Bicycling in Yellowstone National Park offers a completely different perspective of the landscape than a car tour, allowing you to smell the pine and hear the bubbling mud pots without the hum of an engine. However, because most park roads are narrow and lack shoulders, success depends heavily on timing and route selection.
When to Go: The “Secret” Window
The absolute best time to bike in Yellowstone is during the “Spring Bike Opening” (typically early April to mid-May). During this brief window, crews have plowed the snow off the roads but have not yet opened the gates to motorized traffic.
- Spring Route: You can often ride from the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs (about 49 miles) with virtually no cars, though you must watch for administrative vehicles and snowplows.
- Fall Window: A similar window occurs in late October/early November after roads close to the public but before they are groomed for snowmobile travel.
Top Biking Routes
While bicycles are prohibited on backcountry trails and boardwalks, several designated paths and old service roads provide excellent riding:
| Route | Difficulty | Description |
| Lone Star Geyser | Easy | A 5-mile round trip on an old paved road that leads to a predictable, remote geyser. |
| Old Faithful to Morning Glory | Very Easy | A short, 1.4-mile paved path through the heart of the Upper Geyser Basin. |
| Fountain Freight Road | Easy/Moderate | A flat, gravel road near the Midway Geyser Basin. Great for seeing Grand Prismatic from a different angle. |
| Bunsen Peak Loop | Strenuous | A 10-mile rugged loop for mountain bikers that drops 960 feet before a steep climb back to the main road. |
| Natural Bridge | Easy | A pleasant 1-mile ride from the Bridge Bay Marina to a massive natural stone arch. |
Essential Safety & Wildlife Rules
Biking in Yellowstone requires a “heads-up” approach. You are significantly more vulnerable to wildlife and traffic than a motorist.
- The 100/25 Rule: You must stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals (bison, elk, deer). If an animal moves toward you, you must move away.
- Bear Spray is Mandatory: Always carry bear spray in an accessible holster (not tucked inside a backpack). Making noise—calling out or whistling—is essential when approaching blind curves to avoid startling a bear.
- Bison Traffic Jams: If bison are blocking the road, do not try to “squeeze” past. Wait for them to move or turn around. They can run 35 mph and are notoriously unpredictable.
- Visibility: Roads are narrow with heavy RV traffic. Wear high-visibility clothing and use front and rear lights, especially during low-light hours.
Rentals and Services
If you don’t bring your own gear, you can find rentals at these locations:
- Inside the Park: The Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers hourly and full-day rentals of hybrid bikes.
- Outside the Park: Freeheel and Wheel in West Yellowstone is a full-service shop offering mountain, road, and comfort bike rentals, plus expert repair services.