Firehole Canyon Drive & Firehole Falls
Firehole Canyon Drive
A roughly 3 km one-way scenic drive near Madison. It follows the Firehole River through black lava canyon walls, passing Firehole Falls and a swimming area in the river.
The scenic drive begins at the southern exit of the Grand Loop and follows the Firehole River between rhyolite lava walls about 240 m high. Firehole Falls drops about 12 m, and there is a roadside viewpoint with parking. Downstream, the Firehole Swim Area is one of the few places in the park where swimming is allowed. The river is warmed by upstream hot springs and is open in summer. There are no lifeguards, and access depends on water levels and National Park Service notices. The drive takes about 15 minutes and can be combined with Gibbon Falls on the same day.
Opening hours
About May–Oct, daytime
Nearby sights
- Gibbon Falls
- Fountain Paint Pot
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Fairy Falls Trail & Grand Prismatic Overlook
- Artists' Paintpots
- Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool
- Old Faithful
- Old Faithful Inn