Firehole Canyon Drive in Yellowstone National Park is just south of the Madison Junction heading into the park from West Yellowstone, Montana. This two-mile one-way road guides you past Firehole Falls and Firehole River Swimming Area.
Firehole Canyon Drive
Location - South of the Madison Junction on the Grand Loop.
The entrance to Firehole Canyon Drive is designated with a park sign.
Distance - 2-mile one-way road off the Grand Loop
As you drive along the road keep an eye out for Bald Eagles in the trees over the Firehole River.
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Firehole Falls
Firehole Falls is an 80-foot waterfall off the side of the road. The Firehole Falls passes through 800-foot thick lava flows.
There a pull-offs and a small parking area so you can get out and see the full 80 feet of the falls.
Firehole River Swimming Area
Firehole River Swimming area is one of two areas within Yellowstone National Park that visitors can swim. The other area is the Boiling River near Mammoth Hot Springs.
One thing to know is there is no designated parking lot for the Firehole River swimming hole. You can park along the side of the road.
No jumping from the cliffs or diving is allowed! Glass containers and pets are also prohibited.
There is no lifeguard on duty. Visitors swim at their own risk.
One thing to know is the water is similar to an unheated swimming pool. Even though it sounds like the water should be warm with the name Firehole.
There are changing rooms off the side of the road so visitors can change into their swimsuits and later into dry clothes.
The beach area is rocky! You will want at minimum a pair of flip flops or Tevas that can help protect your feet.
Many visitors will scramble up a bit and float down the river into the swimming area. Please be prepared for the current to be strong! If you are not a strong swimmer or are not comfortable maneuvering in the current I would stick to the calm swimming area.
There are quite a few stairs to reach the Firehole River swimming area.
Where is Firehole Canyon Drive?
Firehole Canyon Drive branches off from the Grand Loop Road less than a mile south of Madison Junction.
Nearby Yellowstone Attractions
Old Faithful - Old Faithful is just down the road from Firehole Lake Drive
Biscuit Basin - Check out Black Opal Pool and the Jewel Geyser in Biscuit Basin.
Firehole Lake Drive - This 2-mile scenic drive includes the Great Fountain Geyer, White Dome Geyser and Firehole Lake
Fountain Paint Pots Boardwalk Trail - Check out this half-mile boardwalk that guides you past all four types of hydrothermal in the park.
Fairy Falls - Fairy Falls can be seen on a 5-mile round trip hike
Norris Geyser Basin - Norris Geyser Basin has two different loop trails that guide you past some of the hottest thermal areas in Yellowstone.
Don't miss the epic waterfalls in Yellowstone you can easily see while exploring the park.
Closest Campground
Check out all of the Yellowstone Campgrounds to help plan your time in the park.
Closest Yellowstone Lodging
The Old Faithful Inn, Snow Lodge, and Old Faithful Lodge Cabins are the closest lodging options to Firehole Canyon Drive,
Additional Yellowstone Resources
Yellowstone Lodging Guide -Check out all of the lodges you can stay in while visiting Yellowstone NP.
Yellowstone Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds available within the park.
Things to do Yellowstone - Check out all of the top things to do in the park.
Yellowstone Facts - Learn more about the unique features in Yellowstone.
Free National Park Days - Check out all of the days the National Park Service waives park entrance fees.
National Parks in Wyoming - Check out all of the parks you can visit while in Wyoming.
Grand Teton Guide - Find out about this epic park and plan a visit!
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