Introduction:
What? :
If you're entering Yellowstone National Park from Grand Teton National Park, you'll be driving through a scenic road with river views, canyons and waterfalls.
The 21 miles long road passes through a forested area of the park, you can clear it in 30 minutes or you will have a short stop along the drive and enjoy several nature gems.
Where? :
The South Entrance Road connects Yellowstone National Park with Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming to the south.
It stretches roughly 22 miles from the South Entrance to West Thumb Junction, where it connects with the Grand Loop Road.
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When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
The closest main visitor services are located just a few miles south of the park entrance (at Headwaters Campground) or at its north end Grant Village.
This hub offers a variety of amenities, including: Lodging (hotels and cabins), Campgrounds (Canyon Campground), Restaurants and general stores, gas station, and Visitor Center.
Due note 2:
The road is closed during the winter months.
At shoulder seasons (spring and fall) check Road Conditions: Snow or road maintenance may close the route unexpectedly.
My Thoughts:
I entered Yellowstone through this drive and enjoyed the short stops along the road. Probably the best one is the impressive Lewis Falls.
The Drive:
What You’ll See Along the South Entrance Road.
This drive may only be 22 miles long, but it’s full of classic Yellowstone beauty. Here’s what to expect and look out for as you make your way from the South Entrance to West Thumb.
Much of this drive passes through thick forests of tall lodgepole pine, characteristic of much of Yellowstone. The forest opens occasionally for glimpses of river creeks or small meadows.
Snake River Headwaters is passing near the park entrance. It’s one of the major rivers in the Pacific Northwest and offers beautiful views and occasional wildlife sightings.
From the park entrance the road follows a small attributed river called Lewis River, starting at Lewis Lake and flowing into the Snake River.
After 1.2 miles you will see a small parking lot, here you can have a short walk to the river below and enjoy the view of a small waterfall called Moose Falls.
You’ll drive along the Lewis River Canyon, after about 4 miles look for roadside viewing points, you can see the deep canyon with beautiful views of the water below.
After about 6.2 miles you will pass above Lewis Canyon Falls.
At mile post 10 you will reach Lewis Falls. This is a 30-foot waterfall that is located off the road. There’s a small parking area on both sides of the bridge and a short walk to the viewpoint.
Shortly after the falls, At mile post 11, you will reach Lewis Lake, one of Yellowstone’s larger lakes, great for boating, kayaking, and picnicking. There’s a campground here as well.
Continental Divide is at 17.2 miles, here the road passes the mountain ridge (7988 ft) where on its west side water flows to the Pacific Ocean and to its east side they are flowing into the Mississippi and eventually into the Gulf Of Mexico.
Grant Village:
Grant Village is a developed area located on the southwestern shore of Yellowstone Lake, near the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Named after President Ulysses S. Grant, it serves as a full-service hub for visitors, offering lodging in six two-story buildings, one of Yellowstone's largest campgrounds (with over 400 sites), and a variety of visitor services. These amenities include two restaurants (one with a lakeside view), a general store, a gas station, a post office, and the Grant Visitor Center.
After passing the entrance to Grant Village you will reach the end of the South Entrance Road, you'll arrive at West Thumb Junction. Just west of the intersection is West Thumb Geyser Basin.
This is a geothermal area located right on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. in my view one of the must see destinations when visiting Yellowstone National Park.
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