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Home / Blog / 12 Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park

12 Scenic Drives in Yellowstone National Park

Posted June 11, 2020 in Blog Posts

By Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton author Becky Lomax

Driving through Yellowstone National Park is a treat for every road tripper. Plan an epic driving tour with these twelve options sorted by region: North Yellowstone, Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, and Canyon & Lake Country.

Scenic Drives in North Yellowstone

Gardiner to Cooke City – 52 MI (84 KM)

The road between the North Entrance Station at Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance Station at Silver Gate and Cooke City is the only road in Yellowstone open year-round to private cars and RVs. The road is plowed in winter, but snowstorms can cause temporary closures in the fall, winter, and spring. For current road conditions, call 307/344-2117. Plan about two hours one way for this tour. Add on more time for stops.

The two-lane road starts as US-89 in Gardiner, Montana, on Park Street. Drive under the Roosevelt Arch (RVs take the signed shortcut) to reach the entrance station. The road then climbs south through ancient mudflows, crossing the 45th Parallel at the bridge over the Gardner River, then hitting the Montana/Wyoming state line before reaching Mammoth Hot Springs in 5 mi (8 km).

From Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Junction (18 mi/29 km, 45 min) the route follows Grand Loop Road . Stop to see Undine Falls and the Petrified Tree . Between the two sights, Blacktail Plateau Drive (6 mi/9.5 km, 30 min, open July-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) offers a scenic detour on a curvy, one-way dirt road. The route gains territorial views, goes through fire successions, and is good habitat for elk, bears, and bison.

From Tower Junction to the Northeast Entrance (29 mi/47 km, 60 min), the route crosses the Yellowstone River into Lamar Valley and swings northeast along Soda Butte Creek into the Absaroka Mountains . After Pebble Creek, the road climbs into narrow Ice Box Canyon , flanked by frozen waterfalls in winter and early spring. At the Northeast Entrance, the road exits Yellowstone and enters the tiny blink-and-you-miss-it villages of Silver Gate and Cooke City . In winter (Nov.-May), the route dead-ends at Cooke City due to snowbound roads, but in summer, you can connect with the 68-mi (109-km) Beartooth Highway (open late May-Oct.).

Upper Grand Loop Road – 70 MI (113 KM)

Upper Grand Loop Road links Mammoth Hot Springs with Norris Geyser Basin , Canyon Village , and Tower-Roosevelt . The road east from Mammoth to Tower Junction (18 mi/29 km, 45 min) is open year-round; all other segments of the Upper Grand Loop Road are closed in winter. You can drive the entire loop (open late May-early Nov.) in three hours; stops and side trips add time.

From Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction (21 mi/34 km, 45 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.), the road climbs south through the hoodoos, monster travertine boulders formed by a landslide on Terrace Mountain. It then crawls along the cliffs of Golden Gate before topping out at Swan Lake Flat , where you can often spot wolves and bison. Continuing south, you’ll pass Obsidian Cliff , a site of geological, Native American, and historical significance. Stop again at Roaring Mountain to listen to the thermal activity and look for trumpeter swans in nearby Twin Lakes . Your first leg ends at the Norris Geyser Basin , a hotbed of geothermal activity.

From the Norris Junction, go east toward Canyon Village (12 mi/19.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.). Continue the loop north from Canyon Village to reach Tower Junction (19 mi/31 km, 45 min, open late May-early Nov.). The road climbs over Dunraven Pass before descending to Tower Fall and the Tower-Roosevelt area. Complete the loop west to Mammoth.

Old Faithful and West Yellowstone Scenic Drives

West Entrance Road – 14 MI (22.5 KM)

For an evening wildlife-watching drive, take the West Entrance Road (14 mi/22.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.) east from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction. The road parallels the Madison River, with sprawling meadows that fill with bison in summer and elk herds in fall. Pullouts allow places to watch, but don’t become so enamored with the megafauna that you miss eagles in the trees or bobcats hunting along the river.

Lower Grand Loop Road – 96 MI (154 KM)

Lower Grand Loop Road links Madison , Norris , Canyon Village , West Thumb , and Old Faithful to take in loads of wildlife-watching plus Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful complex. Driving the entire loop (open mid-May-early Nov.) will take four hours; add more time for scenic stops and walks along the geyser basins.

Follow the West Entrance Road from Madison Junction to Norris Junction (14 mi/22.5, 30 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov.). From Madison, the road loops past Terrace Springs to parallel the Gibbon River . Look for bison and elk in Gibbon Meadows . The road climbs north through a canyon housing Gibbon Falls as it ascends out of the supervolcano caldera. Beryl Spring pops out in the upper meadows near Artists Paintpots before reaching the Norris Geyser Basin .

Zip east over the forested road from Norris to Canyon Village (12 mi/19.5 km, 30 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.). From Canyon Village, the road passes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to head south along the Yellowstone River, curving around the shores of Yellowstone Lake to West Thumb (37 mi/60 km, 90 min, open mid May-early Nov.).

From West Thumb, head west to Old Faithful (17 mi/27 km, 45 min, mid-May-early Nov.). The route bounces twice over the Continental Divide , the highest point at 8,391 ft (2,558 m). Isa Lake , located at Craig Pass , has the unique status of flowing toward both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. After descending Craig Pass, the road passes Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin before completing the loop north to Madison (16 mi/26 km, 45 min, open late Apr.-early Nov.).

Geyser Basin Tour – 16 MI (26 KM)

The Lower Grand Loop Road climbs south along the Firehole River from Madison Junction to Old Faithful (16 mi/26 km, 45 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov.), passing through the Lower Geyser Basin , which houses Fountain Paint Pot , Firehole Lake , and Great Fountain Geyser , before passing Midway Geyser Basin . The road then enters Upper Geyser Basin , reaching Biscuit Basin first, then Black Sand Basin , before the Old Faithful Complex . Steam plumes from most of the basins are visible from the road. Bison herds frequent the area; prepare for stopped traffic. Three short spur roads allow scenic side tours.

Firehole Canyon Drive

At 0.5 mi (0.8 km) south of Madison Junction, Firehole Canyon Drive (2 mi/3.2 km, 15 min, open mid-Apr.-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) cuts off on the west side of the Grand Loop Road. This one-way, steep and narrow road goes to a scenic overlook of the 40-ft Firehole Falls and 800-ft-thick lava flows; however, there are minimal places to pull over for photos.

Fountain Flat Drive

Find Fountain Flat Drive (1 mi/1.6 km, 15 min, open late May-early Nov.) on the west side of the Grand Loop Road about “bout 5.5 mi (8.9 km) south of Madison Junction or 10.5 mi (16.9 km) north of Old Faithful. The short drive is a good place for wildlife-watching , particularly elk and bison in June; it has the Nez Perce Picnic Area at its start and several pullouts en route. Turn around when the two-way drive dead-ends. Heavy traffic or bison jams can add to driving time. Bear activity keeps the road closed in spring.

Firehole Lake Drive

Located about 9.3 mi (15 km) south of Madison Junction and 6.8 mi (10.9 km) north of Old Faithful, the one-way Firehole Lake Drive (3.3 mi/5.3 km, 30 min, open late May-early Nov., no RVs or trailers) is accessed off the east side of the Grand Loop Road. The drive passes eight thermal features, including the brown Firehole Lake , the largest hot springs on the road, and Great Fountain Geyser . The nearby White Dome Geyser erupts at 15- to 30-minute intervals. The Fountain Paint Pot Trail Guide ($1, available at visitors centers) includes interpretive information on Firehole Lake Drive. Bear activity keeps the road closed in spring.

Scenic Drives in Canyon & Lake Country

South Entrance Road – 22 MI (35 KM)

The forested South Entrance Road (45 min, open mid-May-early Nov.) connects the South Entrance of Yellowstone with Grant Village and West Thumb. The road passes the Lewis River , Lewis Falls , and Lewis Lake .

East Entrance Road – 27 MI (43 KM)

From the East Entrance Station, the East Entrance Road (60 min, open late-May-early Nov.) climbs a steep road through cliffs overlooking Middle Creek. Near the head of the valley, a pullout affords views down into the glacier-carved terrain. Amid howling winds, 8,524-ft (2,598-m) Sylvan Pass cuts through a rocky slot in the Absaroka Mountains. A small summit parking lot offers a place to scan the hillsides for bighorn sheep and peruse long, thin waterfalls.

On the descent, use second gear to avoid burning your brakes. At Sylvan and Eleanor Lakes , small pullouts allow photo ops. Thick lupine flanks the road as it plunges through the remains of a 2002 forest fire. For a giant view, take the 1-mi (1.6-km) paved side spur of Lake Butte Road (no RVs or trailers) to Lake Butte Overlook . After reaching the north shore of Yellowstone Lake , the road curves around Steamboat Point , a collection of puffing, noisy fumaroles, and Mary Bay , a volcanic caldera, to reach Fishing Bridge .

