bike tour yellowstone national park

Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range Cycling Journey

July through August

Your tour starts in Bozeman, MT

Beginner to intermediate

Camping off the grid, with campfires & delicious food

Things to know

Four million visitors flock to Yellowstone yearly, but only a small portion ventures past its viewpoints and roadways. Be one of the rare ones and go off the grid, deep into the wilderness of Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range! This 5-day cycling tour will first take you along the top of the mountains in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and then down to the bank of the Madison River. While you’re there, might as well check off a few things off your wishlist—such as the legendary Old Faithful geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, or Lake Yellowstone. With terrific guides who are dedicated to offering you the best cycling experience there is, you can rest assured that this will be the retreat that you needed. Oh, and one of the best experiences of your life.

Things here change from week to week—just look at active geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles

With the most incredible food, pristine camping spots, and trusty support vehicle ready for you, there’s not a thing to worry about

Spectacularly diverse wildlife—spot bison, grizzly bears, elk, moose, bald eagles, coyotes, gray wolves, and so much more

The marvelous wilderness of Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range is your gateway to an authentic vacation experience off the grid. This beginner-friendly cycling tour first takes you across the ridges of rugged mountains and then down to the banks of the Madison River. There will be a trusty guide by your side the whole way through, who will make sure you’re not hungry, bored, or lost. Nights are spent in camps deep in the backcountry, all meals, snacks, and beverages are included in the trip price, as well as the support vehicle and transportation throughout. Your guides can even arrange camping gear and bikes for you! What are you waiting for? Spend the next summer in the world's oldest national park!

Meet your guide in Bozeman at 8 am at the Hampton Inn Bozeman (75 Baxter Lane, Bozeman, Montana, 406-522-8000). Take a 2.5-hour drive to Ennis, Montana, home of millions of trout and a few people! Ennis is located near the beautiful Gravelly Range in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, just northwest of Yellowstone National Park.

After a quick pit stop, continue up into the mountains to the Gravelly Range Road, where you will unload and begin your ride for the day. The route takes you through beautiful alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. And the views from up here—world class! A few strenuous climbs and fun descents bring you to your camp for the evening at Clover Meadows.

Meals : Lunch, dinner, and snacks Distance : 10-15 miles / 16-24 km Accommodation : Camping at Clover Meadows

After a hearty breakfast, continue down south, and this day soon becomes a big climbing day! There are three climbs ahead of you, but keep in mind that hopping into your shuttle is always available if you can’t push any more.

You will pass through more stunning meadows enroute, occasionally stumbling upon lingering snowfields. In this area, the wildlife is abundant and there’s an excellent chance of spotting deer, elk, moose, yellow-bellied marmots, and several species of birds of prey. Crossing your highpoint at Monument Ridge affords you with distant views of the rugged peaks in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. After lunch, roll along towards Black Butte and camp near Black Butte cabin.

Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks Distance : 12 miles / 19 km, optional hike Accommodation : Camping near Black Butte Cabin

This morning dawns with a one-mile climb and then a long descent. For the last two days, you have been traversing across the ridge and today you get to descend all the way to the Madison River.

Today’s ride is super fun as you lose almost 3,000 feet (915 m) over approximately 20 miles (32 km). Ride through huge stands of Lodgepole Pine, expansive meadows, through Wolverine Basin, and finally to the West Fork of the Madison River. Your riverside camp for the evening gives you the opportunity for a quick dip or maybe some fishing in the waters of the Madison (only if you brought your own pole and obtained a fishing license).

Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks Distance : 20 miles / 32 km Accommodation : Camping near the Madison

After riding through the Gravelly Range, load up the bikes, jump in the van, and shuttle over to Yellowstone National Park. Start your ride on one of the few dirt paths that allows bikes in Yellowstone and enjoy spectacular views of the park. Yellowstone is a treasure and inspires awe in anyone who travels through it. Between the geysers, thriving wildlife, and powerful waterfalls, you’ll keep admiring the park’s natural gems.

An afternoon route will take you right to Old Faithful along a combo of paved park roads and dirt bike paths. Old Faithful is the world’s best known geyser erupting every 90 minutes! Tour the area and the historic Old Faithful Inn and visitors center while waiting for the eruption. Your camp for your final evening will be inside the park at Grant Village on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, North America’s largest mountain lake.

Meals : Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks Distance : 15 miles / 24 km Accommodation : Camping on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake

After breakfast, drive from Grant Village through Hayden Valley along the famous Yellowstone River. You might spot moose, bison, and possibly even grizzly bears (all from the safety of a van)! Waterfowl, including white pelicans and trumpeter swans are also abundant in the marshy areas.

You will stop at the Mud Volcano, which will show you the varied thermal features of it, including Dragon’s Mouth Spring. The tour will conclude at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone where the river plunges 1,000 ft. Hike to Artist’s Point, affording you incredible views of the spectacular lower falls. Hot water acting on volcanic rock created the canyon’s yellow color, making the view from Artist’s Point one to remember. Shuttle back to Bozeman and expect to be there by 3 to 4 pm.

Meals : Breakfast and lunch Distance : Multiple short hikes

Meet your guides

Just wanted to thank Ben and Chris for such a great experience. My first guided trip so wasn’t sure what to expect but wouldn’t change a thing. Everything was planned to perfection. The food was wonderful. And the kindness both boy’s showed was so motivating and encouraging especially in our world today. They both started working before the sun came up and didn’t stop until way beyond everyone going to bed, and it was obvious they love what they do. I also loved how they had a way of making us all feel like one big happy family and made lifetime friends. I hope we can have a reunion trip in the future:)

Fantastic experiences provided by excellent guides along with amazing views and fulfilling food! I will definitely be joining western spirit for another trip soon!

Incredibly organized trip with amazing food and views. I’ve done my share of camping over the years but I’ve never experienced anything like “Western Spirit” camping. They took all of the hard work and worry out of the trip allowing us to focus on the riding and scenery. Such an amazing experience!

Amazing guides and trips. The only work we did was peddling and enjoying the views. We have been on a couple of trips now and they make it easy and enjoyable!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
• 5-day Yellowstone cycling tour
• All meals during for the duration of the tour (from lunch on Day 1), including snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Support vehicle
• Round-trip transfer from Bozeman to the trailhead
• 2 large cycling water bottles
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Bike stand, lube, and tools for repairing bikes
• Some group camping equipment: solar showers, all kitchen and dining ware, camping chairs, first-aid kit
• All camping permits and entry fees for public lands

Bike and helmet rentals are available for an added fee of $350. Personal camping equipment (2-person tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad) is available for an added fee of $90 per person.

What’s not included:

• Transportation to Montana
• Accommodations before and after the tour
• Bike and helmet — can be rented
• Personal camping equipment — can be rented
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel and medical insurance — highly recommended
• Montana fishing license (if you plan on fishing) — available at Powder Horn Sporting Goods right across the street from the bike shop
• Guide gratuities (10-20% is recommended)

This Yellowstone cycling tour is beginner-friendly, though you still need to have good physical fitness as you’ll be cycling between 10 and 20 miles (16-32 km) per day, 4 days in a row. Overall altitude gain is anywhere between 5,000 and 9,000 ft (1,525-2,745 ft). Knowing how to ride a bike is a must, though!

Regarding the terrain, you’ll be riding along dirt and gravel roads, some sand and some loose rock, as well as along the pavement. Day-by-day mileage and riding breakdown can be checked in the itinerary.

The following equipment can either be brought or rented :

• Bike or e-bike (rented bikes come with flat pedals)
• Helmet (included in the bike rental)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

Here’s a list of cycling clothing you need to bring:

• Cycling shoes
• Cycling shorts (3-5 pairs)
• Cycling shirts (3-5 pairs)
• Long-sleeve cycling shirt
• Long-sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• Cycling socks
• Windbreaker
• Tights or leg warmers
• Cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth and 1 regular pair)
• Rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long-sleeve fleece shirt)

Camp clothing

• Camp shorts and shirts
• Long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• Warm long pants (2 pairs)
• Long-sleeve fleece or sweater
• Down jacket (insulating layer)
• Brimmed hat or visor
• Bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip) and towel
• Hiking shoes and sandals
• PVC rain gear (to wear in camp)

Personal items

• Medication (daily and emergency)
• Toiletries, including biodegradable soap and wet-wipes
• Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• Stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
• Camera and extra batteries (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (optional)
• Books or maps (optional)
• Portable USB charger with 1-2 charges for your devices (optional)

Packing notes : The bulk of your gear and clothing will be stowed in the support vehicle, preferably in a large duffle bag, and will only be accessible during the evenings. For this trip, you’ll always be carrying a riding pack with medication (daily and emergency), 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, additional warm clothing, and day-long food supplies. Your riding pack can be a hydration pack but should have the capacity to carry all of the above.

An optional small day bag can be used to store items you’d rather not carry while riding but want to have on hand during the day. This day pack will stay with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day’s activities.

Please ensure you bring all items from this list , which has been thoughtfully crafted to guarantee your comfort throughout the tour, regardless of weather conditions. We strongly recommend adhering to the layering system, comprising a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer, and a weather barrier to shield against wind. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

Indeed you can! Bringing your own bike and equipment on the flight can be inconvenient and costly. If you’d like a carefree experience, you can rent a bike and camping equipment with your guides at an additional cost. You can add it to your booking upon checkout.

You can rent a two-person tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad . Regarding bikes, you have a choice between the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 and Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29.

The Specialized Diverge Comp E5 is quite simply the fastest, most capable—and just maybe the most fun—alloy bike, delivering a ride that’s quick and lively, but also stable enough when the terrain gets rough. If you’re looking to get the most versatile bike on gravel back roads, no bike is better than this one! The bike is outfitted with Future shock suspension, disc brakes, a 1X11 drivetrain and Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c tires.

Another great choice is the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29 , as it brings all-new suspension kinematics and progressive geometry into a full-alloy package that’s both lightweight and extremely durable! These are outfitted with a no-fuss SRAM SX 12-speed groupset, 29” wheels, a Rockshox 35 with 140mm from & 130mm rear travel and dropper posts.

Camping during the Yellowstone cycling adventure offers the chance to go off the grid and immerse yourself in the beautiful environment of one of US’ favorite national parks. You can also enjoy the night sky without the light pollution, relax by the campfire, and embark on side hikes and additional adventures to explore the natural beauty of the area. Solo travelers are more than welcome ! It’s a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people, and make lasting friendships.

The right camping gear ensures a cozy and comfortable experience throughout the journey. Participants have the option to bring their own camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Your guide will supply all other necessary camping equipment, including camp chairs. If you prefer not to bring your own camping gear, you can rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad for an additional fee.

Regarding shower facilities, the tour provides solar showers for rinsing off, but these are not suitable for a full-fledged shower. They are not private, so participants should bring a swimsuit and their own towel. Additionally, wet wipes are recommended for freshening up.

When it comes to bathroom facilities, it is ensured that participants have access to sanitary options. In designated campsites, pit toilets are available . In the backcountry, the tour follows a “pack-it-in, pack-it-out” rule and provides a portable toilet in a private location with scenic views. A hand wash system is provided for cleanliness.

You can expect delicious, healthy, and abundant meals that are a real treat after a day of riding! This Yellowstone cycling tour is fully catered from the first day’s lunch to the last day’s lunch. Plus, you’ll have access to plenty of snacks, ensuring you stay energized during your rides. Your skilled guides, with a knack for backcountry cooking, will prepare a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including appetizers, Dutch oven dinners, fresh salads, and delectable desserts.

The beverages are also covered , offering water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks throughout the journey. While alcohol is not provided, you’re welcome to bring your favorite drinks, which will be stored at the perfect temperature.

The guides are more than capable of accommodating dietary restrictions , which they frequently encounter. Just leave specific requirements in a note when booking, such as being a vegetarian with particular protein preferences (e.g., tempeh over tofu). This information will help your guides in meal planning, ensuring you have a satisfying culinary experience.

Group sizes and prices:

• The group size for this Yellowstone cycling tour is up to 13 riders.
• The usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
• The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

Yellowstone cycling tours can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Children between 14 and 17 years of age are able to go on trips with a legal guardian, but only if they are strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet and cover daily distances.

If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The Yellowstone cycling tour begins at 8 am at the Hampton Inn Bozeman, 75 Baxter Lane, Bozeman, Montana, 406-522-8000. You will need to spend the night before in Bozeman—your guides recommend the Hampton Inn (you can also leave your car here while on the trip).

To get to Bozeman, MT, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) . It will take you 15 minutes by car to get from Bozeman Airport to Bozeman, or 2-3 hours by car from Billings Airport to Bozeman.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Montana, please refer to Montana’s travel advice .

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

• Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
• Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
• The final balance is due 2 months (60 days) prior to departure.

For set dates, a $400 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

• If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund of their deposit minus a $50 processing fee.
• For cancellations thirty-one (31) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total trip cost. . After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.

Please note that your guiding company cannot cancel trips, offer credits or adjust dates due to weather, road conditions and other factors beyond their control. Your trip runs in all weather conditions, with the itinerary subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Other things to do in United States

Cycling Tour of the Lakes of Minnesota

Cycling Tours in Grand Teton National Park

View all (12) adventures in Montana

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Adventure Scenic Tours in Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks.

Adventure Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” John F. Kennedy

See more animals. Move the body. Experience Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in a different way with adventure bike tours in Yellowstone. Our Yellowstone adventure bike tours follow dedicated cycling paths to escape crowds and keep safe. Side excursions range from easy peasy to moderately strenuous with distances of 5 to 10 miles round trip, your choice. Above all, there’s a Yellowstone bike tour for everyone.

Grand Teton adventure bike tours follow dedicated bike paths that approximate Teton Park Road, without the traffic. Pass alongside the length the Tetons with stops for short hike, exploring and lunch, of course!

Guided Bike Tours in Yellowstone

For an unforgettable day, bike the back way to the Grand Prismatic Overlook to avoid the crowds. Another option, you can even circumnavigate Bunsen Peak for an encompassing view of one of the highest points in the Park. Ready to make light work out of a mountain? Then how about an E-bike guided trip up Mt. Washburn for unreal parks views . Start with about any scenic tour and “add-on” bikes or eBikes for only $40-80 more each person, up to eight. We’ll bring the bikes, snacks and stop for cycling excursions along the way.

E-BIKES———COMING 2020!!! Ask for details!

Guided Bike Tours in Grand Teton National Park

In Grand Teton, we’ll start biking again just after Lake Jackson, coasting downhill bike paths alongside the Teton mountain range. Not only is the riding easy, but beautiful! After Jenny Lake and several miles, we’ll pick up to drive through Jackson, Wyoming. Then a loop around the Tetons and we’re heading back! So you can enjoy as much from the van as you did the saddle! We’ll end the day with scenic byway drive past Mesa Falls of Henry’s Fork of the Snake!

Bike both parks in a single day ! It’s fast and furious but can be done. Cycle 5 miles out and back along the Firehole River in Yellowstone to see the Grand Prismatic. Stop to see Old Faithful, or bike 2.5 miles out and back to Lone Star Geyser. Then follow the Snake River on a van based tour between the parks before more even more biking at Jackson Lake in GTNP.

Adventure Add-Ons

Want to paddle and hike also? You can do it! Contact us for more options and trip planning ideas.

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GRAND TETONS & YELLOWSTONE ROAD BIKE TOUR

Grand teton & yellowstone national parks.

• Families with Older Kids Private Tours and Custom Tours Solos, Couples & Friends
• Departure: Idaho Falls, ID
• Departs On: Sunday
• Duration: 6 Days
• Lodging: First-Class Camping or Casual & Luxury Inns & Restaurants
• Fitness Level: 2-4
• Elevation Range: 5,000 - 9,000 ft.

Only 40-miles long by ten-miles wide, this relatively small segment of the Rockies is also the youngest. Unlike other ranges in the Rockies, the Tetons have not been around long enough to acquire the foothills, or softer lines shaped by centuries of erosion. The Grand Teton National Park and adjoining National Forest protect this unique geographical feature, which peaks out at 13,770 feet; not to mention the wildlife, wildly lush subalpine meadows, and rich recreation opportunities we savor.

Each glorious morning, set against the dramatic Tetons, we stage an Upper Rockies tour: spanning three states, inhaling peaks, surging past cirques; beneath enormous, yawning canyons and circumnavigating glacial lakes. Through an 18-million acre big mountain ecosystem, rich in bear, moose, wolf and elk, we’ll sweep across Yellowstone into The Bridger-Teton National Forest: crossing the Snake River and reveling in such American West icons as Old Faithful.

  Day 1 : From our rendezvous spot in Idaho Falls, we shuttle a brisk if enjoyable 145-miles to the National Oregon/California Nature Center (Montpelier, Idaho). After taking in the experience of our own brave 19 th century economic refugees, who journeyed from Missouri to Oregon—and crossed this very spot doing so, captured and interpreted at the center—we begin to envision our own collective epic. This, while trip leaders prepare your bikes. Our route, following what’s known as the Lotoja stage, launches in go-big fashion with a climb over Geneva Pass.  A tongue-wagging descent on the other side brings us to a beautiful lunch spot. (The first in what promises to be a blur of big, wild beauty.) After lunch, the next climb takes us over Salt Pass: elevation 7630-ft., a stunning, if truly brawny plateau atop the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Now 30-miles north of Montpelier—on US-89—the next stage parallels the north-trending Snake River, flowing into Star Valley. Forty-five miles long, and defined by a handful of widespread ranching communities, Star Valley’s attributes stretch from wildlife to unsurpassed outdoor access to spectacular, high country scenery. Though without question, the highlight of today’s stage is Intermittent Spring . Erupting at consistent 15 to 20 minute intervals, this cold-water geyser, recognized as the world’s largest, represents one of only three of its type to have ever been discovered. From a Wyoming type spritz, we overnight five miles east of the spring, in cowboy comfort at the nearby Afton High Country Inn . As St. Louis has its Gateway Arch, Afton (pop. 1181) announces itself with a 75-ft wide span of 3,000 elk antlers stretched over four lanes of US-89.

Day 2:  Today’s stage continues a northerly arc: surging through the broad-in-the-shoulders Star Valley, our routing shoots towards Jackson, Wyoming; and, ultimately to the mouth of the Snake River. A 1078-mile tributary of the Columbia, the Snake River originates in Wyoming. Discharging 54,830-cubic feet per second (on average), the Snake then carves its way across Southern Idaho. On fast, grabby Kevlar skins, we surge through the same spot where Ansel Adams shot his iconic, 1942 black and white image: the Snake river–also called Mud, Shoshone and Yam-pah-pa—bent at a serpent-like hard right beneath the 13,775-ft high Tetons. Today’s stage, at an average 1.9% grade takes a dramatic bump in elevation before we sweep through the powerfully built Snake River Gorge, then ultimately into the mountains that front Jackson. Tonight we decompress at the plush 5-star Lexington at Jackson . You earned those high thread-count sheets.

Day 3 : Today’s stage launches from Jackson, the phenomenal majesty of the 40-mile long Tetons spread akin to a royal procession, pushed up to the sky’s very edge before our humble peloton. Our route stays within the 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park. Along with 2.2-million acre Yellowstone National Park ten miles to the south, plus adjoining national forests, we’re immersed in, and moreover nurtured by no less than 18-million acres of wilderness. Called the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, our group experiences the world’s largest intact biome or bionetwork (at mid latitude). Put another way, we’re cycling amidst the largest concentration of big and small mammals in the Lower 48: Wyoming moose to Grizzly bear, wolf, Bison and Bighorn sheep, elk, Black bear, Pronghorn antelope to puma, Mountain goat, otter, Bald eagle, Pine Marten to Marmot. This deep dive into a cold and high Serengeti closes out at the Park’s eastern edge, in the small gateway community of Moran Junction. A high altitude village that routinely sees winter temperatures in the 50-60 below range, Moran Junction can also claim John Wayne’s toil. In the late 1930s, Wayne helped build cabins for cast and crew while on location here for The Big Trail . Leaving Teton National Park, we cross into the 3.4-million acre Bridger-Teton National Forest, the third largest outside Alaska. We will find the welcome mat at The Hatchet Resort .

Day 4: With a shuttle into Yellowstone National Park, we stop to take in West Thumb: a large, stand-alone geyser basin on the shores of Lake Yellowstone, West Thumb has the look of a mini Crater Lake. Departing from the 14 by 20-mile Yellowstone Lake, at 7732-ft. elevation, today’s stage proceeds clockwise around YNP, ultimately crossing the Continental Divide. Once Yellowstone’s roads are cleared of snow, road cycling season begins. (Until April, cars are verboten.) Our stage follows the route of the Old Faithful Cycle Tour. Timed for late summer’s thinning crowds, Aspens showcasing their best gold bling, and elk making long distance calls, our peloton sweeps toward Isa Lake—straddling the Continental Divide—and onto the Kepler Cascades. At 8262-ft., Isa Lake is a hydrologic oddball. One of only two lakes in the world that drains backwards, Isa’s east spills out toward the Pacific; while its west tumbles towards the Gulf of Mexico. Kepler, conversely, keeps it real: as in really stunning cascades, plunging 150-ft. over multiple drops. The midway point of today’s stage unfolds at Old Faithful with a lunch stop. Blowing every 44 to 125-minutes, Old Faithful’s cone geyser reaches a height of 106 to 185-ft. Remounting, we cycle further into geothermal Disneyland, sweeping past a phantasmagoric succession of percolating mud pots, hot springs and belching fumaroles: from Morning Glory Pool to Biscuit Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, all fed by an upper mantle reactor of volcanic magma. Surging toward Madison Junction we pass the site where—so goes the legend—the 19 th Washburn exploratory party first floated the idea of preserving this blessed landscape in perpetuity. Wrapping in either West Yellowstone or Canyon Village, we enjoy dinner, bookended by time for souvenir shopping. Our beautiful hotel setting is in either Canyon Lodge and Cabins , Yellowstone, or Bar N Ranch, West Yellowstone.

Day 5 :   After a by turns hearty and superb breakfast, as our stage loops back around Yellowstone National Park, ultimately towards West Thumb. Near Artist Point, we stop to hike two-miles down to the breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. The roaring splendor of the Upper and Lowers Falls unfolds before us from a canyon overlook, conjuring an open-air I-max Theatre, its columns plunging dramatically into the Yellowstone River. A tributary of the Missouri River, the 692-mile long Yellowstone was so named for the yellow sandstone bluffs highlighting the canyon walls. Sweeping across Hayden Valley in gorgeous afternoon light, the opportunity to glimpse big, charismatic wildlife becomes manifest. From Lake Village and the stage’s culmination alongside Yellowstone Lake, we shuttle back to Hatchet Resort. 

Day 6:  Staying true to our extra bold theme, our closeout day begins with a Wyoming country breakfast. Next we shuttle to the bike path that sweeps in smart fashion alongside the base of the celebrated Jackson Hole ski resort. A nine-mile scenic spin shoots from Teton Village to the quaint, Old West town of Wilson. The next stage climbs Teton Pass; then surges toward Victor. Yes, a climb that might turn your calves into Buffalo wings. Inasmuch, hauling over the old highway is how Jackson’s cycling culture defines vertical integration. We see it as the maximum compensation package: a challenging week in the saddle wrapped in a finale of elite and super burly measure. Relishing a ripping descent for hours—days… weeks even—our peloton hauls into Idaho. With a last lunch stop, we load up, then shuttle back to Idaho Falls. Smiling broadly. Sharing anecdotes. Hating the thought of a reentry into Urbana.

Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.

Night 1: Hi-Country Inn | Afton, WY

689 S Washington St Afton, WY 83110

Nestled in a high mountain valley with year round activities. Amenities: Internet, Non-smoking Rooms, Pool, Cable/Satellite TV

“We stopped here last-minute on the way to Yellowstone – nothing fancy but we got a decent room for a family of four.” -Lincoln

Night 2: Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel & Suites | Jackson, WY

285 N Cache St Jackson, WY 83001

From studio apartments to vast condominiums, The Lexington Hotel offers a range of rooms and suites to suit all types of visitors. These rooms come equipped with a variety of creature comforts, including flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and even heated bathroom floors. Depending on which suite you book, you may enjoy access to such extras as a fully-equipped kitchen, a fireplace, or even a Jacuzzi.

“My family comes every year to Jackson and this has been our favorite place to stay. The rooms are lovely, the location is great and the staff are incredibly friendly. We would highly recommend the Lexington!” -dayna2018

Night 3: The Hatchet Resort | Moran, WY

19980 US-287 Moran, WY 83013

All of the Hatchet’s rooms have been crafted in western-style log with fresh new amenities for 2014. Each room has been upgraded with a state of the art flat screen television (40”), new beds, new linens, new carpeting and Wi-Fi access. The Hatchet offers several different types of lodging to accommodate a variety of tastes and budgets.

“Really enjoyed our stay here. Two good on site restaurants and clean comfortable rooms. Very rustic decor but new tv and cable package in room. Good selection of pods for coffee tea or cocoa in the rooms Friendly staff is always important to us and they are awesome here.” -KandCTraveling

Night 4: Canyon Lodge & Cabins | Yellowstone National Park, WY

41 Clover Ln Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Canyon Lodge and Cabins is a sprawling facility, featuring the most accommodations in Yellowstone with more than 500 rooms and cabins. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Canyon Lodge is open from the beginning of June through early October. In 2016, a two-year lodging redevelopment was completed resulting in 5 new lodges and a total of 400-plus guest rooms that include 2-Bedroom Suites, Superior Lodge Rooms and Standard Lodge Rooms. All 5 new lodges are LEED Certified. The main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop was redesigned and reopened in 2017.

“We stayed 3 nights in Canyon Lodge. We stayed in The Hayden Building which is one on the newer buildings which was perfect. It was clean and quite and a decent size for a family of 4. The park and lodge are very eco friendly which made everyone happy. The location in the park was very centralized and a comfortable drive to anywhere in the park. We would definitely stay at this location again.” -Mona H.

Night 5: Hatchet Resort | Moran, WY

The food tastes better, the sky is certainly bigger, and your mind is clearer.

There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas. Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast. Inside your tent: a sturdy raised cot, fluffy sleeping bag, and a plush full size pillow. Wow. You earned this. Sweet dreams.

We choose well-maintained public campgrounds with scenic vistas and comfortable arrangements. You’ll move seamlessly from one day of your trip to the next, camping outdoors and enjoying wildly healthy, delicious homemade meals.

The majority of our selected campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. Conversely, in more remote backcountry camping scenarios, we’ll provide portable toilets and private solar showers.

Camping gear  may be rented or you may bring your own. All of our camping gear is tested and hand-chosen from top manufacturers to ensure you get a good nights’ sleep. Our camp gear package includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp.

While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.

Find out more about Choosing a Tour .

Weather predictions are often unreliable, so it is best to be prepared for inclement weather.  Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: Jackson, WY

All-Inclusive Prices

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Also Included on This Tour:

Renting camping gear.

We rent high-quality camping gear for all of our camping tours. These include a tent , sleeping pad , raised cot , sleeping bag , sleeping bag liner , full size pillow , and ground tarp . Your Trip Leaders will always help to ensure your equipment is set up properly each night.

Camp Gear Kit Rental: $100.00

Free With Every Tour

When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!

Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.

Nite Ize Wraptor Smart Phone Mount

NiteRider Lumina Micro 650 and Sabre 80 Combo

Specialized Roubaix Disc (Included)

Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.

Specialized Sirrus Hybrid (Included)

Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.

Specialized Tero Hybrid E-Bike (Included)

For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.

