8 Things to Know About Driving in Yellowstone National Park

Driving in Yellowstone National Park is an unforgettable experience, but it comes with unique challenges and important considerations. In this post, we’ll cover 8 essential things to know before hitting the road in Yellowstone.

From park speed limits and potential for traffic delays to wildlife encounters and seasonal road closures, this guide will help you safely navigate Yellowstone and make the most of your trip. Whether you're planning a summer visit or a winter adventure, these tips will ensure you're well-prepared for driving in one of America’s most iconic national parks!

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1. Driving is the best way to explore Yellowstone National Park.

There’s no public transportation in Yellowstone, so we highly recommend having a vehicle to get around the park. Driving is the best way to explore Yellowstone because it allows you to experience the park at your own pace. Yellowstone’s biggest and best attractions, including geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife, are spread out across hundreds of miles, making a car the most convenient way to see it all. With your own vehicle, you can drive Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop,” stopping at the highlights and attractions of your choosing and taking spontaneous detours to lesser-known spots, ensuring you don’t miss any of Yellowstone’s natural wonders.

If you don’t plan on driving yourself through Yellowstone, you’ll need to book a guided tour. These tours offer a convenient way to see the park's highlights without the need to navigate the roads yourself. Guided tours are led by experienced guides who provide valuable insights into the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, making them a great alternative for those who prefer not to drive. However, for the most flexibility and freedom to explore on your own schedule, driving remains the best way to experience all that Yellowstone has to offer.

2. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive through Yellowstone.

It’s possible to drive through Yellowstone in one day. It takes about 4.5 hours (of driving time) to drive through Yellowstone following “The Grand Loop,” an approximately 142-mile scenic route connecting Yellowstone’s main attractions. Along this route, you’ll pass Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful Geyser, the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and much more.

Driving Yellowstone’s “Grand Loop” is the best way to see the park in one day. Since it takes about 4.5 hours just to drive this route—not counting traffic or stops at overlooks, boardwalks, and attractions—plan for at least one full day to drive through Yellowstone. It will be a full day, but you’ll be able to explore a lot of Yellowstone following this route.

3. Expect traffic jams… and bison jams.

Yellowstone’s speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently. While driving anywhere in the park, you’ll want to watch for wildlife on or near roadways, so allow extra time to drive from attraction to attraction.

Since Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, traffic congestion is common, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and early fall). In addition to traffic jams, bison are a frequent sight on the roads and can cause “bison jams.” A bison jam happens when a bison—or herd of bison—graze near the road or directly cross the road. When this happens, stop driving to allow wildlife the chance to safety cross the road. However, once your path is clear, drive past or around the wildlife to continue the flow of traffic (and allow others to experience this incredulous sight).

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds and traffic in Yellowstone, you can detour from the Grand Loop to Firehole Canyon Drive, drive through Lamar Valley to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, or drive from Lake Village to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. These are quieter sections of the park that still offer beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife near roadways at all times, but especially around dawn and dusk.

It’s not only tourists and bison that will use the roads to get around Yellowstone. Elk, bears, foxes, and coyotes—among many other animals—may be grazing or traveling near roadways.

Wildlife can appear suddenly and without warning, so drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road—a tough challenge considering the many incredible wonders you’re driving through!—as animals can be present at any time of day. We highly recommend switching out drivers when touring Yellowstone so everyone can enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife while protecting the park.

When you spot wildlife in Yellowstone, pull into an overlook or designated parking area to observe safely while keeping the roads clear. Don’t stop in the middle of the road—unless an animal is crossing the road in front of you. When that happens, leave plenty of space to allow wildlife to safely cross.

Note: Wildlife activity peaks around dawn and dusk when animals are most active and foraging for food. During these times, be especially cautious, reduce your speed, and stay alert to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the park’s wildlife.

Elk grazing just off Yellowstone's Grand Loop.

