Bicycling in Yellowstone NP

Bicycling

Park management does not encourage bicycling in the park. It considers the vast majority of the park's roads "unimproved" and unsafe for bicyclists. A brochure titled "Bicycling in Yellowstone National Park" is available at some visitor centers and at the park Web site (www.nps.gov/yell), but is not widely promoted or disseminated. Still, many long-distance cyclists do ride in Yellowstone, despite heavy traffic and narrow roads. If you choose to ride the Grand Loop Road or entrance roads, be safe, ride single file, and wear a helmet and reflective gear. Be cautious in May and June, as high snowbanks can make riding the park's narrow roads particularly dangerous. Remember that some routes, such as those over Craig Pass, Sylvan Pass, and Dunraven Pass, are especially challenging because of their steep climbs.

Blacktail Plateau Drive. Running parallel to Grand Loop Road, this gravel road is one-way traffic for cars traveling east, but bicycles are allowed in both directions. The strenuous ride climbs and dips through forest where you might see deer, coyotes, or elk. Start at the West Entrance to the road, 9 mi east of Mammoth Hot Springs, and head east. Once you arrive at the East entrance, 2 mi west of Tower-Roosevelt, take the Grand Loop Road back. This is one place to see great autumn colors as the trees turn in late September or early October. Mountain bikes are recommended. 10 mi east of Mammoth Hot Springs on Grand Loop Rd., Tower-Roosevelt.

Fountain Freight Road. Fountain Flat Drive departs the Grand Loop Road south of the Nez Perce picnic area and follows the Firehole River to a trailhead 1 1/2 mi away. From there, the Fountain Freight Road continues along the old roadbed, giving bikers access to the Sentinel Meadows Trail and the Fairy Falls Trail. The total length of the route is 5 1/2 mi. Mountain bikes are recommended; you'll share Fountain Flat Drive with one-way automobile traffic and the freight road with hikers. Exit Grand Loop Rd. at Fountain Flat Rd., 5 mi south of Madison. Fountain Flat Rd. dead-ends at a parking lot, where you can pick up the Fountain Freight Rd. trailhead, Madison.

Natural Bridge Road. An excellent diversion with children if you're camping at Bridge Bay, this 1-mi bike loop briefly follows the western shore of Yellowstone Lake. The easy ride leads to Natural Bridge, a 50-foot cliff cut through by Bridge Creek. ¼ mi south of Bridge Bay on Grand Loop Rd., Bridge Bay.

Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool. This paved 2-mi trail starts at the General Store at Old Faithful Village, loops near Old Faithful geyser, and ends at Morning Glory Pool. The entire route is through a geyser basin, so stay on the trail. Watch for pedestrians, elk, and buffalo. Trailhead begins at Old Faithful Basin Store, Old Faithful Village.

Outfitter & Expeditions

Free Heel and Wheel (40 Yellowstone Ave., West Yellowstone, MT. 406/646-7744. www.freeheelandwheel.com), just outside the West Entrance, rents bikes, dispenses advice, and sells hiking and cross-country skiing gear. The staff here can also recommend road cycling routes outside the park. Rates are $8 per hour, or $25 per day, including helmet and water bottle.