Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Loop Road is a 140-mile (230 km) historic district that provides access to the park’s major attractions, including the Upper, Midway, and Lower geyser basins, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Yellowstone Lake. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Grand Loop Road and make the most of your Yellowstone adventure.
Distance and Driving Time
The Grand Loop Road spans 140 miles (230 km) within Yellowstone National Park. The total driving time around the loop is approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes from the South Entrance or about 4 hours and 30 minutes if you are staying inside the park.
Road Conditions and Construction
It’s essential to check the live road status map or call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information on road conditions and construction updates before your visit. Ongoing construction projects, such as the Lewis River Bridge replacement, may cause up to 20-minute delays.
Attractions and Scenic Drives
The Grand Loop Road includes several scenic drives that offer stunning views of Yellowstone’s geothermal features and wildlife. These include the Firehole Canyon Drive, Firehole Lake Drive, and Fountain Flat Drive. The road also passes through notable areas like the Upper, Midway, and Lower geyser basins, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Visitor Information
Cell phone service is available at Old Faithful Inn and Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor’s Center, but coverage can be spotty in other areas of the park. Recommended dining spots along the Grand Loop Road include the Geyser Grill near Old Faithful and the Grant Village Lakehouse Restaurant.
Planning Your Visit
The park roads are open year-round, with some sections opening earlier or later depending on weather conditions. Plan for delays due to construction and chip sealing, which can cause up to 30-minute delays.
Historical Significance
The Grand Loop Road is a historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 2003. The road system was originally planned by Captain Hiram M. Chittenden of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the early days of the park.
Additional Tips
When navigating the Grand Loop Road, ensure your navigation system is set to the correct location using GPS coordinates. Use official park maps and check road conditions to plan your route effectively.
Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is a must-visit for any national park enthusiast. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, the loop offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Yellowstone explorer, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your journey around the Grand Loop Road.
References:
- National Park Service. (2024). Park Roads – Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm
- TripAdvisor. (2024). Grand Loop Road – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60999-d146784-Reviews-Grand_Loop_Road-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html
- Yellowstone Park. (2021). Yellowstone’s Grand Loop – Madison Junction to Old Faithful. Retrieved from https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/grand-loop-madison-old-faithful-scenic-drive/
- Wikipedia. (2024). Grand Loop Road. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Loop_Road
- Bound to Explore. (n.d.). An Epic Day Driving the Yellowstone Loop. Retrieved from https://boundtoexplore.com/driving-yellowstone-loop/.