5. Yellowstone National Park is open 24/7, but certain entrances and roads close seasonally.

Yellowstone National Park is always open and you can enter the park at any time of day. However, Yellowstone experiences seasonal road closures that temporarily limit or restrict access to entrances, roads, and attractions. For example, when visiting Yellowstone during its prime season—from the end of May through October 31st—all roads are generally open for self-driving. But if you’re visiting during the winter, early spring, or off-season, many of the park’s entrances and roads will be closed to car travel.

This is a map detailing when roads open and close to car travel in Yellowstone. During the winter season, many of these roads will reopen to snowmobile or snowcoach travel, but not cars. Road opening dates change slightly each year; You can confirm current year dates here.

6. There are gas stations, restaurants, general stores, and services along Yellowstone’s Grand Loop.

There are gas stations at many of the main areas in Yellowstone National Park, but it’s still a good idea to fill up in a gateway town—such as Gardiner, MT, West Yellowstone, MT, or Cody, WY—before entering the park.

In the park, fuel is available year-round at Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, and Old Faithful. Public electric vehicle charging stations are also available at several park locations, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Lake Village, Gardiner, MT, and West Yellowstone, MT.

This map shows where you can find amenities and services along Yellowstone's Grand Loop. Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, and the Old Faithful area offer the most services and amenities inside the park, but you can also find gas and dining at Grant Village, Tower-Roosevelt, Lake Village, and Fishing Bridge. Just outside the park, Gardiner, MT, West Yellowstone, MT, and Cooke City, MT, offer more dining, lodging, and services.

7. You’ll only have cell coverage at main attractions and villages.

Cell phone reception is spotty or non-existent in many areas of the park. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies. It’s a good idea to have a physical map—you can pick one up at any of Yellowstone’s entrances—and plan your route ahead of time.

Cell towers at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Grant Village, Lake Village, and Mount Washburn provide service to these areas of the park. You’ll also have cell service at the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT).

During summer months, park traffic and congestion may result in slower service, limiting calls and cellular data. Texting is usually the most effective means of communication in the park; however, there are many spots throughout Yellowstone where you will not have service. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs, and wireless Internet access is available at some of the hotels and lodges around the park for guests.

8. Driving in Yellowstone isn’t scary, but there are narrow, winding roads.

Driving in Yellowstone isn’t scary as heights really aren’t a worry when driving through Yellowstone—it’s nothing like driving Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road! However, driving through Yellowstone does mean driving some winding roads, particularly as you drive from Yellowstone’s North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs and Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Geyser. These roads wind and curve in multiple places and may affect passengers prone to motion sickness. If you’re sensitive to winding roads, consider driving yourself or sitting in the front seat when driving through these areas of the park.

FAQs

Do I need to make a reservation to drive through Yellowstone?

No, you do not need to make a reservation to drive through Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is open 24/7, and you can enter through any open entrance without a prior reservation. However, during peak seasons—from roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day—it’s advisable to start early in the day to avoid long entrance lines. And although you don't need a reservation to drive through the park, you will need to pay an entrance fee—or have a park pass—which can be purchased at the gate or in advance online.

Do I need to buy a park pass to drive through Yellowstone?

Yes, you do need to buy a park pass to drive through Yellowstone—this is your entrance fee for visiting the park. A park pass covers entry to Yellowstone for seven consecutive days and you can purchase a pass at the gate or online in advance. There are three types of passes, including a standard pass, an annual pass, and an America the Beautiful Pass.

A standard pass ($30-35) is for one vehicle (private car, motorcyle, or snowmobile) and grants unlimited entry to Yellowstone for seven consecutive days. An annual pass ($70) grants the pass holder—and passengers in their vehicle—unlimited entry to Yellowstone for one year. An America the Beautiful pass ($80*) grants the pass holder—and passangers in their vehicle—unlimited entrance to all national parks in the United States for one year.

Can you drive through Yellowstone in one day?

Yes, you can drive through Yellowstone in one day by following the 142-mile Grand Loop Road. This is an incredible drive through Yellowstone, but also a long day with limited time at each attraction.

Are there road closures in Yellowstone?

Yes, Yellowstone experiences varying seasonal road closures from November to late May, and temporary closures due to weather or construction can occur year-round. Check road opening dates and park conditions here.

What’s the best time of year to drive through Yellowstone?

