Yellowstone Upper Loop
 

We have about a day and a half in Yellowstone and wonder if it's worth driving the whole figure 8. We are traveling with nonhikers & will mostly only be able to get out and walk a little. I'm gathering from other posts that it might be best to focus on the lower loop. We have reservations at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Also wondering where the paint pots are, as my mother remembers seeing them many years ago and wants to see them again. Thanks!

I agree you might want to focus on the lower half but be sure you get up to the Canyon area.

The road north of Canyon will be closed this summer for construction so that is as far as you will be able to go on that side.

When you enter the park they will give you a good map that clearly marks points of interest.

http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/wwwboard/chat2.htm

Hi bcala,

I just returned from five days at YNP and didn't see everthing I wanted. There's a lot to see in the Snow Lodge area alone. Try posting your question at the above link to the YNP chat page, which is frequented by people who live and/or work there. They helped me tremendously in planning my trip. Have a great time -- the park is awesome!!!

Like Connie said the road between the Canyon and the Tower Jct. is closed again this year for repairs so you can't do a whole figure 8

With a day and a half I would stick to the bottom loop. The Paint Pots are about half way between Old Faithful and Madison.

On the lower loop you will see Old Faithful and most of the Geyser Basins, the Paint Pots, Norris Basin, the Canyon area, Hayden valley where a lot of the wildlife hangs out, the Mud Volcano area, Yellowstone Lake, and the West Thumb area.

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/index.htm

Utahtea

The Artists Paint Pots are located a little ways south of Norris Junction.
Or it is a long ways north of Old Faithful toward Norris Junction.
If you are coming from West Yellowstone, you would turn north toward the Norris Geyser Basin at Madison Junction.

The Fountain Paint Pots are on the road between Madison Junction and Old Faithful. They are well marked and usually full of people.