Why is it called Craig Pass?
Usa, north-america
27.19 km
2,525 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Craig Pass! You'll find this beauty chilling at 8,284 feet in Wyoming's Teton County, right inside Yellowstone National Park. Legend says it's named after a super-early tourist, Ida Craig, who was one of the first to cruise it back in 1891.
The road itself? It's a fully paved section of the Grand Loop Road (U.S. Route 191), stretching for about 17 miles between West Thumb Junction and Old Faithful. Prepare for a seriously scenic drive, but hold on tight – it's packed with twists, turns, and some pretty steep sections hitting almost 8% in gradient!
At the top, snag a parking spot and check out Isa Lake – it’s more like a charming little pond, really. Just a heads up: Craig Pass is a winter wonderland that's closed to cars from November to late April. You *can* explore it via guided snowmobile or snowcoach from mid-December to mid-March, though! When the roads are open, you can roll in and out of the park anytime, day or night. Just keep in mind that Yellowstone is HUGE, and road closures are always a possibility, so peek at the latest updates before you go.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 27.19 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,525 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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