How long is Grand Loop Road?
Usa, north-america
230 km
2,518 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Grand Loop Road – the ultimate Yellowstone National Park experience! This 140-mile paved route winds its way through the park's highlights in a giant figure-eight. You'll cruise past geysers, hot springs, and mud pots galore!
This isn't a straight shot, though. Get ready for some twists and turns, but nothing too crazy. Just keep an eye on the speed limit (around 45 mph) and watch out for wildlife – bison and bears don't follow traffic rules!
Speaking of time, plan to spend anywhere from 4 to 7 hours driving the whole loop. Summer can get super crowded, so patience is key. But trust me, the views are worth it!
You'll be climbing high, too, hitting elevations of 8,262 feet, 7,119 feet, and even 8,917 feet at some mountain passes. Heads up: some sections close completely during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. This historic road, originally envisioned back in 1915, is the perfect way to soak in the majesty of Yellowstone!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 230 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,518 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeChute Canyon Road: Driving through the San Rafael Reef in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
# Chute Canyon Road: Utah's Remote Desert Adventure Tucked deep in Emery County, Utah, Chute Canyon Road (CO 1016) is a wild backcountry drive that cuts right through the jaw-dropping limestone fins of the San Rafael Reef. If you're craving true isolation and geological drama, this route delivers in spades—it's a raw slice of the San Rafael Swell where you'll find incredible desert vistas mixed with echoes of Utah's boom-and-bust mining days. This route carves through central Utah's southern edge of the Swell, and the scenery is absolutely unreal. Picture this: you're cruising across flat desert one moment, and suddenly massive, tilted rock layers tower around you. The entire drive sits above 5,400 feet elevation, giving you that high-desert experience with deep canyons, sheer cliffs, and the kind of silence you only find on remote BLM land. Fair warning—this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and wildly inconsistent. You'll navigate everything from deep sand to jagged rock and dry washes. After rain, the clay and sand transform into a slippery nightmare that'll stop even serious off-roaders cold. This is 4WD-high-clearance territory only. Your regular sedan won't stand a chance. The route spans just 6.3 miles but tops out at 5,807 feet, and the technical terrain means you'll be crawling. Plan for serious time, and honestly? Don't go solo. This is remote enough that you need to be completely self-sufficient—extra water, fuel, a full-size spare, and zero cell service means help could be hours or days away. What makes this drive historically fascinating is all the mining relics scattered throughout. The area started seeing prospectors in the late 1800s, but really exploded during the 1950s uranium boom. Those old mine shafts, rusted equipment, and tailing piles you'll spot? They're remnants of miners hunting "yellowcake" in brutal conditions. Here's where it gets serious: summer heat in this canyon can easily smash 100°F, with canyon walls bouncing heat right back at you. But the real danger? Flash floods. This road follows a natural drainage, so a storm miles away can send a roaring wall of water and debris through in minutes. Always check the forecast before heading in. Come prepared: bring at least a gallon of water per person daily, a shovel, and traction boards (Maxtrax are clutch). If you break down, stay with your vehicle—wandering the San Rafael Reef unprepared is how people get lost. And definitely air down your tires to avoid getting bogged in those sandy washes.
extremeTop of the World is one of the gnarliest roads of Moab
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Moab, Utah, and you're craving a view that'll knock your socks off, you HAVE to check out Top of the World. Perched at 7,050 feet, this natural viewpoint gives you a killer panorama from a 3,000-foot cliff overlook. Seriously, it might just be the best view in the whole state. Getting there is half the adventure! The Top of the World trail, about 9.5 miles long, is a totally unpaved 4x4 route that kicks off from UT-128. Now, let's be real: this drive is no Sunday cruise. We're talking broken, layered rock, shelves of all sizes, loose rock, ledges, bedrock, sand, and even a little slickrock. The last few miles are seriously intense, so you'll want a rig that can handle it. Think 35" tires, a 3" lift, and lockers. This trail is bumpy with obstacles, so drivers can break an axle if not careful. Stock SUVs should probably sit this one out. Pack your tools and gear because help is a long way away if you get into trouble. Oh, and hold on to your hat! The wind up here can be wild, rushing up from the valley below. The climb involves slickrock, rock shelves, and steps. Oversized tires, high clearance, and a rear locker are highly recommended. Surprisingly, cell service is pretty good, even in this remote spot. The road gets steep, with gradients hitting 15% in places. And if it's raining or snowy, unless you're a pro with a winch, save this adventure for another day. Give yourself 2.5 to 3.5 hours to drive the trail without stopping. Trust me, you'll want to stop for photos! The trail ends at the lookout point, overlooking one of the most picturesque views of the Utah landscape. Just be super careful near the cliff edge – there are no handrails, and it's not suitable for kids. But the 360° views from Waring Mesa are worth it! You'll be treated to epic views of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. It’s an amazing canyon view and it’s not to be missed! This drive is challenging, but the reward is a panorama you won't soon forget. Get ready to say "WOW!"
moderateHints for reading Spanish road signs
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Andes on the Carretera Central in Peru. This bad boy stretches for about 220 km (137 miles), linking Lima to La Oroya. We're talking serious elevation changes, climbing from almost sea level in Lima to over 4800 meters (nearly 16,000 feet!) at Ticlio Pass – so get ready for some potential altitude sickness. The views? Absolutely epic. Think snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and tiny villages clinging to the mountainsides. But hold on tight – this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect hairpin turns that'll make your stomach flip, narrow lanes barely wider than your rental car, and the occasional truck barreling towards you. Oh, and landslides and rockfalls are a real possibility, especially during the rainy season. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you! This road is truly an unforgettable experience.
hardWhere is Enderts Beach?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Enderts Beach Road, your gateway to a wild slice of California's Redwood Coast, just a stone's throw from Crescent City. This isn't your typical beach bum hangout; think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to write poetry (or at least take a killer Instagram shot). The road itself is a quick jaunt, only about 2.3 miles, stretching from the legendary Highway 101 down to the Crescent Beach parking area. It's paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. Keep your eyes peeled for elk grazing nearby, whales breaching in the distance (depending on the season), and those ridiculously gorgeous coastal vistas. Once you get to the beach, low tide unveils an amazing world of tide pools teeming with life. Seriously, bring your camera! Just a heads-up: this isn't the place for a casual swim. The water's cold, the currents are strong, and sneaker waves are a real thing. Also, while the parking lot at Crescent Beach is small, usually you can find space without too much hassle. Big rigs and trailers? Maybe skip the last bit and stick to the Crescent Beach picnic area. Otherwise, get ready for a seriously epic dose of California beauty.