Mount Washburn Bike Trail

Q: Will I encounter bears?

Bear encounters are possible but rare if you make noise and ride midday. Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it. Stay 100 yards away if you spot one.

Q: Can I ride down faster than I climbed up?

Yes, but the descent is steep and technically harder on your knees and brakes. Use trekking poles, control your speed, and don't ride faster than you can brake.

Q: What if I'm too tired to descend?

Pace yourself on the ascent and save energy for the descent. Rest at the summit. If you're genuinely exhausted, a ranger can advise on support options, but this ride is self-reliant.

Q: Is there water or a restroom halfway?

No. There's nothing on the trail. Carry all water (minimum 2.5–3 liters) and use facilities before you depart.

Q: What if service vehicles come toward me?

Yield the road. Pull to the side and let them pass. They don't stop for bikes—assume they won't see you until the last second.

Distance

3 mi

Elevation Gain

1,500 ft

Est. Time

2–5 hours depending on fitness and time spent at summit

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer (mid-June through early September)

Overview

About This Trail

Bike 3 miles straight uphill on a steep gravel road to the 10,243-foot summit of Mount Washburn. You'll gain 1,500 feet of elevation in 2.5 miles—a relentless, no-mercy climb. The payoff: 360-degree views across Yellowstone and a real sense of accomplishment. This is bear country, so pack spray and stay alert.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous lung-buster

Trail Highlights

The 360-degree views from the 10,243-foot summit dominate. On clear days you see across the entire park. The sense of accomplishment after the brutal climb is real.

Insider Tips

• The false summit at mile 2 will trick you—keep pedaling to reach the true summit. • Sunrise at the summit requires a very early start. • The descent is steeper and scarier than the ascent—save energy for your brakes and legs. • Carry bear spray on your hip belt, not in a backpack. • Grizzlies are most active at dawn and dusk—ride midday if nervous. • Service vehicles don't stop for bikes—yield the road. • The summit wind can be severe—summit views on calm mornings are clearer.

Best Season to Hike

Summer (mid-June through early September)

Hiking Tips

Carry bear spray—know how to use it. Stay 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from bison.
Start by 6:00 AM to beat vehicle traffic and heat.
Bring 2.5–3 liters of water minimum. No water on trail.
Trekking poles reduce knee strain on the descent.
Watch for service vehicles (plows, maintenance) on the road.
The summit can be windy and cold—bring layers.
Make noise while riding to avoid surprising bears.

Family Info

Not recommended for young children or families with weak cyclists. Steep grade, high altitude, full sun, and wildlife hazards make this a tough ride. Teenagers and fit adults only. Hand-holding on steep sections essential if young riders insist on attempting.

What Hikers Say

Bikers praise the summit views and sense of achievement, but consistently warn about the brutal elevation gain and relentless climb. Most riders need 3–5 hours round trip. Descent requires caution and trekking poles. Weather at the summit can shift rapidly.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Duration: 2–5 hours depending on fitness and time spent at summit

Difficulty: Strenuous lung-buster

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt and gravel road, wide and stable but very steep

Getting There

Trailhead: Chittenden Road parking area near Dunraven Pass (between Canyon Village and Tower Junction)

Fills Up: Full by 8:00 AM on peak summer weekends

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required. Day use only.

Fees: $35 per vehicle (Yellowstone entrance fee; valid 7 days)

Shuttle Available

No shuttle required or available

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Service dogs permitted only, but face increased risk of wildlife confrontation.

Biking: Yes, on the Chittenden Road section to the summit. Bikes are NOT permitted on the hiking trail between the summit and Dunraven Pass parking area.

Trail Markers: Well-marked, hard to get lost. It's a maintained road with clear direction.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No water sources on trail. Carry all water needed—minimum 2.5–3 liters.

Shade: Full sun. No shade on the road. Wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Hazards:

Federal law requires 100 yards from bears and wolves. Watch for grizzlies—they forage in this area, especially evening. Stay 25 yards from bison. Service vehicles use this road without warning. Altitude (10,243 ft) can cause headaches or nausea. Descent is steep and hard on knees—trekking poles essential. No shade—sun exposure is relentless.

Emergency: Yellowstone ranger stations at Canyon Village or Tower Junction. Nearest medical facility is Canyon Medical Clinic.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy on summer weekends and mid-day; lighter in early morning or shoulder season (June, early September)

Peak Times: Mid-July through late August; weekends; 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Very steep climb with 1,500 ft gain. Wide gravel surface accommodates hand-cycles, but the elevation gain is extreme and unsuitable for most users with mobility challenges.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Do I need to be super fit to ride this?

You need solid fitness. If you can sustain climbing hills for 1–2 hours, you can reach the summit, though slower riders may take 4–5 hours. The grit matters more than speed.

Will I encounter bears?

Can I ride down faster than I climbed up?

What if I'm too tired to descend?

Is there water or a restroom halfway?

What if service vehicles come toward me?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website