Where is Firehole Lake Drive?

Where is Firehole Lake Drive?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, right? You’re near Fountain Paint Pot, and you see a little detour called Firehole Lake Drive. TAKE IT! This short, paved, one-way loop dives right into a crazy thermal area – think geysers, steamy hot lakes, bubbling hot springs, and even a hot waterfall. Seriously, it’s like driving through another world.

Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This little road is famous (or maybe infamous) because the ground gets SO hot sometimes it melts the asphalt! Back in 2014, it even closed down for a bit because of this! But don't let that scare you away. The views are absolutely unreal. There are tons of pullouts where you can park and gawk at the crazy natural wonders. Plus, this is where you'll find the Great Fountain Geyser. You can literally watch it erupt from the comfort of your car, which is pretty amazing.

Just a heads-up: Firehole Lake Drive is usually closed in the winter. Also, leave your RV, bus, or trailer behind as it's too narrow for big rigs. And remember, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland with over 10,000 features and 500 geysers, so things can get a little…melty.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Route 66 Historic Highwayeasy

Route 66 Historic Highway

🇺🇸 United States

# Route 66: America's Most Iconic Road Trip The legendary "Mother Road" once stretched an impressive 3,940 kilometers from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, cutting right through eight states and three time zones. Sure, it got officially retired back in 1985 when the Interstate Highway System took over, but here's the cool part—huge chunks of the original route are still out there, weaving through state highways, county roads, and forgotten stretches waiting to be rediscovered. Cruising the surviving sections is like stepping into a time capsule of American pop culture and roadside nostalgia. You'll roll through dramatically different landscapes—endless flat farmlands rolling across Illinois and Oklahoma, then suddenly you're surrounded by those stunning red mesas in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico, before finally hitting the wide-open Mojave Desert as you approach California. The real magic? The stops along the way. Picture yourself pulling up to vintage neon-signed motels, sliding into classic diners, and discovering those wonderfully weird roadside attractions that somehow still exist. Ghost towns dot the landscape like time forgot about them, and towns like Amarillo, Tucumcari, Gallup, and Kingman have basically become living museums of mid-century Americana. These places have held onto their Route 66 identity like it's gold, and honestly, experiencing that authentic Americana feels pretty special.

The road to Mount Pilchuck isn’t an easy onehard

The road to Mount Pilchuck isn’t an easy one

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about getting to the Mount Pilchuck Trailhead! It's in Snohomish County, Washington, nestled right on the edge of the North Cascades, inside Mount Pilchuck State Park, and part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The road to the trailhead (Forest Road 42, also known as Mount Pilchuck Access Road) is about 6.9 miles long and takes you up to an elevation of 3,162 feet. The first 4.7 miles are *rough* gravel. Think patience and slow speeds are your friends here. The good news? The final 1.9 miles are paved! Fair warning: this gravel road is challenging. We're talking deep potholes that seem impossible to dodge. Most cars *can* make it, but seriously, a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet to navigate those craters. It's a steep climb! You'll gain 2,140 feet over those 6.9 miles from the Mountain Loop Highway. That's an average gradient of almost 6%. Your reward? A massive parking lot (room for about 200 cars!), a pit toilet, and the gateway to the Mount Pilchuck Trail. Happy hiking!

Dettah Ice Road is a cold highway in the Northwest Territorieshard

Dettah Ice Road is a cold highway in the Northwest Territories

🇨🇦 Canada

Ready for a unique winter adventure? Head to Canada's Northwest Territories and cruise the Dettah Ice Road! Located in the North Slave Region, this incredible seasonal route connects Yellowknife to the charming community of Dettah, cutting straight across the frozen expanse of Great Slave Lake. Clocking in at just 6.4 km (4 miles), it's a quick trip, but the experience is unforgettable. Imagine driving on a road made entirely of ice! When the ice reaches a meter (42 inches) thick, it's strong enough to support fully loaded trucks weighing over 40 metric tons. Keep in mind that this icy highway is rebuilt every year and open only during the coldest months, typically from late December to early April, though the exact dates can vary. Pay attention to posted speed limits, which are there for your safety, and be aware that some sections can be rough. Maximum vehicle weight is 40,000 kg. The short, scenic journey across Yellowknife Bay takes around 15-20 minutes if you drive straight through. But don't rush! There's a convenient pull-out spot about halfway along the ice road where you can stop, soak in the stunning winter scenery, and maybe even try some winter activities. Snap some incredible photos on this accessible and beautiful ice road, a true tourist magnet. Just remember, it's illegal to drive on the ice until it's officially open! During the summer, the alternative is a 27km drive via the Ingraham Trail, an all-weather track.

Where is The Morrison Jeep Trail?extreme

Where is The Morrison Jeep Trail?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a true off-road adventure, the Morrison Jeep Trail in Wyoming's Park County needs to be on your radar. Nestled in the Shoshone National Forest, northwest of Cody and southwest of Billings, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 22 miles, this one-lane beast of a trail climbs from the Clarks Fork River valley up to the Beartooth Plateau. And when I say climb, I mean CLIMB. We're talking about topping out at 10,193 feet! Expect this journey to eat up about 7 hours of your day. But the views? Oh, the VIEWS! You'll be traversing some of the most remote and stunning landscapes Wyoming has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears (black AND grizzly!), mountain goats, and bobcats. Just remember, you're out there. Cell service? Forget about it. Now, let's talk about the challenge. This trail is NO JOKE. We're talking heavy rocks, deep ruts, and a whopping 27 switchbacks that'll test your driving skills (and your nerves!). You'll be hugging the edge with drop-offs of hundreds of feet. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute MUST. And those grades? Some hit a staggering 25 degrees! Keep in mind this road is usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And trust me, you DO NOT want to tackle this when it's wet or muddy. Those rocky climbs will become your worst nightmare. Speaking of climbs, the altitude up here is real! You'll feel the thinner air, especially on those long, straight grinder sections above 10,000 feet. So, are you ready to put your rig and your skills to the ultimate test? The Morrison Jeep Trail awaits!