Sylvan Pass

Sylvan Pass is a mountain pass in the Absaroka Range that cuts through Yellowstone National Park. It sits as a low point between surrounding peaks and serves as a road route connecting the eastern and western sides of the park.

Native American tribes hunted and gathered in the mountain landscape around this pass long before the park was established. In 1914, military engineers completed the first road through the pass to improve access across the park.

Native American tribes used the lands around Sylvan Pass as traditional hunting and gathering grounds before the establishment of Yellowstone National Park.

Heavy winter snow makes this pass difficult to navigate during cold months and requires specialized vehicles for travel. Plan your visit during warmer seasons if you prefer standard car access and clearer road conditions.

The pass experiences regular avalanches that park rangers actively manage to keep the road open and safe. This ongoing avalanche control work happens behind the scenes but is crucial to seasonal travel through this route.

Location: Wyoming

Elevation above the sea: 2,598 m

GPS coordinates: 44.46500,-110.12800

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44