Yellowstone National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness, offering visitors a chance to explore its stunning natural wonders. One of the best ways to experience the park is through a self-guided driving tour, which allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery at your own pace. In this blog post, we’ll explore the recommended scenic drives and short side trips you can take during your Yellowstone Park driving tour.
Recommended Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park
1. Grand Loop Road
The Grand Loop Road is a 142-mile figure-eight-shaped paved road that connects the park’s main attractions. This drive offers close-up views of Yellowstone’s natural wonders, including geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Depending on how often you stop to explore, the Grand Loop Road can take an entire day to complete.
2. Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, with herds of bison, elk, and occasional grizzly bears and wolves. The route follows the Yellowstone River and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. Mammoth Hot Springs
Located near the North Entrance, the Mammoth Hot Springs drive takes you through a geothermal area with multi-colored terraces and hot springs. This area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, including elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
Short Side Trips in Yellowstone National Park
1. Old Faithful
No visit to Yellowstone is complete without seeing the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 45 to 120 minutes. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center offers exhibits on the park’s hydrothermal features, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this natural wonder.
2. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 20-mile-long canyon featuring vibrant cliff walls and two high waterfalls. There are several vista points along the canyon, including Point Sublime, Inspiration Point, and Artist Point, offering breathtaking views.
3. Kepler Cascades
Located just south of Old Faithful, the Kepler Cascades is a must-see natural wonder, featuring a series of cascading waterfalls.
Practical Information for Your Yellowstone Park Driving Tour
Entrances
Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances, accessible from major highways. From the north, use Route 89; from the south, take Highway 89/191/287; from the west, use Highway 20; from the northeast, take Highway 212; and from the east, follow Highway 20/14.
Road Closures
During the winter months, most roads in Yellowstone are closed, with the exception of the North Entrance at Gardiner, which remains open between Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City.
Maps
It’s recommended to download a park map in advance to plan your route and avoid wasting time on logistics.
Tips and Reminders for Your Yellowstone Park Driving Tour
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison, during your driving tour.
- Traffic: Be prepared for increased traffic during the summer months, especially around popular attractions.
- Winter Access: If visiting during the winter, note that most roads are closed, and only the North Entrance at Gardiner remains open.
By following these recommendations and practical tips, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable Yellowstone Park driving tour. Whether you’re exploring the park’s scenic drives or taking short side trips, Yellowstone’s natural wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression.