Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, offering an immersive experience of diverse landscapes, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. We’ve driven it many times while living and working just outside the park in Gardiner, Montana, and it’s still the first route we recommend to friends and guests visiting Yellowstone.

This 142-mile figure-eight-shaped road connects many of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, making it the perfect route for first-time visitors to explore the park efficiently.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or an extended stay, driving Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park provides access to everything from iconic geysers and hot springs to breathtaking canyons and wildlife-rich valleys. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about navigating Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop,” including key stops, road conditions, and tips for making the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

👋 Meet Your Guides: We're Jonathan and Kelly, and we love Yellowstone National Park! So much so that we've been a dozen+ times, bought fixer-upper cabins outside Yellowstone’s North Entrance, and turned an old park ranger hut into year-round Christmas magic. Now, we’re on a mission to make Yellowstone simpler and more magical for everyone who visits.

P.s. Want all of our best Yellowstone tips in one place? Check out our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide. It’s packed with maps, itineraries, and everything you need to know about exploring Yellowstone year-round!

The best driving route through Yellowstone National Park

Grand Loop Road, also known as “The Grand Loop” or “Yellowstone’s Grand Loop,” is the best driving route through Yellowstone National Park for first-time visitors who want to experience as much of Yellowstone as possible.

It’s a 142-mile scenic drive that forms a figure-eight shape and connects all major areas of the park. It provides access to most top attractions, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

The Golden Gate © [ronniechua] via Canva.com

Overview of Grand Loop Road

Grand Loop Road is a driving route through Yellowstone that connects the park’s most popular attractions and five entrances (North, Northeast, East, South, and West). The route is divided into two main sections: the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop. Together, these loops form a figure-eight route through the park called “The Grand Loop”.

Here’s a quick overview of each section.

Yellowstone’s Lower Loop

The Lower Loop is known for its geothermal features, including the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful), the Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring), and the West Thumb Geyser Basin (Yellowstone Lake).

It also passes through beautiful valleys like Hayden Valley, one of Yellowstone's best spots for wildlife watching.

Key attractions along Yellowstone’s Lower Loop include:

Old Faithful Geyser: The world-famous geyser that erupts approximately every 98 minutes.
Grand Prismatic Spring: The largest hot spring in the United States, known for its vibrant colors.
Canyon Village: A breathtaking canyon with stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and the famous Artist Point Overlook.
West Thumb Geyser Basin: A stunning collection of geysers and hot springs located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.

For more on Yellowstone’s Lower Loop, visit our Yellowstone Lower Loop Guide.

Yellowstone’s Upper Loop

The Upper Loop is known for dramatic landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the wildlife-rich Northern Range. It’s also how you access Lamar Valley, the best and most consistent area for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.

Key attractions along Yellowstone’s Upper Loop include:

Mammoth Hot Springs: A series of limestone terraces that create a unique and beautiful landscape.
Lamar Valley: A short detour from Yellowstone’s Upper Loop brings you to Lamar Valley. Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” this area is one of the best places in the world to see wolves, bison, and bears, among other wildlife.
Tower Fall: One of the best places to look for bears from mid-May through early June, and home to a picturesque 132-foot waterfall tucked between towering rock formations.
Dunraven Pass & Mountain Washburn: This is the park's highest point and one of its most scenic areas, offering beautiful panoramic views and great wildlife watching.

For more on Yellowstone’s Upper Loop, check out our Yellowstone Upper Loop Guide.

Map of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road

Below is a map of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop, highlighting attractions and services along the way.

Note: The road between Norris and Canyon Village is actually Norris Canyon Road, but because it’s part of Yellowstone’s figure-8 “Grand Loop,” it’s highlighted in red alongside the rest of Grand Loop Road.

Service areas are highlighted in yellow (and designated with stars), while points of interest are noted with graphics that highlight some of the best things to do or see in the area.

When is Grand Loop Road open and closed?

Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road has seasonal openings and closures, except for the portion that sits between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances, which is open year-round.

The rest of Grand Loop Road opens in phases starting in early spring. The West Entrance (at West Yellowstone) is the first to reopen around mid-April, providing access to Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon Village.

By late May through October 31st, all sections of Grand Loop Road are generally open. Weather permitting, all areas of Yellowstone are also accessible at this time, allowing full access to key destinations like Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Yellowstone Lake.

On November 1st, most of Grand Loop Road closes in preparation for the winter season. The only exception is the portion of Grand Loop Road between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances, which stays open year-round.

