Sylvan Pass Yellowstone National Park
A dramatic mountain pass in Yellowstone offering exhilarating drives, stunning vistas, and chances to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Snow still lingers, adding to the beauty.
Sylvan Pass Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Snow still lingers, adding to the beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic mountain pass in Yellowstone offering exhilarating drives, stunning vistas, and chances to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
"Awesome views and a thrilling drive, but be prepared for steep drop-offs if you're scared of heights!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging.
🐐 Watch for Wildlife
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 9 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Experience sweeping views of rugged peaks and dramatic landscapes. The drive itself is the main attraction.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for majestic bighorn sheep and mountain goats often seen on the mountainsides.
Challenging & Exhilarating Road
A thrilling drive with steep inclines, sharp turns, and stunning, albeit sometimes scary, drop-offs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Wildlife & Weather Watch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Sylvan pass worth visiting?
From the maps, it just looks like a scenic route and nothing specific (overlook points, lakes, etc.). Can someone please share more details who has been to sylvan pass?
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging.
🐐 Watch for Wildlife
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready!
East Yellowstone one day itinerary/recommendations
Hello! We will be staying in Cody, WY next August and are hoping to do a day in Yellowstone. Hoping to get recommendations since I know the east entrance to Yellowstone isn’t the road most taken, so to say. We would be entering and exiting there. Beginner-intermediate trails…
Yellowstone in late may?
Is it worth trying to visit Yellowstone in late May? Thinking May 20-25. We will be in Wyoming to visit relatives and wanted to see it but, the more I read, the more worried I get we will encounter snowstorms (we've never driven in snow). If we decided to try and go is there a…
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change quickly. Snow is possible even in late June, so be prepared for varying temperatures.
📸 Capture the Views
The drive offers incredible scenic overlooks. Stop safely to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Best route to travel in
My wife and I are doing a cross country roadtrip for our 20th. Lots of stops prior coming from Michigan but July 31st we will be leaving Devils Tower and heading to Yellowstone (first time coming here for either of us and MAJOR bucket list). We are staying in West Yellowstone.…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging.
🐐 Watch for Wildlife
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready!
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change quickly. Snow is possible even in late June, so be prepared for varying temperatures.
📸 Capture the Views
The drive offers incredible scenic overlooks. Stop safely to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sylvan Pass for its exhilarating drive and stunning mountain scenery, with many enjoying sightings of bighorn sheep and mountain goats. However, the steep drop-offs and winding roads can be a significant concern for those with a fear of heights. The lack of guardrails is a recurring point of caution.
"Really cool. Got to see six big horn sheep traversing the mountain side. And still snow at the end of June."
Glenn
"I loved the drive - exhilarating!
My wife hated it - she's scared of heights.
There's huge drop offs, not many guard rails, and awesome views. Take it or leave it depending on how are are with scary roads."
Tod Poirier
"My wife and I enjoyed driving here in Oct. 2017. It was beautiful."
Paul Fair
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sylvan Pass is located on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via Highway 14/16/20. It's a scenic drive that connects the East Entrance to the interior of the park.
The drive can be challenging for those with a fear of heights due to steep drop-offs and winding roads. It's an exhilarating experience for others.
The best way is by car, allowing you to stop at various scenic points and look for wildlife. The drive itself is the primary experience.
Services are limited. There are some picnic areas, but it's advisable to fill up on gas and use restrooms before entering this section of the park.
Yes, there are a couple of trails available for short hikes, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty further.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sylvan Pass is within Yellowstone National Park, so a standard park entrance fee is required. No separate ticket is needed for the pass itself.
Sylvan Pass is generally accessible year-round, but road closures can occur due to heavy snowfall, especially in winter and early spring. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road conditions.
Crowds can vary. It's generally less crowded than some of the more famous geyser basins, but popular during peak summer months. Visiting in the shoulder seasons or early/late in the day can offer a more serene experience.
Yes, RVs can navigate Sylvan Pass, but drivers should be cautious of the narrow, winding sections and steep grades. Larger RVs may find some pull-offs tight.
The East Entrance Station is located at the eastern end of Sylvan Pass, making it a convenient entry or exit point.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for pull-offs that offer expansive views of the Absaroka Range. The winding road itself can also make for dramatic photographic compositions.
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are the most sought-after subjects. Keep an eye on the rocky slopes.
Sunrise and sunset can cast beautiful light on the mountains. However, be mindful of road safety and potential wildlife activity during these times.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Standard park rules apply. Do not disturb wildlife, stay on designated trails, and be aware of your surroundings. Drone usage is restricted in national parks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit