. It is advised to bring correct change since the fee is on the honor system and is paid in a drop box. The Rendezvous trail starts out easy and has several cut offs to some more advanced skiing. There are a few small hills, which were good practice for the less advanced skier. The Rendezvous trail also offers classic and skate trails.

The Riverside Loop trails were not groomed as regularly, but were both nice trails and there was no fee. The Up River trail goes along the river shore and up on the bluff, with one hill down and one steep hill up. It's a beautiful trail with views of the mountains and river. The down river trail also goes along the river and through a meadow and is a bit longer trail. Skis and snowshoes can be rented from a few different shops in town.

The Best Western Desert Inn on Canyon Street (them main street) in West Yellowstone is centrally located to the restaurants, ski trails and snowmobile trails. The Best Western Desert Inn was clean and the staff friendly. Free wireless is available in the rooms, but it is a bit slow. There is also a computer and printer in the lobby for use. Continental breakfast is included and consists of cereals, muffins, breads, pre-made pancakes and French toast, juices, fruits and coffee. There is also a pool and hot tub that is open until 10:00 pm and usually had several children in it. In February 2009 we paid an Internet rate of $67.50 per night for 2 people.

Canyon Street Grille on the main street in West Yellowstone offers burgers, malts, salads and other sandwiches. Although there was only one server working, the service was fairly quick and sufficient. Although the server was not overly friendly, she was polite. The food is decent, but a bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants in town.

Bullwinkle's Saloon has some of the better food in town and we eat here each year that we come to West Yellowstone. In 2009, the first night we sat at the bar and ordered smoked trout for $12.99. There was a decent amount of trout, crackers and red onions, but no capers and a bit light on the cream cheese. Ordering more sour cream will cost you an extra $.99. The nachos are huge and for $11.99 can serve as a meal for 2. The service at the bar was polite, but not as friendly as the servers in the dining room had been in the past. Bullwinkle's has a decent wine list and several beers on tap and bottle. The second night we ate Bullwinkle's Saloon we sat in the dining room. The servers were all very friendly and the service was quick. Unfortunately, the food was not the quality it has been in the past. The pan fried walleye was good, but was served with rice rather than a potato. The rib-eye steak sandwich was a chopped steak sandwich and when we asked the server if it was really a rib-eye (knowing it wasn't) she shrugged and said "that's what they tell me" and avoided our table the rest of the night. She also served the steak sandwich with fries rather than the chips we had ordered and rather than go back to the kitchen to get what we ordered, she just said she wouldn't charge extra for the fries. It was a very disappointing meal for $50!

Two Top Snowmobiles is the outfitter we've used each year to rent snowmobiles and take the Yellowstone park tour. They do a good job and have the routine down. There are 2 tours in the park, where you can only snowmobile with a guide and will need a National Parks Pass for (also available from Two Top). One trip goes to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which stops at several waterfalls. The Old Faithful route goes to Old Faithful. If you have the opportunity to also watch the Beehive erupt, it's worth it! Both trips leave Two Top Snowmobiles at 8:30-9:00 am and return around 4:00 pm. There are only 3 restroom stops along the way, so plan accordingly and dress warm! There are several stops along the way to view the wildlife, such as bison, bald eagles, coyotes, elk and Canadian Trumpeter Swans. The Old Faithful trip also included a walk around one of the geyser basins, which was interesting.

If you are snowmobiling on your own, the trails are numerous! Two Top provides a map and suggested routes for the conditions that day. The trails cross back and forth into Idaho and Montana. Going to the top of Two Top Mountain is not always an option due to the visibility and frequent and fast changing weather conditions. In 2007 we were unable to go to the top, but in 2009 it was a clear and sunny day, with an amazing view! If conditions are right, it is highly recommended. There are also several favorite stops such as Big Meadow Lodge for some lunch, hot chocolate or even a cocktail. A rustic place serving burgers, grilled cheese, soups and other sandwiches is a great place to warm up for a few minutes. Big Springs is another favorite stop to look for moose and watch the trout and maybe even have some lunch if you brought yours with you.

If you are not an avid snowmobiler one day in Yellowstone Park and one day on the trails on your own is a great way to have different experiences and is highly recommended!