By mid-December, portions of Grand Loop Road once again become accessible to visitors; however, only by over-snow travel, such as by snowmobile or snowcoach. Guided tours during the winter months offer a unique way to explore the park and see popular spots, but these interior roads remain closed to self-driving until late April, when the snow is cleared and the cycle begins again.

1-Day Yellowstone Grand Loop Itinerary

Here’s our favorite great one-day itinerary following Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone!

This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors or those looking to see as much of the park as possible in a short amount of time. If you have more time for your visit, we highly recommend splitting Yellowstone’s Grand Loop into multiple days. You can access all of our Yellowstone itineraries here.

Start Your Day in Gardiner, MT

You can begin driving Yellowstone’s Grand Loop from whichever entrance is closest to you. So that it’s easier to follow along, we’re sharing this itinerary as though you’re starting from the north, in Gardiner, MT.

Enter Yellowstone’s North Entrance, passing by the historic Roosevelt Arch, then drive toward Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the park’s most iconic geothermal areas.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife like elk, often found grazing around the Mammoth area, as well as pronghorn antelope and bison along the way.

Stop 1: Mammoth Hot Springs

Once at Mammoth, take time to explore the Upper and Lower Terraces.

If you’re eager to maximize your time elsewhere, you can opt for just a quick walk or drive through the Upper Terraces. We personally love visiting Mammoth Hot Springs at sunset, so we’ll often skip it in favor of early-morning wildlife watching, then return later in the day.

Detour to Lamar Valley

From Mammoth, follow the signs to Lamar Valley. If you’re heading toward Mammoth from Gardiner, you’ll turn left before the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

As you head toward Tower-Roosevelt Junction, you’ll pass through Blacktail Plateau Drive, where wildlife sightings are common. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, bears, red foxes, coyotes, elk, moose, and even wolves.

Once you arrive near Tower-Roosevelt, turn left and detour off Grand Loop Road into the famous Lamar Valley, often referred to as “America’s Serengeti” for its vast, open meadows and abundant wildlife.

Stop 2: Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching

Lamar Valley is one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, and early morning is prime time for seeing wolves, bison, bears, and eagles.

Make use of the many pull-offs to scan the valley with binoculars or a spotting scope.

Stop 3: Tower Fall and Canyon Village

After wildlife watching in Lamar Valley, retrace your steps back to Tower-Roosevelt Junction and turn left to continue south.

Shortly after, stop at Tower Fall, a beautiful 132-foot waterfall tucked between towering rock formations.

Then continue driving through Dunraven Pass, which offers stunning panoramic views of the park’s high-altitude landscapes and is a great place for birdwatching. If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love the 360-degree panoramic views from the Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn Trail.

Continue following Grand Loop Road until you reach Canyon Village.

Stop 4: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Once at Canyon Village, you’ll be at one of the park’s most stunning sights: the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Follow the short detours along both North Rim Drive and South Rim Drive.

The North Rim Drive features iconic overlooks and trailheads, including Grand View Point and the Brink of the Lower Falls, a short but steep walk that brings you to an up-close view of the waterfall plunging 308 feet into the canyon below!

The South Rim Drive provides access to the famous Artist Point Overlook, offering some of the most breathtaking canyon views in all of Yellowstone.

Both drives are short but packed with scenery… the vibrant colors of the canyon paired with the powerful falls make this a must-see area of Yellowstone!

Stop 5: Hayden Valley

After exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, continue south toward Hayden Valley, another prime wildlife-watching area.

Hayden Valley is known for its bison herds, and you might also spot grizzly bears, bald eagles, and even wolves in the distance.

Stop 6: Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin

As you continue along the Grand Loop, you’ll drive along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America.

If you’re up for a hike, consider the nearby Elephant Back Mountain Trail, Storm Point Loop, or Avalanche Peak.

As you continue following Grand Loop Road, make a stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, whose geothermal features seem to merge with the lake’s edge! Walk the boardwalks to see hot springs, bubbling pools, and even geysers, all with the beautiful backdrop of the lake.

Stop 7: Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

Continue following Grand Loop Road toward one of Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, Old Faithful Geyser.

The Old Faithful Visitor Center will have the next predicted eruption time for Old Faithful, which erupts roughly every 98 minutes. While waiting, explore the nearby Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest concentration of active geysers in the world.

Stop 8: Grand Prismatic Spring and Fairy Falls

A short drive from Old Faithful brings you to Midway Geyser Basin, home to the famous Grand Prismatic Spring.

