Firehole Canyon Drive Yellowstone National Park
A stunning one-way scenic drive through a cool canyon, featuring Firehole Falls and abundant wildlife opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Firehole Canyon Drive Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning one-way scenic drive through a cool canyon, featuring Firehole Falls and abundant wildlife opportunities.
"A beautiful drive that you do not want to miss driving through the park."
🚗 One-Way Wonder
Enjoy this beautiful, short one-way drive through a stunning canyon. Plenty of pull-offs to explore!
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The canyon is cooler than surrounding areas. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Firehole Falls
Along Firehole Canyon Drive
Witness the impressive 40-foot cascade of Firehole Falls, a stunning natural spectacle within the canyon.
Osprey Nest
Overlooking the Firehole River
Spot ospreys hunting and nesting near the river, often visible from trees along the drive.
Scenic Overlooks
Various pull-offs
Enjoy numerous pull-offs offering views of flora, fauna, unique geology, and the winding Firehole River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Canyon's Cool
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 One-Way Wonder
Enjoy this beautiful, short one-way drive through a stunning canyon. Plenty of pull-offs to explore!
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The canyon is cooler than surrounding areas. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
🦬 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife. Give them plenty of space and never block the road.
📸 Morning Light is Best
Visit in the morning for optimal lighting for photography and clearer views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 One-Way Wonder
Enjoy this beautiful, short one-way drive through a stunning canyon. Plenty of pull-offs to explore!
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The canyon is cooler than surrounding areas. A light jacket is recommended for comfort.
🦬 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife. Give them plenty of space and never block the road.
📸 Morning Light is Best
Visit in the morning for optimal lighting for photography and clearer views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Firehole Canyon Drive's stunning scenery and unique geological features, particularly Firehole Falls and the chance to see wildlife like ospreys and bison. It's praised as a beautiful, worthwhile detour offering a cooler canyon experience and excellent photo opportunities, especially in the morning. Some note it can get shaded later in the day.
"A very beautiful one-way scenic route. A few stops with nice views on your right side. There is an osprey nest very close to the road (about the same height as the road itself) around almost at the end of the route. Try morning time. In the late afternoon, this road will be in the shade and it gets a bit dark to see those views."
Junwoo Lim
"One way drive that I highly recommend. It's short but plenty of areas to pull over and see flora, fauna, rock and water.
Saw buffalo but didn't stay long so as not to bother them.
Recommend taking a light jacket as this area is significantly cooler than surrounding areas. I absolutely loved it."
H
"Beautiful drive that you do not want to miss driving through the park."
Andrew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Firehole Canyon Drive is a one-way scenic loop located between Midway Geyser Basin and Madison Junction. It's easily accessible from the main Grand Loop Road.
Firehole Canyon Drive is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through fall. It's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status, as it can close due to weather or maintenance.
Yes, RVs can navigate Firehole Canyon Drive, but it's a one-way road with pull-offs. Be mindful of other vehicles and wildlife.
No, Firehole Canyon Drive is a separate scenic loop that branches off the Grand Loop Road, offering a more intimate canyon experience.
The best way is to drive slowly, utilize the pull-offs for short walks and photos, and be patient with potential wildlife sightings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Firehole Canyon Drive is within Yellowstone National Park. You only need a valid park entrance pass to access it.
There are no additional fees beyond the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee.
Firehole Canyon Drive generally follows park road hours, typically open from sunrise to sunset during its operational season. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there are designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks where you can safely stop to enjoy the views and take photos.
While the drive itself is accessible, some of the pull-off areas and short trails might have uneven terrain. Check with park rangers for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Firehole Falls, the osprey nests, and the various scenic overlooks offering unique geological and riparian views.
While it's primarily a scenic drive, there are short, informal trails at some pull-offs that allow for brief exploration of the canyon's edge.
Bison are frequently seen in the vicinity. You might also spot elk, various birds of prey like ospreys, and smaller mammals.
The drive itself is short, but allow at least 30-60 minutes to stop at overlooks, enjoy the scenery, and potentially observe wildlife.
Restroom facilities are limited along this scenic drive. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby Midway Geyser Basin or Madison Junction before or after your drive.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Mornings offer the best light, avoiding harsh shadows and providing a softer glow on the canyon walls.
A versatile zoom lens is great for wildlife and landscape shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the canyon's expanse. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water and sky.
Capture the dramatic plunge of Firehole Falls, the intricate details of the osprey nests, and the sweeping vistas of the canyon and river.
Visiting early in the morning, especially on weekdays, will significantly reduce the number of other visitors in your shots.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and a wide aperture for a blurred background to isolate your subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are scarce. The cooler canyon temperatures mean a light jacket is a good idea for everyone, even on a sunny day. Be sure to talk to your kids about wildlife safety and the importance of giving animals like bison plenty of space. The chance to spot an osprey nest can also be a fun educational moment. The drive is short enough not to bore younger children, but offers enough visual interest to keep everyone engaged.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Combine this drive with nearby attractions like Midway Geyser Basin and Old Faithful for a comprehensive Yellowstone experience. The drive offers a different perspective on the park's diverse landscapes, moving from geothermal wonders to rugged canyon scenery. Don't forget your camera and a good playlist to enhance the journey!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Firehole Canyon
Visitors can observe evidence of past volcanic eruptions and the slow, persistent work of water shaping the land. The drive offers a glimpse into the powerful forces that continue to mold Yellowstone's unique environment. It's a fascinating contrast to the geyser basins, showcasing a different facet of the park's geothermal and geological wonders.
Key geological features to look for include the various strata in the canyon walls and the mineral staining along the riverbanks. The area provides a tangible connection to the earth's internal heat and the long history of geological change in the region.
Wildlife Encounters on Firehole Canyon Drive
Bison are also frequently spotted grazing in the meadows adjacent to the drive. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never approach or feed wildlife. A 'bison jam' is a common occurrence here, so patience is key.
Photography tip: Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens to capture wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Early morning and late evening are often the most active times for animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit