Yellowstone’s Upper Loop is a scenic drive through Yellowstone National Park that connects Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Village, and Tower-Roosevelt. Driving the Upper Loop is one of the best ways to experience the north side of Yellowstone and is a great way to see many of its most popular landmarks, such as the Mammoth Hot Springs, Artist Point, and Tower Fall. Plus, with a short detour from the Upper Loop, you can drive through Lamar Valley, which is arguably the best place in Yellowstone National Park for wildlife viewing! Here’s everything you need to know about driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop, including 8 can’t-miss stops along the way.

Can you drive through the north entrance of Yellowstone?

Yes, you can drive through the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. In fact, this north entrance from Gardiner, Montana, is the only Yellowstone entrance open year-round.

The Yellowstone Upper Loop is the main road that runs through the north side of Yellowstone. The loop technically begins at Mammoth, but driving from Gardiner to Mammoth is also a scenic drive worth doing (and the only way to get to Mammoth if you’re staying in Gardiner). We also highly recommend detouring off the Upper Loop to Lamar Valley for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.

What is the Yellowstone Upper Loop?

The Yellowstone Upper Loop is a scenic drive through Yellowstone National Park that connects Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Village, and Tower-Roosevelt on the north side of the park.

The Yellowstone Upper Loop is approximately 68 miles long and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive without stops. However, you’ll want to make plenty of stops as you drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop and pass by some of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park, including the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, the Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Point, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and more.

Plus, the park's north side, from Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt (and beyond to Lamar Valley), offers arguably the best wildlife viewing in all of Yellowstone so we recommend planning a half-day to a full-day to drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop.

Yellowstone Upper Loop Map

The Yellowstone Upper Loop is a scenic drive that loops between four main attractions in Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Hot Springs, the Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Village, and Tower-Roosevelt.

From the Yellowstone Upper Loop, you’ll also have access to Lamar Valley and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone in Cooke City. Note: You will technically detour from the Yellowstone Upper Loop to drive through Lamar Valley, but this is 100% worth the detour and one of the absolute best things to do in Yellowstone! Lamar Valley is one of the best places in all of Yellowstone for wildlife watching, plus the scenic views from this part of the park are outstanding.

Is it worth driving the Yellowstone Upper Loop?

Driving the Yellowstone Upper Loop is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Not only does driving through the north side of the park offer some of the best, most abundant wildlife-watching opportunities, but it also provides access to many amazing hikes, hot spring terraces, and scenic overlooks.

If you only have one day to explore Yellowstone National Park, we highly recommend driving as much of Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower Loops as possible. Together, these two loops make up the “Grand Loop” and are one of the best ways to see and experience the park in a short amount of time.

Where does the Yellowstone Upper Loop start and end?

The Yellowstone Upper Loop does not have a fixed starting or ending point, as it can be accessed from various attractions around the park.

If you’re staying in Gardiner, the town at the north entrance of Yellowstone, the closest starting point is the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. From Mammoth, you can drive clockwise to Tower-Roosevelt or counterclockwise to Norris Geyser Basin.

If you’re coming from West Yellowstone, the closest starting point is the Norris Geyser Basin. You can drive clockwise to Mammoth Hot Springs or counterclockwise to Canyon Village.

If you’re coming from the east, near the town of Cody, WY, or Lake Village, or if you’re coming from the south entrance and the Tetons, the closest starting point is Canyon Village.

If you’re coming from the Northeast, the closest starting point is Tower-Roosevelt.

Should I stay in West Yellowstone or Gardiner to drive the Upper Loop?

West Yellowstone and Gardiner are two of the most popular areas outside the park for lodging during a trip to Yellowstone National Park.

West Yellowstone is closer to attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, while Gardiner is closer to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. Both West Yellowstone and Gardiner are about the same distance from Canyon Village, where you’ll find Artist Point and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

If you’re interested in wildlife watching, we highly recommend staying in Gardiner or Mammoth Hot Springs. From there, you can make day trips to the rest of the park. If you’re most interested in geysers and thermal areas, you may prefer to stay in West Yellowstone or the Old Faithful area.

To be the most centrally located to all of the best things to do and see in Yellowstone National Park, we recommend staying in Canyon Village.