The rainbow colors of this spring are best viewed from the Midway Geyser Basin boardwalks or the Grand Prismatic Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail.

Pro tip: The colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring are at their most vibrant on hot, calm summer afternoons, so we love heading here a few hours before sunset on warm days.

Stop 9: Norris Geyser Basin

On your way back to Gardiner, stop at Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most volatile of Yellowstone’s geyser basins.

The basin’s highlight is Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, which can erupt unpredictably with blasts that reach over 300 feet! Even if Steamboat isn’t active, the array of colorful hot springs and steamy vents in Norris is a great stop along the Grand Loop.

Final (Optional) Stop: Mammoth Hot Springs

If you skipped it earlier in favor of early morning wildlife watching, make one last stop at Mammoth Hot Springs. The travertine terraces are particularly beautiful at sunset.

Finish your loop back in Gardiner, MT, keeping your eyes peeled for bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope along the way.

Driving Distances along Grand Loop Road

Driving times between attractions in Yellowstone can vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions, wildlife sightings, and seasonal closures.

Here's an overview of estimated driving times between some of the most popular attractions, assuming a clockwise direction. These times do not account for stops along the way, wildlife jams, or slow-moving vehicles, so it’s always wise to budget extra time when driving in Yellowstone.

Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley: ~55 minutes. Look for wildlife as you drive; you might spot pronghorn antelope, elk, bison, bears, or wolves on your way to the valley.

Tower-Roosevelt Junction to Canyon Village: ~45 minutes. This route is one of the most scenic in Yellowstone and a great stretch for spotting birds, bears, and bighorn sheep.

Canyon Village to Hayden Valley: ~20 minutes. Hayden Valley is one of the park’s prime spots for wildlife watching, especially for bison, elk, wolves, and bears. Wildlife watching in Yellowstone is best in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler.

Hayden Valley to West Thumb Geyser Basin: ~45 minutes. The views of Yellowstone Lake get better and better as you approach the West Thumb Geyser Basin! Once there, you’ll get to explore the basin’s geothermal features with a lake backdrop and plenty of great boardwalk trails.

West Thumb Geyser Basin to Old Faithful: ~35 minutes. Be sure to check the next predicted Old Faithful eruption time at the visitor center and, if you have time, explore the Upper Geyser Basin or even hike to Biscuit Basin or Black Sand Basin while you’re waiting.

Old Faithful to Midway Geyser Basin (Grand Prismatic Spring): ~15 minutes. At Midway Geyser Basin, you’ll find the famous Grand Prismatic Spring! If there’s time, consider hiking to the overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail for a stunning bird’s-eye view.

Midway Geyser Basin to Norris Geyser Basin: ~40 minutes. You’ll pass the Lower Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pots on your way. At Norris, you can explore some of Yellowstone’s most active and colorful thermal features, including the unpredictable Steamboat Geyser.

Norris Geyser Basin to Mammoth Hot Springs: ~40 minutes. Along the way, you’ll drive through a striking rock canyon known as Golden Gate. This section of the road hugs the side of Sheepeater Cliff, a towering wall of rust-colored volcanic rock that looms over the highway.

Use the following charts for more estimated driving times along Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone. Whether you have limited time or are just getting familiar with the park before diving into deeper exploration, Grand Loop Road is the perfect introduction to Yellowstone!

Keep in mind that while these times reflect the distance between major Yellowstone attractions, there are countless other viewpoints, picnic areas, and wildlife-watching opportunities along the way. While this is a great starting point for a one-day tour of the park, there is much more to explore by detouring off Grand Loop Road.

FAQs: Driving Grand Loop Road

What is the Grand Loop Road?

The Grand Loop Road is a 142-mile scenic route that forms a figure-eight shape and connects all major areas of Yellowstone National Park. It provides access to both the Upper Loop and Lower Loop, which encompass many of the park’s top attractions, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

How long does it take to drive the Grand Loop Road?

Driving the entire Grand Loop without stops takes around 4 hours, not counting traffic or road closures. (Not to mention all the stops you’ll want to make!) To fully appreciate the sights and attractions along the way, we recommend spending at least one full day exploring Grand Loop Road, but two or more is significantly better. While trying to fit the park’s top highlights into one day is doable (we’ve done it!), there’s a lot to see in Yellowstone, and having more time offers the best experience.

When is the Grand Loop Road open?

All sections of Grand Loop Road are generally open around Memorial Day weekend through October 31st, weather permitting. Check Yellowstone’s official road status page before your trip for the most current dates.

