The short answer
Enter at West Yellowstone, loop the park’s figure-eight past the geyser basins, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon and Lamar Valley, and exit at Gardiner through Paradise Valley. Two days is the minimum; three lets you slow down for wildlife.
The route
Stops along the way
- 1
Day 1: Geysers
Bozeman → West Yellowstone → Grand Prismatic → Old Faithful.
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin guide → - 2
Day 2: Lake & canyon
West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley and the Lower Falls.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone guide → - 3
Day 3: Wildlife & Mammoth
Lamar Valley at dawn, Mammoth Hot Springs, then home via Paradise Valley.
Lamar Valley guide → - 4
Paradise Valley
End with a soak at Chico Hot Springs.
Paradise Valley guide →
By van
Road notes for van drivers
- Book in-park lodging or campgrounds months ahead for summer.
- Dunraven Pass (Tower–Canyon) is open roughly late May to mid-October.
- Fuel is available at several park villages — top off whenever you can.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many miles is the Yellowstone Grand Loop?
The park’s Grand Loop Road is about 142 miles; adding the drives from and back to Bozeman makes a trip of roughly 330 miles.
Where should we stay on a Yellowstone loop?
Inside the park (Old Faithful or Canyon) if you can book it; otherwise West Yellowstone the first night and Gardiner the second.
Destinations on this trip
