Best Road Trips In Yellowstone National Park

Above, Lower Yellowstone Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time I was in Yellowstone National Park (2019), I drove my motorhome from the south entrance from Grand Teton National Park to Old Faithful Geyser.

As I expected, the roads were clogged with vehicles. After viewing the geyser, we headed back out of the park. I wasn't planning on going to Yellowstone, but a friend who was with me wanted to see it.  

My previous trip there (2015) was much more enjoyable as my daughter and I took two tours of the park with Buffalo Bus Touring Co. The roads were crowded, but at least I let someone else do the driving. Additionally, they picked us up at the KOA Kampground we stayed at in West Yellowstone, Montana.

However, if one has more patience than I who doesn't mind driving in such crowded conditions, Lonely Planet has an article on five of the best Yellowstone road trips.

They begin with:

Yellowstone National Park is vast.

It encompasses more than 3400 sq miles and it includes more than 450 miles of roads, providing plenty of space to explore. Driving yourself means you can spend as much time as you like doing the best things that Yellowstone has to offer, whether that's gazing at geysers or hiking the 900 miles of trails.

Be sure to keep your eye on the gas gauge and bring water and food along with you. Also, check the roads you'll need will be open when you plan on coming. Most of the park's roads are closed for much of the year (generally closing in early November before reopening in April or May). Services within the park are also very limited outside of peak season, so be prepared.

Parking can be difficult at popular spots — try to aim for early or late in the day to avoid having to wait for a spot. If you're driving an alternative fuel vehicle, be sure to check on fueling station availability. 

Driving yourself offers freedom and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known sites that might not be part of organized tours, but be sure to see the park's tips for drivers. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are numerous tour options available. However you visit, brush up on bear safety and read the park's safety advice on wildlife, environmental hazards, hydrothermal features, and other things to keep in mind. Here are the five best road trips in Yellowstone National Park.

To read more, go here.