Earlier in the spring, portions of Grand Loop Road reopen. Northern sections often open earlier in spring (starting in mid-April), while higher-elevation sections open later in May. You can always drive the northern section of Grand Loop Road between Yellowstone’s North and Northeast Entrances.

Is Grand Loop Road one way?

No, Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone is a two-way road, allowing traffic in both directions. It forms a figure-eight shape, making it possible to drive in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This flexibility allows you to choose the best route for your trip, based on what you most want to see and where you’re starting from.

Is Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone paved?

Yes, Grand Loop Road is fully paved, providing easy access for all types of vehicles, including cars, RVs, and motorcycles. The road is well-maintained but can be subject to closures due to weather or maintenance work, especially in the winter months.

What are some must-see stops along Grand Loop Road?

Key stops along Yellowstone’s Grand Loop include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Hayden Valley. Lamar Valley is a short detour off Grand Loop Road, but it is highly worth the trek.

Can I drive Grand Loop Road in one day?

It is possible to drive the entire loop in one day; however, this is a long, full day. If you only have one day in Yellowstone, by all means… drive Grand Loop Road, and you’ll see as much of Yellowstone as possible in a short visit!

However, if it’s possible to extend your trip, a better approach is to divide the loop into two sections: the Lower Loop and the Upper Loop. Check out our posts on Yellowstone’s Lower Loop and Yellowstone’s Upper Loop for more details.

Upper Loop vs Lower Loop: Which is better?

Both loops offer unique experiences and are worth driving. The Lower Loop is great for its concentration of iconic attractions like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Plus, it’s best for exploring Yellowstone’s thermal areas.

The Upper Loop is great for wildlife enthusiasts, with the Northern Range and the detour to Lamar Valley being major highlights. The Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and scenic Dunraven Pass are also big attractions.

Ultimately, the best loop depends on your interests: the Lower Loop focuses on geothermal wonders, while the Upper Loop offers more dramatic scenery and wildlife viewing. We’re partial to the Upper Loop, especially for return visits, but first-time visitors should definitely plan to drive both loops!

What should I know about road conditions and closures on Grand Loop Road?

Road conditions in Yellowstone can change due to weather (particularly in the fall and winter months) and construction. Wildlife on the road can also majorly impact driving conditions. (Bison jams are a real thing in Yellowstone National Park!) Check the current road status before you go, and be prepared for potential delays.

Where are the best places to see wildlife along Grand Loop Road?

Some of the best spots for wildlife viewing include Lamar Valley (a short detour off Yellowstone’s Upper Loop), Hayden Valley (along the Lower Loop), and the area around Mammoth Hot Springs.

Bison, elk, bears, and wolves are commonly seen in these regions, especially during dawn and dusk.

Are there places to eat along Yellowstone’s Grand Loop?

Yes, there are several dining and lodging options along the Grand Loop, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt Junction, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Lake Village, Grant Village, and Old Faithful Village. These areas offer a variety of services, including restaurants, general stores, and picnic areas.

Is Grand Loop Road suitable for RVs and trailers?

Most sections of the Grand Loop Road are accessible for RVs and trailers, but some areas can be narrow and winding. The most winding route in Yellowstone is the drive between the North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris Geyser Basin.

While driving an RV around Yellowstone is possible, parking can be challenging due to limited RV-specific spaces. Most major attractions offer RV parking, but these spots fill up quickly. It's best to arrive early in the day or explore less crowded areas to increase your chances of finding a parking spot.

What are some tips for driving Grand Loop Road?

Start early to avoid crowds and have better luck with parking at popular attractions and trailheads. Early mornings are also best for wildlife watching!

Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a full tank of gas, as services are limited. It’s best to fill up in a nearby gateway town, such as Gardiner, MT, West Yellowstone, MT, Cooke City, MT, Cody, WY, or Jackson, WY. You’ll also want to be prepared for limited cell service, as reliable service is generally only available at larger service areas like Old Faithful Village.

Allow time for spontaneous stops as you travel Grand Loop Road. The well-known attractions are certainly worth seeing, but so are the surprise wildlife sightings and unexpected scenic views.

Finally, stay alert and watch for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk. They have the right of way and will hold up traffic, so be patient and enjoy the front-row view to one of the most spectacular places on earth!

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide!

With local tips, detailed maps, and seasonal itineraries, our Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best of Yellowstone National Park.

Save this for later

Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)

Happy Travels!

Grand Loop Road: Map & Itinerary for Yellowstone’s Most Scenic Drive