The best time to drive through Yellowstone is from late May to mid-September when all roads are open and the weather is favorable.

Can you drive in Yellowstone at night?

Yes, you can drive in Yellowstone 24/7, but be cautious at night as wildlife is more active, visibility is reduced (there are no street lights in Yellowstone), and some roads are more challenging to navigate in the dark.

How do you avoid traffic in Yellowstone?

The best way to avoid traffic in Yellowstone is to start your day early and stay out late, visiting popular sites before 9AM or after 5PM. You can also explore more remote areas of the park, such as the drive from Lake Village to Yellowstone’s East Entrance and the drive from Tower-Roosevelt to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.

Can you drive through Yellowstone in winter?

Yes, you can drive from Yellowstone’s North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT) during winter months. We highly recommend this drive to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, and Icebox Canyon.

Can you drive an RV in Yellowstone?

Yes, you can drive an RV in Yellowstone, but some roads have size restrictions, and parking can be challenging at popular sites. Many Yellowstone campgrounds also allow RVs, but Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only one with water, sewer, and electrical hookups.

Do you need a 4WD to drive in Yellowstone?

No, a 4WD is not necessary for driving through Yellowstone.

What should you do if you encounter wildlife on the road in Yellowstone?

If you encounter wildlife on the road in Yellowstone, slow down, stay in your vehicle, and give wildlife plenty of space; never approach or feed animals. If an animal is standing in or crossing the road in front you, stop driving to allow the animal space to move along.

Can you drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton in one day?

Yes, you can drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park in one day. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance to Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park.

Are there gas stations in Yellowstone?

Yes, there are gas stations at Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Old Faithful, but fuel can be more expensive than outside the park.

What are the best scenic drives to see wildlife in Yellowstone?

Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are two of the best scenic drives for spotting wildlife like bison, wolves, and bears in Yellowstone. Drive from the Tower-Roosevelt Junction to Cooke City and from Canyon Village to Lake Village to explore these areas.

Is it easy to find parking in Yellowstone?

Parking can be challenging at popular sites like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Artist Point Overlook—especially in peak season. Arrive early (before 9AM) to ensure parking at popular overlooks, trails, and attractions.

Can you drive the Beartooth Highway from Yellowstone?

Yes, the Beartooth Highway is accessible from the park’s Northeast Entrance and is often considered one of the most beautiful in America.

How long does it take to drive between Yellowstone’s West and East Entrances?

It’s approximately 80 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance (near West Yellowstone, MT) to Yellowstone’s East Entrance (near Cody, WY), and it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to drive between these entrances. However, plan for extra time as the most direct route passes some of the park’s most beautiful areas, including the Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley.

How long does it take to drive between Yellowstone’s North and South Entrances?

It’s approximately 95 miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance (near Gradiner, MT) to Yellowstone’s South Entrance, and it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to drive between these entrances. However, plan for extra time as the most direct route passes some of the park’s most iconic attractions, including the Grand Prismatic Spring at the Midway Geyser Basin and Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin.

How long does it take to drive between popular attractions in Yellowstone?

Driving times between popular attractions in Yellowstone varies greatly. For example, Lamar Valley and the West Thumb Geyser Basin are two main attractions located far from one another—sitting roughly 70 miles and 2 hours of driving time apart. On the other hand, the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring are two closely located attractions—only 7 miles and 15 minutes apart. Below is a chart that gives a general idea of how long it takes to drive between some of the park's most popular attractions. It’s important to note this is just driving time between attractions; Traffic, construction, and wildlife can impact how long it takes to drive from one point to another in Yellowstone.

How long does it take to drive from Yellowstone’s entrances to popular attractions?

How long it takes to drive from Yellowstone’s entrances to popular attractions also varies greatly. Below is a chart that gives a general idea of how long it takes to drive from Yellowstone’s entrances to some of the park’s most popular attractions. It’s important to note this is just driving time between attractions; Traffic, construction, and wildlife can impact how long it takes to drive from one point to another in Yellowstone.

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide!

For every time of year you want to visit, our guide is packed with insider tips, must-see spots, and expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

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