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.
Start Your Planning With These Local Businesses
Local Businesses
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.