Specialized Turbo Creo E-Bike ($100/day)

Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road e-bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.

Why travel with Escape Adventures?

Our commitment to you.

For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised.  * Scheduled Domestic trips only.

Our Commitment to the Environment

Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.

Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides

Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.

The Best Support Vehicles

Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. As you thumb through our catalog, you will also notice our vehicles are big, tough, and different. These are not stock vehicles. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. Each of our guides is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced guides make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, camping gear and plenty of drinking water to a remote location.

The Best Bicycles and Gear

Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.

The Best Food

Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.

Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.

Scheduled Departure Dates

August 2024, september 2024, private & custom tours.

The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.

Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:

• Clubs and co-workers
• Family reunions
• Corporate retreats

To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.

Rates on Private and Custom Departures:

All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary  from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price.  In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.

• 10+ GUESTS  Price as advertised*
• 8-9 GUESTS  +$400 per person to trip price*
• 6-7 GUESTS  +$900 per person to trip price*
• 4-5 GUESTS  +$1,900 per person to trip price*
• 2-3 GUESTS  +$2,500 per person to trip price*

* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.

#myescape - Guest Photos from GRAND TETONS & YELLOWSTONE ROAD BIKE TOUR

Tour Photos

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BACHELOR & CRATER LAKE ROAD BIKE TOUR

HIGH SIERRAS & SEQUOIAS BIKE TOUR

A word from our founders.

For those who have yet to tour with us, we appreciate the opportunity to introduce you to our family-run company and guiding principles of sustainability and adventure. Our portfolio specializes in Western North America and is rapidly growing internationally. Building on over 100 destinations, we cater to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first-timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, on behalf of our Escape Adventures family, we look forward to many new and exciting adventures with you.

With much gratitude, and happy trails,

Jared and Heather Fisher

Founders and Owner-Operators Escape Adventures

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Home » Cycling Tours » Summer Tours & Calendar » Yellowstone National Park

• Yellowstone National Park

Please click here to jump to the Overview section with all tour details including pricing.

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Highlights

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is an Authorized Permittee of Yellowstone National Park

A Yellowstone National Park bike tour is a otherworldly experience especially if you happen to enjoy wildlife, geysers and fabulous landscapes! This tour spends three days in the National Park and three days in the lesser known, but equally compelling Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We consider Day 6’s Bear Tooth Pass to be one of the top three climbs on any of our bike touring itineraries!

Join the local experts at Lizard Head Cycling Guides as we explore the Yellowstone Country together and are challenged by some of North America’s most dazzling cycling terrain.

This is a great tour for Intermediate+ level riders and offers BIG challenge for the every-freaking-inch (E.F.I.) type of rider. As an example, in the 7-years we have run this YNP itinerary, only 25 riders have E.F.I.’ed the tour. The final day’s Beartooth Pass often requires a short bump to the base of the final day’s massive climb.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park

Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park

• Yellowstone Lake

The twisty roads of Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

On the road to Red Lodge, Montana

On the last day of this tour we will tackle the incredible Beartooth Highway which has been proclaimed by some to be the most scenic 68 miles of mountain road to be found in America. Here’s part of the 27 mile descent from Beartooth Pass into Red Lodge, Montana.

Here are just a few of the amazing places that we will visit on this tour.

• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• The old west town of Cody, Wyoming
• Chief Joseph Highway
• Beartooth Highway

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Testimonials

Read what previous guests on our Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour have been saying…

Another great “Lizard Tour”- a most exhilarating ride with vista views beyond human comprehension, an intimate experience of Mother Earths aliveness, with friends looking out for each other. Lesley, MJ and Will worked well together and always available to meet everyone’s needs. – Duane

(Our group) completed the Yellowstone ride last week, it was a typical Lizard Head tour, pretty tough but doable, with some outstanding majestic scenery. (I wish) to comment on the outstanding team that lead our tour, DeAnn and Emily were such great guides, both pitched in to make sure that everything went smoothly, they are very professional and I did not hear one complaint from the group about the support. And it also helps to ride behind one of them after 5,000 plus feet of climbing. – Bill

☛ Click here to read a daily journal by Edward, a guest on one of our past Yellowstone National Park Bike Tours.

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Dates

Potential tour dates are listed below and not all tour dates will run. Lock in your preferred tour date early as unopened tour dates will be closed. Please see the Spring/Autumn Tour Calendar and the Summer Tour Calendar for confirmed departures. Any unopened date can be a Custom Week (9 riders required). Please contact us via email or call 970.728.5891

To easily register for a particular tour, please click the Book Now! link after the tour date listed below. This will select the tour name and the appropriate date on the registration form.

2024 Tour Dates

• August 18 to 23, 2024 ( Book Now! ) – TOUR OPENED
• August 25 to 30, 2024 ( Book Now! ) – TOUR A GO!
• September 1 to 6, 2024 ( Book Now! )

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date? This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Overview

Tour Length: 6-Days Cycling/5-Nights Lodging

Starting/Ending Town: Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

Total Miles: 250-395 ( Can I keep up on this tour? )

Tour Cost: $3,575 per person with shared accommodations. Add $545 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (5-Nights).

Tour Discounts: Please see our Reptile Rewards & Tour Discounts page to learn more about Reptile Rewards, Tour Discounts, and Group Discounts. Tour discounts are not stackable with any other discounts or promotions – only the highest valued discount is provided. Please note that for discounts to apply the tour minimum must be met.

Tour Includes:  6-Days guide service, 5-Nights lodging, meals include 4-dinners, 5 lunches, 5 breakfasts, entrance fees, daily lunch en route, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

Non-Riding Spouses & Partners on Tour: If a non-riding spouse or partner would like to join you on tour and they have their own transportation, they can stay in your room for the cost of the tour's single room supplement. Please note that non-riders cannot check into hotels prior to guide arrival as the guides need to manage the check-in process. Checking in a large group can be challenging and take longer than normal, so non-riders need to hang back and be patient. Non-riding spouses and partners are welcome to join the Lizard Head meal plan which includes breakfasts and dinners for $75 per day. Note: Lunches are not included for non-riders driving their own vehicles due to the inherent variability of both lunch timing and locations. It is best for non-riders to plan to explore each day.

Lodging for 5-Nights: (subject to change)

• Night 1: Old Faithful Inn , Yellowstone National Park (Elevation 7,350 feet)
• Night 2: Canyon Lodge and Cabins , Yellowstone National Park (Elevation 7,900 feet)
• Nights 3 & 4: Buffalo Bill Village , or Chamberlin Inn – Cody, WY (Elevation 5,000 feet)
• Night 5:   Soda Butte Lodge , or Alpine Motel – Cooke City, MT (Elevation 7,600 feet)

Meeting Hotel and Ending Hotel reservations and costs are NOT included unless specified otherwise. Guests are on-their-own to make reservations at the Meeting Hotel or Ending Hotel, or other nearby hotels.

Road Bike Rentals

NOTE: The make, model, and specifications of rental bikes may differ from what is described below. Please contact us if you have any specific needs for a rental bike or have any questions about rental bikes.

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is proud to rent Scott Bikes. The Scott Addict 10 Disc was designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 10 will be your go to when you’re looking to put the miles in.

The Scott Addict 10 Disc features: Carbon Frame and Fork, Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Drivetrain, 34x32 Compact Gearing, 30mm Tires, and Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Approx. Weight: 16.89 lbs / 7.66 kg (without pedals)

☛ Learn more about our Rental Bikes and Equipment

Road E-Bike Rentals: Click Here for more information on our Road E-Bike Rentals including pricing. Please note that E-Bikes are not available for certain tours including those that involve camping. Please contact us for more information before registering for a tour. NOTE: E-Bikes are great, but our tours are designed to be ridden without motorized assistance. We offer "bumps" along the road so that everyone can stay together.

Take Your Rental Bike Home! Click Here for more information.

Couples Bike Rental Discount: Sign up as a couple and receive a $125 discount on the second bike rental for a one week tour. (Standard road bikes only. E-Bikes and east coast based tours excluded.)

Tandems and Recumbents: Lizard Head Cycling Guides happily accommodates both tandem and recumbent bikes on our tours.

If you have any further questions, please read more on our Rental Bikes FAQ page. You can also email us at [email protected] or call us at 970.728.5891

Meals On Tour

We also pride ourselves on being able to cater to specific dietary requests and needs, so rest assured that you will be able to get the nutrition that works best for you during your tour. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, or a someone who loves it all – we will keep you well fed during the tour!

Lunches: Lizard Head Cycling Guides prepares healthy lunches to keep you going. We will serve you fresh organic fruits and veggies, salads, hummus, sandwich fixings, nuts, gourmet cheeses and, of course, plenty of salty/sweet snacks such as chips and cookies.

Ability Level: Can I Ride This Tour?

How Fit do I Have to Be? If one month prior to the tour, you can ride 2 to 3 times a week equaling a total of 75 or more miles a week, you'll do just fine. We like to jokingly say that "one is ready for a Lizard Head Cycling Tour when they are finished with tour" and this is true! The only way to simulate a week long bike tour is to go on a week long tour.

Our average rider age is 55 years. These are bike tours, not races so we take our time to stop, take pictures and see the sights. We have all day to reach our destination and most riders take "bumps" at some points. We offer reduced mileage options for each day. Of course if someone wants to ride E.F.I. (Every Freaking Inch), we love to show them all the extra climbs, loops and hidden canyons that can be included!

Do the Bump! Daily mileage options allow cyclists of varying abilities to enjoy this tour. One of our favorite options is to give cyclists a "bump" via the support vehicle, or a 10 to 20 mile lift down the road representing an hour of pedal time. After the bump the rider is "off the front" and riding at his or her own pace without feeling they are being left behind the group. They'll then have time to linger and take in the spectacular scenery. All cyclists come together in time for lunch. Afterwards, cyclists can take another bump and/or continue riding.

Seamless Mileage Options: Lizard Head Cycling Guides designs multiple mileage options for each tour – something we're well known for in our business. This technique is similar to heliskiing in that one does not ski everything, they ski the best. 🙂

Slow or Fast? Many cyclists who sign up for our tours have worried themselves silly about not being able to keep up, but then they're surprised to find that all the worrying was about nothing. They do just fine! Slow and Fast only exist relative to other cyclists. Speed does not matter as long as one is moving on the bike. As long as one is moving, they are truly going fast enough.

If you have questions about your ability to ride this tour, please contact our office via email or call us at 970.728.5891 - we'll more than happy to guide you!

Please also see this blog post for more information.

Overall Route Map

Below is an example of the daily routes for this tour and are subject to change based on season, available accommodations, road closures, and other factors. The actual routes will be made available to registered participants before their tour, so please view these routes as a general outline as to what to expect.

How is the Traffic in Yellowstone?

In Yellowstone there are roads that are more conducive for cyclists (shoulders and good pavement) and we seek these out. Overall, three of the our Yellowstone’s tour’s seven days are within the national park and on two of these days we offer the option of world class hikes that we ride our bikes to! On the four days of riding outside the park, you will find traffic to be very light.

Within the park, when we run our tours in late August, vehicular traffic is less than high season (July and early August) due to the fact that most kids and their families have returned to school. Overall, the nature of the traffic within Yellowstone park is generally “tourist” in nature; meaning they are driving at slower speeds and stopping at pull-offs. In general, there is not cell phone reception within the park and this means drivers are not distracted by the impulse to text or make calls. Also since traffic is less in the morning hours, we take advantage of this window to start our rides.

Overall, as a result of the design of our tour, our cyclists have found the riding experience within Yellowstone National Park to be safe and fulfilling. Please feel free to ask additional questions.

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Itinerary*

*PLEASE NOTE: Tour itineraries are subject to change and modification based on the group, available accommodations, road construction, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, landslides and/or other acts of nature. Also, the distances and elevation profiles shown below may not reflect the actual distances and elevations while on tour as these are provided here to give an idea as to the anticipated mileage and terrain. Please view this itinerary, the distances, and elevation profiles as a general outline as to what to expect while on this tour.

Also, please be aware that the below itinerary and the daily routes are subject to change based on the available lodging for any given tour within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. So please view the below itinerary as what to generally expect for our Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour.

Day 0: Arrival in Bozeman

Riders either drive or fly to Bozeman, Montana. If flying, the airport is Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

Day 1: Madison Junction to Old Faithful 16 miles with up to 860 feet of climbing

After a morning shuttle from Bozeman, Montana to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, we embark on our journey into the park. But keep a look out for the commonly sighted bison and elk, often right in the middle of the road! Also keep a keen eye for the more elusive grizzly bear, or perhaps even some wolves! This is wild and rugged terrain where wildlife abounds amid the beauty of Mother Nature and her geothermal wonders. We also urge you to stop at the many pullouts to take in the wonders along the way as we explore the Lower Geyser Basin .

We end the day at Old Faithful and marvel in its magnificence and also take in many other geothermal features that dot the Upper Geyser Basin .

Elevation Profile: 16 miles +860 feet / -330 feet

Day 2: Old Faithful to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Standard: 49 miles with up to 2,590 feet of climbing E.F.I. Option: 56 miles with up to 3,600 feet of climbing

Starting from Old Faithful, today’s route will take us over the Continental Divide and then along the western shores of Yellowstone Lake , one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. Yellowstone Lake is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera which is the largest ancient super-volcano on the North American continent.

Our destination today is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – an amazing 900 foot deep canyon carved into the ancient rock by the Yellowstone River that offers picturesque views of waterfalls and deeply eroded golden red rock formations. While Yellowstone National Park is best known for it’s geysers and thermal water features, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a hidden gem that must be visited to be appreciated. It’s simply gorgeous!

Standard Elevation Profile: 49 miles 2,590 feet / -2,950 feet

E.F.I. Elevation Profile: 56 miles +3,600 feet / -3,050 feet

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park to Cody Standard: 65 miles with up to 2,675 feet of climbing E.F.I. Option: 94 miles with up to 3,045 feet of climbing

Today offers an epic day on the bike! After a hearty breakfast for the long day ahead, riders depart from Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, pedal along the eastern shores of Yellowstone Lake, and then exit Yellowstone National Park via the East Entrance. After some moderate climbing for the first third of the route, riders will enjoy losing 4,500 feet along a 60 mile descent as we make our way along the North Fork of the Shoshone River , through the scenic Wapiti Valley, along The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, around Buffalo Bill Reservoir to eventually make our way into the rustic western cowboy town of Cody, Wyoming . Wow! What a day!

Standard Elevation Profile: 65 miles +2,675 feet / -4,650 feet

E.F.I. Elevation Profile: 94 miles +3,045 feet / -5,960 feet

Day 4: Layover Day in Cody Optional 52 mile ride and/or hiking

Today is a layover day in Cody, Wyoming.  This is a day to take it easy and explore this western town founded by Buffalo Bill Cody. Places to explore include The Buffalo Bill museum of the American West which contains an impressive collection of artifacts and displays of the American West. Old Trail Town is one of our favorite. For guests wanting to spin there legs, there is self guided out and back ride along the South Fork.

Is this your first Rodeo? At the end of the day, for those who are interested, your tour guides will take clients to a real western rodeo. Bring your best western wear and cowboy up!

South Fork Out and Back Elevation Profile: 52 miles +1,705 feet / -1,705 feet

Day 5: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway Standard: 58 miles with 6,840 feet of climbing E.F.I. Option: 76 miles with up to 8,295 feet of climbing

Today offer possibly the most scenic riding of the entire week as we cruise along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and dip into Montana at the end of the ride. The standard plan is to start with a quick shuttle (to avoid less scenic riding) and drop cyclists at the base of the climb of Chief Joseph Pass. NOTE: Chief Joseph pass was newly paved in the summer of 2017! The tarmac is smooth and fast. 🙂

For the E.F.I. rider today is certainly the “queen stage” of the week with over 8,000′ of climbing and a HC (beyond category) 10 mile climb to Chief Joseph pass.

Of course there will be plenty of opportunities to “bump” ahead for those not wanting to put in all the miles or climbs allowing those riders to literally cherry pick the best of the best along today’s route.

We will conclude the ride at Cooke City, Montana and check into the Soda Butte Lodge for the final night of our week-long adventure. It’s hard to believe that the week is almost over as we share one last dinner together in this truly wondrous place.

Standard Elevation Profile: 58 miles +6,840 feet / -4,345 feet

E.F.I. Elevation Profile: 76 miles +8,295 feet / -5,665 feet

Day 6: Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, MT Standard: 50 miles with 3,990 feet of climbing E.F.I. Option: 64-miles with up to 5,400 feet of climbing

It would not be a classic Lizard Head tour without a classic ending… and today is the day! With an early morning start, we take on the mighty Beartooth Highway and head northeast up to Beartooth Pass maxing out at nearly 11,000′ elevation. The climb is long and gradual and the views are amazing! As we past tree line on our ascent, we ride past dozens of fresh water lakes sprinkled throughout the barren landscape where there is often snow pack at these altitudes year round. We consider Beartooth Pass a top three climb of all the climbs in all the itineraries we offer! When one reaches the top of Beartooth Pass they just don’t go down, they get to go across an alpine landscapes for miles before descending. Up high above the trees the views and wildflowers are tremendous.

At the top of Beartooth Pass we stop for lunch with 100+ mile views in all directions – it is truly spectacular! Post lunch will be a mind boggling 27 mile twisty descent to the town of Red Lodge, Montana… this is one ride you are certainly not going to forget. Upon arrival in Red Lodge, we end at Red Lodge Ales to toss back a few celebratory brews and then pack up to shuttle back to Bozeman to end the tour.

What an incredible week!

Standard Elevation Profile: 50 miles +3,990 ft / -6,100 ft

E.F.I. Elevation Profile: 65 miles +5,290 feet / -7,440 feet

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Logistics & FAQs

Bike shipping.

Lizard Head Cycling recommends shipping with BikeFlights.com . Bikes can be shipped either to our partner bike shop in each meeting town for professional assembly or directly to the meeting hotel for self-assembly. Bike boxes can generally be left at the meeting hotel during the tour. Bikes shipped across the continental US should be shipped 8 days prior to your tour.

Meals on the Tour Most meals (aside from two) from lunch on the tour’s first day (Sunday) through breakfast on departure day are included. The exceptions are that guests are own their own for meals on the layover day. In total 5 dinners, 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches are included.

Breakfasts and dinners are in restaurants where clients either order off the menu or choose from a buffet. Fresh lunches that include salads, local fruit, vegetables and meats are served in roadside parks by the Lizard Head Cycling Guides. Any dietary preferences or allergies should be noted on the registration form. Each of Lizard Head Cycling’s lunches contains gluten free options.

If on any given night a guest is tired or not feeling particularly social, they can choose to eat early and retire. Lizard Head Cycling enjoys hosting its guests for meals each evening, but understands some of us may just need to lie down after a day in the saddle. A meal should not feel like marathon after a big day on the bike.

Ride Difficulty Due to the mountainous terrain, this tour is designed for upper intermediate to advanced cyclists. Each day there are additional mileage options for advanced riders.

Tour Support A 15-passenger van and trailer that carries luggage, food and equipment supports Lizard Head Cycling’s tours. Cyclists keep a day bag that is accessible within the support vehicle.

The vehicle will sag and then pass riders to set up aid stations every 20 to 25 miles. This allows cyclists to linger at the back and then take a ten-mile, fifteen-mile or whatever mile “bump” forward to catch-up or get ahead of the group. Energy food, drink mixes, and fresh fruit are available throughout each stage.

The Daily Schedule Cyclists ride their own pace. Lizard Head Cycling does its best to support riders in their varying desires and efforts. Cyclists can either use our tours to simply support their tour experience or to engage in a guided experience along the route.

Cue sheets with directions, profiles and locations of aid stations are given out for each stage.

General Tour & Cancellation Policies

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of our tour and cancellation policies, which can be found by clicking here .

Travel Insurance

If you have not already, now would be a great time to consider adding travel insurance to your tour. You are welcome to use any travel insurance company you would like. We recommend Generali/Trip Mate.

Generally, if contracting COVID causes clients to cancel or interrupt their tour, trip insurance companies would treat it as any other illness as long as it is contracted after the insurance was purchased. Please check your individual plan documentation for details. Please note that quarantine is usually only covered if clients are actually sick with COVID. If a state requires quarantine upon arrival because of standardized state law, coverage is generally not covered. Again, check your individual plan documentation for details.

American Guests - use this link: http://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/get-a-quote.html?partner=LIZA0855

• The Premium Plan is the only plan which offers Pre-Existing coverage so long as the plan is purchased prior to Final Payment.
• The Premium Plan is the only plan that offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason - the policy must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and if they cancel for Any Reason, it must be 48 hours prior to departure, and the reimbursement for an Any Reason claim is 60% of pre-paid, insured, non-refundable trip cost.
• Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-874-2442 for coverage questions and policy modifications or to purchase by phone. Agency Code: LIZA0855

Canadian Guests - use this link: https://tripmate.catravelins.ca/?utm_source=lizardhead

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• Hayduke Trail
• Jornada del Muerto Road & Gravel
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Yellowstone National Park Ride

A Yellowstone National Park bike tour is a otherworldly experience especially if you happen to enjoy wildlife, geysers and fabulous landscapes! This tour spends three days in the National Park and then 4 days in the lesser known, but equally compelling Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We consider Day 7’s Bear Tooth Pass to be one of our top climbs.

• River Canyon
• Yellowstone NP
• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• Yellowstone Lake
• The old west town Cody
• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
• Bear Tooth Highway

Starting from $ 3,575.00

*Please note the prices are subject to change depending availability *

Day 0: Arrival in Bozeman

Riders either drive or fly to Bozeman, Montana. If flying, the airport is Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Day 1: West Yellowstone to Canyon Village

After a morning shuttle from Belgrade to West Yellowstone, MT through the picturesque Gallatin River Canyon (‘A River Runs Through It’ was filmed here!), we start our ride from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and begin our journey into the park, but keep a look out for the commonly sighted bison and elk, often right in the middle of the road! Also keep a keen eye for the more elusive grizzly bear, or perhaps even some wolves! This is wild and rugged terrain where wildlife abounds amid the beauty of Mother Nature and her geothermal wonders. We also urge you to stop at the many pullouts to take in the wonders of this magnificent place. Ride: 44 Miles with up to 2,910 feet of climbing.

Day 2: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Starting from Grant Village, today’s route will ride along the western shores of Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America which is also centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest ancient super-volcano on the North American continent. Our destination today is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – an amazing 900 foot deep canyon carved into the ancient rock by the Yellowstone River that offers picturesque views of waterfalls and deeply eroded golden red rock formations. While Yellowstone National Park is best known for it’s geysers and thermal water features, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a hidden gem that must be visited to be appreciated. It’s simply gorgeous! 78 miles with up to 3,775 feet of climbing, Shorter ride options are available

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park to Cody

Today offers an epic day on the bike! After a hearty breakfast for the long day ahead, riders depart from Grant Village, pedal along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and then exit Yellowstone National Park via the East Entrance. After some moderate climbing for the first third of the route, riders will enjoy losing 4,500 feet along a 60 mile descent as we make our way along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, through the scenic Wapiti Valley, along The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, around Buffalo Bill Reservoir to eventually make our way into the rustic western cowboy town of Cody, Wyoming. Wow! What a day! Note: Lower mileage options exist for this ride by simply taking a bump for portions of the morning riding. However, look at all that downhill on the 2nd half of the profile below – you definitely want to ride that! 101 miles with up to 3,235 feet of climbing, Shorter ride options are available

Day 4: Layover Day in Cody

Today is a layover day in Cody, Wyoming. There will be an optional “South Fork Out and Back” ride offered today for those that want to keep up their daily pedaling. Other activities can include exploring the old western downtown area, attending a real western rodeo, exploring the Buffalo Bill museum of the west, hiking on nearby trails, or simply relaxing.

Day 5: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Today offer possibly the most scenic riding of the entire week as we cruise along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and dip into Montana at the end of the ride. The standard plan is to start with a quick shuttle (to avoid less scenic riding) and drop cyclists at the base of the climb of Chief Joseph Pass. NOTE: Chief Joseph pass was newly paved in the summer of 2017! The tarmac is smooth and fast For the E.F.I. rider today is certainly the “queen stage” of the week with over 8,000′ of climbing and a HC (beyond category) 10 mile climb to Chief Joseph pass. Of course there will be plenty of opportunities to “bump” ahead for those not wanting to put in all the miles or climbs allowing those riders to literally cherry pick the best of the best along today’s route. We will conclude the ride at Cooke City, Montana and check into the Soda Butte Lodge for the final night of our week-long adventure. It’s hard to believe that the week is almost over as we share one last dinner together in this truly wondrous place. Standard: 47-miles with 3,000-feet of climbing Extra Option: 77 miles with up to 7,300 feet of climbing

Day 6: Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, MT

It would not be a classic tour without a classic ending… and today is the day! With an early morning start, we’ll take on the mighty Beartooth Highway and head northeast up to Beartooth Pass maxing out at nearly 11,000′ elevation. The climb is long and gradual and the views are amazing! As we past tree line on our ascent, we’ll ride past dozens of fresh water lakes sprinkled throughout the barren landscape where there is often snow pack at these altitudes year round. We consider Beartooth Pass a top three climb of all the climbs in all the itineraries we offer! When one reaches the top of Beartooth Pass they just don’t go down, they get to go across an alpine landscapes for miles before descending. Up high above the trees the views and wildflowers are tremendous. At the top of Beartooth Pass we’ll stop for lunch with 100+ mile views in all directions – it is truly spectacular! Post lunch will be a mind boggling 27 mile twisty descent to the town of Red Lodge, Montana… this is one ride you are certainly not going to forget. Upon arrival in Red Lodge, we end at Red Lodge Ales to toss back a few celebratory brews and then pack up to shuttle back to Bozeman to end the tour. What an incredible week! Standard: 44 miles with 4,200-feet of climbing Extra Option: 64-miles with up to 5,400 feet of climbing

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

The Scott Addict 10 Disc was designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 10 will be your go to when you’re looking to put the miles in. The Scott Addict 10 Disc features: Carbon Frame and Fork, Shimano Ultegra 2×11 Drivetrain, 34×32 Compact Gearing, 30mm Tires, and Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Approx. Weight: 16.89 lbs / 7.66 kg (without pedals) And finally we have a selection of straight bar road bikes in our rental fleet. $250.- per week Be sure to bring your own helmet. We have a very limited supply and will only pack them if special arrangements are made ahead of time.

The Scott Addict E-20 eRIDE is a lightweight drop bar bike to make climbing easier and can go the distance comfortably.

Nights 1 & 2: Canyon Lodge and Cabins, or Lake Yellowstone Hotel, or Grant Village – Yellowstone National Park (Elevation 7,900 ft) Nights 3 & 4: Buffalo Bill Village, or Chamberlin Inn – Cody, WY (Elevation 5,000 ft) Night 5: Soda Butte Lodge, or Alpine Motel – Cooke City, MT (Elevation 7,600 ft)

NOTE: Meeting Hotel and Ending Hotel reservations and costs are NOT included unless specified otherwise. Guests are on-their-own to make reservations at the Meeting Hotel or Ending Hotel, or other nearby hotels.

• 5 nights of lodging.
• Meals include 4-dinners, 5 lunches( daily lunch en route), 5 breakfasts, energy food, liquid refreshments.
• Shuttles during the tour and mechanical support.