Personally, we love wildlife watching in Yellowstone National Park and prefer the scenery of staying in Gardiner over West Yellowstone. So, we prefer to stay in either Gardiner or Canyon Village when driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop! (We believe the Old Faithful area and West Yellowstone are better for driving Yellowstone’s Lower Loop. Learn more about the southern part of the park here.)

How many miles is Yellowstone’s Upper Loop?

The Yellowstone Upper Loop is approximately 68 miles long. To drive the out-and-back detour from Tower-Roosevelt through Lamar Valley to Cooke City, add approximately 65 miles round-trip. (This is an out-and-back drive off the Upper Loop.)

How long does it take to drive the Upper Loop?

It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive the Yellowstone Upper Loop without stops. However, you’ll want to plan plenty of time for stops as you pass by some of the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park, including the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Point, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and more.

We highly recommend planning a full day or more to drive the Upper Loop, so you can hike, wildlife watch, and explore at a leisurely pace!

The Best Time of Year to Drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop

We’ve driven through Yellowstone at least once in every season. Late May to early June is our pick for the best time of year to drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop.

That said, each season has its benefits… Here’s some more information about driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop by season.

Driving the Upper Loop in Winter

Winter is a gorgeous time of year to drive through Yellowstone. However, it’s also the most limited time of year to drive through the park. This is because most roads in Yellowstone National Park are closed to personal vehicles during winter months.

In the winter, you can only drive from the north entrance of the park (Gardiner) to Mammoth Hot Springs, to the Tower-Roosevelt Service Station, to Lamar Valley, and Cooke City (the northeast entrance of the park). You cannot drive to Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Village, or Tower Fall.

We highly recommend visiting Yellowstone in the winter if you’re interested in wolf-watching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling. While most of the roads in Yellowstone will be closed during these months, a portion of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop is open for you to explore at your own pace with way smaller crowds than any other time of year! It’s absolutely magical.

Driving the Upper Loop in Spring

Driving the Upper Loop in early spring is similar to driving the Upper Loop in winter, as roads don’t begin opening until the end of April, and the entire Upper Loop won’t open until the end of May.

However, spring is the best time of the year to see baby animals in the park! It’s a great time to see bears, bear cubs, bison calves, wolf pups, and more. The middle of May to early June is one of the best times of year in the park for wildlife watching and is one of the reasons this is our favorite time of year to drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop.

By the end of May, all roads in Yellowstone National Park are generally open. Bear watching is at its peak, and you may still catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains, but the weather is more mild and comfortable than in winter months. We highly recommend driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop in late May or early June!

Driving the Upper Loop in Summer

Summer is the most popular time to drive the Upper Loop in Yellowstone. All roads are open, the weather is generally favorable, and long daylight hours mean lots of time to explore.

While the roads, parking areas, and overlooks are generally busiest this time of year, longer daylight hours make it easier to do and see more in one day. If you’re driving the Upper Loop in summer, plan to head out early and stay out late and be patient! (Getting up early or staying out late is also the best time of day for wildlife viewing in the summer.)

Summer is also the best time to drive the nearby Beartooth Highway, which you can access from Cooke City.

The Beartooth Highway is often considered one of the most scenic drives in America. However, due to its high elevation and snow, it’s generally closed until Memorial Day and only open until mid-September. Therefore, summer months are the best time of year to predictably drive Beartooth Highway and avoid unexpected closures.

Driving the Upper Loop in Fall

Crowds start to thin out in the fall, which is great because the Upper Loop is generally still open until the end of October.

Fall is a great time to drive the Upper Loop for photography, hiking, elk watching, and the chance for snow-capped mountains as winter hits higher elevation areas. Be sure to spend ample time around the Mammoth Hot Springs area if you’re visiting in the fall and interested in the elk rut.

Is it better to drive the Upper Loop clockwise or counter-clockwise?

There’s no bad place to start driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop and no wrong direction to drive. All have their benefits, so pick whichever starting location is closest to you and drive in whichever direction gets you where you most want to be when you most want to be there.

If you’re interested in wildlife and planning to detour to Lamar Valley (a must-do!), consider driving clockwise if you’re coming from Mammoth or Gardiner and counter-clockwise if you’re coming from Canyon Village. This will get you to Lamar Valley earlier in the morning, which is best for wildlife. (Reverse this if you want to end your day in Lamar Valley. Dawn and dusk are best for wildlife watching.)

