Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRIVING
There's hardly a single mile of highway on Yellowstone's 142-mile Grand Loop Rd that
can't be described as scenic. The views are always fantastic, whether it's the panoramic
views from Dunraven Pass, lakeshore views across Yellowstone Lake or open valley views
across meandering rivers and lodgepole forests. All the main route descriptions of the park
in this chapter make for excellent drives.
Geyser Trail
Duration
half-day
Distance
25 miles
Start
Madison
Finish
Old Faithful
Nearest Town
West Yellowstone
Speed Limit
45mph, sometimes dropping to 35mph; 25mph approaching Old Faithful area
Summary
The drive south from Madison Campground links together several geyser basins
and wildlife-watching spots with opportunities to hike, bike and even swim. Take your time
on this route through the heart of Geyser Country.
The northern approach to Old Faithful offers lots of possible stops so don't expect to cruise
this route in one hit. The drive parallels the Firehole River and there are dozens of potential
fly-fishing spots along this route.
Drive south from Madison Junction, past the junior ranger station, and after 2 miles take
Firehole Canyon Dr to the right. This 2-mile side road takes you past rhyolite cliffs and
rapids, the
Firehole Falls
and the popular
Firehole swimming area
.
Back on the main road it's another 3 miles south to Fountain Flat Dr, which branches
right to give access to the pleasant Nez Percé Picnic Area, the Sentinel Meadows hike (
Click here
)
, Pocket Basin backcountry geyser area (
Click here
)
and the bikeable Fountain
Freight Rd.
Back on the main road, 1 mile south, the road crosses
Chief Joseph Creek
, where an
interesting pullout details the flight of the Nez Percé Indians, who crossed this creek in
