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Paradise Valley: US-89, Paradise Valley, Montana
Photo: Tim Gage · CC BY-SA 2.0

Drives Montana Bozeman, Big Sky and Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley: US-89

US 89 · Livingston → Gardiner

Leisurely51 mi50 min1,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,300 ftOne way
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The drive

US-89 runs south from Livingston up the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley to Gardiner, 53 miles in all. The valley is broad, with the Absaroka Range to the east. Emigrant is the main stop, where Highway 540 (East River Road) branches off.

Farther south the valley narrows into Yankee Jim Canyon. The drive ends in Gardiner, before Roosevelt Arch and the park entrance.

The curves are mostly gentle.

Along the way

  1. Livingston
  2. Emigrant (Highway 540)
  3. Gardiner
Elevation
1,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,300 ft
LivingstonGardiner
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
LivingstonGardiner
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Yellowstone fees apply at the North Entrance, which this drive does not reach.
  • The North Entrance is open year-round.
  • East River Road (MT-540) is a quieter alternative between Carter's Bridge and Emigrant.
  • MDT does not list US-89 as seasonally closed.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Montana 511 (MDT).

Questions about this drive

How long does US-89 through Paradise Valley take?

US-89 from Livingston to Gardiner is 51 miles and takes about 50 minutes.

Is the Paradise Valley road open in winter?

Yes. It is not on MDT's list of seasonally closed roads, and the North Entrance in Gardiner is open year-round.

Do you need to pay to enter Yellowstone at Gardiner?

Yes, fees are required at the North Entrance boundary, which is past the end of this drive.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Paradise Valley: US-89, from Livingston to Gardiner