The magic of Auster at Dome Mountain begins before you arrive. Driving south from Bozeman, the road follows the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley, with the Absaroka Mountains rising on one side and the river running along the other. Follow this guide and enjoy the ride.
Field Guide
- Flying In from Bozeman
- Driving Through Livingston
- Coming from Yellowstone
- Seasonal Road Considerations
- Drive Times to Auster
- FAQs
The Short Version
- LOCATION: Auster is located in Paradise Valley at 200 Dome Drive, Emigrant, Montana, just off US-89 — the main highway connecting Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park.
- DISTANCE FROM BOZEMAN: About an hour south of Bozeman, with a straightforward drive on I-90 and US-89.
- DISTANCE FROM YELLOWSTONE: 20 minutes north of Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner.
- NEAREST AIRPORT: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), a major airport with direct flights from around the country.
Flying In: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the gateway to Paradise Valley for most travelers. It’s served by major domestic carriers with direct flights from cities across the country, making it an easy entry point from major hubs and smaller regional markets.
From BZN, the drive to Auster typically takes an hour, depending on how frequently you stop to marvel at the landscape. While the scenery is epic, the route itself is simple: take I-90 east out of Bozeman for 30 miles to Livingston, then continue south along the Yellowstone River into Paradise Valley, where Highway 89 leads right past the property. No complicated turns or unpaved roads — just a scenic, well-marked route the whole way.
Rental cars are available at BZN through all the major agencies, and private car services and charters also operate in the area for travelers who’d prefer to view the scenery from the passenger seat.
Passing Through Livingston
For guests coming from Bozeman, Livingston is a natural stopping point on the drive to Auster. It’s the last town of any real size before the highway narrows into Paradise Valley, and a worthwhile place to pause for a coffee, a meal, or a stroll before continuing south. From Livingston, it’s only another 30 minutes to reach Auster, passing a few fun roadside landmarks for those with a keen eye. Be on the lookout for the following local staples:
- A plain yellow sign emblazoned with the word “Taxidermy”
- Hay bales decorated by season
- Antique tractors on display
- Decoy owls on phone poles
Coming from Yellowstone National Park
The town of Gardiner serves as Yellowstone’s official northern gateway, making Auster the perfect base camp for exploring the national park. From Gardiner and the North Entrance, it’s a 20-minute drive north on US-89 back to Auster. You can enjoy sunrise in the park and sunset at the lodge on the same day. The drive also has a few gems worth keeping an eye out for:
- Dome Mountain
- Yellowstone Hot Springs
- Yankee Jim Canyon
- Gardiner Airport, more frequently visited by elk than planes
- Devil’s Slide, the famous red vertical streak “sliding” down Cinnabar Mountain
Seasonal Road Considerations
US-89 through Paradise Valley is a well-maintained state highway and stays open year-round, but Montana winters mean snow and ice between late fall and early spring. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive is recommended for winter travel, and it’s worth checking road conditions before heading out during or after a storm. Click here for live updates on the weather at Yellowstone.
*The North Entrance is the only entrance to Yellowstone that stays open to wheeled vehicles year-round, which makes Auster an ideal choice for visits to Yellowstone in all four seasons.*
Quick Reference: Drive Times to Auster at Dome Mountain
| From | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) | ~60 miles | ~1 hour |
| Livingston, MT | ~30 miles | ~30 minutes |
| Yellowstone North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) | ~20 miles | ~20 minutes |
FAQs
How far is Paradise Valley from Bozeman, Montana?
Paradise Valley is about 60 miles from Bozeman, depending on your exact starting point and destination within the valley. The drive takes approximately one hour.
How do I get to Auster from Bozeman airport?
From Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, head east on I-90 toward Livingston, then south on US-89 into the Paradise Valley. Auster sits right off the highway at 200 Dome Drive in Emigrant, about an hour from the airport.
How long is the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park?
The drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner is about 80 miles and takes roughly 1.5 hours, passing directly through Paradise Valley and right by Auster along the way.
Is there an airport near Paradise Valley, Montana?
Yes. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the closest major airport, located about an hour north of Paradise Valley with direct flights from cities across the country.
How far is Auster from Yellowstone’s North Entrance?
Auster is located 20 minutes north of Gardiner and Yellowstone’s North Entrance, making it an easy basecamp for exploring the park.