Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Mammoth Junction to Tower Junction
The road from Mammoth to Tower covers a distance of about 18 miles (29 km) and is kept
open all year. It's the only four-season road in Yellowstone. As you pass this way, you'll en-
counter spectacular views of mountains near and far. You can stop to enjoy two pleasant wa-
terfalls and the Forces of the Northern Range Trail or take a short side road to view the only
petrified tree in the park reachable without a hard hike. Lava Creek has the only picnic area
east of Mammoth Village on this stretch of road.
Road Log
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Mammoth Hot Springs Junction. To the east is Tower-Roosevelt Junction. To the
south are Mammoth Terraces and Norris Junction, to the north is the North Entrance at
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Short road to the west for some residences owned by the federal gov-
ernment. It's okay to park along this road to visit Opal Terrace. The picnic tables and a large
collapse feature are at the edge of the former U.S. Cavalry parade ground.
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Parking across the road from the
Yellowstone National Park Chapel
(described
on
page 259
). Beyond the chapel, another street leads to residences and government buildings.
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A runoff channel called Bluff Creek goes under the road from the terraces above.
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At this point you're at the lowest elevation on the entire Grand Loop Road, 6,005 feet
(1,830 m). Mount Everts is to the northeast.
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Gardner River bridge, also called Sheepeater Canyon Bridge for the canyon from
which the river emerges. When completed in 1939, this was the largest bridge in Wyoming,
both in length (805 ft / 245 m) and height above the river (about 200 ft / 60 m high). Far below
and to the northeast, Lava Creek and the Gardner River flow together.
You may be able to see the basalt columns that form some of the walls of the Sheepeater
Canyon, but only in late afternoon light.
