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Golden Gate: Mammoth to Norris, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Wyoming Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Golden Gate: Mammoth to Norris

Grand Loop · Mammoth Hot Springs → Norris Junction

Sweeping21 mi45 min1,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,600 ftOne way
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The drive

The Grand Loop between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction starts at Fort Yellowstone and crosses Golden Gate canyon on a viaduct. It then climbs over Kingman Pass in the Gallatin Range near Bunsen Peak.

From there the road descends toward the Gardner River valley, passes Sheepeater Cliff, crosses the Gardner River, and follows Obsidian Creek through Obsidian Canyon past Obsidian Cliff. Obsidian Cliff and Roaring Mountain are the named stops before Norris Junction.

The drive is 20.6 miles and about 45 minutes. Most of it is gentle, with two twisty stretches.

Along the way

  1. Mammoth Hot Springs
  2. Obsidian Cliff
  3. Roaring Mountain
  4. Norris Junction
Elevation
1,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,600 ft
Mammoth Hot SpringsNorris Junction
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
Mammoth Hot SpringsNorris Junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is closed to regular vehicles in winter, and opening dates depend on weather.
  • Yellowstone charges an entrance fee: $35 for a private vehicle, good for seven days.
  • Bison and other wildlife use the roadsides; stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

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

Questions about this drive

How long does Mammoth to Norris take?

Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction on the Grand Loop is 20.6 miles and takes about 45 minutes.

When is the Mammoth to Norris road open?

It is closed to regular vehicles in winter, and opening dates depend on weather. Check the park road status page before you go.

Is there a fee to drive Mammoth to Norris?

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

What does the Golden Gate road cross?

The Grand Loop crosses Golden Gate canyon on a viaduct, then goes over Kingman Pass in the Gallatin Range.

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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More drives near here

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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 Golden Gate: Mammoth to Norris, from Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction