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Craig Pass: Old Faithful to West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Photo: NPS

Drives Wyoming Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Craig Pass: Old Faithful to West Thumb

Grand Loop · Old Faithful → West Thumb Junction

Sweeping16 mi25 min1,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,500 ftOne way
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The drive

This stretch of the Grand Loop runs east from Old Faithful to West Thumb Junction on Yellowstone Lake. It climbs through forest past Kepler Cascades and crosses the Continental Divide at Craig Pass, at 8,262 feet, about 8 miles from Old Faithful.

Isa Lake sits just west of the pass, and it straddles the divide: water from it drains both to the Atlantic by way of the Missouri and to the Pacific by way of the Snake. From the pass the road drops through trees to the lake at West Thumb.

It is 16 miles and about 25 minutes of driving. The road was built in the 1890s and takes its name from Ida Craig, the daughter of an Army general.

Along the way

  1. Old Faithful
  2. Kepler Cascades
  3. Isa Lake (Craig Pass)
  4. West Thumb Junction
Elevation
1,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,500 ft
Old FaithfulWest Thumb Junction
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
Old FaithfulWest Thumb Junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is closed to regular vehicles in winter, and opening and closing dates depend on weather.
  • Yellowstone charges an entrance fee: $35 for a private vehicle, good for seven days. A Yellowstone pass does not cover Grand Teton.
  • The park speed limit is 45 mph unless posted, and Yellowstone warns that winding roads and traffic often make drives take longer than expected.

Closed to cars from November 1 to about May 8. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Yellowstone National Park: park road status.

Questions about this drive

When is Craig Pass open?

The road is closed to regular vehicles in winter. Opening and closing dates depend on weather, so check the park road status page before you go.

How long does Craig Pass from Old Faithful to West Thumb take?

Old Faithful to West Thumb Junction is 16 miles on the Grand Loop and takes about 25 minutes without stops.

How high is Craig Pass?

Craig Pass is 8,262 feet, on the Continental Divide, and Isa Lake sits on the divide just west of it.

Is there a fee to drive Craig Pass?

Yes. The road is inside Yellowstone National Park, where a private vehicle pass is $35 and lasts seven days.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Craig Pass: Old Faithful to West Thumb, from Old Faithful to West Thumb Junction