Grand Loop Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
Usa, north-america
230 km
2,518 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for the ultimate Yellowstone adventure on the Grand Loop Road! This paved beauty winds 140 miles through the heart of the park, hitting all the major highlights in a figure-eight design. You'll be cruising on sections of US 20, 89, 191, and 287 without even realizing it.
The road can be twisty and turny, but also straight and flat in sections. Keep your eyes peeled and take those curves seriously, sticking to the 45 mph speed limit. You'll want to soak in the incredible scenery – this drive is the best way to see Yellowstone's iconic attractions.
Just a heads-up: summer can get crazy busy, so factor in extra time. The local wildlife (bison, bears, the whole gang) have the right of way, and traffic often grinds to a halt when they're around. Expect anything from 4 to 7 hours to complete the loop, depending on the crowds.
Originally built way back in 1915 and paved in the 40s, this route was dreamt up by Captain Hiram M. Chittenden, a total legend from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
This is a high-altitude road, hitting elevations of 8,262 feet at Craig Pass, 7,119 feet at Kingman Pass, and a whopping 8,917 feet at Dunraven Pass. Be aware that some sections close entirely during winter, so plan accordingly.
Where is it?
Grand Loop Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.6359, -98.1357
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 230 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,518 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.6359, -98.1357
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Mengel Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Mengel Pass, a wild ride through Death Valley National Park in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this rough-and-tumble track in Inyo County, linking Panamint Valley to the west with the stunning Butte Valley on the east. This 5-mile dirt track, also known as Coyote Canyon Road, gets its name from Carl Mengel, an old-time prospector. In fact, his stacked rock memorial marks the summit. Keep an eye out for it! So, what makes it so special? Well, Mengel Pass is a notorious Jeep trail, famed for being the spot where Charles Manson was captured. You'll need a proper 4WD vehicle. Think gnarly terrain – steep, rutted, and rocky. It's a long and slow route so bring extra fuel, plenty of water, and definitely don't go it alone. The ever-changing road conditions make it a true challenge. Even experienced drivers will find it demanding, and some SUVs might struggle. But trust me, the solitude and spectacular scenery are worth the effort. Just be prepared for anything – mechanical issues, medical emergencies, you name it. Oh, and those scattered body panels you'll see? Consider them a cautionary tale! Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic in tight spots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
hardIs the road to Tenderfoot Pass in Colorado paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Colorado Rockies on Highway 67, a ribbon of smooth pavement winding its way up to Tenderfoot Pass. This isn't just any drive – at 10,249 feet, you're practically on top of the world! This gem of a road connects Divide and Cripple Creek, stretching for about 18.5 miles through the heart of Teller County. You'll be treated to some seriously breathtaking views as you climb, so keep your camera handy. Just remember, you're at a high elevation, so take it easy and enjoy the ride!
hardLondon Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Check out London Mountain! This beast tops out at 12,122 feet in the Mosquito Range, making it one of the highest drives in the state. County Road 696 will get you there, but be warned: it's a rocky, bumpy, gravel road that'll test your driving skills. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here—you'll need high clearance and tough tires. This old mining road is generally closed from October to June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. When it's open, you'll pass some cool historic mining relics. The trail is steep, and the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler craving breathtaking views and a challenging drive, London Mountain is calling your name!
hardA wild road to Pilot Peak in Plumas County (CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so listen up, adventure junkies! I just tackled Pilot Peak in California's Sierra Nevada, and WOW. This peak sits pretty at 7,457 feet, and getting there is no joke. Forget pavement—we're talking serious off-road terrain. You absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. The road west of Graeagle is rocky, steep, and ready to test your driving skills. Heads up: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October to late June/early July with heavy snow, so plan accordingly! The prize? Killer views from the top, where you'll find the remains of a fire lookout tower. Built in '76, it's seen better days, but the panorama is totally worth the climb. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.