Lower Grand Loop Road – 96 MI (155 KM)

The Lower Grand Loop Road (4 hr, open late May-early Nov.) links the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and Norris Geyser Basin. Stops for touring geyser basins will add to your time.

Between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge (16 mi/26 km, 45 min), the road tours the ultra-scenic Hayden Valley , cut by the meandering Yellowstone River . The valley usually has scads of wildlife: bison, elk, deer, and sometimes bears or wolves. For the best wildlife-watching, drive through Hayden Valley in the early morning or at dusk. Expect slow going where wildlife jams stall traffic. South of Hayden Valley, the smelly volcanic features of Mud Volcano and Sulphur Cauldron shoot steam across the road. LeHardy’s Rapids offers a place to spot harlequin ducks in early summer.

The scenic drive continues south along Yellowstone Lake from Fishing Bridge to West Thumb Junction (21 mi/34 km, 45 min). Stop in Lake Village to view the historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel . Continuing south, the road passes Bridge Bay and the trailhead to Natural Bridge . South of Bridge Bay, the conifer-lined Gull Point Drive (2.1 mi/3.4 km, often closes late May-June due to flooding) leads to Gull Point Picnic Area , where a long sandbar extends out into the lake at Gull Point—a good place for fishing and beachcombing with views across the lake to the Absaroka Mountains. South of Gull Point Drive, multiple picnic areas and pullouts offer places to enjoy the lake; prepare for afternoon wind. West Thumb Geyser Basin is on the left just before West Thumb Junction.

From West Thumb, the Lower Grand Loop Road heads west through lodgepole pine and spruce forests toward Old Faithful (17 mi/27 km, 45 min), reaching a south-side overlook that has trees occluding part of distant Shoshone Lake . The route pops out twice over the Continental Divide , the highest point at 8,391 ft (2,558 m). Isa Lake , located at Craig Pass , has the unique status of flowing toward both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. After Craig Pass, the road descends into Old Faithful .

Upper Grand Loop Road (3 hr) links Canyon Village with Tower Junction, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Norris. Various segments of the road open at different times in spring; private vehicles can tour the entire loop late May-early November. Stopping at geyser basins and overlooks will add more time to the drive.

Driving north from Canyon Village to Tower Junction (19 mi/31 km, 45 min), Upper Grand Loop Road climbs to Dunraven Pass , which yields territorial views off either side of the pass. En route, you’ll spot the lookout on the summit of Mt. Washburn . North of the pass, the road descends to Tower Fall , Calcite Springs , and Tower Junction . For the 7 percent grade down from the pass, shift into second gear to avoid burning your brakes.

About the Author

Becky Lomax grew up hiking, camping, and skiing in Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mt. Rainier National Park (where her dad used to serve as a ranger).

During college, she worked summers in Glacier National Park. After teaching high school English for many years outside Seattle, she and her husband moved to Montana, where she served as a hiking and backpacking guide in Glacier, worked at a ski resort, and began to write about the outdoors. She relishes visiting national parks to hike, bike, backpack, kayak, and raft.

Through her writing, she advocates for conserving wild places for their unique attributes and the renewal they bring to humans. She has written about hiking trails, historic lodges and roads, camping, paddling, skiing, bicycling, wildlife, wildflowers, birds, and climate change. For magazine stories, she has tagged along with biologists into the field to radio collar bighorn sheep and grizzly bears, even touching the bear’s claws and smelling its fur to discover its earthy scent.

She has published stories in several national travel magazines including Smithsonian and Backpacker . She has also authored Moon USA National Parks , Moon Glacier National Park and Moon Montana, Wyoming, & Idaho Camping .

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5 of the best road trips in Yellowstone National Park

Feb 18, 2023 • 6 min read

These road trip routes will help you see the best of Yellowstone National Park © Hector Knudsen / Getty Images

Yellowstone National Park is vast.

It encompasses more than 3400 sq miles and it includes more than 450 miles of roads, providing plenty of space to explore. Driving yourself means you can spend as much time as you like doing the best things that Yellowstone has to offer , whether that's gazing at geysers or hiking the 900 miles of trails.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gas gauge and bring water and food along with you. Also, check the roads you'll need will be open when you plan on coming . Most of the  park's roads are closed for much of the year (generally closing in early November before reopening in April or May). Services within the park are also very limited outside of peak season, so be prepared.

Parking can be difficult at popular spots — try to aim for early or late in the day to avoid having to wait for a spot. If you're driving an alternative fuel vehicle, be sure to check on  fueling station availability . 

Driving yourself offers freedom and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known sites that might not be part of organized tours, but be sure to see the park's  tips for drivers . If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous  tour options available. However you visit, brush up on  bear safety and read the  park's safety advice on wildlife, environmental hazards, hydrothermal features, and other things to keep in mind. Here are the five best road trips in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Grand Loop

The ultimate Yellowstone road trip Start and end at any of Yellowstone's five entrances, 142 miles; allow 2–3 days

Yellowstone National Park's main roads create a " figure-eight" shape , so driving around the exterior of both loops to make a "Grand Loop" is a great way to hit many of the park's highlights. Two or three days is reasonable, but the park can keep an avid explorer busy for far longer. Enter the park from any of its five entrances and proceed either clockwise or counterclockwise around the exterior of the figure eight until you've returned to your original entrance.

Driving the Grand Loop will bring you to many of the park's most popular geothermal areas, including  Old Faithful ,  Midway Geyser Basin ,  Norris Geyser Basin ,  Mammoth Hot Springs , and  West Thumb Geyser Basin . It will also bring you through Hayden Valley, which is a great place to look for wildlife, to  Tower Fall , and the  Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone , among other sites.

Detour: Combine a trip to Yellowstone with a visit to  Grand Teton National Park , which is just beyond Yellowstone's South Entrance.

2. Upper Loop

Best route for Yellowstone's scenic wonders Start and end at Yellowstone's North Entrance; 80 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Upper Loop is a highlight reel of scenic wonders. Start at the park's North Entrance, just outside Gardiner, Montana, and explore the Mammoth Hot Springs area, including the famous terraces. Allow at least a full day to drive this loop, including Tower Fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — be sure to check out  Artist Point  — as well as  Mt Washburn and Norris Geyser Basin.

Detour: Take a side trip from the  Tower-Roosevelt area into Lamar Valley , which has some of the best wildlife viewing in the park.

3. Lower Loop

Best drive for geysers, wildlife, and more Start and end in Jackson, Cody, or West Yellowstone; 96 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone's Lower Loop covers some of the park's most beloved features, including Old Faithful and the Hayden Valley. The loop itself is 96 miles, but you'll also need to add the distance to and from your entrance and gateway town of choice: select from Jackson or Cody , Wyoming, or West Yellowstone , Montana.

This route gives you a chance to see Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Artists Paintpots, Midway Geyser Basin and the  Grand Prismatic Spring , West Thumb Geyser Basin, Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley, among other highlights. There's so much to do you might like to plan more than one day for exploration.

Planning tip: On a trip during summer months, try to visit the park's most popular attractions during  off-peak hours , which means early or late in the day, to beat the crowds and make parking easier.

4. Geyser gazing road trip

Best drive to Yellowstone's most accessible geysers and thermal features Start at Yellowstone's South Entrance; end at the North Entrance; 95 miles; allow 1–2 days

If you love fantastical geysers, multi-colored hydrothermal springs, bubbling mud, and hissing steam, then take a drive up the park's western side for a glimpse at some of Yellowstone's most incredible sights.

The park contains more than 10,000 such hydrothermal features — including over 500 geysers — and this route showcases some of the most fascinating ones that are easily accessible. Start from the South Entrance, explore West Thumb Geyser Basin, and head west towards Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Continue west and north exploring other hydrothermal areas, such as Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs, among many others, eventually exiting through the North Entrance.

Planning tip: Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at one of the  numerous picnic areas along this route. Be sure to leave the picnic site cleaner than you found it, and always be aware of bears and other wildlife .

5. Yellowstone's wildlife safari

Top driving route to see Yellowstone's wildlife Start at Yellowstone's East entrance; end at the Northeast Entrance; 91 miles; allow 1–2 days

Yellowstone is home to a huge amount of wildlife, including 300 species of birds and 67 different types of mammals, with big-hitters being the black bears, grizzly bears and gray wolves. The challenge is spotting them – where the animals are and whether or not you see them depends on seasons, weather, food availability, and luck.

Begin your wildlife adventure at the East Entrance, making your way along the northern shore of Yellowstone Lake (keep an eye out for grizzlies near Fishing Bridge). Then proceed north through the Hayden Valley, stopping in pullouts to scan the valley for bison, black bears, elk and wolves. Head north over Dunraven Pass, keeping an eye out for animals by Mt Washburn, before heading east at Tower-Roosevelt into the Lamar Valley, which is one of the best places in the park to spot gray wolves and herds of bison.