Artist Point in Canyon Village is one of the most popular places in all of Yellowstone National Park (and my favorite viewpoint in the park!), so it’s helpful to get here earlier (before 10am) or later (after 4pm) when possible.

In our opinion, it matters less when you get to Mammoth Hot Springs or Norris Geyser Basin (versus Lamar Valley, Tower-Roosevelt, and Canyon Village), so plan these to fall in the middle of your day. Yes, you may need to work for a parking space, but the views are similar here at any time of day.

With this said, my pick would be to drive clockwise from Mammoth starting as early in the morning as possible. (Be in Lamar or Tower-Roosevelt by sunrise.) This way, you optimize wildlife watching from Mammoth to Lamar, Tower-Roosevelt, and Dunraven Pass and can get to Artist Point by mid-to-late-morning, hopefully still beating peak crowds. Plus, ending your day walking the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces at sunset is gorgeous!

Speed Limits and Road Closures on Yellowstone’s Upper Loop

There is often road construction somewhere on a park road in Yellowstone. Outside of seasonal closures, construction can cause temporary road closures or delays. Review road conditions before driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop here.

The speed limit for all park roads is 45 mph unless otherwise posted. It is important to drive slowly, stop for wildlife crossings, and safely pull over to an overlook or designated pull-off area when taking photos or viewing wildlife. (Outside of stopping for wildlife crossing directly in front of your car, do not stop or park in the middle of the road. Pull over into one of the many pull-offs.)

8 Best Stops Along Yellowstone Upper Loop

Here are eight of the best overlooks, hikes, and places to stop along the Yellowstone Upper Loop! We’re sharing these as though you’re driving clockwise from Mammoth, so it’s easier to follow along. (We designate our favorite stops with asterisks.)

1. Roosevelt Arch

So technically, we’re kicking off with a spot not actually on the Upper Loop (sorry!!), but if you’re staying in Gardiner, don’t miss the Roosevelt Arch on your way into the park. Roosevelt Arch is a historic stone structure built in 1903 and serves as a welcoming landmark to the park.

Roosevelt Arch was built to serve as a grand entrance to Yellowstone National Park, marking the northern entrance, and was constructed to commemorate the park's significance as the first national park in the United States. The arch symbolizes preserving America's natural landscapes for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations, reflecting the park's conservation mission and public access to nature.

2. Mammoth Hot Springs*

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most popular stops along the Upper Loop. It’s renowned for its stunning terraces, created by the deposition of travertine over thousands of years.

The Mammoth Hot Springs area is divided into upper and lower terraces, each offering unique geological features and scenic beauty.

The Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs feature larger, more expansive formations characterized by brilliant white, orange, and brown hues. The terraces are constantly changing as the mineral-rich water flows over the landscape, creating intricate patterns and formations resembling cascading waterfalls and stepped pools.

The Lower Terraces exhibit smaller, more intricate formations with delicate edges and vibrant colors. The terraces are interspersed with lush vegetation, creating a stark contrast against the surreal mineral deposits. Wander along boardwalks and pathways that meander through the lower terraces, providing up-close views of the Hot Springs’ unique geological formations and geothermal features.

3. Lamar Valley*

It’s technically a detour from Yellowstone’s Upper Loop, but Lamar Valley is one of the best things to do and see in Yellowstone National Park! This must-see area is Jonathan’s favorite in all of Yellowstone as it’s the best place in the park for viewing wildlife.

Lamar Valley is characterized by vast grasslands, meandering rivers, and rolling hills. These provide a picturesque backdrop for a thriving wildlife population that includes bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep. The valley's open terrain and abundant vegetation make it an ideal habitat for wildlife, offering ample opportunities for sightings throughout the year.

4. Cooke City

Situated in the Absaroka Mountains, Cooke City is a charming small town outside Yellowstone National Park's northeastern entrance.

Originally a mining town, Cooke City retains its historic charm with rustic buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. Today, it serves as a basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Yellowstone's northeastern region, including Lamar Valley, as well as nearby national forests and wilderness areas.

