Upper Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone

Upper Loop

Yellowstone National Park is easy to explore via a large figure 8 loop road. Two portions of this road (upper and lower) provide access to different attractions. Many visitors decide to explore one loop at a time.

The Upper Loop encompasses Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt, Canyon Village, and Norris. We’ll enter and exit the park at Mammoth Hot Springs and work our way clockwise around the Upper Loop:

North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth is located pretty much right at the North Entrance. Before entering the park, enjoy the scenic Paradise Valley between Livingston and Gardiner, Montana.
Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Roosevelt
After exploring Mammoth Hot Springs (the terrace, historic hotel, and Fort Yellowstone), continue east. Check out Undine Falls and then take a short hike to Wraith Falls. Drive the scenic Blacktail Plateau Drive just before the Tower-Roosevelt Junction.
Lamar Valley and the Northeast Entrance
From Tower-Roosevelt, head due east through Lamar Valley to exit the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City. This road turns into the Beartooth Highway and eventually links up with Red Lodge Montana.
Tower-Roosevelt to Canyon Village
Visit Tower Fall and continue south to Mount Washburn (you can hike or ride your bike to the top).
Canyon Village to Norris
Enjoy a couple Hiking Trails in the Norris area and then stroll around the Norris Geyser Basin.
Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs
Head straight north from Norris and enjoy a few picnic areas and nice fishing spots along the Gardner River. Hike or bike around Bunsen Peak before returning to Mammoth.