Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park (2025 Guide)
Yellowstone’s scenic drives offer some of the best ways to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, geothermal wonders, and abundant wildlife. The main roads form a “figure-eight” Grand Loop, connecting all major attractions. [NPS: Road Status]
Top Scenic Drives
- Grand Loop Road: 142 miles, connects all major sights. Allow 2–3 days to fully explore. Highlights include Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Tower Fall.
- Lower Loop (96 miles): Old Faithful, Norris, Grand Prismatic, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Best for geysers and waterfalls.
- Upper Loop (80 miles): Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, Lamar Valley, Mt. Washburn. Best for wildlife and mountain scenery.
- Lamar Valley: Renowned for wildlife viewing—bison, wolves, bears, and more.
- Firehole Canyon Drive & Firehole Lake Drive: Short scenic routes with waterfalls and geothermal features.
- Blacktail Plateau Drive, Virginia Cascade Drive, Riverside Drive: Less-traveled, beautiful options for solitude and scenery.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Start early to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife sightings.
- Check current road conditions and closures before your trip—weather and construction can affect access.
- Drive carefully: wildlife often crosses roads, and traffic can be heavy in summer.
- Allow plenty of time for stops at overlooks, trails, and visitor centers.
- Consider combining your Yellowstone trip with a visit to Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone.
For detailed maps and updates, visit the official Yellowstone website and Lonely Planet’s Yellowstone Road Trip Guide.