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UPDATED: Wildfire Forces Temporary Closure Of 7.5-Mile Stretch Of Grand Loop Road In Yellowstone National Park

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By NPT Staff - August 20th, 2013

The Alum wildfire in Yellowstone has forced the indefinite closure of a 7.5-mile stretch of the Grand Loop Road on the east side of the park. NPS photo.

Editor's note: This reflects decision by park officials to reduce the section of road closed to just 7.5 miles.

A 7.5-mile stretch of the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park was closed indefinitely Tuesday due to growth of the Alum Fire burning near the Mud Volcano area, park officials said.

Out of concern for public safety, the road was closed from Fishing Bridge Junction to the South Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Officials initially said a 13-mile stretch of road would be closed, but shortly thereafter decided to close just 7.5 miles.

Closed is the section of the Grand Loop Road from Fishing Bridge Junction to the north past Mud Volcano to the Elk Antler Creek pull-out, which is in the south end of Hayden Valley. During this temporary closure, all travel between Canyon Junction and the Fishing Bridge, Lake Village and Bridge Bay area requires a long detour through Old Faithful.

All other roads in Yellowstone are open, as are all park entrances, lodging, stores, campgrounds and other visitor services.

The Alum Fire was sparked by lightning on August 14 and blew up to more than 4,000 acres by Sunday. On Monday the fire was mapped at about 4,500 acres.

Updated park road information is available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2117. You can also follow the park on Twitter @YellowstoneNPS and on Facebook.

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