Yellowstone National Park, a land of geysers, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas, offers a unique way to experience its grandeur: by bicycle. While many visitors explore the park from the comfort of their cars, cycling allows for a more intimate connection with the landscape. The crunch of tires on pavement, the fresh scent of pine, and the unhurried pace all contribute to an unforgettable adventure. From leisurely rides along paved paths to challenging off-road trails, Yellowstone’s diverse terrain caters to cyclists of all skill levels.
However, biking in Yellowstone requires careful planning and preparation. This isn’t your typical leisurely ride in the park. The park’s vastness, unpredictable weather, and abundant wildlife necessitate a well-thought-out approach. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner looking for a new challenge, understanding the park’s biking trails, regulations, and potential hazards is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Let’s delve into the world of biking in Yellowstone, exploring the best trails, essential tips, and everything you need to know before embarking on this incredible adventure.
10 Yellowstone Bike Trails
Are there Biking Trails in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, there are biking trails in Yellowstone National Park. It is a great place for biking!
There are a number of trails that are open to biking throughout the park. Additionally, road bikers can enjoy miles of scenic routes with late Spring is the best time for road bikers to experience Yellowstone. There’s always a short period of time in late Spring and early Fall where the park road is closed to vehicles and open to biking. What a dream!
10 Yellowstone Biking Trails
Although there may not be any single-track mountain biking trails within the park, there are so many great trails you can ride to experience more of Yellowstone!
1. Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge bike trail in Yellowstone offers a relatively easy ride along an old paved road leading to a unique natural arch. Be aware that while biking is allowed on parts of the trail, a small bit of hiking is required to reach and explore the Natural Bridge itself.
The Natural Bridge Trail is a fun one! It follows an unused road from the West side of Yellowstone Lake to a natural arch in the rhyolite plateau. Although the bridge is not one of Yellowstone’s major attractions, it’s worth a quick bike ride.
The best views come from the backside of the bridge – you can climb up to and over the bridge from the viewpoint at the bottom. This trail is often closed in late Spring/early Summer to avoid Grizzly bears hunting for trout in the creek.
2. Lone Star Geyser
The Lone Star Geyser bike trail in Yellowstone offers a relatively flat, enjoyable ride along an old service road leading to the impressive Lone Star Geyser. Cyclists should be prepared to dismount near the geyser itself, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Lone Star Geyser is by far one of the coolest geysers the park has to offer. When it erupts, it spews 45 feet high from a 12-foot cone for 20 minutes at a time.
This is a well-known biking trail in Yellowstone National Park. You’ll arrive there via a partially paved road that follows the fire hole river for 2.4 miles. At the bike rack (yup, there’s a bike rack at the end) you’ll walk 50 feet to a great viewing area. Find a spot on a comfy log and enjoy a snack! The Lone Star Geyser erupts every 3 hours or so.
3. Fountain Flat Drive
The Fountain Flats bike trail in Yellowstone offers a relatively flat ride along an old gravel freight road, providing access to stunning geothermal features and meadows. Riders should be aware of wildlife, including bison and bears, and adhere to park regulations regarding safe distances.
Fountain Flat Drive connects the Nez Perce Picnic area with Grand Loop Road near Midway Geyser Basin and Prismatic Spring. It’s a gravel road that’s only open to hikers and cyclists.
You can use this road to access Goose Lake, Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, Fairy Falls Trail head, and the Firehole River. It’s a beautiful ride and a great way to get away from the crowds. We rode the trail to the Fairy Falls trail head, stored our bikes, and hiked to beautiful waterfall views.
4. Upper Geyser Basin Trail
While boardwalks within the basin are for foot traffic, paved pathways and certain trails, like those leading toward Biscuit Basin, allow for cycling, providing a different way to experience the area.
Bring your bikes when you spend time at Old Faithful! The paved path between the Old Faithful Lodge and Morning Glory Pool is only 2 miles round-trip, but it’s a quick way to see three really amazing geysers. Make sure you stop at Castle Geyser, one of the oldest geysers in the basin. Daisy Geyser and Riverside Geyser are other viewpoints along the way.
Additionally, there is a short trail from Daisy Geyser to Biscuit Basin that is also open to bikes. Bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk. This spot becomes incredibly busy throughout the day so the best biking occurs in the morning hours.
5. Bunsen Super Loop
The old Bunsen Peak Road in Yellowstone offers a scenic bike ride with varying terrain, including relatively level stretches and steeper, winding sections. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, as bears and bison frequent the area.
This long loop begins at the railhead of Bunsen Peak. This strenuous ride starts out mostly flat before becoming steep and winding. It drops 960 feet in 2.5 miles as it nears Glen Creek.
Where Glen Creek meets the Golden Gate Service Road where it begins to follow the Glen Creek drainage steeply back uphill until it meets Grand Loop Road in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. You will finish your ride on Grand Loop Road heading back to the trailhead.
6. Osprey Falls Trail
Biking the Osprey Falls trail in Yellowstone allows for a swift approach along the old Bunsen Peak Road, but remember bikes are prohibited on the steep descent to the falls themselves. Expect a combination of enjoyable riding and a challenging hike to fully experience the powerful 150-foot waterfall.
