Norris to Canyon Section of Grand Loop Road
The Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone is the main method of travel through the park. It is shaped like a giant figure eight. Sections of this road are usually referred to by the two “junctions” that the section runs between. Below is the description of the road between Norris Junction and Canyon Junction. For an index of all road sections in the park, see the Yellowstone Roads index.
Mile 0 – Norris Junction
The Grand Loop Road goes three ways from Norris Junction. The Madison to Norris section heads south. The Norris to Mammoth section goes north. A side road to the west leads immediately to the Norris Geyser Basin. The Norris to Canyon section goes east, as described below.
Mile 0.5 – Norris Picnic Area
The road passes by the Norris Picnic Area.
Mile 1.7 – Virginia Cascades Drive entrance
The road goes by the entrance to the one-way Virginia Cascades Drive. This road leads to a view of a 60 foot cascade on the Gibbon River. The road rejoins the Norris to Canyon section at the 3.6 mile mark.
Mile 3.4 – Ice Lake Trailhead
The road passes by the parking area for the Ice Lake Trailhead. This is an easy dayhike of a little over two miles, which includes a view of Little Gibbon Falls, a 25 foot waterfall on the Gibbon River, along the way.
Mile 6.8 – Cygnet Lakes Trailhead
The road goes by the parking area for the Cygnet Lakes Trailhead. This is a moderate dayhike of about 4 miles to a remote area of the park.
Mile 8.2 – Grebe Lake Trailhead
The road passes by the parking area for the Grebe Lake Trailhead. This is a relatively easy 3 mile hike to the 136 acre Grebe Lake.
Mile 11.2 – Cascade Creek Trailhead
The road goes by the parking area for the Cascade Creek Trailhead. This is another route to Cascade Lake, but receives a lot of horse traffic. The Cascade Lake Trail accessed from the Tower to Canyon section is probably the better route.
Mile 11.8 – Canyon Junction
The road arrives at Canyon Junction. A right turn enters the Canyon to Fishing Bridge section. A left turn enters the Tower to Canyon section. Straight ahead is Canyon Village and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Area.