The Grand Loop Road is a 140-mile system that was built in 1915 to connect all the major features of Yellowstone National Park. To try and drive it in one day can take 4-7 hours depending on the wildlife on the road and traffic. From Fishing Bridge, it was about a 1.5 hour drive to West Yellowstone. We were last here in the fall of 2020.
Grizzly RV Park, Madison River, West Yellowstone, MT
They had 50-amp service, good water pressure, sewer, gravel sites, and Internet that disappeared as the evening progressed. There was a lot of turnover in the park, which means it was always full and a little noisy. The nice part was there was ample space to walk Jake, even some areas outside the park where he could be off leash.
West Yellowstone was busy, even at the beginning of June. Even though there were quite a few restaurants and bars in town, the food was pricey and mediocre quality. Groceries were also pricey and very limited. We provisioned when in Cody, Wyoming but after a few weeks, supplies were getting low. Our next stay is Gardiner, Montana is a smaller town yet. COVID, supply chain issues, staffing shortages and too many tourists are definitely noticeable when going to the grocery store. There were times when we bought the last package of chicken. Dog food has also been impacted, which is an issue since Jake has an allergy to sweet potatoes.
Madison River
The Madison River flows to the west entrance of Yellowstone then turns north. We’ve stayed in West Yellowstone before, but this time decided on a couple of weeks in case of bad spring weather. We had a number of overcast days and quite a few had rain, limiting our opportunities for great photography. The river is formed by the confluence of the Firehole and the Gibbon rivers at Madison Junction. The Madison’s confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers form the Missouri at Three Forks, Montana.
Daily we drove along the Madison to get farther into the National Park. Along the way there were always herds of bison, often stopping traffic on their way to drier pastures.
There were frequently people fly fishing. Elk were rarely seen this time of year. They tended to be up north near Mammoth Hot Springs.
Grand Loop Road, Madison-Old Faithful
South of Madison junction is our favorite hydrothermal area because of the Grand Prismatic Spring and numerous others. The area is amazing and can only be experienced in person. Old Faithful is always a treat to see. Nearby are the lodge, general store, and restaurants. Unfortunately, our lunch wasn’t very good, but the views out the windows were great.
Firehole Canyon
A scenic short drive through a canyon with an abundance of spring water flowing.
Fountain Paint Pots Trail
An easy 0.5 mile boardwalk to see some impressive hydrothermal features.
Firehole Lake Drive
It is a 3 mile one way loop that rarely is crowded.
Many of the hydrothermal features are stunning.
Grand Prismatic Spring
One of the most photographic features in Yellowstone. It measures about 200-300 feet in diameter and 121 feet deep. Heat loving microscopic organisms called thermophiles give the different colors to the different temperature zones in the spring.
A had a nice hike to a great view of Grand Prismatic Spring along the trail to Fairy Falls.
Biscuit Basin
We enjoy this basin because there is almost always parking and the hydrothermal pools are stunning.
There is a nice boardwalk and usually bison in the area.
Black Sand Basin
It is located near Old Faithful. The black sand is from obsidian that forms when lava cools quickly.
Grand Loop Road, Old Faithful-West Thumb
Kepler Cascade
Lake Village has a hotel and gift/grocery/restaurant store with great views of Yellowstone Lake.
Grand Loop Road, Fishing Bridge-Canyon
Hayden Valley
Grand Loop Road, Canyon-Tower
We enjoy driving this section of the loop because there is an elevation gain to over 8800 feet. In the summer there are wildflowers. This time of the year it’s about the snow capped mountains.
Along the way there were the usual elk and bison, but we saw bighorn sheep in the distance.
Almost each time we drove this section of the Grand Loop, we usually encountered bear. A mother black bear and her two cubs were regular roadside entertainers. Such a precious site to see.
We also came across a cinnamon mamma bear with her older cub.
Grand Loop Road, Norris-Madison
Along this section of the Grand Loop is Terrace Springs.
Norris Geyser Basin
The area consists of boardwalks and dirt trails through numerous geysers and hot springs. It is the most dynamic, oldest and hottest area of Yellowstone.
South of Norris Geyser Basin is Beryl Spring.
Farther south on the Grand Loop road is Gibbon Falls. There are so many amazing sites to experience.