Not included:

• Night before and after the tour not included.
• Airfare to and from the start/ finish tour
• Alcoholic beverages,
• Bike rental.  Be sure to bring your own helmet. We have a very limited supply and will only pack them if special arrangements are made ahead of time.
• Gratuity guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2024: $ 3575.- pp single fee $ 545.- You can avoid a single supplement by sharing a room with another rider. Bike rental: The Scott Addict 10. $250.- Scott E-bike road bikes with straight bars $ 395.- Tour dates 2024: 18 Aug – 23 Aug 25 Aug – 30 Aug 01 Sep – 06 Sep

Deposit $950.- pp The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed. The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour. For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

How is the traffic in yellowstone.

In Yellowstone there are roads that are more conducive for cyclists (shoulders and good pavement) and we seek these out. Overall, three of the our Yellowstone’s tour’s seven days are within the national park and on two of these days we offer the option of world class hikes that we ride our bikes to! On the four days of riding outside the park, you will find traffic to be very light.

Within the park, when we run our tours in late August, vehicular traffic is less than high season (July and early August) due to the fact that most kids and their families have returned to school. Overall, the nature of the traffic within Yellowstone park is generally “tourist” in nature; meaning they are driving at slower speeds and stopping at pull-offs. In general, there is not cell phone reception within the park and this means drivers are not distracted by the impulse to text or make calls. Also since traffic is less in the morning hours, we take advantage of this window to start our rides.

Overall, as a result of the design of our tour, our cyclists have found the riding experience within Yellowstone National Park to be safe and fulfilling.

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Cycling the Southern Loop of Yellowstone National Park

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Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous outdoor areas in the world – known for its stunning scenery, impressive animal life, and (most of all) its widespread thermal activity.

Yellowstone, after all, is located in the caldera of one of the world’s largest super-volcanoes. It’s no surprise then that the planet’s most well known geyser ( Old Faithful ) calls Yellowstone National Park its home.

While Old Faithful may be the attraction most visitors to Yellowstone National Park come to see, there is a whole lot more to this protected parkland than just a single regularly erupting pocket of hot water.

Yellowstone National Park, while not necessarily known as a cycling destination of any kind, is actually a fantastic place to conduct a short 3-7 day cycling adventure… as you will see if you simply watch the video below.

In this article we’ll be discussing what it’s like to cycle around the southern loop of Yellowstone National Park – parking your car near the Grant Village Visitor Center on the western edge of Yellowstone Lake and then cycling in a circle for approximately 3 days (95 mi / 152 km) while stopping along the way to explore some of Yellowstone’s most iconic geysers, thermal pools, waterfalls, rivers and other points of interest.

Driving to Yellowstone & Parking Your Vehicle

While it is possible to cycle into Yellowstone National Park on your bicycle, most people who visit the Park come in a motor vehicle. If you’re coming to Yellowstone in a motor vehicle with the goal of cycling around the Park for several days, then you’ll need to find a place to safely park your car for the days you are away on your bike… and the best place to do that is at the Grant Village Visitor Center on the western edge of Yellowstone Lake.

Just outside the Grant Village Visitor Center is the backcountry office. Go into that office and tell them you are planning to cycle around the Park for a few days and that you need a safe place to park your car for the days you’ll be away on your bike.

The people in the backcountry office will ask about your intended route and then, they should, give you a permit to place in the window of your vehicle. This permit is basically a piece of paper that says which day you plan to return to your vehicle… and states that you are away on a multi-day bike trip.

Once you’ve received that permit for your vehicle, ask the people in the backcountry office where you should park your car, truck or van. The location of these parking spots may change depending on the time of year you visit the Park and which person you ask. When I visited Yellowstone National Park in late September, I was asked to park my van in the parking lot across from the US Post Office right outside the Grant Village Visitor Center.

Place the permit for your vehicle in the front window of your car, truck or van and then load up your bicycle. Your bike tour through Yellowstone National Park begins right now!

Camping & Permits

Wild camping or free camping (whatever you want to call it) is not allowed in Yellowstone National Park. You can’t just camp wherever you want (unfortunately). If you are planning to cycle across the Park, you need to camp in either one of the large, designated group campgrounds or in one of the few backcountry campgrounds scattered throughout the Park.

During my 3-day bike tour in Yellowstone National Park, I spent two nights camping in the larger established campgrounds and a single night camped out in one of the backcountry campsites along my route.

If you are traveling on a bicycle, there’s no need to make reservations in advance if you plan to spend the night at the large established campsites. Each campground has a designated area for hikers and bikers… and if you show up at one of these campgrounds on your bicycle, they will make room for you – no matter what! (Don’t quote me on that though.)

If, however, you plan to spend the night at one of the backcountry campsites, some advanced planning is required. First of all, not all backcountry campsites are accessible by bicycle. In fact, most of the backcountry campsites are only accessible on foot and most trails in Yellowstone do not allow bicycles of any kind. So, do your research in advance and know before you go, which campgrounds you’ll be able to access with your bicycle.

Once you do decide on the backcountry campsites you want to stay at, you’ll need to get a permit before you can camp. To get this permit, simply pay a visit to the backcountry office in the Grant Village Visitor Center before you take off on your tour. Tell them where you want to camp and which night(s) you plan to stay there. If no other campers have already claimed that campsite, you’ll be issued a permit for a single night of camping in that location.

As you can see, backcountry camping is risky and does require both some planning and good luck, as these campsites can fill up fast in the prime tourist season (summer)… and you might discover, only upon reaching the Park, that the backcountry campground you wanted to stay at is already booked and you can no longer camp there.

What to See & Do

There are a million things to stop and see, do and explore in Yellowstone National Park. If you’re cycling the southern loop of the Park, however, I recommend you stop and see:

• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Natural Bridge of Yellowstone
• LeHardy’s Rapids
• The Mud Volcano
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Artist’s Paintpots
• Firehole Falls
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Biscuit Basin
• Black Sand Basin
• Old Faithful
• Lone Star Geyser

Each and every one of these attractions has been marked on my cycling map of the southern loop of Yellowstone National Park. Click here to download the map .

Roads in Yellowstone

Before going to Yellowstone, I had been told that the roads in the Park were really bad, narrow and dangerous. Other tourists in the Park echoed these sentiments… and the Park Rangers themselves warned me to be careful when cycling around the Park on my own, as the roads were narrow and the drivers would be distracted.

Despite all the negative things I had been told about cycling in Yellowstone National Park, I decided to give the Park a try… and to be completely honest, I don’t know what everyone was talking about!

I found the roads in Yellowstone to be on par with any of the roads one might cycle in the United States. Yes, there were a lot of cars (usually passing in big groups with 20-30 vehicles driving past all at once, and then a short time afterward with no vehicles passing at all). And yes, the shoulders were kind of narrow in some sections, but if you are accustomed to cycling in the road anywhere else in the world (or anywhere else in North America), you’ll find the roads in Yellowstone National Park to be about the same as what you would expect just about anywhere else.

Traffic is drastically higher in the summer months, so keep that in mind. Non-peak seasons are the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park if you are planning to go there with a cycling trip in mind.

Be sure to pay attention to the vehicles around you. Drivers are limited to going no more than 45 miles per hour when they are within the Park (which is a good thing), but those same drivers are often times distracted by the animals and natural features around them, and they may not be looking for a cyclist on the side of the roadway. Make yourself visible, use a mirror if you think it will make you feel more comfortable, and stay alert for distracted or reckless drivers whenever you are cycling on the roads within Yellowstone National Park.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

First of all, theft is not a big concern when you are cycling in Yellowstone National Park, but it’s a good idea to bring a good bike lock with you when touring Yellowstone by bicycle. Not only will you need to use your bike lock when staying in the large established campgrounds, but you will also want to use your bike lock any time you step away from your bicycle to explore the numerous geyser basins, waterfalls and other tourist attractions within the park. When you do leave your bicycle, be sure to remove any valuable items from your bicycle and carry those items with you as you walk around the Park.

Secondly, there are large, dangerous animals in Yellowstone National Park and these animals are a serious threat to individuals traveling on a bicycle. Do not approach bison or bear within the Park and be sure to practice safe food handling techniques when camping in the established campgrounds and in backcountry campsites. While the larger campgrounds will have metal bear boxes provided for you in which you can store your food and toiletries, hanging your food is a recommend practice when spending the night in any of the backcountry campsites.

Finally, be sure to practice safe cycling while in the Park… and be a good representative of the cycling community for bikers who may come after you. Cycle only on the roads and trails where bicycles are allowed; wear a helmet; ride safely in the shoulders and take the lane only when necessary; smile; be friendly; act smart; pick up your trash; properly dispose of your waste when backcountry camping; share your campsite with other cyclists when need be; and be a good representative of the cycling community.

Got Questions? If you have any questions about cycling the southern loop of Yellowstone National Park… or you need help planning your own Yellowstone cycling adventure, leave a comment at the bottom of this page and I (or someone else in the Bicycle Touring Pro community) will respond to you within a matter of hours/days.

Click here to download the map (KML file).

Darren Alff

2 thoughts on “ cycling the southern loop of yellowstone national park ”.

Sounds like a beautiful trip. I’ve been out to Yellowstone a few times for some backpacking trips. When we were driving around the park the buffaloes and wildlife were very used to the cars by the roads. How did the wildlife react to your bike? Were they used to it as well and didn’t care or were they scared by it?

I only saw a few animals (and maybe only one bison) during my bike tour in Yellowstone. They basically just ignored me 🙂

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• Yellowstone National Park

Montana & Wyoming

Join us as we explore yellowstone country together and are challenged by some of north america’s most dazzling cycling terrain..

• August 20 – 25
• August 27 – September 1  * Tour a go!
• August 18 – 23
• August 25 – 30

Tour Details

• Duration: 7-days
• Ride Type: Road
• Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
• Average Daily Mileage: 36 – 57
• Price from: $2,850

A Yellowstone National Park bike tour is an otherworldly experience especially if you happen to enjoy wildlife, geysers and fabulous landscapes!

This tour spends three days in the National Park and then four days in the lesser known, but equally compelling Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We consider Day-7’s Beartooth Pass to be one of the top three climbs on any of our 30 USA bike touring itineraries!

Although our Yellowstone tour is a great tour for the upper-intermediate rider level, it’s optional rides offer BIG challenges for the every-freak-inch (E.F.I.) type rider. For example, in the five years that we have run this Yellowstone itinerary, only five riders have ever ridden E.F.I. of this tour!

NOTE: Quite a few more riders would have ridden E.F.I., but a combination of rain and wind shut down a group outside of Cooke City on Day-6 a few summers ago.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 0 – Arrival in Bozeman Riders either drive to fly to Bozeman, Montana. If flying, the airport is Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). DAY 1 – Bozeman to Madison River Standard: 34 miles with up to 1,350 feet of climbing EFI: 62 miles with up to 2,895 feet of climbing DAY 2 – West Yellowstone to Grant Village 56 miles with up to 3,280 feet of climbing DAY 3 – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone 78 miles with up to 3,775 feet of climbing Shorter ride options are available DAY 4 – Grant Village to Cody, Wyoming 101 miles with up to 3,255 feet of climbing Shorter ride options are available DAY 5 – Layover Day- Cody, Wyoming Optional 52 mile ride and/or hike DAY 6 – Chief Joseph Scenic Byway Standard: 47-miles with 3,000-feet of climbing EFI: Option: 77 miles with up to 7,300 feet of climbing DAY 7 – Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, MT Standard: 44 miles with 4,200-feet of climbing EFI: Option: 64-miles with up to 5,400 feet of climbing

Upon arrival in Red Lodge, we end at Red Lodge Ales to toss back a few celebratory brews and then pack up to shuttle back to Bozeman to end the tour.

* Request the full itinerary via the contact form below.

• Gallatin River Canyon
• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• Yellowstone Lake
• The old west town of Cody, Wyoming
• Chief Joseph Highway
• Beartooth Highway
• 7-days of guide service 
• 6-nights of lodging
• Meals: 5-dinners, 6-lunches & 6-breakfasts
• Mechanical support
• Support vehicle
• Entrance fees
• Energy food, snacks, and non-alcoholic refreshments

(Our group) completed the Yellowstone ride last week, it was a typical Lizard Head tour, pretty tough but doable, with some outstanding majestic scenery. (I wish) to comment on the outstanding team that lead our tour, DeAnn and Emily were such great guides, both pitched in to make sure that everything went smoothly, they are very professional and I did not hear one complaint from the group about the support. And it also helps to ride behind one of them after 5,000 plus feet of climbing.

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Everything You Need To Know About Biking In Yellowstone

This guest post is from Jessica at Bring The Kids.

Are you looking for a chance to slow down and really soak in more of the beauty of Yellowstone?  Consider biking around Yellowstone. Not only does it allow you to take in more of the sights and get off the beaten path, but biking Yellowstone can give you access to the park when most visitors aren’t allowed in. Yellowstone is one of the best National Parks for biking !

Where Can You Bike In Yellowstone?

Biking is allowed on park roads, in parking areas, and on designated bike paths.  Bikes are not allowed on any backcountry trails, boardwalks, or oversnow routes in the park. Below we’re sharing some of the best bike routes in Yellowstone. 

Can I Ride an E-bike in Yellowstone?

Yes, Yellowstone allows e-bikes everywhere that traditional bikes are allowed. If you don’t have good endurance, struggle riding hills, or just want a more relaxed day, riding an e-bike through Yellowstone is a great option. If you’re new to riding an e-bike, remember that e-bikes take a little bit of time to get used to. They’re significantly heavier than a traditional bike so use extra care when you mount and dismount your bike.

Can I Rent A Bike in Yellowstone?

Yes, bike rentals are available at Old Faithful from Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Prices start at $10/ hour for adult bikes and $8/hour for kids’ bikes. There is limited availability, so plan on getting there early in the day if you want to rent bikes. 

From Mel: You can rent bikes in West Yellowstone, MT, Livingston, MT, and Jackson, WY.

Is It Safe To Bike In Yellowstone? 

