The Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive in Yellowstone National Park is an overlooked scenic drive. In June, the area is popping with wildflowers, and you’re very likely to see large wildlife such as bears, bison, and elk. Later in the season (I drove it in September), you can still enjoy the grasslands and mountain views, and you’ll probably spot a few bison if nothing else. At less than 7 miles long, it seems like a quick attraction, but you’ll have to go slowly, so it will probably take close to half an hour to drive from one end to the other (one-way, west to east).
Quick Stats
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There are a few reasons why the Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive is so quiet. First, it’s in the far central-north of the park, which is one of the quieter areas in general. Most people are either trying to get from Canyon up to the Lamar Valley, or they’re coming from Norris up to Mammoth, so the top of the Grand Loop sees a lot less traffic than the rest of the park. Second, the road is unpaved and high clearance is recommended (though usually not required – just go slow and watch for potholes). Third, June is the optimal month for the drive, and the rest of the year can seem a little ho-hum unless you get lucky. Fourth, who’s ever heard of it? I guess it’s just not that exciting to the Insta-crowd!
0.0 Blacktail Scenic Drive Trailhead (6,910ft.). Turn onto the paved apron that quickly becomes a gravel road. A sign tells you where you are and what you might see. Another sign informs you that this is a one way road (and therefore, you can’t just turn around – once you start, you’re committed!) Drive along, enjoying the forest (which is what you see first), meadows, and mountain views as well as keeping your eyes open for various wildlife. I saw quite a few birds in September along with a rabbit and one or two rodents. In the early summer, the mountains are streaked with snow, while in the fall, some of the bushes are alive with color. The road begins by winding southeast, then it turns south farther from the main road, before heading west back to meet up with the main road. There are a fair number of hills along the way and many tight curves, making it seem very remote. (44.9580720°, -110.5417650°)
6.9 End of the Blacktail Scenic Drive (6,600ft.). Turn left toward Mammoth or right toward Tower Junction. (44.9219990°, -110.4441490°)
One-way Road Length: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 904ft. up, 1,217ft. down (west to east)
Facilities: None
Fees: $35/vehicle, valid 7 days. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Public Lands Passes and Yellowstone Annual Passes are accepted.
Road Notes: I’ve already said the road is best soon after it opens in June. Not only is there more wildlife, but the nearby mountains will be streaked with snow, greatly improving the views (which are pretty good any time of year as it is). The road is best if you happen to be traveling west to east between Mammoth and Tower, as you can take the scenic drive as an alternate route to the road. Watch for potholes, and don’t drive too fast. Trailers, long vehicles, and OHVs are not permitted. The road is quite dusty (at least in September), so give other vehicles space. People talk about pulling over for pictures, but there are no official places, and the road is narrow, so use care to let traffic by as needed. Be sure to look in the rearview mirror, too.
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Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?
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Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive GPS Coordinates
Road beginning: 44.9580720°, -110.5417650° (44°57.48432′, -110°32.50590′ / 44°57’29.0592″, -110°32’30.3540″) (6,910ft.) (0.0)
Road end: 44.9219990°, -110.4441490° (44°55.31994′, -110°26.64894′ / 44°55’19.1964″, -110°26’38.9364″) (6,600ft.)
The gpx file for the Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.
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Getting to the Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive
From Mammoth, turn south onto Grand Loop Road (signed for Tower). Drive 9.5 miles to the beginning of the road, on the right.
Or from Tower Junction, head west on the Grand Loop Road (toward Mammoth). The beginning of the road will be on the left after 8.8 miles.
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