Can I drive inside Yellowstone National Park?

Driving through Yellowstone National Park is one of the most rewarding experiences a traveler can have in the United States. The park, sprawling across nearly 3,500 square miles, was designed with exploration in mind, and its scenic roadways provide access to some of the most stunning geothermal features, wildlife habitats, and landscapes in the world. 

Quick Reference Guide

Category	Details
Driving Allowed	✅ Yes, personal vehicles are permitted throughout the park.
Main Roads	Grand Loop Road (142 miles) connects all major attractions.
Speed Limit	45 mph max (lower in wildlife or thermal areas).
Best Time to Drive	Late May to October for full road access.
Vehicle Restrictions	Some roads closed in winter; RVs and trailers allowed only on select routes.
Parking	Available at most viewpoints, visitor centers, and lodges.
Gas Stations	Found at Mammoth, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Old Faithful.
Scenic Drives	Firehole Canyon Drive, Dunraven Pass, Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley routes.
Winter Access	Only via snowcoach or snowmobile; most roads closed to cars.
Visitor Tip	Always check current road status before entering: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Visitors can absolutely drive inside Yellowstone — in fact, it’s the primary way most people experience the park. The park’s 452 miles (727 kilometers) of roads, 310 of which are paved, connect its major attractions, including Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The road network forms a figure-eight loop known as the Grand Loop Road, allowing drivers to easily navigate between regions while enjoying spectacular views of mountains, rivers, and valleys.

Most major attractions are accessible by car, and each area has designated parking lots and pullouts for sightseeing. The Grand Loop Road’s figure-eight structure allows visitors to plan trips efficiently. The Lower Loop connects famous highlights such as Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, while the Upper Loop takes travelers to Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Some secondary roads, such as those leading to Firehole Lake Drive or Blacktail Plateau Drive, offer more intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventures. During summer months, these roads can be busy, but they are well-maintained and clearly marked.

While driving inside Yellowstone is an unforgettable experience, it’s essential to be prepared for its unique challenges. The park sits at a high elevation and experiences variable weather conditions, which can affect driving even in summer. Roads typically open in late April and close gradually between late October and early November due to snow. During the winter, only the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northeast Entrance remains open to regular vehicles, while the rest are accessible via guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours. Visitors should check the National Park Service (NPS) road status page before traveling, as temporary closures can occur due to weather or wildlife activity.

Gas stations are available in key areas such as Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Tower-Roosevelt. However, given the park’s vastness, it’s wise to fill up whenever possible. Cell service is limited in most areas, so downloading offline maps before entering is highly recommended. Speed limits are enforced, and drivers should remain alert — stopping in the middle of the road to view animals is prohibited, and visitors should always use pullouts for photos.

One of the most iconic drives is along the Hayden and Lamar Valleys, where the park’s open terrain offers excellent chances to spot bison herds, pronghorn, and even wolves at dawn or dusk. The drive around Yellowstone Lake provides peaceful waterfront views, while the section between Madison Junction and Old Faithful passes through dense forests and steaming geyser basins. Every region has its own charm, making the act of driving through the park a central part of the adventure rather than just a means of transportation.

For first-time visitors, the full Grand Loop can take between 4 to 7 hours to complete without stops, but it’s best enjoyed over multiple days. Overnight stays in campgrounds or lodges allow travelers to explore each area at a relaxed pace and catch sunrise or sunset moments that day-trippers often miss. Parking lots near major attractions can fill up by mid-morning during peak season, so arriving early is key.