(click map to open very large locator map - this section is blue)
0.0
Madison Junction
The Grand Loop Road and the West Entrance Road intersect at Madison Junction. The West Entrance Road heads west to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. The Grand Loop Road heads to the south on the Old Faithful to Madison section and north to Norris Junction, as described below.
0.1
Purple Mountain Trailhead
The road passes a small parking area for the Purple Mountain Trail, a somewhat long and difficult day hiking trail.
0.8
Terrace Spring
On the left is a small boardwalk system and parking lot for Terrace Spring. The spring looks like a small, normal lake until you see the upper end where the hot water bubbles up from below.
1.6
Tuff Cliff Picnic Area
The road passes by the Tuff Cliff Picnic Area.
4.8
Gibbon Falls
A series of small pullout areas provide several viewpoints of Gibbon Falls. This waterfall on the Gibbon River is 84 feet tall, and is one of the easier falls in Yellowstone to view from the road.
8.3
Beryl Spring
The road passes by a long pullout on the left that provides access to a short boardwalk. This walk leads quickly to Beryl Spring, a vigorous, deep blue hot spring pool.
8.7
Monument Trailhead
A very small parking area is on the left for the Monument Trailhead. This trail leads to the Monument Geyser Basin, one of the least visited thermal areas in the park.
9.8
Artists Paintpots Trailhead
A short side road to the right leads to the parking area for Artists Paintpots. A short hike leads to this beautiful thermal area.
10.3
Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area
The road passes by the Gibbon Meadows Picnic Area.
13.6
Norris Junction
The road arrives at Norris Junction. A right turn enters the Norris to Canyon section. Straight ahead, the Grand Loop Road continues from Norris to Mammoth. A left turn enters the Norris Geyser Basin area.
