Cycle Yellowstone

04/11/2024

One more week of the cycle-only season in Yellowstone.

You've got one more week to enjoy Yellowstone National Park on your bike without having to share the road with cars. You can bike from the west entrance to Madison Junction to Norris Junction onto Mammoth Hot Springs.

Remember, spring in Yellowstone is not here yet. There are no services and the weather can be unpredictable.

The West Entrance of Yellowstone Opens for the Spring Season on April 19th.

📸: Yellowstone National Park / National Park Service

04/02/2024

Yellowstone's bicycle season has started!

Yellowstone National Park opened for bicycles today!

You can ride through the west entrance to Madison Junction and then north to Mammoth Hot Springs.

Remember there are no services and weather can change quickly. Come enjoy the next few days of nice weather.

📷: Yellowstone National Park / National Park Service

10/18/2023

Have you been exploring the Yellowstone Shortline Trail?

10/18/2023

Have you ever biked on the Rendezvous SkiTrails?

09/28/2023

06/05/2023

The trail is rideable to the third bridge! The third bridge is 6.1 miles in and is where the pavement currently ends. There are some snowy patches and rocks along the way. Thank you to everyone who is helping to sweep and kick rocks off the trail!

If you are using the trail, have bear spray readily accessible and know how to use it. To avoid encounters, travel in groups of three or more, make plenty of noise as you hike or bike, and turn around if you see a bear ahead.

04/13/2023

Our friends at Freeheel and Wheel are the local experts on bicycling. The bicycle only season through the West Gate Of Yellowstone continues for another week.

If you’re biking in Yellowstone National Park or really anywhere in Montana this spring, packing to be prepared is essential.

04/10/2023

If you heading into Yellowstone on your bike, remember it has a hard winter for the wildlife. Give them room! The minimum is 25 yards from any animal and 100 yards from a bear or wolf.

04/06/2023

04/06/2023

Yellowstone National Park's cycle-only season starts on Friday! Cyclists can go in through the West Entrance To Yellowstone In Montana here in West Yellowstone, Montana.

Learn more at the Cycle Only Season in Yellowstone National Park event page and at https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/23010.htm

📷: Yellowstone National Park / National Park Service

04/05/2023

Yellowstone’s cycle only season starts Friday!

(News Release) Beginning Friday, April 7, bicyclists willing to brave the unpredictable weather of spring in Yellowstone National Park can ride 49 miles between the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

The following roads between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs will open to bicycling:
▪ West Entrance to Madison Junction
▪ Madison Junction to Norris Junction
▪ Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs

As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 miles). Bicycles are not allowed on the remaining park roads until they start to open to public automobiles at 8 a.m. Friday, April 21.

‼️ Ride Safely ‼️
▫️ Bears, bison, elk, moose and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors when the snow is deep. They are stressed and weak due to the severe winter of above-average snowpack and continued cold temperatures. Be mindful as they endure this hardest part of the year. Higher than usual snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the road. Do not crowd or push wildlife and be prepared to wait or turn around.
▫️ Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other wildlife.
▫️ Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
▫️ Travel during daylight hours only.
▫️ Ride single file and use extreme caution. Expect administrative vehicles such as snowplows, heavy equipment, contractor and employee traffic. Roadway shoulders are narrow, and curves can limit visibility.
▫️ Watch for quickly changing weather conditions and the possibility of temporary road closures. Snow and ice may cover sections of road.
▫️ No services will be available, except limited restrooms. Plan for self-rescue or repair. Cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.
▫️ Prepare to spend an extended period in winter conditions in the event of a mechanical breakdown, injury or other emergency.

👉 Learn more at go.nps.gov/23010

11/29/2022

Work on the Yellowstone Shortline Trail will continue next year.

This , WE want to give YOU a special sneak peek! 👀

While snowy weather has brought construction season an end, we are still busy working on the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. This winter, designs for trailhead kiosks, wayside exhibits, mile markers, benches, pavilions, and gateways will be finalized. This picture shows the first mock-up for trailhead kiosks. Signs at the trailhead will feature need-to-know info about the YST and general info about the area. Smaller signs along the trail will feature natural and cultural history and info about the surrounding environment.

As we enter the giving season, please consider making an end of year donation to the YST to support trailside amenities which will help bring these designs to life. For more information about donating, visit: https://yellowstoneshortlinetrail.org/donate

10/21/2022

Yellowstone Shortline Trail update

We are receiving lots of questions and feedback which must mean there is lots of excitement for the YST! 🥳

One thing to keep in mind is that there is still work to be done. Despite rainy spring weather causing delays, Tri State Excavating has made incredible progress this year. They are on track to wrap up work in 2023, including paving the last few miles.

Aside from that, we are in the process of developing both informational and interpretive signage as well as other amenities like benches. Many things you see now, including signage and the gate at the trailhead, are temporary and will be replaced with permanent, user-friendly features.

We are just as excited as everyone to see the project come together. We have been fully committed to creating a “world-class” trail since day one. With the phenomenal support received from the community and beyond, this vision is becoming a reality. We appreciate every form of support and we encourage YST supporters to continue sharing ideas and feedback. Thank you all for everything!

PS - This picture of a porcupine isn’t really related to this post, but isn’t (s)he cute? Keep an eye out for wildlife along the YST!

10/19/2022

More Yellowstone Shortline Trail news.

Another update! 🚴

Paving is now complete to the third bridge, which is just over 6 miles from the current trailhead. There will be no more paving this fall. The remaining ~2.5 miles will be paved in 2023. Tri State Excavating will still be working on other tasks along the trail as weather allows this fall, so please keep an eye out for equipment.

The start of the trail is west of Iris Street near the intersection with Obsidian in West Yellowstone. The gate and cones are to prevent motorized access. Likewise, there are some former motorized access points that previously connected what is now the YST to the Old Airport Rd (which parallels the YST to the north at the start) which have "Road Closed" signs. These signs are for motorized users. The trail is currently open and accessible to non-motorized users.

10/06/2022

More Yellowstone Shortline Trail updates.

With all the construction progress and excitement, we have received many questions about the trail and wanted to answer a couple of the most popular:

#1: “Is the trail open? How far can I go?”
Currently, construction crews are taking advantage of this beautiful October weather to pave more of the trail. While the trail is open, certain sections may be closed while construction crews are working and the asphalt is setting. We encourage you to get out there and explore, but also ask that you pay attention to “road closed” signs. Doing so will allow construction crews to work safely and effectively and ensure that none of their work will need to be redone. As of yesterday evening (10/5), everything to the second bridge was open.

#2: “Are there bears?”
Yes! The trail is in bear country. The greater Yellowstone area has both grizzly bears and black bears. You should take the same precautions when exploring the YST as you would with any other outdoor adventure in the region. This includes carrying and knowing how to use bear spray, exploring in groups, and making noise. More guidance can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears . Keep an eye out for ALL wildlife! There have been recent moose and porcupine sightings on the trail.

Photo: Bear tracks seen along the YST.

10/05/2022

A great Yellowstone Shortline Trail update!

09/12/2022

Huge progress on the Yellowstone Shortline Trail!

08/17/2022

The Bike Rodeo is at 4:30 today.

Please join the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office at the West Yellowstone Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 4:30 to 7 PM at Pioneer Park for a FUN and FREE family event! 🚲 Hope to see you there! 😀

08/08/2022

The West Yellowstone Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair is a week from Wednesday.

We hope to see you at the West Yellowstone Bike Rodeo & Safety Fair at Pioneer Park on Wednesday, August 17th! Tons of organizations from here to Bozeman are working hard to make this a fun FREE family event!

Sponsored by the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office & the West Yellowstone Early Childhood Coalition in collaboration with these great partners: Freeheel & Wheel Billings Clinic WestYellowstone PD Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Town of West Yellowstone Community Health Partners Charlie Health Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District Providence Mental Health Gallatin County CASA/GAL Program, Inc. Child Care Connections Montana No Kid Hungry Human Resource Development Council of District IX Montana PBS

08/06/2022

Yellowstone Shortline Trail update!

07/08/2022

The bike biathlon is July 16th.

WYSEF’s Annual Summer Bike Biathlon is happening July 16th. Go to skirunbikemt.com for more information.

04/09/2022

The west entrance to Yellowstone opens for regular vehicles on Friday. This means Thursday will be the last day of the cycle-only season for this year.

(News Release) Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2022, select roads in Yellowstone National Park will open to the public for the season, weather permitting. On Saturday, April 16, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Roads open to the public April 15:
- West Entrance to Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful (via Norris)
- Norris to Canyon Village
- North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Northeast Entrance (open year-round)

Changes in 2022:
- The road between Canyon Village and Tower-Roosevelt (Dunraven Pass) opens May 27 at noon.
- Fishing and boating seasons begin May 28 and will close Oct. 31.
- Three major road improvement projects will occur this year. All three projects will cause major delays (Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb and Yellowstone River Bridge) and two projects (Old Faithful to West Thumb and Lewis River Bridge) will have overnight closures. Visitors entering and exiting the park’s south entrance should allow for extra driving time. Drive slowly through road construction and be alert to workers, heavy equipment, wildlife and other hazards.
- Park roads will close for the winter season Nov.1 at 12:01 a.m.

Stay informed:
- Services in the spring will be limited and visitors should come prepared.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the spring. Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions. Visitors should check the park’s current conditions before they arrive.
- Find updated road status on the park website and by calling (307) 344-2117. To receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone, text "82190" to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).
- Reduce wait times at park entrances. Buy a pass online ahead of time.

For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.

03/31/2022

The cycle only season in Yellowstone National Park continues through April 14.

It's spring biking season in Yellowstone! Lucky (and brave) cyclists who can make it to the park before April 15 can ride the 49 miles between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs free from (most) cars!

While cyclists get to experience the joy of wide open roads, their are many safety considerations:
- There are still snowplows and other motorized vehicles operated by park employees or construction workers on the road.
- Weather conditions change quickly.
- Roads are subject to temporary closures due to weather conditions.
- Snow and ice may cover sections of road.
- As always, wildlife may be on roads.
- There are no services available, except limited restrooms.

Have you biked in Yellowstone? We'd love to hear about your trip!

📸: NPS/Jacob Frank

03/26/2022

Sounds like a great day!

03/24/2022

Cycle only season starts tomorrow!

(News Release) Beginning Friday, March 25, bicyclists willing to brave the unpredictable elements of spring in Yellowstone National Park can ride 49 miles between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs.

The following sections of the Grand Loop Road between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs will open to cycling:
- West Entrance to Madison Junction
- Madison Junction to Norris Junction
- Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs

As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass. Check the Spring and Fall Bicycling web page for road status. go.nps.gov/YellSpringFallBiking

Bikes are not allowed on the remaining interior park roads until they start to open to public automobile access at 8 a.m. Friday, April 15. Check park roads for 2022 spring opening dates.

A spring bicycle trip in Yellowstone must be taken seriously for the following reasons:
- Snowplows and other motorized vehicles operated by park employees or construction workers on the road.
- Quickly changing weather conditions.
- Temporary road closures due to weather conditions.
- Snow and ice covering sections of road.
- Wildlife on roads.
- No services available, except limited restrooms.

Stay safe while cycling in Yellowstone by following these guidelines:
- Ride during day light hours only.
- Anticipate encountering bears, bison, elk, wolves and other wildlife.
- Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Prepare to wait or turn around if bison or other wildlife are on the road.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Stay out of closed areas.
- Ride single file and follow all other rules of the road.
- Plan for self-rescue or repair. Cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.
- Prepare to spend an extended period in winter conditions in the event of a mechanical breakdown, injury or other emergency.

03/10/2022

Are you excited about the Yellowstone Shortline Trail?

This year, major progress will continue on the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. The trailhead is the centennial rail car (pictured) at the Museum of the Yellowstone.

The trail itself follows the old Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way through the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This unmotorized trail will open new recreational opportunities around West Yellowstone, Montana.

Follow along with the Yellowstone Shortline Trail social media channels, particularly if you would enjoy exploring this trail in the future.

📷: Museum of the Yellowstone / Yellowstone Shortline Trail / Union Pacific Dining Lodge

02/21/2022

Ready for views like this?

Are you thinking spring? We are!

Plan your West Yellowstone, Montana trip now!

http://bit.ly/2SqebQ1

02/19/2022

Freeheel and Wheel is the biking headquarters for West Yellowstone, Montana. Make sure stop in when you come to cycle.

Skis in the winter and bikes in the summer -- Freeheel and Wheel.

02/08/2022

Bid to help create history. The Custer Gallatin National Forest is seeking trail construction bids for the Yellowstone Shortline Trail.

Custer Gallatin National Forest's invitation to bid for "Yellowstone Shortline Trail #611 Rails-to-Trails Project" is open! Once the bidding process closes, our partners at Custer Gallatin National Forest will be able to award the contract and construction of the Yellowstone Shortline Trail will officially begin. Information about the contract opportunity can be viewed at: https://sam.gov/opp/a63ad8412a2d4926b63365d6e0a1fc56/view . Any questions should be directed to Paul Larsen by email at [email protected] or by phone at 406-223-4463.