Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Loop is a 142-mile road that connects many of the park’s main attractions. The loop offers visitors a chance to experience diverse landscapes, from geothermal wonders to stunning canyons and abundant wildlife. Key stops include Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Hayden Valley. Each location provides unique geological features, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
What Are the Must-See Stops on the Yellowstone Grand Loop?
The Yellowstone Grand Loop offers numerous attractions, but some stops stand out as must-see locations:
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Hayden Valley
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Midway Geyser Basin
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Tower Fall
- Roosevelt Arch
- Firehole Falls and Firehole Canyon Drive
Let’s explore each of these stops in detail.
What Can You Experience at Mammoth Hot Springs?
Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique geological wonder featuring travertine terraces formed by mineral deposits from hot springs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Attractions: Lower and Upper Terrace boardwalks
- Scenic Viewpoints: Limestone formations
- Hiking Trails: Boardwalks around the terraces
- GPS Coordinates: 44.9742, -110.7183
- Elevation: Approximately 6,700 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, visitor center
Why Is Old Faithful a Must-Visit Stop?
Old Faithful is perhaps the most famous geyser in the world, known for its predictable eruptions. The Upper Geyser Basin surrounding it offers even more geothermal features:
- Attractions: Old Faithful Geyser, other geysers and thermal features
- Scenic Viewpoints: Geyser eruptions, thermal areas
- Hiking Trails: Various trails within the Upper Geyser Basin, including to Observation Point
- GPS Coordinates: 44.4603, -110.8325
- Elevation: Approximately 7,300 feet
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, visitor center, lodges, gift shop, clinic
What Makes the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Spectacular?
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a breathtaking 1,200-foot deep canyon featuring two magnificent waterfalls:
- Attractions: Upper and Lower Falls, Artist Point, Brink of the Upper Falls
- Scenic Viewpoints: South Rim Drive, Inspiration Point
- Hiking Trails: Uncle Tom’s Trail (currently closed), South Rim trails
- GPS Coordinates: 44.7222, -110.4667
- Elevation: Approximately 7,900 feet
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, visitor center
Where Can You Best Observe Wildlife in Yellowstone?
Hayden Valley is renowned for its wildlife viewing opportunities:
- Attractions: Wildlife viewing (bison, grizzlies, wolves)
- Scenic Viewpoints: Valley and river views
- Hiking Trails: Various trails, including the Hayden Valley Trail
- GPS Coordinates: 44.6333, -110.4333
- Elevation: Approximately 7,800 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas
What Unique Features Does Norris Geyser Basin Offer?
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone:
- Attractions: Porcelain Basin, Back Basin, Steamboat Geyser
- Scenic Viewpoints: Thermal areas
- Hiking Trails: Walkable zones within the basin
- GPS Coordinates: 44.7333, -110.7000
- Elevation: Approximately 7,500 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, museum, bookstore
What Is the Highlight of Midway Geyser Basin?
Midway Geyser Basin is home to the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring:
- Attractions: Grand Prismatic Spring, Excelsior Geyser
- Scenic Viewpoints: Grand Prismatic Spring, Fairy Falls trailhead
- Hiking Trails: Boardwalks around the basin, trail to Fairy Falls
- GPS Coordinates: 44.5333, -110.8167
- Elevation: Approximately 7,300 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas
What Can You See at West Thumb Geyser Basin?
West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a unique combination of geothermal features and lake views:
- Attractions: Small geyser basin, Yellowstone Lake shoreline
- Scenic Viewpoints: Lake shoreline, geyser basin
- Hiking Trails: Boardwalks around the basin
- GPS Coordinates: 44.4167, -110.5667
- Elevation: Approximately 7,800 feet
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, information station
Why Should You Stop at Tower Fall?
Tower Fall is a picturesque 132-foot waterfall:
- Attractions: 132-foot waterfall
- Scenic Viewpoints: Tower Fall viewpoint
- Hiking Trails: Short walk to the viewpoint
- GPS Coordinates: 44.6933, -110.3903
- Elevation: Approximately 6,900 feet
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms
What Is the Significance of Roosevelt Arch?
Roosevelt Arch is a historic landmark at the north entrance of Yellowstone:
- Attractions: Historic arch at the north entrance
- Scenic Viewpoints: Arch and surrounding area
- Hiking Trails: None
- GPS Coordinates: 45.0333, -110.6833
- Elevation: Approximately 5,900 feet
- Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms
What Can You Experience at Firehole Falls and Firehole Canyon Drive?
Firehole Falls and Firehole Canyon Drive offer scenic views and a swimming area:
- Attractions: 40-foot waterfall, swimming area
- Scenic Viewpoints: Firehole Canyon
- Hiking Trails: Short walk to the falls
- GPS Coordinates: 44.4333, -110.8667
- Elevation: Approximately 7,200 feet
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms
What Amenities Are Available Along the Grand Loop?
Most stops along the Yellowstone Grand Loop offer essential amenities:
| Amenity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Parking | Available at each stop, though popular spots may be crowded |
| Restrooms | Located at most stops |
| Picnic Areas | Available at several stops |
| Visitor Centers | Located at major attractions, open 9 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM during peak season |
| Accessibility Features | Many boardwalks and trails are wheelchair accessible |
What Are Some Popular Attractions and Scenic Viewpoints?
- Grand Prismatic Spring: Largest hot spring in the U.S., known for vibrant colors
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: 1,200-foot deep canyon with Upper and Lower Falls
- Mammoth Hot Springs: Unique travertine terraces
- Hayden Valley: Known for wildlife viewing
- Artist Point: Spectacular view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
What Hiking Trails Are Available Along the Grand Loop?
- Uncle Tom’s Trail (Currently Closed)
- Length: Approximately 0.5 miles (downstairs) + 0.5 miles (back up)
- Difficulty: Strenuous due to the steep staircase
- Trailhead Location: South Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Required Permits/Fees: None, but check for current status
- Average Completion Time: 1-2 hours
-
Recommended Gear: Sturdy shoes, water, snacks
-
Fairy Falls Trail
- Length: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location: Midway Geyser Basin
- Required Permits/Fees: None
- Average Completion Time: 2 hours
-
Recommended Gear: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks
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Observation Point Trail
- Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Trailhead Location: Upper Geyser Basin
- Required Permits/Fees: None
- Average Completion Time: 2 hours
- Recommended Gear: Sturdy shoes, water, snacks
Remember to stay on designated trails and boardwalks, follow bear safety practices, and be prepared for variable weather conditions when exploring Yellowstone National Park.