Where can I go biking within Yellowstone?
Bikes are allowed anywhere vehicles are allowed and many people tour the park via bicycle in the summer months. Roads are, however, extremely busy. There are no designated bike paths along the roads and shoulders are non-existent in places. Take precautions when riding on park roads.
- Road Rides: The one-way roads of Old Gardiner Road and Blacktail Plateau Drive are best suited for road riders.
- Spring and Fall Biking: In the Spring, after the roads close to snowmobile traffic on March 15th and before they open to vehicles on April 15th, bicyclists are welcome to bike along the road between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs. In the fall, after the roads close to vehicles in November and before they open for over-snow use, bicyclists are allowed to bike on car-free roads between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, the South Entrance to West Thumb, the East Entrance to Sylvan Pass, Tower Junction to Chittenden Road, and Madison Junction to Old Faithful. Be sure to call the park ahead of time at 307-344-2109 to make sure the roads are accessible.
Where can I go biking within Yellowstone?
- Yellowstone River: Just north of the park and Mammoth area, follow an abandoned railroad bed along the Yellowstone. The trail begins at the Heritage and Research Center and is 5 miles long.
- Riverside Trail: From West Yellowstone (Boundary Street Trailhead), follow the Riverside Trail for 1.4 miles to Barnes Road.
- Natural Bridge: In the Lake Village area you can follow an old service road most of the way to Natural Bridge. Park and lock your bike, and walk the remaining trail to the actual attraction.
- Mount Washburn: Start from the Chittenden Road and climb 2.5 miles to the summit of Mount Washburn.
- Lone Star Geyser Trail: Bike directly out to Lone Star Geyser on this dirt road in the Old Faithful area. Start at the trailhead just south of Kepler Cascades.
- Fairy Falls: Follow the Fountain Freight Road to Fairy Falls. This 5.5 mile trail is a great way to see some of the park via bicycle.
Where can I go biking outside of Yellowstone?
The surrounding gateway communities of Big Sky, Bozeman, Jackson Hole, Cody, and Red Lodge offer prime locations for both mountain and road biking. For an epic road ride, wind your way up Beartooth Pass, one of the area's most amazing scenic drives. Big Sky offers amazing lift-accessible downhill and cross-country mountain biking. Cody, Bozeman, and Jackson are home to avid mountain biking communities. There are many well maintained trails in these areas. For the best information, stop by a local bike shop in one of these towns and ask for a map.
Are bike rentals available within the park?
Bike rentals are available at Old Faithful in the summer months. Call the Old Faithful Gift Shop at 307-545-4824 for details.
Are bike tours available?
There are a handful of businesses that are permitted to lead bicycle tours within Yellowstone National Park. See the complete list of NPS Permitted Outfitters.
Are there bike specific campsites?
While campgrounds fill up quickly, the park provides a limited number of campsites that are reserved for visitors traveling on foot or bike. These campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. Call Xanterra at (307) 344-7311 for details.