Biking in Yellowstone can be quite dangerous depending on where you are riding. Park roads have cars and RVs often going much faster than the speed limit, so use caution when biking on roads. Keep in mind also that most of the drivers in Yellowstone are much more concerned with trying to spot animals out their side windows than looking for bikers in front of them. The best bike routes in Yellowstone are those that are close to parking areas or have designated bike paths.

If you want to bike on the roads in Yellowstone, you’ll want significant road biking experience before you go, or to plan on going in spring or fall when the roads are closed to auto visitors.

What Should I Bring With Me When I Bike In Yellowstone?

When biking in Yellowstone, make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a good fitting bike helmet . ( If you are renting a bike, a helmet will be included with the rental ) During the cooler months, you’ll also want to bring a warm jacket and gloves. 

Make sure to always carry bike repair supplies with you, so that your day of biking isn’t ruined by a flat tire. Some essentials you’ll want to bring are a pump, spare tube, patch kit, and bike toolkit. Always make sure to wear high-visibility clothing, especially if you’re planning on biking on any Yellowstone roads. 

Biking in Yellowstone can be a great way to see more of the park while getting some exercise. Just make sure to plan your route carefully, bring the right supplies, and be aware of your surroundings.

Animal Safety While Biking In Yellowstone

When biking in Yellowstone, it’s important to be aware of the wildlife you may encounter. Bears, elk, and bison are all common in the park and can be dangerous if they feel threatened. When you’re hiking, you’ll gradually come upon animals, but they are often more startled by bikes because they travel faster.

Here are some tips to practice good animal safety while biking in Yellowstone:

• Stay on designated trails (where bikes are allowed) and never bike alone
• Make plenty of noise so you don’t startle animals
• Always carry bear spray and have it easily accessible in an outside pocket or on your belt

If you see a bear, elk, or bison while biking, stop pedaling and slowly back away. Make sure to keep an eye on the animal and never turn your back on it. If you are too close to the animal or it feels threatened, use your bear spray.

Fall and Spring Biking In Yellowstone

During spring and fall each year, the interior roads are closed to automobiles, but open for park maintenance crews. These are easily the best times of year to bike in Yellowstone.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful biking experience and don’t want to worry about sharing the road with cars, consider biking in Yellowstone during fall or spring.  In the fall, the leaves are changing color and some roads are closed to automobile visitors. This means that you can bike without having to worry about traffic.

In the spring, the roads are still closed to cars and the weather can range from wintry to mild. There will likely be a lot of snow in the park, but the road itself is cleared.  

Park at the Upper Terrace parking lot and bike up the road. It’s somewhat steep to the Golden Gate and Swan Flat, but once you are on the top, it’s easy riding!

During these times, maintenance vehicles can still be on the road, so it’s important to still use caution. And always carry bear spray!

Just be aware that some trails and areas may be closed due to winter conditions in the spring and fall. Always check with a park ranger before you head out on your bike.

Check the status of roads for spring and fall biking on the park service website .

 Best Bike Trails In Yellowstone

In Yellowstone, there are several trails and gravel roads that are open to bike riding.  Here are some of the best places to bike within Yellowstone.

Riverside Bike Trail

Located near the west entrance of Yellowstone, this trail follows the same path as the Grand Loop road for several miles.  This is a mostly flat trail that will give you fantastic views of the Madison River. If you bike this section later in the day, look for elk and moose drinking down at the river, and bald eagles in the trees above. 

Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail

If you want to see a geyser without lots of crowds, Lone Star Geyser Trail is the place for you.  This trail is relatively flat, with a few steeper sections towards the end.  When you get to the end of the trail, park your bikes and enjoy watching Lone Star Geyser and cooling off in the nearby creek. 

From Mel : Biking to Lone Star Geyser is one of our family’s favorite ways to explore Yellowstone.

Old Faithful Morning Glory Pool

This bike trail is one of the most popular places to bike in the park. The paved trail will take you from Old Faithful all the way out to Morning Glory Pool. Along the way, park your bikes and head out onto the boardwalks to enjoy more geysers and hot pots. If you’re renting bikes in Yellowstone, you’ll want to do this ride since it’s right by the rental area.

See more things to do at Old Faithful .

Natural Bridge Bike Trail

This is a short 2.5-mile (round trip) bike ride that takes you out to Natural Bridge. The trail is moderate in intensity and will give you stunning views of the forest around. 

From Mel: We also like to hike to the Natural Bridge in Yellowstone .

Old Lake Road Bike Trail

This bike trail is an old road near Yellowstone Lake between Lake Hotel and the main road south of Lake Junction. This is an easy bike trail that gives you some great views of Yellowstone Lake. While the trail is relatively short (1 mile), pack a picnic to enjoy on the side of the lake to make a full afternoon of your bike ride.

Mount Washburn Bike Trail

This bike trail is located between Canyon Village and Tower Junction. This is a strenuous trail that allows cyclists to ride up to the top of Mount Washburn for some incredible views. The trail is 3 miles one-way.

Once at the top of Mount Washburn, you can go up the to balcony of the fire tower and see all the way to the Grand Teton Range (on a clear day). You may see mountain goats, marmots, and other wildlife.

Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail

EDIT: This road was converted to the new North Entrance Road after the flood on June 13, 2022 and is no longer a good option for riding.

This is a great beginner trail that is wide and mostly flat. It follows an abandoned railroad bed for about 9 miles. This trail is near the North Entrance of Yellowstone. It’s also called Old Gardiner Road.

Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail

This trail is for more experienced riders and offers some great views of the park. It’s about 10 miles long and has some steep climbs and descents, so you’ll want to make sure you’re in good shape to ride this trail. Mountain bikes are recommended for this trail since there are some rougher sections of trail.

Start at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead and follow the flattish dirt road a bit before it becomes steep and winding, dropping 960 feet in 2.5 miles to Glen Creek. It meets the Golden Gate Service Road near the National Park Service garage buildings and heads toward Joffe Lake (1.5 miles) and follows the Glen Creek drainage steeply back uphill on a service road until it meets back up with the Grand Loop Road. Most of the trail is a dirt road and mountain bikes are highly recommended.

Alternatively, leave a shuttle vehicle at the National Park Service garage buildings so your ride is all downhill!

Yet another alternative is to start at the Bunsen Peak Trailhead and ride to the Osprey Falls Trailhead (and walk to the falls), which is a relatively gentle 6.5 miles roundtrip.

If you’re looking for a great bike ride in Yellowstone, any of these trails will do the trick. Just be sure to check with park rangers before you head out to make sure the trail you want to ride is open and that conditions are safe. Biking in Yellowstone is a fun experience that will make your time in Yellowstone much more memorable.

Jessica Averett is an outdoor-loving mom of 5 kids. She believes that the best memories are made outside and mixed with a little bit of dirt!  You can follow some of her best outdoor advice at BikingKids.com

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Yellowstone National Park & the Beartooth

6 days • 402 miles • 28,000' elevation • $2,895.00.

On this cycling Tour we bike through America's first National Park! Located in Wyoming and Montana, it is home to grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, Old Faithful, and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs. We stay 3 nights in the park so you have time to see everything.

Starting in Red Lodge, Montana, this bicycle tour rides into Yellowstone via the Beartooth Scenic Byway, called "America's Most Beautiful Highway." Once inside the Park we make Grant's Village our basecamp for the next 3 days. From here we'll cycle to Old Faithful, riding the "Grand Loop" along the way. After a layover day to enjoy the park, we'll bike out the east entrance of Yellowstone and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. On this cycling vacation we bike in two states, 1 National Park and 3 Scenic Byways!

Day 1 - Sunday: Meet in Billings, Montana

On this bicycle tour we meet in Billings, Montana on Sunday morning. Fly into Billings on Saturday for a Sunday morning departure. Our Bike Tour shuttle will pick you up at 8:00am Sunday morning at the Residence Inn Billings . After a short shuttle to Red Lodge we will start our first ride...

The Beartooth Scenic Byway!

The Beartooth Highway in Montana is one of the most spectacular alpine highways in North America. It offers sweeping vistas of snow-covered mountains and panoramic views of hundreds of high alpine lakes. It is one of the highest and most rugged areas in the lower 48 states, with 20 peaks reaching over 12,000 feet in elevation.

In the surrounding mountains, glaciers are found on the north flank of nearly every mountain peak over 11,500 feet high. The Road itself is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming and Montana. Our destination for the night is Cooke City, gateway to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone.

Dinner is on your own tonight with a couple different choices in this quaint western town.

62 miles / 6,732 ft. elevation gain

Day 2 - Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Wyoming

Today we ride the entire Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, where the legendary flight of Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perce indians occurred on their way to Canada. The Scenic Byway offers panoramic vistas of the Beartooths to the north and the volcanic Absaroka Range to the south. Wildlife, including elk, mule deer and mountain goats roam the area, while sheer cliffs towering 1,200 feet line a deep gorge carved by the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. After the ride we shuttle to Grant's Lodge in Yellowstone, our basecamp for the next 3 nights .

Breakfast and Dinner are on your own during our stay in Yellowstone. If you'd like to dine with your fellow riders we suggest the Lodge Dining room overlooking Yellowstone Lake at 6:00pm.

77 miles / 5,500 ft. elevation gain

Day 3 - Yellowstone National Park - The Grand Loop!

Today we ride the Grand Loop ! Our destination is Old Faithful, home to the world famous geyser of the same name. Along the way we pass Yellowstone Lake, the highest alspine lake in the states, and then ride through the Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone's most compact thermal area, with literally hundreds of geysers, pools and hot springs. We finish our geological journey at Old Faithful geyser, where we'll watch the famous eruption.

Take the tour of the historic Old Faithful Lodge or Stick around and have dinner at the Old Faithful Lodge Dining Room.

80-96 miles / 6,300 ft. elevation gain

Day 4 - Yellowstone National Park

Day 5 - yellowstone to cody, wyoming.

Today we ride out of Yellowstone as we make our way to Cody, Wyoming. In the morning we'll ride along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, America's largest high-altitude mountain lake at 7,733 feet. After skirting its shores, we ride out the east entrance of the park into the badlands of Wyoming, on our way to Cody, home of Buffalo Bill.

Dinner is on your own tonight, with lots of great restaurants within walking distance. Try Buffalo Bill's Irma Saloon, it has live gunfights.

73 miles / 3,800 ft. elevation gain

Day 6 - Chief Joseph & the Beartooth!

Today is the Grand Finale ! We ride back along Chief Joseph Scenic Byway - a completely different ride in the opposite direction. We then connect with the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and get to ride down what we climbed up on Monday - a 28 mile descent into Red Lodge, Montana. After the ride we shuttle back to Billings. Riders have the option of flying out Friday night after the ride or staying over in Billings and departing Saturday.

66-94 miles / 6,500 ft. elevation gain

Lunch on ride days is always included. On this Tour one group dinner is included and riders are on their own for the remaining, with suggested seating times for those wishing to dine with others. A continental breakfast is always included of Greek yogurt, a selection of natural cereals, Bagels, cream cheese, etc. Hot breakfasts are on your own and require eating early in the Lodges.

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Bike through Yellowstone

Biking through yellowstone on the park's roads is a great way to explore the beauty in an up-close-and-personal manner..

Bring your own bike or rent one from Yellowstone National Park Lodge at the  Old Faithful Snow Lodge . Helmets, racks, trailers and accessories are also available for rent. Find more information about rentals at  www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/adventure/land-adventures/bicycle-rentals/

Yellowstone Biking Trail Suggestions

While biking on the hiking trails is not allowed, they are plenty of paved and unpaved roads plus multi-use paths to bike on. We recommend the following routes.

West Yellowstone to Madison Junction: 14 miles (28 miles round trip) of mostly level terrain. Elk, bison and waterfowl often hang out in this area.

The end of Fountain Flat Drive to the Midway Geyser Basin: 1.6-miles (3.2 miles round trip) of gravel terrain. Open only to bikers and hikers. The route passes Goose Lake and Grand Prismatic Spring.

The paved bike path through Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful Geyser.

Find more bike trail suggestions at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/bicycling.htm

Spring and Fall Biking Through Yellowstone

In order to avoid the heavy tourist traffic in the busy summer months (mid-June through Labor Day), consider planning your biking trip in the spring or fall. Getting out during the week makes for even lighter traffic conditions. Check the National Park Service website for spring and fall biking dates at  www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/spring-fall-bicycling.htm .

“There are several good reasons for riding a bike into Yellowstone National Park in the off season. First, and probably foremost, is the ability to take your time and really observe, smell and hear the landscape,” writes Brett French in an essay for the Billings Gazette about the joys of taking a bike trip through Yellowstone. “When visiting Yellowstone in a car, the scenery flashes by, and a passenger’s view is restricted. And it seems like a hassle to stop at the pullouts and pile out again. Not so on a bicycle. On a bike, the view is 360 degrees.”

Each year there’s a small window of time where most of the snow has melted from the major thoroughfares, but these roads are not open to general vehicle use (park employees are allowed though).

What’s generally open during the spring and fall windows?

Mammoth to the West Entrance in both directions

North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance (involves a steep, twisty, narrow ascent; road is open all year, but usage in the spring is usually light)

Watch the NPS website for dates and road conditions www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/springbike.htm

What’s not typically open?

Madison Junction south to Old Faithful (it’s closed because of heavy bear activity)

East of Cooke City, Mont.

Camping for Cyclists

Cyclists looking for campsites should consider reserving their spot ahead of time (call Xanterra at 307-344-7311) since the sites are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis and often fill up quickly—especially in the busy summer months. Expect to pay $12.00 to $18.50 per night, depending on how extensive the facilities are, for a regular campsite.

All campgrounds except for Slough Creek Campground save a few campsites for hikers and bikers for $4.00 per camper, but if you’re traveling with a large group, it’s suggested that you plan ahead as the hiker/biker sites are smaller.

Tips for Biking in Yellowstone

Biking in Yellowstone National Park makes for an incredible way to see the park from a different viewpoint (and get a great workout in!). We recommend biking in the less busy spring season, but even during lighter traffic weeks when the roads are still closed to the public, be aware of your surroundings. Park administrative vehicles will be using the roads, often driving heavy machinery construction vehicles and taking advantage of the time with fewer tourists.

General Safety Tips

Remember that cell phone service is spotty

Wear a helmet

Wear bright clothing easily visible to traffic around you

Carry an extra tube and a pump in case you get a flat tire, as well as other portable bike repair tools

Be aware that emergency medical service can be delayed because park rangers do not regularly patrol spring biking roads

Use front- and back-lights when riding before sunrise or after sunset

Avoid traveling at night

Weather can change quickly and unpredictably; bring extra clothing

Road safety tips

Obey the rules of the road

Be ready to encounter snow and ice on the roads occasionally

Ride on the right side of the road (you should be riding with traffic, not against it)

Ride single-file

Some sections have little or no shoulder

Wildlife Safety Tips

Wildlife have the right of way; do not approach, chase, taunt, etc.

Modify your riding route if bison are on the road; do not cause them to run

Remain 25 yards away from all wildlife; stay 100 yards away from bears

Bring bear spray

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10 Best Biking Trails In Yellowstone – Bike the National Parks

Mountain Biking Trails in Yellowstone can be hard to come by. You’re not going to find any single-track, well-groomed flow trails in this National Park, but there are plenty of trails that welcome cyclists. If you plan accordingly, biking to some of Yellowstone’s coolest sights can also save you time on your next visit! 

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 – 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. 

Where can I bike in Yellowstone?

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!

Natural Bridge

Miles: 3.1 mi.

Location: Bridge Bay Campground Area

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. 

Lone Star Geyser

Distance: 4.8 mi.

Location: Old Faithful Area

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. 

Fountain Flat Drive

Distance: 4.3 mi.

Location: Midway Geyser Basin Area

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. 

Upper Geyser Basin Trail

Distance: 2.0 mi.

Location: Upper Geyser Basin 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. 

Bunsen Peak Loop

Distance: 10 mi.

Location: Mammoth Springs 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 Glan Creek. At Glen Creek is meets the Golden Gate Service Road where it begins to follow the Glen Creek drainage steeply back uphill until it meets Grand Loop Road. You will finish your ride on Grand Loop Road heading back to the trailhead.  

Osprey Falls Trail

If you don’t want to ride on Grand Loop Road or bike the full 10 miles, 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! 

Biking Mount Washburn

Distance: 5 mi.

Location: Canyon Village Area

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 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!  

Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail

Distance: 5 mi. Location:   Mammoth

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.   

Riverside Bike Trails

Distance: 1.4 mi

Location: West Yellowstone

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.

Ride the Roads!

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!

Biking Tips for Yellowstone

Biking is great, however, it doesn’t come without some added risk. Take a look at these 6 tips for an enjoyable biking experience in Yellowstone National Park.

• Bike with bear spray and know how to use it.
• Wear a helmet, duh. 
• Wear bright-colored clothing.
• Modify your biking route if animals are on the road.
• Weather can change quickly and unpredictably
• Look for a bike symbol at trail heads. 

Explore National Parks

National Parks are the real deal! There are so many amazing ways to experience nature. From biking trails in Yellowstone National Park, to hiking East Coast Mountains at Acadia National Park , and everything in between… nature is neat and there are so many amazing way to experience it.

About The Author

Kaitlyn Fortier

Kaitlyn is a long time adventure travel seeker and took to blogging to share her travels. A proud graduate of SUNY Cortland and SUNY Brockport, they were inspired to pursue a career in education after her teachers and coaches helped instill in her a lifelong love of curiosity and learning. Luckily, teaching provides many incredible opportunities to explore and Kaitlyn is sure to take advantage of those opportunities as often as possible.

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Thanks for the tips Katie! Great read 😎

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Wyoming & Montana's Stunning National Parks

This is the Wild West. The land of bison, ranches and sprawling glacier valleys. But you don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy it. After all, we love our elegant hotels, afternoons at the pool and ranch-to-table meals. And most of all, we love our vast wildernesses, deep forests and towering mountains. This country can be as wild as you can imagine and as indulgent as you want. Discover Bozeman, Jackson and two national parks—the Wild West without compromises.

• Cruise stunning roads that slice through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming, some of America’s most iconic landscapes
• Visit Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser, and witness a thrilling geothermal performance
• Rejuvenate in our premiere hotels’ ambience of luxury and relaxation, and enjoy time at the spa or an evening of stargazing
• Discover the iconic outdoor vibe of this part of the world, where people flock year-round to experience some of the country’s best biking, hiking and skiing

Montana & Wyoming

Start Bozeman

End Jackson

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and out of Jackson Hole Airport (JAC).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Begin your adventure in historic Bozeman, the epicenter of a vibrant biking and hiking scene in summertime • Ride through the town's quaint and historic neighborhoods before embarking on a favorite road of locals, rolling past farmland with mountain vistas • Discover the beautiful Bridger Canyon by bike and continue on to Clyde Park • Dramatic mountain ranges and sprawling landscapes await as you cycle south to the eclectic former train town of Livingston • Be greeted by the majestic Yellowstone River in the aptly named Paradise Valley • Enjoy Montana hospitality at our luxury hotel.

A luxurious resort nestled between two mountain ranges above the Yellowstone River—a place where you can engage fully with the natural elements of Montana. (spa)

Head out on foot through Upper Geyser Basin, the heart of Yellowstone National Park, taking in the sights, sounds—and smells!—of this geologic wonderland • Cross an item off your bucket list with an up-close viewing of an Old Faithful eruption • Cycle along the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway, which connects Wyoming’s famous national parks • Keep an eye out for white pelicans, waterfowl and even bald eagles • Marvel at the jagged peaks of the Teton Range that come into view across the northern shore of Jackson Lake as you make your way to Grand Teton National Park  • Retreat to our scenically located national park lodge for the night.

Situated in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, with 60-foot picture windows for savoring views of the Teton peaks and the roaming moose, elk and bison. (pool)  

Leaving Jackson Lake behind, pedal farther into Grand Teton National Park • Look for bison, pronghorn, elk and maybe even a moose • Explore the winding roads and imposing landscapes of Grand Teton National Park by bike • Time stands still for a moment as you take in the captivating beauty of Jenny Lake • Enjoy riding on beautiful car-free bike paths • Discover historic downtown Jackson and relax in comfort at our luxurious hotel • Your national park adventure comes to a close with a final western thrill—white-water rafting on the Snake River.

Located just one block from picturesque Jackson Town Square, this luxury boutique hotel blends western history with modern comfort.

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

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What's Included

• All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

On this trip we spend one night at Jackson Lake Lodge. While this accommodation reflects the natural surroundings of the national park and provides unparalleled access to the best activities in the area, it is simpler than typical Backroads lodging. The lodge has basic guest rooms that are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning. Overall, the service standards can seem slow and casual when compared with the hospitality found on other Backroads trips. Please note that internet and cell phone service are extremely limited throughout the parks.

The National Park Service limits the size of all groups and Grand Teton National Park doesn't permit guided hiking. Accordingly, in Yellowstone National Park you'll bike and hike in small groups with Backroads leaders. In Grand Teton National Park, you'll bike in small groups with Backroads leaders. If you choose to hike in Grand Teton National Park, you'll hike without Backroads leaders or local guides, but your leaders will provide pre-walk briefings, maps and directions. We appreciate your cooperation with park regulations.

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Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

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Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price

• Ideal for avid cyclists
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Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike Sizing & Geometry

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• Suited for a wide range of cyclists
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• Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
• Upright handlebars only

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

• One of the lightest e-bikes available
• Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
• Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike Sizing & Geometry

• $650 rental fee; subject to availability
• Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2
• Perfectly balanced comfort and performance with a Grand Tour pedigree
• State-of-the-art components and precision German engineering

Canyon Endurace SLX 9 Di2 Sizing & Geometry

• $400 rental fee
• Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
• Custom upgraded wheelset
• Best for riders with some tandem experience.

Tandem Bike Sizing & Geometry

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Yellowstone Mountain Biking, National Park Bike Rentals & Tours

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Biking & Bike Rentals

Photo © Vijay Gunda - Flickr

Photo © National Park Service

Road biking is ideal in Yellowstone National Park during the spring, when roads are open to cyclists only for about a month. Otherwise, there are a few bike friendly pathways within the park that offer unique access to park features.

Providers these companies can get you there.

Teton Mountain Bike Tours - Old Faithful Bike Tour

(307) 733-0712.

• Jackson, WY
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Park Permittee

Book a full-day bike tour and explore Yellowstone & Old Faithful area like never before with a variety of bike options. Great for groups & family adventures!

You may also be interested in:

Yellowstone horses - take a horse after biking, (208) 558-7077.

Let one of our gentle horses take you into pristine pastures and forest on a memorable ride (1/2-day or evening 2-hour dinner ride) just 40 minutes out of West Yellowstone.

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.
• 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.

Stay at a Cabin

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Vacation Packages

Luxury fall 5 night getaway, red lodge to west yellowstone, jackson hole summer adventurer, winter adventure for the non skier, jackson hole fall explorer, regional biking & bike rentals, jackson hole biking, grand teton biking, bozeman biking, cody wyoming biking, west yellowstone biking, big sky biking, red lodge biking.

Escape to a Perfect Cabin Getaway in Yellowstone National Park

Visit allcabins.com, in the spotlight, unique luxury lodging.

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Yellowstone Tipis

Explore the Parks!

EcoTour Adventures

Local Car Rentals

Budget West Yellowstone

Amazing Fishing Trips

Grand Teton Fly Fishing

Ride Horses & Dinner

Yellowstone Horses

River Adventure for All

Wyoming River Trips

Experience Yellowstone

#1 on Trip Advisor

CoveredGround Tours

Yellowstone Adventures

Other Biking & Bike Rentals Resources

Each state has own division within USA Cycling, which is a good online resource for events for road, mountain, track, cyclo-cross, and bmx biking.

Biking information for the Black Hills in South Dakota.

Moab, Utah is a mountain biking mecca.

E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park

Set out on a journey through Yellowstone National Park’s diverse terrain on an e-bike, where every twist and turn unlocks a new chapter in nature’s story.

The silent hum of electric motors propels adventurers into secluded corners of the park, where surprises await at every bend.

As riders navigate through the park’s untouched beauty, a sense of freedom and wonder fills the air.

But what unexpected encounters might these e-bike tours reveal?

What hidden gems lie off the beaten path, enticing explorers to uncover more?

• Experience diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters on e-bike tours in Yellowstone National Park.
• Enjoy scenic routes , panoramic views , and challenging terrains guided by experienced guides .
• Stay hydrated with complimentary water and enjoy all-inclusive fees supporting park conservation.
• Capture unforgettable moments, share photos , and relive the adventure with added photography tips.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Kayak Day Paddle on Yellowstone Lake
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike With Lunch
• Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour With Lunch
• Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

Tour Highlights

Set out on an exhilarating journey through Yellowstone National Park’s diverse landscapes and encounter breathtaking wildlife on the E-Bike Tours. The scenic routes offer a feast for the eyes, with opportunities for wildlife sightings at Swan Lake Flats and stunning views of Golden Gate Canyon.

Riders will navigate through terrain challenges on backcountry trails under the guidance of experienced guides , ensuring both safety and enjoyment. The adventure includes cycling around Bunsen Peak, adding an extra thrill to the journey.

With the chance to explore forested peaks, rocky canyons , and volcanic landscapes , this tour promises an immersive experience in one of America’s most iconic national parks. Get ready to pedal through nature’s wonders and witness the beauty of Yellowstone up close.

Equipment and Inclusions

As participants gear up for the E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park, they can expect a comprehensive package of equipment and inclusions that ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure through the park’s stunning landscapes.

Safety gear is a top priority, with each participant provided with a bicycle, helmet , and bike lock to guarantee a secure and worry-free ride. Plus, the tour includes bottled water to keep adventurers hydrated throughout the journey.

Environmental impact is also considered, with all fees and taxes included in the tour cost to support the park’s conservation efforts. Transportation to the trailhead is arranged, ensuring convenience for participants while minimizing their carbon footprint.

This well-rounded package sets the stage for an unforgettable e-biking experience in Yellowstone National Park.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The meeting point for the E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park is located at Glen Creek Stock Trail, directly across from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead in Glen Creek, Wyoming 82190 , USA. Tours are available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing ample time to explore the forested peaks and rocky canyons of Yellowstone.

The trails offer a moderately challenging experience, perfect for adventurous riders seeking a mix of adventure and natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife encounters at Swan Lake Flats and enjoy stunning views of Golden Gate Canyon.

The activity concludes back at the meeting point, ensuring a convenient end to your e-bike adventure. Remember to check the cancellation policy details before embarking on this exciting journey.

Cancellation Policy

Upon booking an E-Bike Tour in Yellowstone National Park, travelers should familiarize themselves with the cancellation policy to ensure a smooth experience.

The cancellation policy typically includes details on the refund process , which may vary depending on how far in advance the tour is canceled.

Plus, it’s essential to consider weather conditions as a factor that could lead to tour cancellation or rescheduling. In the event of unfavorable weather, tour operators may offer rescheduling options to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants.

Group size restrictions may also play a role in the cancellation policy, as tours require a minimum number of participants to proceed.

Understanding these aspects of the cancellation policy can help travelers plan accordingly and make informed decisions when booking an E-Bike Tour in Yellowstone National Park.

Traveler Photos Access

Visitors can easily access additional photos of their E-Bike tour experience by exploring the traveler photos section provided.

Photo Sharing : Travelers can share their own photos from the tour on social media platforms, connecting with others who’ve experienced the adventure.

Photography Tips : The section offers tips on capturing the best shots at scenic spots along the tour, ensuring memorable photographs.

Scenic Spots Highlighted : Stunning images of forested peaks, rocky canyons, and wildlife encounters at Swan Lake Flats are showcased, inspiring future visitors.

Engagement : Visitors can interact with the photos, leaving comments and likes, creating a sense of community among E-Bike tour enthusiasts.

Reviews Overview

Discover what travelers have to say about their E-Bike tour experience in Yellowstone National Park. Customer satisfaction is a common theme among reviews, with many praising the tour experience for its unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Visitors appreciate the service quality provided, highlighting the well-maintained bicycles, safety measures such as helmets and bike locks, and the informative tour guide expertise . Reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor showcase a range of perspectives, with ratings typically falling between 4 to 5 stars.

One specific review highlighted the exceptional wildlife sightings at Swan Lake Flats and the enjoyable ride around Bunsen Peak. Travelers looking for an exciting way to explore Yellowstone NP seem to be consistently impressed with the E-Bike tours offered.

Directions and Trail Information

As you embark on the E-Bike tour in Yellowstone National Park, the trailhead starting point can be found across from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead at Glen Creek Stock Trail in Wyoming.

Directions and Trail Information:

Terrain Difficulty : The trail offers a mix of flat stretches and moderate inclines, suitable for riders of varying skill levels.

Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for bison, elk , and other wildlife along the route. Remember to maintain a safe distance and admire these creatures from afar.

Trail Highlights: Enjoy stunning views of Swan Lake Flats and Golden Gate Canyon as you pedal through the park.

Safety Tips: Stay on designated paths, carry bear spray , and be aware of park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer 8 Day
• Yellowstone: Private Full Day Tour

Common questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park?

Safety precautions are important. There are age restrictions for e-bike tours in Yellowstone National Park. Rental options include personal e-bikes. Visitors must adhere to guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience. Follow all rules for a memorable adventure.

Can Participants Bring Their Own E-Bikes or Are They Required to Use the Bikes Provided by the Tour?

Participants are not required to use bikes provided by the tour. E-bike rental options offer flexibility. Group size limitations may impact tour customization . Riders can bring their own e-bikes if preferred, ensuring a personalized Yellowstone adventure.

Is There a Weight Limit for Riders on the E-Bike Tours?

Safety regulations ensure a smooth experience. Riders should adhere to weight limits for optimal performance. Equipment requirements guarantee a safe journey. Accessibility accommodations cater to all. Group size restrictions maintain a personalized adventure for each participant.

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Gear Recommendations for the Tour, Such as Closed-Toe Shoes or Layers for Changing Weather Conditions?

Layering options are essential for changing weather on outdoor excursions. Closed-toe shoes provide safety and comfort. Participants should dress in breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Following these recommendations ensures a pleasant and safe experience on the tour.

Are There Restrooms or Facilities Available Along the Tour Route for Participants to Use?

Restrooms and facilities are available along the tour route for participants, ensuring comfort during the entire duration of the excursion. The tour duration allows for convenient access to these amenities, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Day Hike
• Private Yellowstone Wolf Watching & Wildlife Safari Lunch
• Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour
• 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone With Lunch
• 4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake With Lunch
• Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
• From Boseman: Yellowstone Day Tour Including Entry Fee
• Old Faithful & Yellowstone Highlights – National Park Tour
• Yellowstone, MT: Lower Loop Private Tour
• Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour From West Yellowstone With Lunch
• 5-Day Winter Yellowstone Wildlife Tour

Set out on an e-bike tour in Yellowstone National Park for an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes and encounters with wildlife. With all equipment provided, including bicycles , helmets , and water , participants can focus on the thrill of exploring backcountry trails and enjoying breathtaking views.

From the meeting point at Glen Creek to the conclusion of the activity, this tour promises an exhilarating experience for all nature enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the beauty of Yellowstone!

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Last updated: February 5, 2024

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PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

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15 Exciting National Park Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List

T here seems to be a never ending list of family friendly activities in our nation’s national parks. Many parks offer incredible opportunities for family adventure, from hiking and kayaking, to rock climbing and caving. With so many national park adventures, how does one choose where to begin?

Here are 15 national park adventures you can add to your bucket list. This list celebrates the diversity of national parks and is sure to get you excited about getting outside.

Bucket List National Park Adventures 

1. take a boat tour of everglades national park.

There is no way to better experience the alligator-filled river of grass than from the water while at Everglades National Park . The National Park Service offers narrated boat tours of the famed 10,000 Islands area. Explore a wilderness teeming with birds and reptiles while enjoying a tranquil ride across these endangered wetlands.

Prefer to stick to land? Try biking Shark Valley. The Shark Valley Trail is a 14.5-mile paved loop which is a popular spot for spotting gators right next to (and sometimes on) the trail! You can rent bikes at the visitor center or bring your own. 

2. Snorkel in the Warm Waters of Biscayne National Park

Whether your family is discovering a mangrove ecosystem or admiring the fish on a tropical reef, everyone is certain to have a great time in the water at Biscayne National Park .

Downtown Miami may be within sight but Biscayne may as well be a world away. The  Biscayne National Park Institute  can help you enjoy national park adventures like snorkeling at a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail, taking a boat cruise out to Boca Chita Key and lighthouse, and sailing the water of Biscayne Bay.

While you are there, check out the top 10 things to do with kids in Miami.

3. Canoe Down River at Congaree National Park

Take the family on a guided canoe trip down Congaree National Park’s Cedar Creek. The free, ranger-guided canoe trips are offered to families with children over the age of 5 through the nation’s largest remaining old-growth floodplain forest.

Imagine peacefully paddling through the some of the tallest trees in the Eastern US with nothing but the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling accompanying you as your canoe glides silently across the water. White-tailed deer, otter, and raccoon sightings are possible.

Spring and fall are the ideal times of year for this adventure becauser the weather is milder, the wildlife is active, and the crowds are smaller.

Explore the Top 10 Things to do with Kids in South Carolina .

4. Bike Down a Volcano at Haleakala National Park

The sunrises at Haleakala National Park are well-known for being epic. As a matter of fact, they are so well known that the park requires sunrise reservations which can be made up to 60 days in advance.

After watching the sun rise, your family can then bike down the volcano at Haleakala National Park. My absolute favorite memory of my trip to Maui was getting up in the middle of the night, taking a van to the top of Haleakala, watching the sunrise, then hopping on a rented bike and coasting down the volcano. 

We followed the twisting road as we dropped several thousand feet in elevation until we were back at sea level. The views of the island and the Pacific were amazing and the bike ride was a piece of cake since it was all downhill!

Technically, the bike ride begins at 6,500 feet, just below the national park boundary but the experience does involve time in the park for the sunrise. Some tours include a stop for breakfast at the upcountry town of Makawao.

Here is our guide to things to do in Maui with kids and the best Maui resorts for families .

5. Ride a Mule or White Water Raft in Grand Canyon National Park

Riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is a classic National Park experience. The mule tour operators have a near perfect 100 year safety record so anyone at least 4’7″ and under 200lbs should definitely add this adventure to their bucket list.

For those looking for an adventure that involves plenty of water and adrenaline,  rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon should be at the top of your family vacation list.

Trips vary from 1 to 25 days and many involve either a hike up or a hike down the canyon. Some do involve a helicopter ride down to the canyon the avoid the strenuous hike. There is a huge range in the intensity level of these rafting tours as well. Both the mule ride and rafting trips need to be booked well in advance due to their popularity.

Read our complete guide to visitin the Grand Canyon South Rim . Heading to the other side? We have a guide to the Grand Canyon North Rim as well.

6. Climb the Granite Walls of Yosemite National Park

What better place to have your kids learn the finer points of rock climbing than in Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Mountaineering School has been helping families scale their first slabs of granite for over 40 years. Is there really a better place for family bonding than 60 feet above the ground?

They offer classes for newbies as well as those with experience who want to hone their skills or learn something new like crack climbing.

If rock climbing isn’t you thing you can also sign up for backpacking excursions and guided hikes. We also have a full guide on things to do in Yosemite with kids .

7. Ride Horseback to an Old West Cookout in Yellowstone National Park

Although there are many dining options inside Yellowstone National Park, nothing sounds like more fun than taking a horseback ride out to an Old West Cookout . One or two-hour horseback rides through sagebrush, meadows, and woods take you to the spot where the cookout is held. Steak is served along with all-you-can-eat chuckwagon fare.

If your children are too young to ride (8 is the minimum age) or you have people in your group who aren’t up for horseback ride to the cookout, a stagecoach ride across the sagebrush to the cookout will certainly get everyone in the Old West spirit. Both are offered out of the Roosevelt Horse Corral .

Don’t head to Yellowstone without first reading our full guide to visiting Yellowstone with kids .

8. Enjoy a Carriage Tour of Acadia National Park

Experience the famous roads of Acadia National Park just as John D. Rockefeller Jr. intended, in a carriage. Cross cobblestone bridges, weave in and out of the woods, and enjoy incredible views from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Can’t you just hear the clip clop of the horses’ hooves just thinking about it?

There are one- and two-hour tours available which circle day mountain and visit some of Mr. Rockefellar’s famed bridges. The season runs from May 27th through October 13th.

Here is our full guide to all the fun things to do in Acadia National Park with kids .

9. View Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a Vintage Train

From the comfort of a vintage train car, experience the stunning natural beauty of  Cuyahoga Valley National Park . If you are lucky you might spot white tailed deer grazing or one of 200 bird species that call the park home throughout the year.

Be sure to pick up headphones for the audio tour so you can learn the history of this amazing park as it passes by your window.

10. Watch Glaciers Calve at Glacier Bay National Park from Your Cruise Ship

The best way for families to see the glaciers that are Glacier Bay National Park’s namesake, is from the water. Vessels will take passengers through iceberg filled water so they can get up close to those massive rivers of ice. The entire Alaska region is teeming with wildlife including bears, moose, sea lions, orcas, mountain goats, puffins, and wolves so don’t forget your camera!

I have had the pleasure of experiencing Glacier Bay from both a large cruise ship and a smaller cruise ship. The Uncruise Glacier Bay experience was significantly better because we could get closer to the glaciers, and take our time when someone spotted wildlife. We were able to watch bears fish on the shore and orcas racce past us. You can read about our full Uncruise Alaska experience.

11. Go Dog Sledding in Denali National Park

Learn how to mush with North America’s tallest peak as your backdrop. Family trips into Denali National Park  on dogsled will create the ultimate winter memories. Dog sledding tours are available from several outfitters within or near the park, with options ranging from short rides to multi-day expeditions. Most tours take place from December to April, when the snow is deep and the temperatures are cold enough for safe dog sledding.

Wildlife encounters are very likely and some of the animals you might see include moose, caribou, lynx, dall sheep, and wolves. Children as young 12 can learn to drive their very own team.

If you visit during the summer, you can still have a sled dog experience and visit the park’s kennels. Sled dogs pull carts in the summer and meeting these energetic and ntense animals is a joy.

12. Learn the Basics of Caving Inside Mammoth Cave National Park

Sure, you can take a regular guided tour of Mammoth Cave National Park but some of us love to be “extra” and do things a little differently.

Learn how to descend down cave walls, climb on your hands and knees under low clearance areas, and squeeze through tight passage ways to view parts of Mammoth Cave National Park  that most visitors never see. Wild Cave Tours are offered where visitors navigate through narrow passageways, climb over boulders, and crawl through tight spaces.

Discovery Tours are a unique caving experience that combines education, science, and adventure. Participants work alongside park scientists and researchers to explore remote areas of the cave system and collect data on the park’s ecosystem

For visitors looking for a more immersive and adventurous experience, Lantern Tours are offered where visitors explore the cave with only the light of a kerosene lantern to guide them. These tours offer a unique and intimate experience, allowing visitors to experience the cave as early explorers did.

13. Kayak into Sea Caves at Channel Islands National Park

Enjoy the rugged beauty of Channel Islands National Park  from a sea kayak. Spend time as a family paddling through the pristine marine environment surrounding the islands. Beautiful beaches and incredible sea caves are just waiting to be explored. Children as young as five can ride tandem in the kayak with their parents on tours with Channel Islands Adventure Company .

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and offers some of the best sea kayaking opportunities in the park. Visitors can explore sea caves, kelp forests, and secluded beaches along the island’s rugged coastline. Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor are popular launch points for sea kayakers.

Anacapa Island is the smallest of the Channel Islands, but offers some of the most dramatic sea kayaking experiences in the park. Visitors can paddle through the famous Arch Rock, explore the island’s sea caves, and observe abundant marine wildlife including sea lions and seabirds.

14. See the Park on Horseback Like the President Did at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

There are plenty of National Parks that offer horseback riding, but seeing badlands of North Dakota the way Theodore Roosevelt did is an experience unto itself.

Ride the trails and explore the prairies at Theodore Roosevelt National Park that inspired our former president to become one of word’s leading conservationists. Wild horse, bison, deer, elk, coyote, eagle, and prairie dog sightings are possible.

One- and two-hour rides are offered by Medora Stables late May through early October. Riders must be at least seven years old.

15. Float Down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park

Explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the Continental US as you raft or canoe down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Enjoy towering canyon walls and riparian desert flora and fauna as you drift along the US/Mexican border.

Trips vary in length from half day jaunts to nearly week-long adventures. Colorado Canyon and Santa Elena Canyon are the most popular destinations. Big Bend River Tours offers several different itinerary options.

Colorado Canyon is the only volcanically formed canyon on the river and the day trip on the river is a great option for families. Rapids are splashy but not dangerous. Children as young as four can take this trip.

The dramatic Santa Elena Canyon is a narrow gorge with sheer cliff walls that tower above the river on both sides. Families with children as young as eight are welcome on these trips.

Excited to visit national parks with your kids? We are too! Visit our National Parks with Kids  page for extensive coverage, tips & tricks for all our nation’s National Parks.