Planning tip: Be sure to bring your binoculars, spotting scope, and  long camera lenses . Sometimes wildlife can be quite far away, and you must keep your distance . Stay a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals.

This article was first published Mar 22, 2013 and updated Feb 18, 2023.

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SCENIC DRIVES

Scenic drive through yellowstone park.

It’s a big country out here, with ribbons of highway rolling from one scenic horizon to the next. Whether you’re dreaming of expansive Wyoming landscapes with rivers rushing through vast meadows, capturing the perfect shot of a grizzly bear and her cubs (with your zoom lens, of course), or witnessing Old Faithful erupt for the first (or hundredth) time, Yellowstone journeys will touch your heart and soul with the experiences — and memories — of a lifetime.

Yellowstone National Park is the hub for some of America’s most scenic drives. Inspiring routes that traverse through high alpine country, towering rocky spires and terrain dotted with jewel-like cobalt lakes and soaring stands of evergreen forest. Big wild animals, majestic peaks and hydrothermal fireworks are found at every turn.

Roll down your windows, make sure the driver is keeping at least one (preferably both) eyes on the road and get ready to see some of the greatest natural icons of the American West, up close and personal. Read below to learn about a few of Yellowstone’s most scenic hot spots.

Hayden Valley

If viewing wildlife is high on your Yellowstone agenda, there’s no better place to drive than picturesque Hayden Valley. This vast open landscape is home to herds of bison, elk and the occasional grizzly bear and wolf. The experience is made even more spectacular as you drive along the beautiful Yellowstone River, which wanders through this wide-angle, panoramic valley.

Hayden Valley is located just to the south of Yellowstone’s Canyon region, and six miles north of Fishing Bridge Junction.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Located five miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is the site of Yellowstone National Park’s headquarters as well as a “hotbed” of geothermal scenery. This part of the park is a watercolor painting in progress, with hot water sizzling over multi-colored terraces. Mammoth’s Palette Springs is often cited as one of Yellowstone’s most dramatic photo ops.

In Yellowstone, where there’s water, there’s life. And Mammoth is a great place to see wild animals. Elk are almost always in the vicinity — particularly in the fall when the bugling call of males can be heard far and wide. Pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and moose like it here, too.

Old Faithful Geyser

The iconic heart of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful launches hydrothermal fireworks every 45 to 120 minutes to adoring audiences who sit on benches that circle the south and east sides of the geyser, or walk along the paved path that completely circles this natural wonder.

The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center has dynamic exhibits for all ages about Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features, as well as the latest geyser eruption predictions.

West Yellowstone’s West Entrance is the closest park access point to Old Faithful (30 miles away), located in the southeast quadrant of Yellowstone National Park. Please note that vehicle access to Old Faithful is closed for the winter season, usually around the start of November, and re-opens in the spring.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

There are no words to adequately describe the power and majesty of this painted canyon where the Yellowstone River tumbles over two high waterfalls. Many say it rivals that “other” Grand Canyon for spectacular scenery.

The 20-mile-long canyon ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 feet across and features vibrant yellow, pink, orange and buff cliff walls that dive as much as 1,000-plus feet on either side. Yellowstone’s canyon region is located right in the middle of America’s first national park.

With vista points like Point Sublime, Inspiration Point, Artist Point and Upper Falls View, well, it sounds like there are plenty of places where you are going to want to stop the car, stretch your legs and gasp in disbelief. Making it even easier, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is accessible by road from both the north and south sides.

Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.

Wildlife Viewing

Yellowstone is home to more than 200 species of animals, and spring is one of the best seasons to see them in action.

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Scenic Drives

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• Opening & Closing Dates
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• Canyon to Norris
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• Grand Tetons in WY
• Beartooth Pass in MT
• Paradise Valley in MT
• Chief Joseph Highway
• Madison River
• Gallatin Canyon in MT
• North Fork Highway

A convenient figure 8 loop road offers easy access to all of Yellowstone's most popular attractions. Just outside of the park you'll find a scenic drive in every direction.

• Beartooth Pass Connecting the Northeast corner of the park to Red Lodge, this is the most beautiful of scenic drives near the park.
• Chief Joseph Highway From Cody, Wyoming this road follows the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone River through Sunlight Basin before joining Beartooth Highway.
• Gallatin Canyon From West Yellowstone Montana travel north along the Gallatin River to Bozeman.
• Grand Tetons Head south out of Yellowstone and directly into Grand Teton National Park, whose towering peaks will wow you from any angle.
• Madison River Valley From West Yellowstone, this route runs northwest through the town of Ennis and along the Madison River to Three Forks, Montana, just west of Bozeman.
• Paradise Valley Drive out of the North Entrance at Gardiner Montana and through Paradise Valley, which follows the Yellowstone River. Make sure to stop and soak at Chico Hot Springs before reaching Livingston.
• Lamar Valley This 29-mile stretch in the Northeast corner of the park is fantastic for viewing wildlife.

Road Closures

The park is open year-round, but its roads are not. During the winter months, the only entrance open to vehicle traffic is the North Entrance at Gardiner. This road is open between Gardiner and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City. More info on Yellowstone Road Closures .

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The Most Scenic Drives to Yellowstone

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YELLOWSTONE SCENIC DRIVES

You’ve decided you’re driving to Yellowstone. Which route will you take? With five entrances to the park, you’ll have your pick of gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, broad vistas, towering peaks, and blue-ribbon trout waters en route.

Ask a group of Yellowstone lovers which is their favorite approach to the park, and you’ll get passionate responses. Here’s what some of them have to say.

Beartooth Highway

“My favorite is driving over the Beartooths,” says Holly Williams, program volunteer with Yellowstone Forever. “I just like the tundra environment up on top, the alpine flowers, and the scenic views.”

One of the most dramatic approaches to Yellowstone, this National Scenic Byway winds a 68-mile serpentine route between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana. Topping out at 10,947 feet, U.S. Route 212 traverses a vast high-elevation wilderness, where alpine meadows are filled with flowers, mountain goats are often seen grazing, and snow lingers most of the summer. Rugged, remote, and spectacular, the road provides panoramic views of granite peaks and glacier-sculpted valleys, including some of the world’s oldest rocks.  The Beartooth Highway is one of less than 30 designated All-American Roads in the United States. An All American Road has “the same criteria as a National Scenic Byway, but possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are of national significance and the byway must be considered a destination and reason for travel unto itself.”

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

“The Chief Joseph Highway from Cody to Cooke City, hands down,” says longtime park visitor Eilish Palmer of her favorite drive to the park. Connecting Cody, Wyoming to the Beartooth Highway and the park’s northeast entrance, this 47-mile stretch of Wyoming 296 features beautiful Wyoming landscapes, few people, and fascinating history. Passing between the Beartooths to the north and the Absaroka Mountains to the south, the highway traces the route of the Nez Perce Indians led by Chief Joseph as they fled the U.S. Cavalry from Yellowstone National Park to Canada in 1877.

Both the Beartooth and Chief Joseph highways will place you at the park’s northeast entrance. “I think the northeast entrance is the most stunning!” Says Kathy Schmidt, who volunteers for the National Park Service. “Passing through two little towns that look like they just popped out of the old wild west…, with the beautiful Soda Butte Creek, Ice Box Canyon, Barronette Peak, Lamar Valley, and everything in between!”

Grand Teton National Park and the John D Rockefeller, Jr Memorial Parkway

Many visitors agree that entering the south entrance via US 191 is the way to go. There’s nothing quite like seeing the dramatic Tetons rising sharply 13,000 feet above the cold lakes, braided rivers, verdant meadows, and deep forests that adorn the broad valley below. Here, 4.5 billion years of earth history—from earthquakes and glaciers to tectonic forces—are on display, as well as bison, bears, elk, pronghorn, and other wildlife.

Connecting the two parks is the John D Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, named for the late conservationist and philanthropist who helped make several national parks a reality. You’ll enter the south entrance to Yellowstone, passing Lewis Lake and broad lodgepole pine forests before arriving at the shores of Yellowstone Lake at Grant Village and West Thumb.

Paradise Valley

If you drive Highway 89 south to Yellowstone’s north entrance, you’ll find Paradise Valley aptly named. “It looks like something out of the movie A River Runs Through It,” says local guide Shauna Baron, referring to the classic western river views. The highway follows the picturesque Yellowstone River past sprawling ranches and the rugged peaks of the Gallatin and Absaroka mountain ranges, on its way to the park’s wildlife-rich north entrance . Watch for osprey, bald eagles, and humans fishing on the Yellowstone, the longest un-dammed river in the lower 48 states.

Not to be Left Out…

The east and west approaches to the park also have much to offer.

Departing from the classic western town of Cody, Wyoming, the remote and mountainous east entrance road climbs a high mountain pass before descending to the shores of Yellowstone Lake . In fact, Teddy Roosevelt once called the drive from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance “the most scenic 50 miles in the world.”

On the west side of the park, West Yellowstone is a popular headquarters for fly fishing many of the region’s famous blue-ribbon trout streams, including the Madison River. If you prefer two wheels to four wheels, the West Entrance is a popular spot for spring and fall biking in the park.

“You can’t go wrong any way you go,” says regular park visitor Mark Chambers. “In all honesty, every road leading to Yellowstone is breathtaking.”

Want a live look at what’s going on at the park entrances? The Park Service has webcams that provide views of the current conditions around the  North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs , and the  West Entrance .

Jenny Golding is the founding editor of  A Yellowstone Life  and writes from her home at the north entrance to Yellowstone in Gardiner, Montana.

For more travel experiences to Beautiful Places on Earth™ available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit  xanterra.com/explore . Want to experience Yellowstone in-depth? See what makes Yellowstone National Park a  great place to work  for a season or longer!

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• About this activity

Yellowstone National Park Tours: Self-Guided Drive

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Features animals Features animals
• Get a comprehensive tour of this sprawling park.
• Visit incredible geysers like the iconic Old Faithful.
• Spot wild bison, elk, and even super-rare gray wolves.
• Hear how the army dealt with poachers in Yellowstone.
• Take a dip in a geothermally-heated river.

Activity location

• South Entrance Road
• 82190, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Thu, May 9 $15
• Fri, May 10 $15
• Sat, May 11 $15
• Sun, May 12 $15
• Mon, May 13 $15
• Tue, May 14 $15
• Wed, May 15 $15
• Thu, May 16 $15
• Fri, May 17 $15
• Sat, May 18 $15
• Sun, May 19 $15
• Mon, May 20 $15
• Tue, May 21 $15
• Wed, May 22 $15
• Thu, May 23 $15
• Activity duration is 365 days 365d 365d

Embark on the unforgettable Yellowstone National Park Driving Tour, stretching over 142+ miles and offering an immersive experience that takes 3-5 hours to complete.

Elevate your driving experience with our self-guided tour, featuring detailed audio narration tailored to your location. With one purchase per vehicle, enjoy unlimited replays throughout the year. Though the tour is valid for one year from purchase, it offers the flexibility to listen offline and control playback. Start, pause, or revisit segments to match your pace of exploration. Embark on an adventure that promises new discoveries with every journey—within a year's span! Let's create unforgettable road trip memories together.

Spend your school holidays, long weekends, and time off from work in the lap of nature. Get the National Parks Tours bundle, spread across the country – from Acadia to Shenandoah, Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree. We bring to you 25+ of the top US national parks & national monuments, all rolled into a single bundle. The bundle saves you nearly 70% off the cost of the individually priced tours. And the best part? – all tours are valid for a lifetime! See Option 2.

Explore 25+ National Parks: Ultimate Self-Drive Tours

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with self-guided tours of 25+ National Parks! From awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to lush Great Smoky to untamed Yellowstone, explore nature's stunning diversity at your own pace. This bundle never expires!

This bundle includes:

• Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Grand Teton
• Rocky Mountain
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon
• Joshua Tree
• Canyonlands
• Capitol Reef
• Grand Staircase
• Monument Valley
• Great Smokies (including Cades Cove & Blue Ridge Parkway)
• Death Valley
• Red Rock Canyon
• Mt Rainier Tour

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• What's included What's included Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• What's included What's included Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• What's included What's included Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• What's included What's included Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
• What's included What's included Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• What's included What's included Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• What's included What's included Easy-to-use app: download Action Tour Guide App onto your phone
• What's included What's included Unique password: access your tour on Action Tour Guide App
• What's excluded What's excluded Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
• What's excluded What's excluded Food/Drinks

Know before you book

• Embark on a self-guided journey with the Action Tour Guide app, serving as your comprehensive guide, audio narrator, and map in one convenient package.
• Secure a vehicle prior to the tour. A single purchase is sufficient for the entire vehicle, not requiring individual bookings per passenger.
• Post-booking, expect an email containing the Action Tour Guide app download link and a unique password to unlock your exclusive tour access.
• Experience a tour crafted by local experts, brought to life through the storytelling of creative writers and the voice of professional narrators.
• Engage with animated videos at numerous stops, offering visual insights into unseen aspects, from historical scenes to hidden interiors.
• Your purchased tour remains valid for one year from the booking date, offering flexibility should your travel plans evolve—no need for booking adjustments within this period.

What you can expect

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature at Yellowstone National Park. This enormous volcanic caldera has captured the American imagination for decades thanks to its explosive geysers, prismatic hot springs, and astonishing waterfalls. Home to some of the only wild bison and wolves on the continent, this park can’t be missed.

Due to poor signal in the park, enable OFFLINE MODE while driving.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Points of Interest along the Yellowstone National Park:-

• South Entrance (Jackson)
• Grant Village & Visitor Center
• Fisherman’s Cone
• Shoshone Lake
• Old Faithful
• Fairy Falls
• New Zealand Mud Snail
• Firehole River
• Clogging Yellowstone
• Firehole Lake Drive
• The Great Fountain
• West Entrance Visitor Information Center
• Gibbon Falls
• Lodgepole Pines
• Electric Peak
• Swan Lake Flats
• Bunsen Peak and Sheepeater Cliffs
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• North Entrance (Roosevelt Arch)
• Boiling River
• Albright Visitor Center
• Tower Junction
• Lamar Valley
• Giant boulders
• Northeast Entrance (Cooke City)
• Devil’s Den
• Dunraven Pass
• Yellowstone River
• Canyon Village
• Inspiration Point
• Hayden Valley
• East Entrance (Cody)
• Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
• Fishing Bridge
• Yellowstone Lake
• Cutthroat Trout

Benefits Over Live Guides and Group Tours:

• This is a flexible and self-led tour that uses location-sensing technology as you drive.
• The tour features in-depth audio narration that plays as you drive.
• You can purchase just one tour for the entire car and use it as many times as you wish.
• The audio tour is valid for one year after download, and you can use it as often as you want within that time.
• Once downloaded, the tour works completely offline, and you can tour your way by choosing when to start, stop, fast-forward, or rewind.
• If you need any help, you can always reach out to a real person via call, chat, or email.

Cleaning and safety practices

Social distancing.

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Social distancing measures in place

Safety measures

• Masks required
• Temperature checks given to staff
• East Entrance Road
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
• 30 Yellowstone Avenue
• 59758, West Yellowstone, Montana, United States of America
• North Entrance Road
• Gardiner, Montana, United States of America

• HOW IT WORKS
• TRIP PLANNERS

YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK TOUR

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• Suggested or custom itineraries
• One-time purchase
• No date limit or expiry
• No data connection required to tour
• Free trip planners

YELLOWSTONE TOUR

• Location: Wyoming, USA
• Audio Points: 375+
• Valid: No expiry
• Start: Any of the 5 Entrances
• Direction: Flexible
• Download: ~129Mb

FLEXIBLE TOUR

This tour is designed to be flexible, so you can road trip the way you want. No worrying about where to start or which portion of the park you want to see. Use our suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. 

Tour Route Map

Audio preview.

Highlights Include

Yellowstone National Park spans nearly 3,500 square miles and it features picturesque mountain landscapes and some of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States, including perhaps the most well-known, Old Faithful. The park is also home to a variety of majestic wildlife, including bison, moose, black bears and much more. With so much to see, the Yellowstone driving tour from GuideAlong gives you the chance to enjoy the scenery while ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Take a self-guided driving tour of Yellowstone national park to witness all the natural wonders this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.

• Artists Paintpots
• Fountain Paint Pot
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Lamar Valley
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Grand Prismatic Spring & Midway Geyser Basin
• Mud Volcano
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
• Roaring Mountain
• Soak in Boiling River
• West Thumb Geyser Basin of Lake Yellowstone

What to Expect

America’s first National Park, Yellowstone, is high on many adventurer’s road tripping list.

It’s not hard to see why; amazing geothermal features that are abundant throughout the park, spectacular mountains, Yellowstone Lake , Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and rivers. 

And a diverse range of wildlife including grizzly bears, bison, wolves, elk and pronghorn.

We’ll help prioritize the must-see places vs suggestions, based on your time and interest.

Along the way, we’ll do a little thermal geology 101 lesson so you can better appreciate the plumbing behind the features you are viewing, such as Mammoth Hot Springs ’  cascading travertine terraces.

Share stories of wildlife behaviour and their habitat, for when you are quietly watching animals in Hayden and Lamar Valleys. 

