Yellowstone National Park is a true gem of the American West, offering visitors a chance to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. One of the best ways to experience the park’s diverse landscapes is by taking a scenic drive. From the geothermal wonders of Mammoth Hot Springs to the dramatic vistas of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, these drives provide a unique perspective on the park’s natural splendor.
The Most Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park
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“Around the Block” – West Yellowstone (64 miles round trip):
This drive takes you through two states (Montana and Idaho) and features stunning scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities, and the Continental Divide. It includes Hebgen and Quake Lakes, Raynold’s Pass, and Henry’s Lake. -
Hayden Valley:
Located south of Yellowstone’s Canyon region, this drive offers panoramic views of the Yellowstone River and is known for wildlife spotting, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. -
Mammoth Hot Springs:
This drive is located near the North Entrance and features geothermal scenery, including hot springs and multi-colored terraces. It is also a great place to spot wildlife such as elk, pronghorn antelope, and moose. -
Old Faithful Geyser:
This iconic drive takes you to the heart of Yellowstone National Park, where you can witness the hydrothermal fireworks of Old Faithful. The area is also home to the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. -
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone:
This drive takes you through a 20-mile-long canyon with vibrant yellow, pink, orange, and buff cliff walls. It features several vista points, including Point Sublime, Inspiration Point, Artist Point, and Upper Falls View. -
Beartooth Highway:
This National Scenic Byway winds a 68-mile route between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana, offering panoramic views of granite peaks and glacier-sculpted valleys. It is known for its alpine flowers, mountain goats, and snow-capped peaks. -
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway:
Connecting Cody, Wyoming, to the Beartooth Highway and the park’s northeast entrance, this drive features beautiful Wyoming landscapes, few people, and fascinating history. It passes through the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains. -
Grand Teton National Park and the John D Rockefeller, Jr Memorial Parkway:
This drive takes you through the dramatic Tetons, with 13,000-foot peaks rising above lakes, rivers, meadows, and forests. It is also home to bison, bears, elk, pronghorn, and other wildlife. -
Paradise Valley:
If you drive Highway 89 south to Yellowstone’s north entrance, you’ll find Paradise Valley, aptly named for its classic western river views. -
Gardiner to Cooke City:
This drive is the only road in Yellowstone open year-round to private cars and RVs. It passes through ancient mudflows, crosses the 45th Parallel, and reaches Mammoth Hot Springs. -
West Entrance Road:
This drive is ideal for evening wildlife watching, as it parallels the Madison River and features sprawling meadows that fill with bison in summer and elk herds in fall. -
South Entrance Road:
This drive connects the South Entrance of Yellowstone with Grant Village and West Thumb, passing the Lewis River, Lewis Falls, and Lewis Lake. -
East Entrance Road:
This drive climbs a steep road through cliffs overlooking Middle Creek and offers views down into the glacier-carved terrain. It also passes through Sylvan Pass and features scenic pullouts for bighorn sheep and waterfalls. -
Lower Grand Loop Road:
This drive takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, lakes, and geothermal areas. It is a longer drive, covering 96 miles, but offers a comprehensive view of Yellowstone’s natural beauty.
Short Side Trips for Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park
In addition to the main scenic drives, Yellowstone National Park offers several short side trips that can enhance your driving experience:
| Side Trip | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Firehole Canyon Drive | Scenic drive along the Firehole River, with opportunities to see hot springs and waterfalls. |
| Norris Geyser Basin | Explore the world’s largest hydrothermal area, featuring steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and the Steamboat Geyser. |
| Lamar Valley | Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” this area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. |
| Dunraven Pass | This high-elevation drive offers panoramic views of the Absaroka Mountains and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. |
| Yellowstone Lake | Stop at various viewpoints around the lake to admire its serene beauty and the surrounding mountains. |
These short side trips can provide a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, complementing the scenic drives and offering a more comprehensive experience for visitors.
References:
– https://destinationyellowstone.com/play/activities/scenic-drives/
– https://www.yellowstonevacations.com/discover/maps-directions/scenic-drives/
– https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/
– https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/connect/yellowstone-hot-spot/the-most-scenic-drives-to-yellowstone/
– https://www.roadtripusa.com/blog/12-scenic-drives-yellowstone-national-park/