Yellowstone National Park roads are the gateway to one of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re cruising past steaming geysers, winding through majestic mountain ranges, or spotting wildlife along the way, these scenic routes promise an unforgettable journey. From well-paved highways to rugged, lesser-traveled paths, every road in Yellowstone offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered.
Ready to explore the best routes, must-see stops, and travel tips for a perfect road trip with nationalparkshops’s team? Let’s hit the road and uncover the beauty of Yellowstone!
Contents
East Entrance Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – East Entrance
- End Point: Mile 26.4 – Fishing Bridge Junction
Starting my journey at the East Entrance Road, I was immediately captivated by the picturesque views. This Yellowstone National Park road stretches approximately 26.4 miles from the entrance to Fishing Bridge Junction. As you drive, you’ll encounter lush forests and stunning mountain vistas that set the tone for your Yellowstone adventure.
One of the highlights along this route is Sylvan Lake, a serene spot perfect for a quick picnic or a leisurely walk. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife grazing nearby, such as deer or bison. The East Entrance is also a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, making it an ideal starting point for exploring both parks.
North Entrance Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – North Entrance
- End Point: Mile 5.3 – Mammoth Junction
The North Entrance Road is another remarkable route, especially since it remains open year-round. This road is about 5.3 miles long and leads from Gardiner, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs. Driving this stretch offers a unique opportunity to see the park’s geothermal features up close.
Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-visit destination along this Yellowstone National Park road. The terraces formed by mineral deposits create an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping into another realm. I recommend taking some time to walk around and enjoy the boardwalks that allow you to get close to these natural wonders.
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Northeast Entrance Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Northeast Entrance
- End Point: Mile 29.1 – Tower Junction
For those seeking a more adventurous route, the Northeast Entrance Road provides access to some of Yellowstone’s most remote areas. This road spans approximately 29.1 miles and connects to Tower Junction. As I drove this Yellowstone National Park road, I was struck by its rugged beauty and the sense of isolation it offered.
One of my favorite stops along this route was Slough Creek, known for its excellent fishing opportunities and breathtaking scenery. The area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, particularly wolves and bears, making it a photographer’s paradise.
South Entrance Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – South Entrance
- End Point: Mile 21.8 – West Thumb Junction
The South Entrance Road is a vital access point to Yellowstone National Park, connecting visitors from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park. Typically open from May through October, this scenic route allows travelers to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscapes as they enter the park.
As you drive along the South Entrance Road, there are several notable stops worth exploring. Just after entering, you’ll find Moose Falls, a charming 30-foot waterfall that is easily accessible via a short walk. Continuing along the road, visitors can stop at Lewis Falls, another picturesque waterfall on the Lewis River, and enjoy views of Lewis Lake nearby.
For those interested in hiking, this Yellowstone National Park road provides access to various trailheads, including the Heart Lake Trailhead and the Riddle Lake Trailhead. The Heart Lake Trail offers a longer hike to a stunning lake surrounded by thermal features, while Riddle Lake provides a shorter and easier hike.
At about 20 miles into the drive, you’ll reach Grant Village, which offers essential services such as lodging, dining, and a service station. From here, you can easily connect to the Grand Loop Road, which leads to many of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions.
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Madison to Norris
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Madison Junction
- End Point: Mile 13.6 – Norris Junction
The drive from Madison to Norris in Yellowstone National Park is a scenic 14-mile stretch along the Grand Loop Road, offering visitors a wealth of natural beauty and unique attractions. This Yellowstone National Park road closely follows the Gibbon River, providing picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes, including the distant peaks of the Gallatin Range.
One of the highlights along this route is Gibbon Falls, an impressive 84-foot waterfall that cascades over the edge of the Yellowstone Caldera rim. This is one of the few locations in the park where visitors can see the caldera boundary. Just a short distance beyond Gibbon Falls, you’ll encounter Beryl Spring, known for its vibrant thermal features. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, consider hiking to Monument Geyser Basin, which is accessible via a steep trail leading to ancient geyser cones.
Another notable stop is the Artist Paintpots, where you can explore a series of colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots. The 1.2-mile loop trail here offers an engaging hike with fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders. Alongside these attractions, there are several picnic areas and pullouts where you can take breaks and enjoy the stunning scenery.
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West Entrance Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – West Entrance
- End Point: Mile 14.1 – Madison Junction
The West Entrance Road serves as one of the primary access points to Yellowstone and stretches approximately 14.1 miles from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction. This Yellowstone National Park road is often busy with visitors eager to explore the park.
As you enter through this entrance, make sure to stop at Firehole River for some relaxation or even a swim in designated areas during warmer months. The river’s crystal-clear waters are inviting and offer a refreshing break from driving.
Norris to Mammoth
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Norris Junction
- End Point: Mile 21.4 – Mammoth Junction
The drive from Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park spans approximately 21 miles and offers a stunning journey through diverse landscapes and geothermal features. As you travel along this route, you will experience a significant drop in elevation of nearly 800 feet, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Gallatin Range to the west and the Washburn Range to the east.
Along the way, there are numerous points of interest that enhance your experience. The route features several small creeks that flow into the Gardner River, creating picturesque scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Notable stops on this Yellowstone National Park road include Roaring Mountain, known for its fumaroles that emit steam and create a hissing sound, giving the mountain its name. The Obsidian Cliff is another highlight, where visitors can learn about the volcanic glass used by Native Americans for tool-making over thousands of years. The Grizzly Lake Trailhead offers access to a scenic hike through meadows leading to Grizzly Lake, while Bunsen Peak provides a more challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit.
As you approach Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll find the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, famous for their vibrant travertine formations. The extensive boardwalk system allows visitors to explore these geothermal features up close. Additionally, the Albright Visitor Center offers educational exhibits about the park’s history and wildlife.
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Mammoth to Tower – Yellowstone National Park Road
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Mammoth Junction
- End Point: Mile 18.4 – Tower Junction
The journey from Mammoth to Tower Junction spans about 18.4 miles and presents more opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly in the early mornings or late evenings when animals are most active.
One notable stop along this Yellowstone National Park road is Lamar Valley, often referred to as “America’s Serengeti.” Here, I had one of my best wildlife viewing experiences, spotting herds of bison and even a few wolves in their natural habitat.
Tower to Canyon
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Tower Junction
- End Point: Mile 18.6 – Canyon Junction
Continuing from Tower Junction to Canyon, which covers about 18.6 miles, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that include towering cliffs and lush valleys.
A must-see along this Yellowstone National Park road is Dunraven Pass, which offers panoramic views that are simply awe-inspiring. Make sure your camera is ready; you’ll want to capture these moments!
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Norris to Canyon
- Start Point: Mile 0 – Norris Junction
- End Point: Mile 11.8 – Canyon Junction
The drive from Norris to Canyon in Yellowstone National Park is a scenic journey of approximately 11.8 miles along the Grand Loop Road, showcasing some of the park’s most captivating geothermal features and natural beauty. Starting at Norris Junction, where the road diverges to various attractions, this route provides access to several notable stops that enhance the visitor experience.
As you begin your drive on this Yellowstone National Park road, you’ll pass by the Norris Picnic Area, a great spot for a quick break or lunch. Shortly after, the entrance to Virginia Cascades Drive leads to a stunning 60-foot waterfall on the Gibbon River. This one-way road rejoins the main route after providing picturesque views of the cascading water.
Continuing on, you’ll encounter multiple trailheads that offer opportunities for hiking and exploration. The Ice Lake Trailhead is just a short distance from Norris, leading to an easy hike that includes views of Little Gibbon Falls, a charming 25-foot waterfall. Further along, the Cygnet Lakes Trailhead provides access to a moderate hike through beautiful landscapes, while the Grebe Lake Trailhead offers a relatively easy trek to Grebe Lake, perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
As you approach Canyon Junction, be sure to stop at the Cascade Creek Trailhead, which leads to Cascade Lake and is popular among visitors for its scenic beauty. The drive culminates at Canyon Junction, where you can choose to head toward Fishing Bridge or continue on to explore the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
West Thumb to Old Faithful
- Start Point: Mile 0 – West Thumb Junction
- End Point: Mile 15.6 – Old Faithful Interchange
Traveling from West Thumb to Old Faithful, which covers about 15.6 miles, brings you closer to one of Yellowstone’s most iconic geysers—the Old Faithful Geyser itself.
This area is bustling with visitors eager to witness Old Faithful’s reliable eruptions every 90 minutes or so. While waiting for its showtime, explore nearby geothermal features like Castle Geyser or Grand Geyser—both are worth your time!
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding the Yellowstone National Park roads is key to unlocking the full Yellowstone experience. Armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to craft your perfect itinerary, ensuring a safe and unforgettable trip. Now it’s time to hit the road and discover the magic for yourself!
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