And check off the most important landmarks in the area like those in the  Upper Geyser Basin,  location of Old Faithful , and  Midway Geyser Basin with Grand Prismatic Spring  and nearby Norris Geyser Basin .

Plus many other stories, tips and directions that will help enrich your Yellowstone National Park experience.

Suggested Start Location

Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Northeast (Cooke City), East (Cody) & Grand Teton Entrances

Suggested Time

It is recommended to have a minimum one day for each of the Upper and Lower Loops. You can drive the entire Grand Loop in a single day, and the commentary will help with selecting which stops to make. Multiple days to explore all areas of the Park and allow time for wildlife watching, geyser eruptions and other adventures in the Park is best.

Driving Distance

Around 125 miles to complete the whole Grand Loop drive.

WHAT IS YELLOWSTONE FAMOUS FOR?

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park , and awes visitors with its otherworldly bubbling hot pots and steamy geothermal features as well as its spectacular mountain scenery, vast canyons, and abundant wildlife.

WHERE IS YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

The majority of Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, although a small section of the park is in Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone is the closest airport and only three miles from the park’s West Entrance. The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest international airport and a little more than an hour to the North Entrance near Gardiner, or a little less than a two-hour drive to the West Entrance in West Yellowstone.  

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT YELLOWSTONE?

Yellowstone National Park is open year-round , although access is limited during the winter months. July and August are by far the most popular times to visit. Fewer crowds make April through May and September and October some of the best times to visit.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN YELLOWSTONE?

The absolute minimum amount of time you should allow yourself to do sightseeing in Yellowstone is two days , doing the Upper Loop one day and the Lower Loop on the other day.

We share a couple of possible  Yellowstone itineraries  to help organize your time, but as the commentary plays based on your location, you have ultimate flexibility.

If you have more time, add an extra day in Yellowstone. It’s very worthwhile to allow yourself time in the geyser basin areas to wait for eruptions. Other than Old Faithful, the predicted geysers will often have a 1-2 hour window when the next eruption may occur, so it’s really helpful to have time to be patient and wait for things to happen. The different geysers gush in different ways, so each one has its own style!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND YELLOWSTONE?

If you only have one day you can still enjoy some of the  Yellowstone’s main attractions , but try to stay at least one night inside the park so you can start your sightseeing first thing in the morning. You need a minimum of three full days to see all the main sights and four is ideal.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY WHEN VISITING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK?

Hotel-style accommodations, rustic cabins, campgrounds, RV parks and luxury suites are all available inside Yellowstone National Park but it can sometimes be difficult to secure reservations, especially during the peak summer season. Luckily there are numerous options for all budgets and tastes right outside Yellowstone. 

Read our blog – Where should I stay in Yellowstone  for more details.

HOW OFTEN DO GEYSERS ERUPT IN YELLOWSTONE?

Geysers in Yellowstone fall into two categories of predictable and unpredictable. Some, like Old Faithful are regular, erupting every 90 minutes or so, others, like Steamboat are more erratic, laying dormant for years and suddenly active with a string of eruptions.

So with an erratic schedule how do you plan your geyser watching? The National Park Visitor Centers have latest predictable times listed on their website, in their app (must be on wifi) and in person. And  geysertimes.org  is updated by dedicated “geyser gazers”.  

So it’s worthwhile to check in the night before if you want to spend some of your day geyser gazing.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE BEARS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN YELLOWSTONE?

It’s quite exciting to see the many animals in Yellowstone – both big and small. They are wild, so you need to remember their movements are never guaranteed and you always need to respect the recommended safe distances, keep in your vehicle and never feed them. You can rent spotting scopes, camera lens and binoculars to safety see animals up close.

Suggested areas to spot some of the 67 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, fish and amphibians you’ll find in Yellowstone include;

• Bison: Hayden and Lamar Valleys in Yellowstone. Around Snake river in Grand Teton.
• Bears: Grizzles in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys and Black Bears around Tower and Mammoth Wolves: Lamar Valley
• Pronghorn: Lamar Valley and Gardiner
• Elk: Gardiner and Grand Teton
• Moose: Grand Teton on Moose-Wilson Rd

IS MY ENTRY TICKET GOOD FOR BOTH YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON?

Unfortunately each park now collects its own entrance fees so you will need to purchase a separate pass each for Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Depending on the length of your stay it might be best value to purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass which gets you entry into any national park without any time restrictions.

Trip Planning

Alert: closures & construction.

The Boiling River location is currently closed due to damage from the 2022 floods. Watch for announcements from  NPS  about reopening in the future.

Construction along the Moose-Wilson Corridor 2022-2025. For full details, visit the Grand Teton Moose-Wilson Corridor Project  webpage.

Grand Teton National Park Trip Planner

Yellowstone National Park Trip Planner

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Everything you need to know before you visit Yellowstone National Park

I n a national park larger than the state of Rhode Island, Yellowstone National Park embodies the spirit of the West. Primarily located in Wyoming, Yellowstone oozes into Montana and Idaho as well. With that much land to cover, a guide to Yellowstone National Park is essential.

Our Guide to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world, protected in 1872. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it attracts visitors worldwide. In addition to over 3,400 square miles to explore, Yellowstone offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the U.S.  It is one of the reasons Yellowstone is a top national park. Travelers can enjoy different activities on the same trip, with hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing all popular pastimes.

A trip to Yellowstone National Park can be ideal for learning a new hobby or rediscovering an old passion. Visitors can arrange guided tours of historic lodges, take a photo safari, or participate in a wildlife viewing tour.

Top Places To Explore in Yellowstone National Park

• Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

• Yellowstone Lake
• Wildlife Viewing in Lamar or Hayden Valley
• Mammoth Hot Springs

Old Faithful Geyser

Approximately two million years ago, a supervolcano erupted in Yellowstone, forming a caldera, or basin. This entire area is part of the Yellowstone caldera from Old Faithful to Yellowstone Lake. Old Faithful Geyser is the star; however, this area offers more to see. Old Faithful is so predictable that it is one of the top things to see in Yellowstone National Park.

The Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful and the world’s largest concentration of geysers. The supervolcano keeps magna close to the surface, so visitors can see the water bubble and boil in the Upper Geyser Basin. The best way to explore this area is on foot, and there are a lot of paved hiking trails. In addition to several named geysers, visitors can see other geothermal features.

• Hot Springs—Pools of hot water in an array of colors 
• Fumaroles—A steam vent without a lot of water
• Mudpots—Hot sulfuric acid breaks the rock into a smelly clay that bubbles on the surface.Tip: The approximate geyser eruption times for Old Faithful, Castle, and Grand geysers are posted in the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and the lodges in the area. 

Old Faithful Inn

Opening its doors on June 1, 1904, Old Faithful Inn is made of local forest products. Architect  Robert Reamer wanted to bring the forest indoors.  Old Faithful Inn is an Architectural landmark and one of the top notable buildings in the U.S. It’s seven stories tall and is the largest log cabin hotel in the world. Inside, the lobby rises to the roof’s peak and offers several dining venues. 

The Old Faithful Inn is the most requested lodge inside Yellowstone National Park. Reservations are tough to secure, though visitors can walk through the building or reserve dinner in its dining room. Free tours are offered during the summer season. 

Yellowstone National Park boasts a canyon more than 1,000 feet deep. In addition, this Grand Canyon has a pair of waterfalls, which is a must-see in the National Park. The 308-foot Lower Falls and the 109-foot Upper Falls are spectacular and popular spots in Yellowstone. 

The easiest way to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is by driving the North Rim Drive or the South Rim Drive. Both are good viewing choices. It’s over 20 miles long and over 4,000 feet wide. Both rim drives feature numerous pull-outs for viewing, like Artist Point and Grand View. Keep a lookout for osprey and other birds of prey that frequent the area.

12 Georgia National Park Sites

Top things to do at yellowstone lake.

As the largest high-elevation lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake is one of the best areas to fish in Yellowstone National Park. There are even fishing charters to take anglers to all the best spots. Another summertime favorite activity is a boat cruise on Yellowstone Lake. 

The grand, historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel opened in 1891. It remains the oldest hotel in the National Park Service. As the most luxurious property in Yellowstone, its rooms cater to adults. There is a free tour of the property available during the summer months. Like most lodging areas, the Lake Village also offers family-friendly cabins. Camping is also available nearby. 

Best Wildlife Viewing in Yellowstone National Park

Some visitors enjoy the geothermal features, while others want to see animals. Yellowstone National Park offers some of the best animal viewing in the U.S. These are Yellowstone’s most common wildlife species. 

• Grizzly Bear 
• Bighorn Sheep

For the best wildlife viewing, we recommend Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley, both in the eastern portion of the park. Dawn and dusk are the best time for spotting wildlife, and binoculars are helpful. Guided tours are also popular. Check in with Park Rangers for the latest wildlife sightings. They know where animals frequent and are up-to-date on bear jams or traffic caused by a bear sighting. 

Remember, wildlife is unpredictable , so visitors should stay 25 yards away from all wildlife in Yellowstone. For bears and wolves, visitors should stay 100 yards away. 

Mammoth Hot Springs 

In the Northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, visitors can see the best-protected travertine-depositing hot springs in the world. Hikers can explore the terraced limestone at Mammoth with a series of overlooks and boardwalks. Mammoth offers offers more than the hot springs. This area houses the headquarters of the park and the site of Fort Yellowstone, constructed by the U.S. Army. 

After Yellowstone’s creation in 1872, poachers and rogue campers used the area illegally. The U.S. Army patrolled the area for 32 years, creating Fort Yellowstone as its headquarters. 

Top Things To Do at Mammoth

• See Liberty Cap and the other features of Mammoth Hot Springs
• Tour the Albright Visitor Center 
• Walk through Historic Fort Yellowstone 

The Mammoth area is at a lower elevation, so it is open year-round. 

Where To Stay In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s lodging and camping are clustered in villages, each offering travelers services like dining, laundry, groceries, and sometimes gas stations. Reservations are a must for any trip at any time of the year. Lodging, camping, dinner reservations, and tours fill up quickly. 

This park is immense, so consider dedicating at least four days to your time in Yellowstone. To keep the driving to a minimum, move around the park, staying in a couple of areas during your getaway. Yellowstone offers a range of lodging options, from basic cabins to luxury suites. With nine properties and over 2,000 rooms, visitors can enjoy the best of Yellowstone. 

• Canyon Lodge and Cabins
• Grant Village Lodge
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
• Lake Lodge Cabins
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
• Old Faithful Inn 
• Old Faithful Lodge Cabins
• Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins

Developed Campgrounds in Yellowstone 

Yellowstone National Park offers over 2,000 established campsites in 12 campgrounds. All summer campsites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov or YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com. Prices start at $20 a night. 

Campgrounds Reserved Through Yellowstone National Park Lodges: 

• Grant Village 
• Madison 
• Fishing Bridge RV Park

Canyon Village, Grant Village, and Lake Village areas provide the services campers need. There are self-serve laundries, general stores, gas stations, and cafes. 

Campgrounds Reserved Through Recreation.gov:

• Mammoth 
• Indian Creek 
• Lewis Lake 
• Slough Creek
• Pebble Creek
• Tower Fall 

How To Get To Yellowstone

As the largest regional airport in the Greater Yellowstone Region, many use Bozeman as their gateway town. It is about 90 miles north of the Mammoth Springs area. Bozeman is the best option for winter and early spring visits, as the northern part of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road is open year-round. 

Located east of Yellowstone, visitors can fly into Cody, Wyoming. The northeast and eastern entrances are open from May until the roads close in the fall to snow. 

For visitors who want to see Grand Teton National Park on their Yellowstone trip, Jackson, Wyoming, is about 89 miles south of Old Faithful. Yellowstone National Park is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Visitors can use a National Parks Pass annual pass ($80) or purchase a 7-day pass for $35 per vehicle.

Yellowstone National Park has five entrances. Seasonal closures affect Yellowstone National Park and the opening of its entrances. July and August are the only months that all roads and facilities are open. 

• West Entrance—Closest entrance to Idaho
• North Entrance—Closest entrance for Bozeman, Montana 
• Northeast Entrance—Scenic highway to Billings, Montana
• East Entrance—Scenic highway to Cody, Wyoming 
• South Entrance—The busiest entrance and gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming 

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7 Reasons a Self-Guided Tour Is the Best Way to See Yellowstone

Yellowstone can be a pretty intimidating destination whether you’re a first-time explorer or a national park enthusiast. It’s so huge that you might find yourself wondering: “How can I possibly see all of it on a single Yellowstone trip?”

That’s precisely where a self-guided tour comes in! Let’s look at why this type of tour is the absolute best way to experience Yellowstone National Park.

Don’t miss a thing on your Yellowstone Self-Guided Tour

The absolute last thing you want on a trip to Yellowstone National Park is to miss one of its most breathtaking spots. And believe me, there are plenty of them! Wyoming’s crown jewel isn’t just home to spectacular geysers like the world-famous Old Faithful (although this crowd favorite is a must-see spot for sure). Yellowstone also features incredible vistas, naturally heated river swimming, brilliantly-colored hot springs, valleys full of bison, and so much more. If you go in without any sort of guide to help you, you run the risk of missing out on a vast number of significant attractions (not to mention plenty of perfect spots for your very own Yellowstone photo op)! A self-guided tour like this one not only points out all the best sights in the park—it’ll also give you some profound peace of mind in knowing that you’re not missing anything.

Go at your own pace

Just picture it: You’re standing at the edge of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, watching North America’s largest bison herd meander through the long grass. It might be the only chance you have to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and you want to soak it in. Just then, your tour bus driver shouts, “Time to go, everyone! Get back on board!” What a drag, right? A self-guided tour removes that problem because it puts you in charge of where you stop and how long you spend at each place. Whether you feel like breezing through Yellowstone or taking your Time and lingering at each of the national park’s treasures, this self-guided tour gives you total control to tour the way you want to tour.

Dodge the crowds

Yellowstone is one of America’s most popular national parks for an excellent reason, but that popularity comes with a significant downside: the crowds. Nobody wants to spend their whole trip shuffling through a vast mass of other tourists, right? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens with traditional tours of Yellowstone because the crowd is moving in sync with you every step of the way! A self-guided tour lets you break away from the herd and explore the park your way. Trust me; it’s quite a breath of fresh air!

Dive beneath the surface

We all know that Yellowstone is host to some seriously spectacular sights. Still, you might not realize this national park also boasts a lot of genuinely fascinating history, from the fierce struggle to protect the park to the wacky antics of some of its early visitors. Would you believe fishermen used to cook their catch in one of the geysers and eat it on the spot? No, really! While Yellowstone’s beauty is one of the main reasons to visit, diving into the national park’s storied past adds a whole extra layer to anyone’s experience of this natural wonder. A self-guided tour is a perfect way to get this sort of interesting info in a discreet manner that won’t interfere with your sightseeing in the slightest! You might be surprised how much a tour like this one adds to your visit!

Find out how it all works

It’s one thing to see Yellowstone’s volcanic features on the internet, but these steaming sensations are something else entirely in person. Words and pictures simply can’t do them justice. Once you see them up close, however, you’re bound to wonder how Yellowstone’s geothermal features work and why the park has so many of them! Just like with history, this self-guided tour has you covered here. Get ready to discover anything you or the little ones want to know about geysers, hot springs, paint pots, and more! Who says learning can’t be fun?

Be in the driver’s seat

With so much to see and do, a Yellowstone National Park tour can quickly get overwhelming, especially if you’re not in control of where you’re going. I can’t count the number of times people have complained to me about how difficult it was to figure out and navigate the park’s shuttle system—and you don’t even want to think about the hassle of being left behind by your tour bus! Luckily, there’s an easy solution to this unnecessary stress: Drive! Self-guided tours let you enjoy Yellowstone from the comfort of your very own vehicle or rental (which also means complete control over the A/C settings, something we all take for granted until we suddenly don’t have it). Go wherever, stop wherever, and stop worrying about whether the person sitting across from you is going to decide now is the perfect time to start eating that tuna salad sandwich they’ve been saving. Unless, of course, your significant other has a sudden tuna craving, in which case I can’t help you!

It’s the excuse you’ve been waiting for

Let’s be honest with ourselves. We could all use an excuse to get out of the house and visit one of the natural wonders of the world. And what better reason than finding the perfect way to experience Yellowstone? A self-guided tour is the low-stress, low-cost way to explore Yellowstone, and it’s the best way to get the most out of your trip. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the app at Action Tour Guide and get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime!

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Spectator shares frustrating photo of visitor ignoring national park warnings: 'Too many people not following rules'

In this case, one wrong step could have spelled the end.

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A visitor to Yellowstone National Park was angered to see tourists deliberately walking off trail in protected areas by Grand Prismatic Springs. They posted a photo of the offenders, who were holding up their phones to snap some photos, in the subreddit r/Yellowstone .

"I hope these garbage tourists, who walked off trail to the edge of Grand Prismatic last Friday, were caught," they wrote .

Fellow commenters were similarly disgusted. "Was there last year for the summer and saw a child whose parents were not paying attention stick their hand in the water," one wrote . "We didn't stay long because of honestly how many dumb people were there. Throwing garbage, touching the water, just generally being rude."