If you don’t want to ride on Grand Loop Road or bike the full 10 miles, like the above-mentioned trail, there is another option. You can ride from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead to the Osprey Falls Trailhead and back for 6.5 miles.
There are no bikes allowed on the Osprey Falls Trail so you’ll have to complete a hike and bike if you want to visit the falls! The hike down to the falls does add 2.6 miles, totaling around 9 miles RT.
7. Biking Mount Washburn
Biking Mount Washburn offers a challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views of Yellowstone’s vast landscape. Be prepared for steep grades and potential wildlife encounters along the dirt and gravel road.
The only biking trail in Yellowstone National Park that will bring you to the summit of a mountain! If you’re up for the challenge, you can ride three miles to the top of Mount Washburn.
This steep ride on a dirt and gravel road is not for everyone; you will gain 1,500 feet in 2.5 miles. If you want to bike yourself up to 10,000 feet, this is the trail for you!
8. Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail
Biking the Old Gardiner Road in Yellowstone offers a unique, historical perspective, with stunning views of the park’s landscape. Be prepared for a challenging ride, as the road is unpaved and can be quite rugged.
The Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail is a dirt and gravel road that begins just behind Mammoth Hot Spring hotel. It’s one of the most sought out biking trails in Yellowstone.
This road is one way for automobiles, however, bikes can travel in both directions. The trail is 5 miles in one direction; traveling north consists of steep downhill while traveling south is mostly steep uphill. Mountain bikes are recommended for this trail.
9. Riverside Bike Trails
Biking Yellowstone’s riverside trails offers stunning views of flowing rivers and potential wildlife sightings. Remember to stay alert for bears and other animals while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
This is a great place to stop when you enter the Western park entrance to stretch your legs and enjoy Yellowstone’s beauty!
As you could imagine, this trail brings you along a riverside; it’s a great place to watch deer, elk, and moose form afar. Please make sure you are carrying bear spray and prepared to follow all wildlife viewing leave no trace principles.
10. Ride the Roads!
Biking Yellowstone’s roads offers stunning scenery, but be prepared to share narrow paths with wildlife and heavy vehicle traffic. Spring and fall provide ideal conditions, when roads are open to bikes but closed to most cars.
Riding the roads from one place to another is a great way to avoid sitting in traffic and waiting for a parking spot. Unless you road bike and plan to ride some serious mileage, I would keep the road biking to ‘local’ places. For example, when staying in Canyon Village, we rode to Inspiration Point. Taking the bikes to grab a bite to eat or check out the visitor’s center is a great idea as well!
If you’re visiting in late Spring, early Summer – thinking April through early May – you’ll be in Yellowstone during a time where roads are open to cyclists and not vehicles. It’s a unique opportunity to see Yellowstone wake up from a snowy, cold winter.
10 Tips for Biking in Yellowstone
Biking is great, however, it doesn’t come without some added risk. Take a look at these 10 tips for an enjoyable biking experience in Yellowstone National Park.
- Carry Bear Spray and Know How to Use It: Yellowstone is bear country. Have bear spray readily accessible and be familiar with its proper use.
- Look for the Brown Bike Symbol: Trailheads and road sections open to biking are often marked with a brown bicycle symbol. Pay attention to these signs for permitted routes.
- Wear Bright Colors: Enhance your visibility to both vehicles and wildlife by wearing brightly colored clothing.
- Be Prepared for Wildlife Encounters: In addition to bears, be aware of bison, elk, and other animals. Maintain a safe distance and never approach wildlife.
- Check Road Conditions and Closures: Yellowstone’s roads can be affected by weather and maintenance. Check the park’s website or visitor centers for updates before you ride.
- Ride Single File: On narrow roads, ride single file to allow vehicles to pass safely.
- Bring Adequate Food and Water: Services can be spread out, so pack enough food and water for your ride.
- Dress in Layers: Yellowstone’s weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions.
- Carry Bike Repair Supplies: Be prepared for flat tires or other minor repairs.
- Respect Park Regulations: Follow all park rules and regulations, including speed limits and designated bike paths.
The biking trails in Yellowstone are an incredible way to experience the park.
Conclusion
Exploring Yellowstone National Park by bike offers an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in its raw beauty. The freedom to stop and savor the geothermal wonders, the wildlife encounters, and the vast landscapes at your own pace creates a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re navigating the paved roads or tackling the more rugged trails, the park reveals its secrets in a way that’s both intimate and invigorating. Remember, planning is key to a successful biking adventure in Yellowstone. Respecting the park’s fragile ecosystems and wildlife is paramount, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy its wonders.
To maximize your biking adventure, consider our detailed 5-day itinerary, designed to guide you through Yellowstone’s most iconic and scenic routes. This itinerary, coupled with our comprehensive packing list, will equip you with the knowledge and gear needed to tackle the challenges and relish the rewards of biking in this extraordinary national park. From navigating unpredictable weather to ensuring you have the right tools for trailside repairs, being prepared will allow you to fully embrace the magic of Yellowstone on two wheels.
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