The Yellowstone National Park North Loop is a scenic route that covers the northern portion of the iconic Yellowstone National Park. This loop offers visitors a chance to witness the park’s diverse natural wonders, from geothermal features to stunning waterfalls and wildlife sightings. Whether you’re a seasoned park enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the North Loop promises an unforgettable adventure.
Main Attractions on the Yellowstone National Park North Loop
- Gardiner and Roosevelt Gate: The starting point of the North Loop, located in Montana, where visitors can enter the park through the historic Roosevelt Arch.
- 45th Parallel Crossing: A notable landmark marking the 45th parallel, which divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
- Boiling River: A natural hot spring that flows into the Gardner River, offering a unique opportunity for a relaxing soak.
- Albright Visitor Center: A historic center that provides information on the park’s history and wildlife, as well as educational exhibits.
- Undine Falls: A picturesque waterfall accessible via a short walk from the road, offering a serene and scenic stop.
- Wraith Falls: Another waterfall along the route, providing a beautiful backdrop for photographs.
- Blacktail Plateau Drive: An optional gravel road that offers alternative views and a chance to explore the park’s backcountry.
- Petrified Tree: A fossilized tree that is a popular stop for visitors, showcasing the park’s geological history.
- Roosevelt Lodge: A historic lodge that offers horseback rides and stagecoach tours, providing a glimpse into the park’s past.
- Tower Falls: A waterfall accessible via a short walk or a longer hike, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
- Mount Washburn: A mountain with a gravel road option for those willing to venture off the main route, providing panoramic vistas of the park.
- Norris Geyser Basin: A geothermal area with hot springs and geysers, including the famous Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser.
- Museum of the National Park Ranger: A museum that showcases the history and importance of park rangers, offering a deeper appreciation for their role in preserving the park.
- Mammoth Hot Springs: A unique hot spring area with travertine formations, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly landscape.
- Roosevelt Arch: A historic stone arch marking the north entrance to the park, serving as a symbolic gateway to the wonders of Yellowstone.
Route Details
- Location: The Yellowstone National Park North Loop is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho.
- Approximate Mileage: The North Loop covers approximately 70 miles of scenic driving.
- Estimated Driving Time: Depending on stops and side excursions, the North Loop can be completed in around 2 hours.
- Surface: The main route is paved, with optional gravel roads for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
Tips and Insights
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep a keen eye out for bears, elk, bison, and other wildlife that call the Yellowstone ecosystem home. Observe from a safe distance and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
- Scenic Vistas: The North Loop offers dramatic scenery, with big elevation changes and stunning views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a must-see natural wonder.
- Hiking Opportunities: There are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail and the Uncle Tom’s Trail, providing opportunities to explore the park on foot.
- Historical Significance: The North Loop passes through historic sites like Fort Yellowstone and the Roosevelt Arch, offering insights into the park’s rich history and the role it has played in the American West.
Exploring the Yellowstone National Park North Loop is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s diverse natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, unique geological features, or the chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, this scenic route is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- Driftless Roads USA. (n.d.). Yellowstone North Loop. Retrieved from https://www.driftlessroadsusa.com/product-page/yellowstone-north-loop
- Faithful Street Inn. (n.d.). Yellowstone’s North Loop. Retrieved from https://www.faithfulstreetinn.com/yellowstone-national-park/yellowstones-north-loop/
- National Park Service. (2024). Mammoth Hot Springs and the North. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/explore-mammoth.htm
- Travels with Birdy. (2017). Yellowstone Part III: North Loop Highlights. Retrieved from https://travelswithbirdy.com/yellowstone-part-iii-north-loop-highlights/
- From Swamp to Summit. (2023). Road Trip U.S.A. – The Northern Loop of Yellowstone, an Encounter with a Bear and a Grand Canyon. Retrieved from https://fromswamptosummit.com/2023/10/19/road-trip-u-s-a-the-northern-loop-of-yellowstone-an-encounter-with-a-bear-and-a-grand-canyon/.