Unfortunately, wherever natural beauty can be found, so too can tourons — the name being a combination of tourist and moron. Yellowstone is particularly prone to tourons — so much so that an Instagram account, Tourons of Yellowstone (@TouronsofYellowstone) has amassed nearly half a million followers.

"Shame," another person commented . "I was at Old Faithful … and a family of four walked over and stood on the hill … instead of the observation area. Literally walked by a 'danger thermal area' sign to climb the hill and stood there for about 15 minutes."

Another wrote : "It's too many people not following rules, for the good of the park."

Watch now: What's the true environmental impact of renewable energy?

In this case, one wrong step could have spelled the end. With the average water temperatures in Yellowstone close to boiling , and the mineral levels enough to dissolve a body, these visitors were literally risking their lives for a photo.

This type of behavior endangers themselves, but it also disrupts the enjoyment of rule-abiding parkgoers. Tourists have been caught vandalizing and intentionally destroying natural features, badgering wildlife , driving off-road, walking off-trail , littering , and more.

Not only is this behavior obnoxious, but it harms the very natural attractions that the tourists paid to visit. Going off-trail has long-term negative impacts on biodiversity and plant health, and it also costs national parks millions every year in restoration.

Fortunately, many places are fighting back. Some national parks in the U.S. are starting to ban certain offenders, though it's still relatively uncommon. And some places, like Carnarvon National Park in Australia, are issuing fines for veering off-trail.

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3 Scenic Drives to Explore Montana’s Yellowstone Country

Spend some time on the road for proof that the greater yellowstone ecosystem’s epic scenery, amazing geology and outstanding wildlife extend beyond the national park boundary..

Home to three of the five main entrances to Yellowstone National Park, Montana’s Yellowstone Country encompasses the area north of Yellowstone National Park as well as the park itself. Here you’ll find historic towns, unique lodging, outstanding recreation, unparalleled scenery and all the iconic wildlife of Yellowstone . These three scenic drives near Yellowstone will take you to see some of the highlights of this region—and likely leave you wanting more. Plan at least a full day, if not a couple of days, for each drive to really see the sights and explore the towns along the way.

Paradise Valley: Livingston to Gardiner

Hemmed in by the Absaroka Mountains to the east and the Gallatin Range to the west, Paradise Valley follows a meandering stretch of the Yellowstone River through a stunning valley. The route on Highway 89 runs about 50 miles from the town of Livingston in the north to the town of Gardiner in the south, and you’ll want to make sure you take your time exploring what definitely feels like a slice of paradise. The valley offers opportunities for outstanding hiking, bike touring, fly fishing, rafting, horseback riding and wildlife watching—not to mention live music, luxurious ranch stays, and the chance to soak in a hot spring.

Located on the north end of the valley, Livingston is a vibrant town with a lively art scene and lots of good eateries. Add an overnight stop at the historic Murray Hotel where you can stay in a Victorian era room with a Western spin. Grab a bite to eat at the 2nd Street Bistro located in the Murray—the restaurant serves a blend of French dishes made with locally available products, resulting in 100% delicious meals.

From Livingston, it’s easy to get out and explore Paradise Valley, whether you’re planning a day trip or driving to Gardiner. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit—stop by Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone Hot Springs for a relaxing soak along the way. Chico Hot Springs, located outside the small communities of Pray and Emigrant, offers a full resort experience with amenities like a pool-side grill, a full-size pool and luxurious lodging. Though you can just stop in for a few hours, if you can spend a night, you’ll get to take advantage of all the fabulous amenities including having dinner at the historic dining room or grabbing a cocktail at the Chico Saloon.

Yellowstone Hot Springs is another great option along the way. Located just eight miles from the North Entrance to Yellowstone, the hot springs has a beautiful pool located right along the river and also offers on-site lodging and a full-hookup RV park, should you want to spend the night.

Speaking of a great way to spend the evening, as you make your tour of Paradise Valley, you’ll find plenty of fun venues to enjoy live music from local musicians. The Old Saloon in Emigrant is one such destination, with artists playing nearly every weekend in the summer. Pine Creek Lodge is another spot that has a hopping music scene. With concerts ranging from bluegrass and rock to jam and country, the open air venue is a great way to enjoy live music under the stars—plus they offer free on-site parking for the shows. If country music is your style, the Music Ranch Montana is the place to go for dancing and concerts in a scenic destination.

On the south side of the valley, the charming town of Gardiner is home to the iconic Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance to Yellowstone. Book a night at the Absaroka Lodge, where every room has a patio overlooking the Yellowstone River, or head into the park to stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, which is located near its namesake steaming limestone terraces. Grab a bite to eat at the Wonderland Lodge & Café, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as great cocktails, or head to Yellowstone Mine where you can find tasty pizzas and burgers. Thanks to its location and year round access to the park, Gardiner makes a great jumping off point for guided wildlife watching tours if you’re eager to see Yellowstone’s animal inhabitants.

Beartooth Highway: Red Lodge to Cooke City-Silver Gate

Billed as one of the most beautiful drives in America, the Beartooth Highway winds through some truly breathtaking scenery. The road tops out at 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass and is bookended by the towns of Red Lodge on the east and Cooke City and Silver Gate on the west. Along the route, you’ll be treated to views of pristine glacial lakes, high-alpine tundra and towering, 12,000-plus foot peaks.

The road is open seasonally for about four months from Memorial Day to mid-October, giving you a chance to drive through some of Yellowstone Country’s most spellbinding scenery. In late June and early July, the meadows are dotted with wildflowers, and you’ll often spot wildlife, like mountain goats, along the drive. If hiking, fishing or waterfall chasing is on your agenda, you’ll find plenty of beautiful trails, lakes and cascades along the way, too. Don’t miss pulling over at the Rock Creek and Beartooth Pass viewpoints to snap a photo.

Though the drive itself is not to be missed, you’ll also want to spend some time in the towns on either side of Beartooth Pass. Located in a scenic and secluded mountain valley on the east side of the pass, Red Lodge has a storied mining past and lots of charm. Stay a night at the historic Pollard Hotel located right downtown—built in 1893, the hotel was the town’s first brick building. For more rustic yet cozy accommodations, hit up the Yodeler Motel.

For breakfast, Café Regis has a relaxed atmosphere and hearty meals made with many homegrown ingredients—you can’t go wrong with a make-your-own omelet or order up the Blue Plate Special for the chef’s fresh pick of the day. If you’re looking for lunch or local brews, Sam’s Tap House & Kitchen at Red Lodge Ales has a fabulous outdoor patio—try their award-winning Glacier Amber Ale or order a Beartooth Pale Ale in honor of your scenic drive. For fabulous food in a fun setting, head to PREROGATIvE Kitchen. This James Beard nominated spot has a rotating seasonal menu that serves up fresh Americana fare with a twist. Depending on the time of year, you can find items like smoked trout mousse, bison ravioli and roasted bone marrow on the menu.

Throughout the summer, downtown Red Lodge comes alive with events like the local summer rodeo, annual songwriter’s festival and 4th of July Parade. Interested in learning more about Yellowstone’s wildlife? Visit the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary to see some native Montana wildlife and learn more about the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

On the western side of the Beartooth Highway, you’ll come to the quaint towns of Cooke City and Silver Gate. Here you are minutes from the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone and the famed Lamar Valley, which is known for its outstanding wildlife watching. If you plan to book a guide, you can find a variety of outfitters and wildlife experts in these small communities.

Swing by the Cooke City General Store for groceries, fishing licenses and anything else you need to outfit yourself for a trip to the park—the historic building has a variety of antiques that make it feel like an old-timey general store. In Silver Gate, Stop the Car Trading Post is the spot to go for local intel on the latest wildlife sightings or to get recommendations on things to do in the area. It also has an ice cream counter so you can finish out your day with a cone as a special treat.

Both towns are home to a variety of fun and unique eateries like the Beartooth Café in Cooke City and the Log Cabin Café in Silver Gate. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Soda Butte Lodge, Alpine Motel and High Country Motel all offer rustic but very comfortable accommodations.

Rivers to Mountains: Big Timber to Red Lodge

From western ranching communities to pristine wilderness areas, the drive from Big Timber to Red Lodge, via Columbus and Absarokee, promises a varied and unforgettable tour of Yellowstone Country’s iconic landscape. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out on the trails or the rivers, as well as accommodations that range from cozy cabins to authentic dude ranches.

With the backdrop of the Crazy Mountains and the Yellowstone River wrapping the town, Big Timber provides a beautiful start to any road trip. Surrounded by the river to the north and prairie to the east, Big Timber has a rich ranching and homesteading history that’s reflected in the town’s summer events like the weekly farmers market, as well as its cuisine. You’re almost guaranteed to find locally raised lamb and beef on the menu.

