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Sylvan Pass Yellowstone National Park

4.6
·9 reviews·, United States

A dramatic mountain pass in Yellowstone offering exhilarating drives, stunning vistas, and chances to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late June

Snow still lingers, adding to the beauty.

CrowdMedium
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Sylvan Pass - Image 1

Sylvan Pass Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Late June

Snow still lingers, adding to the beauty.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic mountain pass in Yellowstone offering exhilarating drives, stunning vistas, and chances to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

4.6
(9 reviews)

"Awesome views and a thrilling drive, but be prepared for steep drop-offs if you're scared of heights!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging.

🐐 Watch for Wildlife

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Vistas

Panoramic Mountain Vistas

Experience sweeping views of rugged peaks and dramatic landscapes. The drive itself is the main attraction.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Keep your eyes peeled for majestic bighorn sheep and mountain goats often seen on the mountainsides.

Challenging & Exhilarating Road

Challenging & Exhilarating Road

A thrilling drive with steep inclines, sharp turns, and stunning, albeit sometimes scary, drop-offs.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Scenic Drive

Sylvan Pass is primarily a scenic drive with breathtaking mountain views and potential wildlife sightings. It's less about specific attractions and more about the journey itself. Be prepared for winding roads and significant drop-offs, which can be unnerving for some.

Wildlife & Weather Watch

Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, especially in higher elevations. Weather can change rapidly, even in summer, with snow possible at the end of June. Dress in layers and check forecasts before you go.

Best Times

When
Late June
Why
Snow still lingers, adding to the beauty.
Crowd
Medium
When
October
Why
Beautiful autumn colors, fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is Sylvan pass worth visiting?

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging. Reddit

🐐 Watch for Wildlife

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready! Reddit

reddit.com

East Yellowstone one day itinerary/recommendations

reddit.com

Yellowstone in late may?

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather can change quickly. Snow is possible even in late June, so be prepared for varying temperatures. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The drive offers incredible scenic overlooks. Stop safely to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

reddit.com

Best route to travel in

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road has steep drop-offs and few guardrails. If you're scared of heights, this drive might be challenging. Reddit

🐐 Watch for Wildlife

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are frequently spotted here. Have your camera ready! Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather can change quickly. Snow is possible even in late June, so be prepared for varying temperatures. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The drive offers incredible scenic overlooks. Stop safely to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sylvan Pass for its exhilarating drive and stunning mountain scenery, with many enjoying sightings of bighorn sheep and mountain goats. However, the steep drop-offs and winding roads can be a significant concern for those with a fear of heights. The lack of guardrails is a recurring point of caution.

"Really cool. Got to see six big horn sheep traversing the mountain side. And still snow at the end of June."

Glenn

"I loved the drive - exhilarating!
My wife hated it - she's scared of heights.
There's huge drop offs, not many guard rails, and awesome views. Take it or leave it depending on how are are with scary roads."

Tod Poirier

"My wife and I enjoyed driving here in Oct. 2017. It was beautiful."

Paul Fair

What People Like

Exhilarating drive
Stunning mountain views
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Fear of heights
Lack of guardrails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sylvan Pass is located on the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via Highway 14/16/20. It's a scenic drive that connects the East Entrance to the interior of the park. Reddit

The drive can be challenging for those with a fear of heights due to steep drop-offs and winding roads. It's an exhilarating experience for others. Reddit

The best way is by car, allowing you to stop at various scenic points and look for wildlife. The drive itself is the primary experience. Reddit

Services are limited. There are some picnic areas, but it's advisable to fill up on gas and use restrooms before entering this section of the park.

Yes, there are a couple of trails available for short hikes, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty further. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sylvan Pass is within Yellowstone National Park, so a standard park entrance fee is required. No separate ticket is needed for the pass itself.

Sylvan Pass is generally accessible year-round, but road closures can occur due to heavy snowfall, especially in winter and early spring. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road conditions.

Crowds can vary. It's generally less crowded than some of the more famous geyser basins, but popular during peak summer months. Visiting in the shoulder seasons or early/late in the day can offer a more serene experience.

Yes, RVs can navigate Sylvan Pass, but drivers should be cautious of the narrow, winding sections and steep grades. Larger RVs may find some pull-offs tight.

The East Entrance Station is located at the eastern end of Sylvan Pass, making it a convenient entry or exit point.

📸 📸 Photography

Look for pull-offs that offer expansive views of the Absaroka Range. The winding road itself can also make for dramatic photographic compositions. Reddit

Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are the most sought-after subjects. Keep an eye on the rocky slopes. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset can cast beautiful light on the mountains. However, be mindful of road safety and potential wildlife activity during these times.

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand landscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.

Standard park rules apply. Do not disturb wildlife, stay on designated trails, and be aware of your surroundings. Drone usage is restricted in national parks.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, Sylvan Pass offers a unique blend of thrilling scenery and potential wildlife sightings. While the winding roads and drop-offs might be a concern for parents of very young children or those with motion sickness, older kids often find the drive exhilarating. Reddit It’s a great opportunity to teach children about mountain ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as services are minimal. Ensure children are securely buckled in and consider bringing binoculars for them to spot wildlife. The picnic areas offer a chance to stretch legs and enjoy the views. Remember to check road conditions before you go, as winter closures can impact accessibility.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

Sylvan Pass is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast seeking dramatic mountain scenery and a bit of an adrenaline rush. The challenging curves and steep inclines offer a different kind of driving pleasure compared to the more open roads elsewhere in Yellowstone. Reddit It’s a route that demands attention but rewards drivers with spectacular, ever-changing vistas.

Plan for ample time to stop at the designated pull-offs to truly appreciate the scale of the landscape and to scan for the iconic bighorn sheep and mountain goats that call this area home. Reddit Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and potentially more dramatic weather, enhancing the overall road trip experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Drive

Sylvan Pass is renowned for its exhilarating and sometimes nerve-wracking drive. The road ascends steeply, featuring numerous switchbacks and dramatic drop-offs. Many visitors describe the experience as thrilling, with one reviewer noting, 'My wife hated it - she's scared of heights. There's huge drop offs, not many guard rails, and awesome views.' Reddit This makes it a unique experience for those who enjoy scenic, challenging roads. The lack of extensive guardrails adds to the sense of adventure, but also requires a high degree of driver focus. Reddit

Despite the driving challenges, the rewards are immense. The pass offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Absaroka Range. These vistas are a significant draw, providing a different perspective of Yellowstone's wild beauty compared to the more geothermal-focused areas. The drive is particularly stunning when the weather is dramatic, with one visitor mentioning it was 'Beautiful! Especially on a rainy day.' Reddit It's a journey that truly immerses you in the rugged mountain environment of the park.

Wildlife Encounters at Sylvan Pass

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Sylvan Pass is the high probability of encountering wildlife, particularly mountain goats and bighorn sheep. These animals are often seen traversing the steep, rocky slopes, providing incredible viewing and photography opportunities. One visitor shared their delight: 'Really cool. Got to see six big horn sheep traversing the mountain side.' Reddit These sightings are a significant highlight for many who travel to this section of Yellowstone.

To maximize your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures, it's recommended to drive slowly and scan the hillsides, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. Binoculars are a valuable tool for observing wildlife from a safe distance without disturbing them. Remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a respectful distance is crucial for both your safety and their well-being. The presence of wildlife adds a dynamic and unforgettable element to the Sylvan Pass experience, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Reddit

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