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Firehole Canyon Drive Yellowstone National Park

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

A stunning one-way scenic drive in Yellowstone featuring Firehole Falls and a unique geothermally heated swimming hole.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds for a swim

CrowdLow
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Firehole Canyon Drive - Image 1

Firehole Canyon Drive Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds for a swim

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning one-way scenic drive in Yellowstone featuring Firehole Falls and a unique geothermally heated swimming hole.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Firehole River swimming hole is an unforgettable, naturally heated dip with incredible canyon views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚫 No RVs Allowed

RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited on Firehole Canyon Drive. Plan accordingly!

🏊‍♀️ Swim Smart

The swimming hole is geothermally heated, but water temps can vary. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Firehole Falls

Firehole Falls

Along Firehole Canyon Drive

Witness the powerful cascade of Firehole Falls, a stunning natural spectacle along the scenic drive.

Firehole River Swimming Hole

Firehole River Swimming Hole

Near the end of Firehole Canyon Drive

Take a refreshing dip in the geothermally heated waters of this unique natural swimming spot.

Scenic Overlooks

Scenic Overlooks

Various pull-offs along the drive

Stop at numerous viewpoints for breathtaking vistas of the Firehole River and surrounding canyon.

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Planning Your Visit

RV Restrictions

Planning an RV trip? Firehole Canyon Drive is NOT accessible for RVs, campers, or buses. Heed the signs to avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth visit to Yellowstone National Park.

Best Time for a Dip

The swimming hole at Firehole Canyon is a popular spot! Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for a swim
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on canyon
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lesser-known Yellowstone experiences?

🚫 No RVs Allowed

RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited on Firehole Canyon Drive. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Swim Smart

The swimming hole is geothermally heated, but water temps can vary. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. TikTok

reddit.com

RV! Firehole Canyon?

🚗 Drive Slowly & Stop Often

This is a scenic drive! Take your time, use pull-offs, and soak in the views. Instagram

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The riverbed can be rocky. Water shoes are recommended for comfort at the swimming hole. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚫 No RVs Allowed

RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited on Firehole Canyon Drive. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Swim Smart

The swimming hole is geothermally heated, but water temps can vary. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. TikTok

🚗 Drive Slowly & Stop Often

This is a scenic drive! Take your time, use pull-offs, and soak in the views. Instagram

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The riverbed can be rocky. Water shoes are recommended for comfort at the swimming hole. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique experience of swimming in the geothermally heated Firehole River and the stunning natural beauty of the canyon. The scenic drive itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking views. However, the strict prohibition of RVs and the potential for crowds at the swimming hole are noted drawbacks.

What People Like

Unique swimming hole
Beautiful canyon views
Scenic one-way drive

What People Dislike

No RVs allowed
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Firehole Canyon Drive is located in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park, west of Old Faithful. Access is typically from Grand Loop Road. Look for the clearly marked entrance. Instagram

No, RVs, campers, and buses are prohibited from driving on Firehole Canyon Drive due to its narrowness and sharp turns. Reddit

Yes, Firehole Canyon Drive is a one-way loop road, designed for passenger vehicles to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of oncoming traffic. TikTok

The speed limit is generally low, around 25 mph, to allow visitors to safely enjoy the views and pull over at designated spots. Always adhere to posted signs. Instagram

Firehole Canyon Drive is typically open seasonally, usually from late May or early June through October, depending on snow and road conditions. Check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current status. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Firehole Canyon Drive is within Yellowstone National Park. You only need your standard park entrance pass to access it. Instagram

The drive is generally open during daylight hours when the park is accessible. Specific opening and closing times can vary seasonally. TikTok

The fee is for Yellowstone National Park entry, not specifically for Firehole Canyon Drive. The pass covers all park attractions. Instagram

Tickets are for park entry and can be purchased at park entrances or online in advance. No separate booking is needed for the drive itself. TikTok

While the park gates may close, Firehole Canyon Drive is typically accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to check official park hours for any restrictions. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic viewpoints, hike short trails, and swim in the geothermally heated swimming hole. It's a great spot for photography and appreciating nature. TikTokInstagram

The swimming hole is geothermally heated, so water temperatures can vary. Be aware of submerged rocks and currents. Always supervise children closely. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the main parking area near the swimming hole and at some viewpoints. Instagram

While less common than in other park areas, you might spot birds, small mammals, or even bison in the wider vicinity. Keep a safe distance. TikTok

Some viewpoints and parking areas are accessible, but the terrain can be uneven. The swimming hole access may be challenging. Check with park rangers for specific accessibility information. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The viewpoints overlooking Firehole Falls and the river bends offer stunning photographic opportunities. The swimming hole area also provides unique shots. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Drone usage is strictly prohibited in all national parks, including Yellowstone, for safety and wildlife protection. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the water and sky. Instagram

Capture the steam rising from the water, especially in cooler temperatures. Experiment with different angles to show the scale and the surrounding landscape. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Firehole Canyon Drive offers a fantastic opportunity for families to experience Yellowstone's natural beauty. The geothermally heated swimming hole is a major draw for kids, providing a unique and memorable swimming experience. Remember to bring water shoes as the riverbed can be rocky. Reddit The drive itself is short and engaging, with plenty of scenic viewpoints for quick stops and stretching legs.

While RVs are prohibited, families in standard vehicles will find the one-way loop easy to navigate. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The drive is a great way to break up longer days of exploring other parts of the park, offering a refreshing change of pace and a chance for kids to burn off some energy in a beautiful natural setting. TikTok

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good scenic drive, Firehole Canyon Drive is a must-do in Yellowstone. The one-way loop allows for a relaxed pace, with ample opportunities to pull over and admire the dramatic canyon scenery and the powerful Firehole Falls. Instagram It's a perfect route for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Be mindful of the vehicle restrictions – this drive is best suited for cars and motorcycles. The drive is relatively short, making it an ideal addition to a day exploring the geyser basins. The chance to take a dip in the natural, geothermally heated swimming hole adds a unique adventurous element to the road trip experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Geothermal Waters

Firehole Canyon Drive is named after the Firehole River, which flows through it. This river is famously heated by geothermal activity from Yellowstone's volcanic caldera. The water temperature in the river can vary significantly, making the designated swimming hole a unique experience. Visitors often describe the water as pleasantly warm, though it's important to remember that these are natural, unmonitored conditions. Always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when entering the water. TikTok

This geothermal influence also shapes the landscape, creating mineral deposits and contributing to the unique ecosystem of the canyon. The drive itself offers glimpses into this dynamic geological area, with steam vents and hot springs visible in the distance. It's a constant reminder of the powerful forces at play beneath the surface of Yellowstone. Instagram

Navigating Firehole Canyon Drive with Vehicles

One of the most crucial pieces of advice for visiting Firehole Canyon Drive is understanding vehicle restrictions. As highlighted by many travelers, RVs, campers, and buses are strictly prohibited from using this road. Reddit This is due to the road's narrow width, sharp turns, and limited pull-off areas, which are not suitable for larger vehicles. Passenger cars and motorcycles are welcome, and the one-way loop is designed to provide a relaxed scenic experience.

When driving, remember that this is a scenic drive, not a thoroughfare. The speed limit is intentionally kept low to encourage visitors to stop at the numerous viewpoints and appreciate the canyon's beauty. Take your time, use the designated pull-offs to let faster traffic pass if needed, and be prepared for potential wildlife sightings. The drive offers stunning views of Firehole Falls and the winding river, making it a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

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