If you’ve made the detour to Lamar Valley, consider driving all the way through Yellowstone’s northeast entrance and grabbing a coffee or sandwich at Cooke City Coffee before turning around. Or, keep driving and make your way to Beartooth Highway next!

5. Tower-Roosevelt*

Tower-Roosevelt is a must-stop in the spring, from mid-May to early June. This area is one of the best places in the park for bear-watching.

One of the other main highlights of Tower-Roosevelt is Tower Fall, a picturesque waterfall cascading over volcanic rock formations into the Yellowstone River. Enjoy stunning views of the waterfall from various overlooks and vantage points, accessible via short trails from the Tower Fall parking area.

6. Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn*

The drive from Tower Fall to Canyon Village parallels the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River. It passes through the Washburn Range and Dunraven Pass and is one of the most scenic drives in the park.

Along this section of the Yellowstone Upper Loop, you’ll have access to Chittenden Road, a short detour leading to a hiking trail for the summit of Mount Washburn, one of the park's prominent peaks. This trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including sweeping vistas of the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, as well as the Yellowstone Caldera and distant peaks. From this summit, you can see the rugged terrain of the Lamar Valley, the winding Yellowstone River, and the towering peaks of the Teton Range on clear days.

In addition to its scenic beauty, this area is known for its abundant wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and birds of prey. This is one of the best areas in the park for birdwatching!

7. Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone*

Artist Point is an iconic overlook in Yellowstone National Park. (It’s my favorite overlook in all of Yellowstone!!) The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area is one of the park's most scenic areas.

Artist Point is located on the southern rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the canyon's dramatic lower falls, which plunge approximately 308 feet (94 meters) into the Yellowstone River below. The viewpoint offers an unparalleled perspective of the canyon's vibrant colors, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic views in the park.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was carved over thousands of years by the erosive forces of the Yellowstone River. Stretching approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) long and reaching depths of up to 1,200 feet (366 meters), the canyon is renowned for its colorful rock formations, including yellow, pink, and orange hues, created by mineral deposits and thermal activity.

Many hiking trails and viewpoints are scattered across the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Some of the most popular overlooks include Artist Point, Inspiration Point, and Lookout Point.

8. Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is a dynamic geothermal area in the northwestern region of Yellowstone National Park. It is renowned for its vibrant hot springs, erupting geysers, and colorful thermal features and is one of the park's hottest and most active thermal areas.

The Norris Geyser Basin is divided into two main sections: the Back Basin and the Porcelain Basin. Each area features a diverse array of hydrothermal features, including geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs, all surrounded by a surreal landscape of steam and colorful mineral deposits.

The Back Basin is home to some of Yellowstone's most famous geysers, including Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser. During its major eruptions, it can erupt to heights of over 300 feet (91 meters). Other notable features in the Back Basin include the colorful Emerald Spring and the bubbling Paint Pot.

The Porcelain Basin, characterized by its white, chalk-like mineral deposits, is a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of the Back Basin. Explore a series of boardwalks and trails that wind through the basin, providing opportunities to observe bubbling hot springs, roaring fumaroles, and otherworldly geothermal formations up close.

4 Spots for Abundant Wildlife along Yellowstone Upper Loop

Here are some of the best places for wildlife watching along Yellowstone Upper Loop.

1. (Year-Round) Elk & Pronghorn driving from Gardiner to Mammoth

Pronghorn, often referred to as "prairie ghosts" due to their elusive nature, are often found near Gardiner and along the drive from Gardiner to Mammoth. They are known for their incredible speed, making them the fastest land mammals in North America. They’re commonly spotted in the sagebrush plains and grasslands surrounding Gardiner. Look for them on your way from Gardiner to Mammoth to drive Yellowstone’s Upper Loop!

2. (Fall) Elk at Mammoth Hot Springs

Against the backdrop of Mammoth's mineral formations, elk congregate during fall months for the annual rut or mating season. Bull elk, with their impressive antlers, engage in spirited displays of dominance and courtship to attract mates. Their bugling calls echo across the hot springs, and this is one of the most incredible things to hear during the fall months! Spend time at Mammoth Hot Springs and drive from Mammoth to Tower-Roosevelt, keeping your eyes peeled for elk along the way.

