North Fork Road Panoramic Road

The North Fork Road Panoramic Road is a 130km road trip that starts in Yellowstone National Park in the United States and ends in Cody, also in the United States. It is recommended to take one day to complete the journey, with the best time of year to drive being during the summer months. The route offers stunning landscapes, with plenty of nature to admire and explore along the way. The roads are in good condition and are suitable for all drivers, however this trip does require a higher budget. The experience and memories you will take away from this road trip will be very high, making it an unforgettable journey.

Yellowstone National Park is an incredible destination to begin your road trip along the North Fork Road Panoramic Road. Located in the United States, the park is one of the most popular attractions in the country. It is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife, as well as some of the best activities for visitors. The park is filled with geysers, hot springs, canyons, and other breathtaking sights. You can also find a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The closest international airport to Yellowstone National Park is located in Bozeman, Montana. The airport has IATA code BZN and offers a wide selection of car rental options. This makes it easy to start your road trip along the North Fork Road Panoramic Road. Once you’re in the park, there are numerous attractions to explore. Some of the most popular sights include Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Mammoth Hot Springs. There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, Yellowstone National Park is sure to provide it. With its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, it is the perfect starting point for your road trip along the North Fork Road Panoramic Road.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip adventure that starts in Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and one of the most iconic places in the world. Here, you can explore the incredible geothermal features and take in the breathtaking landscapes. From there, take a scenic drive of fewer than two hours and 80 miles to Cody, Wyoming. Along the way, you can stop at a few of the most interesting places, such as the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums dedicated to the life and times of Buffalo Bill Cody. There is also the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, a museum that tells the story of Japanese-American incarceration during World War II. Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to explore the historic downtown area of Cody, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!

Cody, Wyoming is a small town nestled in the northwestern corner of the state, making it a great destination for those road tripping to the area. Located at the end of the North Fork Road Panoramic Road, it offers travelers the perfect place to relax and explore. The town of Cody is rich in history, as it was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1895. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-see attraction, showcasing the life and legacy of this famous cowboy. There are plenty of other museums and historical sites to explore, such as the Heart Mountain World War II Interpretive Center and the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum. The town is a great place to experience the outdoors, offering access to the Shoshone National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. You can explore the mountains, valleys, and rivers of the area on a variety of trails, or take a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. If you want to do some shopping, Cody has plenty of stores to fit the bill. There are plenty of art galleries, souvenir shops, and antique stores. The Cody Night Rodeo is a great place to spend an evening, with nightly events and the Cody Stampede Rodeo held in July. Travelers to Cody can fly into the Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) located just outside of town. From there, it is a short drive to the North Fork Road Panoramic Road, offering a beautiful way to end your road trip in Wyoming.

Before you set off

Embark on an awe-inspiring 130km (approximately 80 miles) journey from the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park to the historic town of Cody, Wyoming, on the North Fork Road Panoramic Road Trip. This one-day adventure offers a blend of majestic landscapes, iconic wildlife, and a taste of the Old West, albeit with a higher budget due to park fees and travel expenses.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Begin at the world-renowned Yellowstone National Park, home to a stunning array of geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser and the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S.
• Traverse through the picturesque Wapiti Valley, where the North Fork of the Shoshone River flows, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Absaroka Range.
• Encounter diverse wildlife along the way, such as bison, elk, and possibly even grizzly bears, in their natural habitat.
• Conclude in Cody, named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, where you can delve into frontier history at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums that include the Draper Natural History Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time for this journey is from late May to early September, when the weather is warm, park facilities are fully operational, and the Roads are clear of snow.

Potential Risks:

• Keep alert for wildlife on the Road, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
• Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable; check forecasts and Road conditions before departure, and be prepared for sudden changes, even in summer.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The North Fork Highway (U.S. Highway 14/16/20) offers a scenic alternative to the East Entrance of Yellowstone, featuring multiple pullouts with interpretive signs.
• This stretch of Road is part of the greater Yellowstone Trail, a historic auto trail that extends across the United States from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound.
• Cody hosts the nightly Cody Nite Rodeo, an authentic rodeo experience every summer evening from June through August.

A good choice for:

The North Fork Road Panoramic Road Trip is more than a drive; it's a journey through the heart of the American West. It connects the unparalleled natural beauty of Yellowstone with the enduring spirit of the frontier in Cody, promising Roadtrippers a blend of adventure, education, and inspiration.