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Dunraven Pass: Canyon to Tower, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Photo: Viplav Valluri · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Wyoming Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Dunraven Pass: Canyon to Tower

Grand Loop · Canyon Junction → Tower Junction

Twisty17.9 mi35 min1,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Dunraven Pass is the Grand Loop's high road over the Washburn Range, from Canyon Junction north to Tower Junction. At 8,859 feet it sits near Mount Washburn, and the road climbs along the mountain before descending past Tower Fall to Tower Junction.

The drive is 17.9 miles and about 35 minutes. The route is rated Twisty, with three twisty stretches.

The pass is named for nearby Dunraven Peak, which lies about two miles southwest of Mount Washburn.

Along the way

  1. Canyon Junction
  2. Dunraven Pass
  3. Tower Fall
  4. Tower Junction
Elevation
1,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,900 ft
Canyon JunctionTower Junction
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
Canyon JunctionTower Junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Dunraven Pass is a summer road, and its opening and closing dates depend on conditions.
  • Yellowstone charges an entrance fee: $35 for a private vehicle, good for seven days.
  • Soft shoulders, potholes and frost heaves are common on Yellowstone roads, and bison can stop traffic; stay in your vehicle and wait.

Usually open only from late May to mid-October. 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 Dunraven Pass open?

Dunraven Pass is open in summer and closed in winter. Exact dates depend on conditions, so check the park road status page.

How long does Dunraven Pass take to drive?

Canyon Junction to Tower Junction over Dunraven Pass is 17.9 miles and takes about 35 minutes.

How high is Dunraven Pass?

Dunraven Pass is 8,859 feet, in the Washburn Range near Mount Washburn.

Do I need to pay to drive Dunraven Pass?

Yes. The road is inside Yellowstone, where a private vehicle pass is $35 and valid for 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.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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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 Dunraven Pass: Canyon to Tower, from Canyon Junction to Tower Junction