(click map to open very large locator map - this section is dark purple)
Old Faithful to Madison | ||
| 0.0 | From the Old Faithful Interchange, the Grand Loop Road heads to the east on the West Thumb to Old Faithful section and north to Madison Junction, as described below. |
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| 0.4 |  The parking area for Black Sand Basin is on the left. This is a nice thermal area with many outstanding features, including the Emerald Pool, shown to the left. |
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| 2.0 |  The parking area for Biscuit Basin is on the left. This is another small thermal area, named for formations that existed here until they were destroyed by an earthquake. Several thermal features can be seen, including the Wall Pool, shown to the left. |
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| 4.4 | A good sized parking area on the left is for the Fairy Falls Trail. This trail leads less than two miles to Fairy Falls. Along the way is a good view of the Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin. |
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| 5.9 |  The road passes by the large parking area for the Midway Geyser Basin. Some of the largest features in the park are here, including the largest pool, the Grand Prismatic Spring, pictured to the left. |
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| 6.3 | The road goes by the Whiskey Flats Picnic Area. |
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| 6.8 |  The entrance to the one-way Firehole Lake Drive is on the left. This road goes by several interesting thermal features, including Firehole Spring, shown to the left. |
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| 7.8 |  The Fountain Paint Pots Thermal Area is on the left. In addition to the paint pots themselves are a number of pools and geysers. |
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| 7.9 | The one-way Firehole Lake Drive rejoins from the left. Do not enter. |
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| 9.5 | The road passes the parking area for the Mary Mountain Trailhead. This is an access to several long hikes. |
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| 10.4 |  The Fountain Flat Drive is on the left. |
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| 11.5 | The road goes by the Firehole River Picnic Area. |
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| 13.7 | The one-way Firehole Canyon Drive rejoins from the left. |
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| 15.6 |  The Firehole Canyon Drive leaves the road to the left. Several scenic spots are along this drive, including Firehole Falls, pictured to the left. There is also a swimming area on the Firehole River. |
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| 16.1 | The road arrives at Madison Junction. A right turn enters the Madison to Norris section. A left turn joins the West Entrance Road which leads to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. |
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