
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 β 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
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