If you’re planning to spend the night, book a stay at one of the town’s most iconic spots. The Grand Hotel, established in 1890, is on the National Register of Historic Places and has turn-of-the-century style rooms. Top off your evening with a cocktail at the Grand Hotel Saloon. The hotel is in a prime spot to explore the shops, galleries and restaurants of downtown. Big Timber is also known as the gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and as you get your scenic drive underway, you’ll soon see why.

Just 40 miles from Big Timber, the Stillwater River joins the Yellowstone River at Columbus. The town sits at the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, floating and paddling adventures. Stay at the Yellowstone River Lodge, which is located right on the riverfront. Choose from a room at the guesthouse or one of the three tiny home-style cabins, all of which have serene views of the bluffs and meadows along the Yellowstone River. Though you certainly can get out along the river on your own, you can also book a guided river rafting tour to spend some quality time on the water.

From Columbus, take the scenic route on Montana Highway 78 to Absarokee, a small community that’s a great launching place for adventures in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and on the Stillwater River, from hiking and backpacking to river rafting and horseback riding. Looking for a real working ranch experience? Paintbrush Adventures will give you a taste of authentic cowboy living at the Barron Ranch, a fifth-generation working horse, sheep and cattle ranch. Try your hand at a cattle drive, help with the calving and lambing in the spring or saddle up for a pack trip deep into the wilderness.

From Absarokee, you can choose to extend your scenic drive by adding on the 40-mile Absarokee Scenic Loop, which travels through grasslands and a narrow canyon while treating you to views of the jagged Beartooth Mountains. The road turns to gravel about halfway at Nye Basin, and you’ll pass through the small communities of Nye and Fishtail. If you don’t feel like adding on any extra mileage, just continue on Highway 78 for a scenic cruise to Red Lodge.

For more information: visityellowstonecountry.com

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Calling out bad behavior at Yellowstone National Park

BILLINGS — It’s that time of the year when tourists start to flock to Yellowstone National Park to take in the breathtaking views.

But some visitors forget safety tips when viewing the wildlife, with some Facebook users nicknaming these visitors ‘tourons’ - a portmanteau of "tourist" and "morons."

Last week, a tourist from Idaho was injured after he reportedly kicked a bison. He was later apprehended and charged with being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition, approaching wildlife, and disturbing wildlife. Click here for details .

One recent visitor from the United Kingdom said she has seen several types of incidents of this kind.

"Luckily, we managed to see the wolves," said Phillipa Osborne, who visited Yellowstone National Park in October, via Zoom on Tuesday. "We (also) saw a grizzly the day before."

Osborne has traveled from the UK to the park twice, with her most recent trip last October. She knows to be respectful while visiting.

"We're in somebody else's country, so we've got to respect their rules and their laws," Osborne said. "And I know you guys are quite strict with your laws, especially in Yellowstone, because obviously it's federal land. So I do not want to break any laws."

But others seemed to have missed the memo. Osborne captured the following photo of a group of tourists getting too close for comfort to a herd of elk:

"If you can see on my photo, there's a fallen log, and they were sat on the log taking selfies," Osborne said. "We took photos of the tourons."

'Tourons' is a nickname often used in the Facebook group ‘Yellowstone National Park: Invasion of the Idiots!’

"Just follow the rules. They're handed out in 15 different languages when you enter the park," said Jen Minard, who started the Facebook group, on Tuesday. "Definitely have fun, but fun doesn't involve bison selfies or taking home small furry pets in the back of your car."

The group was started in 2016 by Minard to share laughs and spread awareness.

"Back in 2016, there had been a couple of pretty serious incidents," Minard said. "This was a good, cathartic way for people in our community, my friends in particular at the time, to come together and laugh."

"This most recent incident with the inebriated man kicking a bison, I'm still floored. I didn't have that on my Bingo card at any point, any year," Minard said, referring to last week's incident. "It's really hard to comprehend."

It’s the first bison-tourist injury of the season at Yellowstone Park, according to the National Park Service. The last reported incident was in 2023, and three occurred in 2022 - click here for details .

"About two years ago, we lived in the park... Obviously, you see a lot of stupid people," said Ralee Plunkett, who frequents the park, on Tuesday. "We were driving through going into Canyon, and these guys were on the side of the road. And I actually have a clip of my buddy screaming at them. But they were just way too close."

Plunkett witnessed tourists getting too close to bison two years ago.

"They were about 10 yards from the bison at that point. Got a little closer after I took the picture," Plunkett said. "We ended up just yelling at them to get out of the road. They're going to get gored."

Posts like these serve as a humorous reminder to respect the park and its wildlife.

"Pick up after yourself, treat the wildlife with respect, and also try to respect your fellow tourists," said Minard. "Be a good custodian and guardian of the park. It's everyone's park."

In other words, don't be a touron.

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Traditional cyclists encounter new Yellowstone travel companions

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – Imagine the cyclist clad in brightly colored skin-tight shorts and top, helmeted head held low, legs pumping hard into the headwind as they pedal up a steep hill near Norris Geyser Basin.

Then, quietly humming past them comes a joker clad in a Hawaiian shirt pedaling an upright town cruiser bicycle. Ringing a handlebar mounted bell as they pass, the goofball shouts a greeting and waves.

Such scenarios may be more common these days, marking the end of an era of traditional cyclists dominating the spring ride into Yellowstone National Park. Now blazing onto the landscape are e-bikers of all shapes, sizes and ages. Technology has made it possible for the average rider to trek where once only the brave, bold and fit ventured.

Sun seekers

The weekend of April 13 was a prime example of the new epoch. Unlike most spring days when snow or sleet are likely as Yellowstone edges from freezer-cold to just frigid, this day saw temperatures in the 60s and cerulean skies.

The parking area at Upper Terrace Drive, above Mammoth Hot Springs, was strewn with cyclists assembling their gear. Some dressed for a festive ride, with a pink onesie and hand-sewn possum costume complete with rodent teeth, just a few of the many odd outfits.

Vehicles disgorging riders extended down the hillside. Other visitors parked at Mammoth and braved the switchback climb up to the gate that blocks vehicles for this temporary cycling season.

When the road between Mammoth and West Yellowstone is plowed clean of snow in spring, for a short time bicyclists are allowed to ride the route nearly vehicle-free, except for the occasional workers driving through.

We considered riding up from Gardiner along the new road constructed after the 2022 flood washed out the old Gardner River route. The replacement highway makes a serpentine climb above Slide Lake along a one-time stagecoach road. Turnouts provide an opportunity for grand views looking back toward the Absaroka Mountains and Gardiner Basin. But the possible drain on our bicycle’s battery power deterred us from the climb.

“Coming down is great, going up is tough,” warned Jay O’Connor, who guides e-bike tours into the park. “It will chew your battery up.”

It was 2013 when I made my first foray into Yellowstone for the April cycling season. All of the warnings about self-rescue, unpredictable weather and the possibility of bear or bison encounters had me on edge, not to mention the 100-mile round trip. That’s the farthest I’ve pushed my cycling muscles, and then only three times. Two other years we went only one way, or waited until the road was open to vehicles and used that to shorten the distance.

In all of those years, the weather has been cool, which is to be expected at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,500 feet. We’ve pedaled through snow, rain, sleet and wind, numbing conditions for cycling.

This time, the weather was unbelievably balmy. Cyclists flocked to Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Coats and mittens could be abandoned in the car. Sunscreen was more important.

Animals were few, with most elk and pronghorn congregating closer to Gardiner and bison just beginning to trek toward Swan Lake Flat after lounging on the green lawns of Mammoth.

E-biking surge

It’s a guess, but maybe one-quarter of the cyclists were on an e-bike as we ventured from the locked gate to the Norris Geyser Basin overlook. Pedaling into a headwind with an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet we covered the 17 miles quickly, stopping over at Roaring Mountain on the way in to sunbathe, watch the ravens and snarf down sandwiches.

On the way back, we were lucky enough to talk our friend into shuttling the vehicle back to Gardiner so two of us could ride the winding switchbacks downhill. The route drops about 1,100 feet in 6 miles.

The replacement road from Mammoth to Gardiner features a 10% drop with some hairpin turns, which is a lot of fun on a bike, but not when you are pulling a loaded snowmobile trailer in icy conditions.

The Park Service is considering building a new North Entrance road. If a different route is chosen, the temporary road could be open to bikers and hikers. Then Yellowstone visitors would have another year-round paved route free of vehicles.

Envy or anger

O’Connor said although he’s been in the e-bike tour business for four years, he still gets yelled at by traditional cyclists who call him a “cheater.” He said on occasion the offended cyclists have come close to throwing punches.

He told those insulted by his mechanical assistant: Just wait, someday your knees or hips will be in tough enough shape that an e-bike will seem inviting.

“I think e-bikes are an amazing investment,” he said. “And they are here to stay.

“It’s a bicycle with extra help.”

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