When planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, one of the key decisions is whether to explore the Upper Loop or the Lower Loop first. Both loops offer unique attractions and experiences, but they differ in terms of the sights they include and the overall driving distance.
The Upper Loop
The Upper Loop is approximately 70 miles long and includes several notable attractions:
- Lamar Valley: Known for its abundant wildlife, including bison, wolves, elk, and grizzlies. The best times for viewing are early morning and dusk, but you can spot wildlife at any time of day.
- Mammoth Hot Springs: A unique thermal area with approximately 50 hot springs, offering a distinct landscape with shades of white, tan, and orange. The boardwalk paths cover about 1.75 miles with little elevation gain.
- Norris Geyser Basin: One of the largest thermal basins in Yellowstone, featuring Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. It is recommended to visit in the early evening to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning sunsets.
The Lower Loop
The Lower Loop is slightly shorter at 96 miles and includes:
- Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world, known for its vibrant colors. The boardwalk loop is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and there is also an optional 1.2-mile hike with 105 feet of elevation gain for a panoramic view.
- Old Faithful: The world’s most famous geyser, erupting 20 times a day. The viewing area is visitor-friendly with bench seating and ample parking, but expect crowds during peak summer months.
- Yellowstone Lake: The largest high-elevation lake in North America, covering 136 square miles with over 110 miles of shoreline. There are several stops along the way to view the lake from different vantage points.
Recommendations
- Day 2 Lower Loop: It is recommended to drive the Lower Loop on the second day of your trip, as it features Yellowstone’s most famous attractions like Old Faithful. Try to do it counter-clockwise and leave at least 3-4 hours for the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful, watching geysers as the sun sets.
- Upper Loop Preference: Some visitors prefer the Upper Loop, which includes the scenic Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Upper Loop Distance | Approximately 70 miles |
| Lower Loop Distance | Approximately 96 miles |
| Old Faithful Eruptions | 20 times a day, with heights ranging from 100 to 180 feet |
| Yellowstone Lake Size | 136 square miles with over 110 miles of shoreline |
References
- https://www.reddit.com/r/yellowstone/comments/vvkjw2/upper_vs_lower_loop/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k12190853-Upper_loop_or_lower_loop-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html
- https://magazine.trivago.com/how-to-tackle-yellowstone-in-just-3-days/
- https://guidealong.com/how-to-plan-a-yellowstone-trip-part-2/
- https://www.yellowstonevacations.com/discover/one-day-in-yellowstone/