Paving the Way

The 1871 Hayden geological survey’s paintings, photographs, and scientific observations of the Yellowstone region so impressed Congress that it made Yellowstone the world’s first national park the following year. However, inadequate funding in the park’s early days made building roads difficult. Visitors traversed rugged roads until the completion of the Grand Loop in 1906.

During the 20^th century, several federal programs kept Yellowstone’s roads and infrastructure up to date with expanding tourism. During the Depression years members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, engaged in road maintenance and construction projects. In the 1950s and 60s funds from Mission 66, the National Park Service’s 50^th anniversary infrastructure modernization program, helped Yellowstone to renovate roads and construct bridges.

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  Surveys

  Tall tales about Yellowstone’s natural features proved intriguing to surveyors who mapped the area in the nineteenth century.

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  Early Roads

  Construction of the Grand Loop allowed wagons, stagecoaches, and later automobiles to travel between Yellowstone’s scenic areas.

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  Modern Roads

  From the mid-twentieth century to today, Yellowstone National Park has improved its roads to protect visitors and the landscape.