Dunraven Pass
Yellowstone's highest pass offers breathtaking 360° mountain vistas, thrilling drives, and prime wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos & wildlife
Dunraven Pass
Best Time
Best light for photos & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yellowstone's highest pass offers breathtaking 360° mountain vistas, thrilling drives, and prime wildlife viewing.
"Arguably, the best place in Yellowstone for mountain vistas, without having to hike too much."
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's super cold at the summit! Be prepared for rapid weather changes, even in summer. :cloud:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for 360-degree photos. The drive itself is a scenic highlight. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
North and South sides of the pass
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Beartooth Mountains, Yellowstone Caldera, and Yellowstone Lake.
Wildlife Encounters
Grazing areas near the summit
Keep an eye out for bison and potentially grizzly bears in this prime wildlife viewing area.
Stargazing Opportunities
Summit viewpoints
Experience the magic of the Milky Way with incredible clarity, making it a prime spot for stargazing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Drive with Caution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mt Washburn Dunraven Pass June 23rd
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's super cold at the summit! Be prepared for rapid weather changes, even in summer. :cloud:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for 360-degree photos. The drive itself is a scenic highlight. :camerawithflash:
Walking from Dunraven Pass to Canyon Campground
Yellowstone Advice
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals. :bear:
🚗 Challenging Drive
The road is steep and winding. Drive carefully and enjoy the thrilling ascent. :oncoming_automobile:
Driving through YNP
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's super cold at the summit! Be prepared for rapid weather changes, even in summer. :cloud:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for 360-degree photos. The drive itself is a scenic highlight. :camerawithflash:
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals. :bear:
🚗 Challenging Drive
The road is steep and winding. Drive carefully and enjoy the thrilling ascent. :oncoming_automobile:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dunraven Pass, calling it the best place in Yellowstone for mountain vistas with minimal hiking. The challenging yet fun drive, stunning 360-degree views, and opportunities for wildlife sightings and stargazing make it a standout experience. Some note that while the drive is steep, the payoff is immense.
"Arguably, the best place in Yellowstone for mountain vistas, without having to hike too much. The North side of the pass opens up to an awe-inspiring view of the Beartooth mountains and Lamar valley. Whereas, the south side has stunning, expensive views of the Yellowstone caldera stretching all the way to Yellowstone lake and beyond.
The drive up there is steep and full of turns. Might very well be the most challenging and fun drive in Yellowstone. I'm from Colorado, so the drive felt routine to me.
Also, saw a bison grazing at the top. The descent towards the North side towards Lamar valley was my favorite. It was magical and the mountains casting their long shadows across Lamar valley at sunset added to the magic even more.
My favorite place in Yellowstone."
Yunik Tamrakar
"The yellowstone general stores cashier at Canyon village suggested to take the Dunraven pass route to reach Mammoth Springs. I should say it is a breath-taking view and best for panaroma and 360 degree pictures. I loved the drive although we were suggested to take the route also for chances of seeing a black bear, that did not happen though. But the drive is the best takeaway with the scenic ranges all over the place."
Sneha Chandrika
"Amazing view of milky way! Great for star gazing.
We however subsequently drove down to Mammoth springs and saw the same view with lesser obstructions (no trees)."
Mayank Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunraven Pass is located between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village on Grand Loop Road. It's accessible by car and is a scenic drive in itself.
No, Dunraven Pass is typically closed seasonally due to snow, usually from mid-October to mid-June. Always check the Yellowstone National Park road status before your visit.
The drive is steep and winding, offering a thrilling experience with many turns. It's considered one of the most challenging and fun drives in Yellowstone.
If entering Yellowstone from the west entrance near Helena, you would typically drive south towards Canyon Village and then head north on Grand Loop Road to reach Dunraven Pass.
There are no services directly at Dunraven Pass. The nearest services are at Canyon Village to the south and Tower-Roosevelt to the north.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dunraven Pass is within Yellowstone National Park. You will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to access the area.
Dunraven Pass is accessible when the roads are open, typically from late June through mid-October. There are no specific 'operating hours' beyond the road closures.
The entrance fee is for Yellowstone National Park itself, not specifically for Dunraven Pass. Check the official NPS website for current park entrance fees.
Yes, Dunraven Pass is an open scenic drive within the park. No specific reservations are needed to drive through it, provided the roads are open.
You can purchase your Yellowstone National Park entrance pass at any park entrance station or in advance online through the official NPS website.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360-degree panoramic views. The north side overlooks the Beartooth Mountains and Lamar Valley, while the south side offers views of the Yellowstone Caldera and Lake.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunset can be particularly magical.
Yes, it's a great spot for wildlife photography, especially for bison. Remember to maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens.
Absolutely! Dunraven Pass is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing and capturing the Milky Way.
A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive landscapes, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions and astrophotography.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife Viewing
Bison are commonly seen grazing near the summit. There's also a chance of spotting grizzly bears, elk, and other wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Early mornings and late evenings are generally the best times for wildlife viewing as animals are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Always maintain a safe and respectful distance. For bears and wolves, stay at least 100 yards away, and for bison and elk, at least 25 yards.
While specific tours might not focus solely on Dunraven Pass, many Yellowstone wildlife tours will include this scenic route as part of their itinerary.
Stay calm, do not run, and slowly back away. Make noise to let the bear know you are there. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for bison grazing near the summit – a thrilling sight for younger visitors. Remember to pack warm layers, as the temperature at this high elevation can be significantly cooler than in the valleys, even during summer. Ensure children understand and respect wildlife safety guidelines.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
This pass is a perfect stop on a Grand Loop Road itinerary. Consider timing your visit for sunrise or sunset to capture the most dramatic light and shadows across the landscape. The drive down towards Lamar Valley at sunset is particularly magical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Drive
This scenic route is not just about the destination but the journey. Each curve reveals new vistas, building anticipation for the summit views. It's recommended to take your time, pull over at designated turnouts, and soak in the changing landscapes. The descent on the north side towards Lamar Valley is particularly praised for its magical quality, especially as the mountains cast long shadows at sunset.
Key takeaway: The drive is as much a highlight as the views from the top. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding ascent and descent, and savor the scenic beauty along the way.
Unforgettable Vistas and Stargazing
Beyond the daytime scenery, Dunraven Pass is a prime location for stargazing. Far from city lights, the night sky here is incredibly clear, offering a spectacular view of the Milky Way. Many visitors report being awestruck by the celestial display, making an early morning or late evening visit worthwhile for this unique experience.
Photography tip: Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing these stunning landscapes. The golden hour before sunset, in particular, can create truly magical scenes as the mountains cast long shadows.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit