Norris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP

Norris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP

Usa, north-america

Length

18.5 km

Elevation

2,286 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Norris Canyon Road! This beauty winds through the heart of Yellowstone, way up high in Wyoming. We're talking serious elevation, folks—over 7,500 feet the whole time and topping out over 8,200!

This fully paved, 11.5-mile stretch connects Norris Geyser Basin with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making it a super handy shortcut. Just be warned, it's a bit of a climb! Some sections hit a 10% grade, so your car will get a workout.

Think of it as a scenic detour between the Grand Loop Road and Canyon Village! You'll find the turnoff for Virginia Cascade Drive along the way. Heads up, though: cell service is spotty at best up here.

Keep in mind that Old Man Winter shuts this road down for the season, so plan your trip accordingly. It's all about the views, the crisp mountain air, and that feeling of being utterly immersed in Yellowstone's wild beauty.

Where is it?

Norris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.4859, -97.4933

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
18.5 km
Max Elevation
2,286 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
36.4859, -97.4933

Related Roads in north-america

Where does Bodie Masonic Road start and end?moderate

Where does Bodie Masonic Road start and end?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Bodie Masonic Road, straddling the California-Nevada border in the eastern Sierra Nevada. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about one of California's highest roads, hitting a whopping 9,288 feet above sea level. This incredible unpaved trail winds through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, cutting through Mineral and Lyon Counties in Nevada, and Mono County in California. The whole shebang stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) via NF-028, NF-046 and NF-169, a north-south route from NV-338 to CA-270 (Bodie Road), taking you to Bodie, that awesome abandoned gold-mining town. Heads up, this is a remote adventure! Cell service is pretty much non-existent. The old-timers called it the Geiger Grade, and you might have to splash through a stream or two. A stock SUV with 4-wheel drive is your best bet. Keep in mind the elevation and isolation – it adds to the thrill, but be prepared!

Where is West Side Road?extreme

Where is West Side Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: West Side Road, a killer desert escape right in the heart of Death Valley, California. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's where the wild landscapes really start. You'll cruise along the eastern side of the valley, with access to some seriously stunning canyons carved into the mountains. Clocking in at a decent length, this road loops around, beginning and ending at the same point. Now, you don't *need* a 4x4, but trust me, a vehicle with high clearance is your best friend. Why? That Amargosa River crossing at the southern end can get a little dicey depending on recent rains. Speaking of rain, avoid this adventure during the hotter months. This road is ideal in cooler months. Plus, with a spot so remote, you might not see another soul. Prepare for some truly epic scenery and solo exploration.

What was the Tappan Zee Bridge?moderate

What was the Tappan Zee Bridge?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the old Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge in New York. This baby stretched a whopping 16,013 feet (almost 3 miles!) over the Hudson River. Now, this wasn't just any old bridge. It had a rep. It was known for being a bit on the scary side, and some folks even thought it wasn't the safest. And let’s just say some people found it to be their final destination. The views were undeniably awesome, but it was a long ride with zero shoulder. It connected South Nyack to Tarrytown, and it definitely had its own unique vibe. But alas, the original Tappan Zee Bridge is no more, so you'll have to use your imagination now.

Where is the Polihale Ridge Road?extreme

Where is the Polihale Ridge Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Polihale Ridge Road in Kauai, Hawaii is calling your name! Tucked away inside the Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve, this 5.3-mile dirt track peels off from Kokee Road (Highway 550) and plunges you straight into paradise. Think raw, untamed beauty leading directly to the stunning Na Pali Coast beach – picture-perfect doesn't even begin to cover it! Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. Polihale Ridge Road is a bumpy, narrow, and steep unpaved beast. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory! Once you arrive at the beach, remember you're in a remote location with strong currents, dangerous shore breaks, and sharp coral – so be super careful! There's no lifeguard here, so common sense is your best travel companion. Despite the hazards, the views are worth the effort, so come prepared and enjoy the ride!