How long does it take to drive the loop in Yellowstone?

Driving the Grand Loop in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic road trips in America, offering visitors the chance to experience the park’s incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal wonders all within a single continuous route. The Grand Loop Road forms a figure-eight shape that connects Yellowstone’s most famous attractions, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, and the Lamar Valley. 

Yellowstone Loop Drive Quick Reference

Category	Details
Total Distance	Approximately 142 miles (229 kilometers) for the full Grand Loop Road.
Driving Time	4 to 7 hours of driving time without major stops, depending on traffic and conditions.
Recommended Duration	2 to 3 days to explore comfortably with time for stops, photos, and wildlife viewing.
Main Route	The Grand Loop Road connects major attractions like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Canyon Village.
Speed Limit	Typically 25–45 mph (40–72 km/h); slower zones near wildlife or thermal areas.
Best Season	June to September for full access; some roads close in winter (Nov–Apr).
Fuel Availability	Gas available at Mammoth, Old Faithful, Canyon Village, Grant Village, and Fishing Bridge.
Visitor Tip	Start early to avoid traffic and maximize daylight for sightseeing.

The total distance of the loop is approximately 142 miles (229 kilometers), and while that might not sound like much, it’s important to understand that driving in Yellowstone is nothing like cruising on a highway. Speed limits within the park typically range from 25 to 45 miles per hour, and with wildlife crossings, scenic stops, and heavy visitor traffic during the summer months, it can take a full day—or even longer—to truly experience the journey.

For most visitors, driving the entire Grand Loop without major stops takes around 4 to 7 hours, depending on the time of year and road conditions. However, this estimate can easily double if you plan to enjoy the park as it’s meant to be experienced—by pulling over to admire geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings along the way. 

During the peak summer months, traffic congestion around popular areas such as Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Norris Geyser Basin can significantly increase travel time. Additionally, bison herds and elk often wander onto the roads, creating what locals affectionately call “bison jams.” While these moments may delay your trip, they also provide some of the most memorable experiences of a Yellowstone adventure.

The Grand Loop is divided into two main sections: the Upper Loop and the Lower Loop. Each loop is approximately 70 to 75 miles long. Many visitors choose to explore just one loop per day, allowing plenty of time to stop at major attractions, enjoy short hikes, and capture photographs of Yellowstone’s breathtaking scenery. The Lower Loop typically includes geothermal highlights such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin, while the Upper Loop features more rugged mountain landscapes, the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. A two-day drive—one day for each loop—offers the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

Road conditions in Yellowstone also vary by season. The park’s roads are usually open from late May to mid-October, but snow and ice can linger well into spring, especially in higher elevations. In winter, most of the Grand Loop is closed to regular vehicles, though portions between Mammoth Hot Springs and the Northeast Entrance remain open year-round. For those visiting in summer, it’s best to start your drive early in the morning to avoid traffic, catch wildlife activity at its peak, and enjoy cooler temperatures. Make sure to check for road construction or closures before your trip, as the park often undergoes maintenance to protect its delicate environment and infrastructure.

When driving the loop, visitors will find plenty of amenities and services along the way, including gas stations, restrooms, and lodges located at major junctions like Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, and Old Faithful Village. Still, it’s wise to plan your route in advance, bring water, snacks, and a full tank of gas, as distances between stops can be longer than expected. Cell service in Yellowstone is very limited, so offline maps or a printed park guide are highly recommended. The National Park Service provides free maps at every entrance, and ranger stations can offer up-to-date travel and wildlife information.

Ultimately, the time it takes to drive the loop in Yellowstone depends on how you want to experience it. You could technically complete the drive in a few hours, but that would mean missing out on the park’s magic. The best approach is to slow down, embrace the unexpected, and let Yellowstone reveal itself at its own pace. Whether you’re stopping to watch an eruption at Old Faithful, admiring the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, or spotting a wolf in the Lamar Valley, every mile of the Grand Loop offers something unforgettable. It’s not just a drive—it’s an adventure through one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.