Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the United States, showcasing towering waterfalls, geothermal wonders, wildlife-rich valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Whether you're looking for a leisurely drive filled with photo opportunities or an adventurous route with hiking trails and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Yellowstone’s roads offer something for every traveler.

Here’s a complete guide to the best Yellowstone scenic drives, including the famous Grand Loop Road, hidden gems like Blacktail Plateau Drive, and even the spectacular nearby Beartooth Highway and Grand Teton Scenic Drive.

1. Grand Loop Road (Upper & Lower Loops)

Distance: 142 miles

Best For: Seeing Yellowstone’s top attractions in one epic drive

The Grand Loop Road is the heart of Yellowstone’s road system, forming a figure-eight shape with two loops: the Lower Loop and the Upper Loop.

This road connects all the park’s major attractions, including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Lake, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

If you have time, breaking the drive into separate loops allows for the best sightseeing:

• The Lower Loop features famous geothermal areas, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, and offers a great mix of geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

• The Upper Loop takes you through Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, making it perfect for those interested in scenic landscapes and wildlife.

Travelers should expect 4-7 hours to drive each loop with stops. Early morning and late evening are best for avoiding traffic and maximizing wildlife sightings.

2. Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs

Distance: 5 miles

Best For: Quick access to wildlife, geothermal terraces, and historic buildings

The drive from Gardiner, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs follows the North Entrance Road, passing through Roosevelt Arch, the historic entrance to the park. Almost immediately, you enter prime wildlife territory, where elk and pronghorn antelope are often seen grazing in Mammoth’s meadows.

The end of the road brings you to Mammoth Hot Springs, which features terraces of steaming travertine formations that change color and shape due to mineral-rich hot springs. This area is also great for history lovers—Mammoth was home to Fort Yellowstone, and the preserved buildings tell the story of the park’s early days.

Best time to visit: Early morning for wildlife, late afternoon for golden-hour photography.

3. Blacktail Plateau Drive (Seasonal)

Distance: 6 miles (one-way dirt road)

Best For: Off-the-beaten-path wildlife viewing

This one-way road, accessible from Grand Loop Road between Mammoth and Tower-Roosevelt, offers a quiet, less-traveled route through rolling hills and meadows. It’s a top choice for wildlife watchers, as Blacktail Plateau Drive is known for sightings of grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and bison.

4. Lamar Valley

Distance: 29 miles (from Tower Junction to Cooke City)

Best For: Wildlife watching

Lamar Valley is the best place in Yellowstone to see wolves, bison, grizzly bears, and pronghorn. The valley’s wide-open grasslands make it a prime habitat for large herds of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. This drive is best for wildlife photographers and those looking for a peaceful, scenic drive away from the park’s busiest areas. Remember to bring a scope or binoculars… Lamar is one of the best places to spot Yellowstone’s famous wolf packs!

5. Lamar Valley to Cooke City (Icebox Canyon)

Distance: 12 miles

Best For: Scenic mountain landscapes and wildlife

As you continue past Lamar Valley toward Cooke City, the road follows Icebox Canyon, a dramatic, steep-walled canyon where snow lingers late into summer. End your drive with a stop in Cooke City, a tiny mountain town with a rugged Wild West feel.

6. Beartooth Highway (US-212)

Distance: 68 miles (Cooke City to Red Lodge)

Best For: High-altitude mountain views

Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in America, climbing to nearly 11,000 feet with views of alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and glaciers! Although not technically part of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Highway is just past Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance and is great for adventurous travelers in search of stunning views.

• Stop at Beartooth Pass Overlook for one of the best panoramic views in the country.

• Best time to visit: Summer and early fall (closed in winter due to snow).

7. Chittenden Road (Mount Washburn)

Distance: 3 miles (one-way)

Best For: A short, steep drive to amazing mountain views

Chittenden Road provides access to Mount Washburn, one of Yellowstone’s most famous hikes.

• The drive ends at a parking area, where hikers can start the Mount Washburn Trail, offering 360-degree views of Yellowstone.

• On clear days, you can see as far as Grand Teton National Park.

• This drive is best for hikers and photographers looking for an easy-access mountain summit.

8. North & South Rim Drives (Grand Canyon of Yellowstone)

Distance: 3 miles (North Rim), 2 miles (South Rim)

Best For: Waterfall views

These short scenic loops take you to the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, including Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Brink of the Lower Falls.

• North Rim Drive has more overlooks, including the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, which gets you up close to the park’s most famous waterfall.

• South Rim Drive leads to Artist Point, one of the most photographed spots in Yellowstone.

• Ideal for sightseers and photographers looking for epic landscapes.

9. Lake Village to East Entrance

Distance: 27 miles

Best For: Grizzly bear sightings and lake views

This scenic stretch follows Yellowstone Lake before climbing through forested mountains toward Sylvan Pass.

• One of the best places to spot grizzly bears in the park, especially in spring and early summer.

• Offers stunning views of Yellowstone Lake, with frequent pullouts for photo stops.

• A great choice for wildlife lovers and those heading toward Cody, Wyoming.

10. Firehole Canyon Drive, Firehole Lake Drive, Fountain Flat Drive, and Gull Point Drive

These short scenic loops along the Grand Loop Road offer a mix of waterfalls, geysers, and lakeside views.

• Firehole Canyon Drive: A beautiful detour past Firehole Falls, with a seasonal swimming area.

• Firehole Lake Drive: Features lesser-known geysers, including Great Fountain Geyser.

• Fountain Flat Drive: Leads to a quiet river valley, great for fishing and wildlife watching.

• Gull Point Drive: Provides peaceful views of Yellowstone Lake, perfect for a sunset stop.

Bonus: Grand Teton Scenic Drive

When visiting Yellowstone, we highly recommend extending your trip to nearby Grand Teton National Park. The main scenic road through the park, Grand Teton Scenic Drive, offers stunning views of the Teton Range, Snake River, and wildlife hotspots like Oxbow Bend.

Keep Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone with our All-Seasons Travel Guide!

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide. With detailed maps, insider tips, and custom itineraries you won't find anywhere else, our Yellowstone Travel Guide will help you experience the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the stress out of planning a vacation to one of America's largest and most diverse national parks and make the most of your time with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

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Happy Travels!