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Gibbon Canyon: Norris to Madison, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Photo: InSapphoWeTrust · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Drives Wyoming Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Gibbon Canyon: Norris to Madison

Grand Loop Road, Grand Loop · Norris Junction → Madison Junction

Sweeping13.1 mi25 min400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,600 ftOne way
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The drive

This stretch of the Grand Loop Road runs from Norris Junction down to Madison Junction, following the Gibbon River down its canyon past Gibbon Falls. The road bends tightly beside the river and descends steadily through some of Yellowstone's thermal country.

The drive is 13.1 miles and about 23 minutes, and it drops gently along the river. The speed limit in the park is 45 mph unless posted otherwise.

The drive ends at Madison Junction.

Along the way

  1. Norris Junction
  2. Madison Junction
Elevation
400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,600 ft
Norris JunctionMadison Junction
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
Norris JunctionMadison Junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Most park roads close to regular vehicles from early November to late April, and this one reopens in spring depending on weather.
  • Yellowstone charges an entrance fee for private vehicles.
  • If bison are on the road, be patient and stay in your vehicle; keep at least 25 yards from bison and elk.
  • Use pullouts with all wheels off the road.

Closed to cars from about November 1 to mid-April (projected October 31, 2026). Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Yellowstone park roads (NPS).

Questions about this drive

How long does Norris to Madison take?

The Grand Loop between Norris and Madison is 13.1 miles and takes about 23 minutes.

Is the Norris to Madison road open in winter?

Not to regular vehicles. Yellowstone roads close from early November to late April, and limited oversnow travel runs in winter.

Is there a fee to drive through Yellowstone?

Yes. Private vehicles need an entrance pass.

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.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
Record your drivesAPEXRecord a drive and turn it into a route to drive again or share.

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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 Gibbon Canyon: Norris to Madison, from Norris Junction to Madison Junction