Yellowstone National Park offers a scenic driving loop that allows visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and attractions. The Yellowstone Loop Drive covers approximately 198 miles from the South Entrance and 155 miles if you are staying inside the park, with a total driving time of around 5 hours and 40 minutes from the South Entrance and about 4 hours and 30 minutes if you are staying inside the park.
The Figure 8 Shape of Yellowstone’s Driving Loop
The park is laid out in a figure 8 shape, making it easy to break the trip into two loops: the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop.
The Upper Loop
The Upper Loop takes about 2 hours to drive without stopping and features the following major attractions:
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Tower Falls
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Norris Geyser Basin
There are 4 major stops or intersections on the Upper Loop, spaced about 15-20 miles apart.
The Lower Loop
The Lower Loop takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive without stopping and includes the following major attractions:
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Yellowstone Lake
- Hayden Valley
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
There are 6 major stops or intersections on the Lower Loop, spaced about 15-20 miles apart.
Driving Tips for the Yellowstone Loop
When driving the Yellowstone Loop, be prepared for the following:
- Traffic and Wildlife Jams: Delays due to wildlife sightings or traffic congestion are common, so allow extra time in your itinerary.
- Cell Phone Service: Cell phone service is available at Old Faithful Inn and Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor’s Center, but it can be spotty in other areas of the park.
- Food and Accommodation: There are dining options like the Geyser Grill and Grant Village Lakehouse Restaurant, and accommodations like the Lodge at Flagg Ranch, but it’s best to plan ahead.
Planning Your Yellowstone Loop Drive
When planning your Yellowstone Loop Drive, consider the following:
- Time Allocation: Two days are feasible for a quick trip, with one day for each loop. However, it is recommended to plan for four days to fully enjoy the park’s attractions.
- Park Pass: A park pass is required to enter the park, even if you are just driving through.
Additional Resources
- Road Status: Check the park’s website for up-to-date road status and construction updates.
- Maps and Directions: Use official park maps and GPS coordinates to navigate the park.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can plan a memorable and enjoyable driving loop through Yellowstone National Park, exploring the park’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
Reference:
– Yellowstone National Park Official Website
– Yellowstone National Park Driving Directions