Fishing Bridge to West Thumb Section of Grand Loop Road

The Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone is the main method of travel through the park. It is shaped like a giant figure eight. Sections of this road are usually referred to by the two “junctions” that the section runs between. Below is the description of the road between Fishing Bridge Junction and West Thumb Junction. For an index of all road sections in the park, see the Yellowstone Roads index.

Mile 0 – Fishing Bridge Junction

The Grand Loop Road and the East Entrance Road intersect at Fishing Bridge Junction. The East Entrance Road heads east, eventually leading to the town of Cody, Wyoming. The Grand Loop Road heads to the north on the Canyon to Fishing Bridge section and south to West Thumb Junction, as described below.

Mile 1.1 – Elephant Back Trailhead

A small parking area for the Elephant Back Trailhead is on the right. This relatively easy two mile hike leads to a viewpoint of Lake Yellowstone.

Mile 1.6 – Lake Village

Lake Lodge Cabins in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

The road arrives at the side road to Lake Village. Multiple lodging opportunities, restaurants, stores, and most every visitor service is available.

Mile 3.4 – Bridge Bay Campground & Marina

Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

A road on the right heads toward the Bridge Bay Marina and Campground. The Natural Bridge Trailhead is also here, a hike of a little over a mile back to a natural bridge formation. This used to be a drive, so the trail is actually an old road.

Mile 3.7 – Gull Point Drive

Gull Point Drive is on the left. This short side road follows along the shore of Lake Yellowstone before rejoining the Grand Loop Road further down at the 5.4 mile mark.

Mile 12.1 – Pumice Point

Pumice Point, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The road goes by Pumice Point, another viewpoint of Lake Yellowstone.

Mile 20.8 – West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Access to the West Thumb Geyser Basin is on the left. This beautiful thermal area is right on the shore of Lake Yellowstone.

Mile 21.0 – West Thumb Junction

The road arrives at West Thumb Junction. A left turn enters the South Entrance Road, which leads to the John Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and Grand Teton National Park. Straight ahead is the West Thumb to Old Faithful section.