Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail

Two people bike through a field of sagebrush in front of a mountain.

A mostly level, 8-mile round-trip bike ride on an abandoned railroad bed paralleling the Yellowstone River near the north entrance. Minimal elevation gain (96 feet) makes it accessible for most fitness levels, but the high desert terrain demands serious hydration. Expect views of Electric Peak, and watch closely for bears, bison, and elk—this is working wildlife country, not a scenic park loop.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate - mostly level terrain but distance and heat exposure demand fitness
Elevation Gain Feet: 96

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate - mostly level terrain but distance and heat exposure demand fitness
Elevation Gain Feet: 96
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours depending on fitness and pace
Trail Surface: Gravel and dirt roadbed on abandoned railroad bed
Trail Features: Abandoned railroad bed
Yellowstone River views
Electric Peak views
High desert landscape
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Trail Highlights: Parallels the Yellowstone River between Gardiner and the park's northern boundary, with Electric Peak dominating the northwestern view. Gently rolling terrain with minimal elevation gain makes it accessible, but the wildlife encounters (bison, elk, pronghorn) and bear country add real stakes.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Pullout on the old Yellowstone Road near the Heritage and Research Center, northwest of Gardiner, Montana
Parking Lot Size: Limited
Parking Fill Time: Can fill by 8 AM in peak summer; arrive by 7 AM
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day entrance pass); also available: $20 per person on foot/bike, $30 motorcycle
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter closure typically November through April; road access limited. Verify specific access dates before traveling.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Yellowstone River is adjacent, but treatment required. No maintained water sources along trail. Carry all water from the start.
Accessibility: Mostly level gravel and dirt surface with only 96 feet elevation change. Hand-cycle accessibility possible. Service dogs permitted in backcountry but travel with dogs carries wildlife confrontation risks (wolves, bears, other wildlife).

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Grizzly bears
Black bears
Bison
Elk
Pronghorn (maintain distance)
Cactus on and beside trail
Sun/heat exposure
Limited parking
Hazard Details: Grizzly and black bears forage in this area; federal law requires 100 yards distance. Bison, elk, and pronghorn are common and federal rules require 25 yards distance. Cactus is embedded in and beside the roadbed—tire sealant is protective. High desert terrain with little shade; dehydration is a real threat.
Cell Service: Unreliable; assume you have no signal. Carry a satellite communicator or paper map of the area.
Crowd Level: Moderate to light; less crowded than main park loops but popular with locals
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-morning on summer weekends; solitude increases by late afternoon or on weekdays
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Early morning start by 6 AM to beat the high desert heat. Summer (June-August) offers stable weather, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in. Fall (September-October) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Arrive early—parking is severely limited at the Heritage Research Center pullout.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 2L of water—this is high desert and exposed.
Bear spray mandatory and accessible; you're in grizzly country.
Mountain bikes are best; narrow tires will bog down in gravel.
Walk your bike from the parking area to the railroad bed; the initial descent is not well-marked.
Tighten your bolts and bring tire sealant; cactus spines and rough gravel take a toll.
Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison—obey the distance rules.
Ride with a partner if possible.

More details

Park Area: North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Trail Markers: Not well-marked initial descent from parking to railroad bed. Once on the old railroad bed, the trail is worn but not formally marked. Bring a map.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, leashed pets allowed
Biking Allowed: Yes, mountain bikes recommended
Shade Level: Full sun exposure on high desert terrain—wear a hat and sunscreen
Emergency Contacts: Yellowstone dispatch: 911 (via cell if available). Nearest ranger station: Mammoth District Ranger Station, approximately 30 miles away. Gardiner town (immediate south of park): gas, services.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Trail typically snow-free June through October; winter conditions close road access to trailhead
Mud Season: Late spring (April-May) can have muddy sections; wait for trails to dry in May
Wildflower Peak: Late June through July
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak July-August, especially near the river. Bring bug spray.
Insider Tips: The trail starts uphill from the parking area—walk your bike for the first stretch.
Park as early as possible; the pullout fills during peak summer. If full, contact Mammoth District Ranger Station for overflow guidance.
Ride with noise (radio, bells) to avoid surprising bears.
Turn around at Reese Creek (4 miles out); many bikers stop before the full endpoint.
Bring a headwind strategy—wind can be strong on this exposed high desert section.
Late afternoon (after 4 PM) is calmer for solitude.
Recent Updates: Trail conditions vary seasonally. High water in spring can affect river views. Verify current conditions with Yellowstone visitor line before traveling.
Family Friendly Notes: The level terrain suits kids and less-experienced riders. However, wildlife hazards (grizzlies, bison) demand strict supervision. Children must understand distance rules and bear spray protocols. Not recommended for very young riders on their own.
Review Summary: Riders describe this as an accessible but exposed 8-mile round trip. The minimal elevation gain appeals to families and casual riders, but the heat, limited shade, and serious wildlife presence demand preparation. Most bikers say the river views and solitude beat the inconvenience of limited parking.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are grizzly bears really a threat on this trail?

Yes. Grizzlies forage in this area seasonally (especially summer/fall). You must carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it. Make noise while riding. Stay 100 yards away if you see one. Most encounters are avoidable with proper precautions.

Can I do this if I'm not an experienced mountain biker?

Yes. The terrain is mostly level and the surface, while rough, isn't technical. Mountain bikes are recommended, but hybrid or gravel bikes can work. The challenge is distance and heat, not technical skill. If you can ride 8 miles at moderate pace, you can do this trail.

Why is parking so limited?

The trailhead is a small pullout on an old park road, not a developed parking area. The Heritage and Research Center is a nearby landmark, but formal parking is minimal. Arrive very early, or call ahead for guidance.

Do I need bear spray if I'm biking in a group?

Yes, always. Even in groups, individual riders should carry bear spray. Teach everyone in your group how to deploy it. Group noise helps deter bears, but spray is your last line of defense.

What's the water situation?

There are no maintained water sources on the trail. The Yellowstone River runs adjacent, but it requires treatment (filter or purification). Carry a minimum of 2 liters of water from the start. The high desert terrain and full sun make dehydration a real threat.

Is this trail suitable for kids?

The level terrain suits kids who are comfortable on 8-mile rides. However, wildlife hazards demand strict adult supervision. Children must understand the 100-yard bear distance and 25-yard wildlife distance rules. Not recommended for very young or inexperienced riders unsupervised.

When is the best time to ride this trail?

Early morning (6 AM start) in summer or fall. Start by 6 AM to beat afternoon heat. Summer (June-August) is most accessible. Fall (September-October) offers cooler temps and fewer crowds. Winter access is limited by snow/road closure.