3. (Year-Round) Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Bison, & More in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is known year-round as one of the best places in Yellowstone National Park for wildlife watching. Wolf watchers are out in abundance during winter, as wolves are generally easier to spot when traversing blankets of white snow. Bear watchers are out in the spring as bears and their cubs begin to wake from hibernation and search for food. Bison are also abundant in Lamar Valley, particularly during summer months. This is even one of the best areas to look for coyotes, foxes, and bighorn sheep (search on the cliffs and rocky outcroppings along the valley for the latter).

4. (Spring) Bears & Moose near Tower Fall

The Tower-Roosevelt area is known for its black bears, and in May, it’s known as a great place to spot cubs. After May 12th, drive the open road from Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall (where you’ll find a huge parking lot with restrooms). If you see cars pulled off in overlooks, there is probably something nearby!

On our spring trip to Yellowstone, we saw a moose and a cinnamon black bear along the road from Tower-Roosevelt to Tower Fall. Closer to Tower Fall, we saw a mama bear and her two cubs. We could safely park, along with many others, to watch them play, sleep, and forage for hours. Watching them nap in a tree and then climb down to eat was an incredible experience!

5 Scenic Hikes Along Yellowstone Upper Loop

From self-guided boardwalk strolls to challenging summit hikes, here are five of the best hikes along Yellowstone’s Upper Loop.

1. Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces

The Mammoth Hot Springs area is divided into upper and lower terraces. Both offer well-maintained boardwalks to view several springs.

At Lower Mammoth Terrace, you can view Liberty Cap Spring, Jupiter Terrace Spring, and Pallette Spring, the latter known for its vibrant colors, ranging from oranges and yellows to greens and blues.

The Upper Terraces lead out to the top of Mammoth Hot Springs, with close-up views of Dryad Spring, Canary Spring, Grassy Spring, and Cupid Spring along boardwalks. The boardwalks near Cupid Spring begin descending down through the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, connecting to the Lower Terraces.

2. Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn

Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn is a scenic, challenging hiking experience in Yellowstone National Park. Starting at Dunraven Pass, located along the Upper Loop, this moderately strenuous 6.8-mile out-and-back trail leads to the summit of Mount Washburn, one of Yellowstone's prominent peaks.

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the park's vast wilderness at the summit. From this vantage point, you can see the rugged terrain of the Lamar Valley, the winding Yellowstone River, and the towering peaks of the Teton Range on clear days!

3. Brink of the Lower Falls

The Brink of the Lower Falls trail leads to a close-up view of the sheer power of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Located near Canyon Village, this trail descends through a series of steep switchbacks toward the brink of the waterfall.

Upon reaching the overlook, you’re treated to a mesmerizing panorama of the Yellowstone River as it plunges dramatically into the canyon below, sending plumes of mist into the air and creating rainbows in the sunlight. Standing at the brink of the Lower Falls, you’ll feel the raw power of nature as thousands of gallons of water cascade over the edge every second!

4. Norris Geyser Basin Boardwalk

As one of the park's hottest and most dynamic thermal areas, Norris Geyser Basin boasts a diverse array of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. The Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk winds through the basin, giving a closer look at the vibrant colors, steamy vents, and bubbling pools that characterize this otherworldly environment.

One of the highlights of the Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk is the opportunity to witness erupting geysers and boiling hot springs up close. Here, you may encounter iconic geysers such as Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser, as well as colorful hot springs like Emerald Spring and Opal Pool.

5. Bunsen Peak

Bunsen Peak is a popular hiking trail along Yellowstone’s Upper Loop that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and thermal features. At the summit, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Gallatin Range to the north, the Yellowstone River valley to the east, and the Absaroka Range to the south!

Bunsen Peak is in the northern region of the park, near the town of Mammoth Hot Springs. The Bunsen Peak Trail is a moderately challenging 4.4-mile out-and-back hike that ascends Bunsen Peak, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and wildflower observation during the spring and summer months.

Is Yellowstone Upper Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, driving Yellowstone’s Upper Loop is dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on the roads in Yellowstone National Park and at many overlooks, pull-offs, and parking lots. However, there are no dog-friendly trails in Yellowstone National Park, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring your pet into the park.

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you never miss out, whether you’re enjoying water sports in the summer or spotting wildlife in the spring. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years and 10 trips (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the stress out of planning a vacation to America’s first (and one of its largest) national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide!

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Happy Travels!