Old Lake Road Bike Trail

Q: Do I really need bear spray?

Yes. Non-negotiable. Federal regulations require it. Bears forage here in summer/fall. Bear spray is your only reliable defense if a bear charges. Know how to use it before the ride.

Q: Can I ride with my dog?

Yes. Leashed pets only—this is the only Yellowstone bike trail where it's legal. Keep your dog close and calm. Dogs can trigger bear confrontations, so stay extra alert.

Q: How hard is the climbing?

Zero climbing. It's flat the entire way. Perfect for beginners or recovering cyclists. The challenge is mental, not physical.

Q: What if I encounter a bear?

Back away slowly toward the lakeshore if possible. Make noise. Keep bear spray accessible. Maintain 100 yards distance. Do NOT run. If the bear charges, use bear spray and call for help.

Q: When is this trail closed?

June closure for bear foraging activity. Opening date varies. Check Fishing Bridge Visitor Center or the NPS website before visiting. Road access typically available mid-April through early November.

Q: Is there water on the trail?

No. Carry at least 2 liters. Fill up at Lake Hotel or Fishing Bridge Visitor Center before the ride. Do not drink from the lake.

Distance

2 mi

Est. Time

1–2 hours (depending on pace and stops for views)

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Summer, Fall

Overview

About This Trail

A flat 2-mile round-trip lakeshore ride on an old roadbed with views of Yellowstone Lake. The terrain is easy—but this is grizzly country where black bears and grizzlies actively forage. You must carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and maintain 100 yards from any bear or wolf. Closed June; typically open mid-summer through fall.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Unobstructed views of Yellowstone Lake along the shoreline from the historic roadbed.

Insider Tips

• Check Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for exact opening date after June closure—it varies year to year. • Ride early morning to maximize daylight and minimize heat exposure. • Wear sunscreen; there's minimal shade on the lakeshore section. • The lake views are consistent the entire ride; don't wait for a 'hidden' payoff point. • If you see or hear a bear, back away slowly, make noise, and have bear spray ready. • Avoid dusk and dawn riding—peak bear activity times.

Best Season to Hike

Summer, Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry bear spray on your hip belt—not in a backpack. Accessible in under 1 second.
Bring 2L water minimum (no water sources on this trail).
Make noise: talk, don't use headphones. Ring a bike bell every 50 yards.
Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison.
Inspect your bike before the ride: flat tires kill you out here.
Ride in pairs or small groups, never solo.

Family Info

Suitable for kids with basic biking skills if they can stay calm around wildlife. Adult supervision is mandatory. Kids must understand and follow the '100 yards from bears' rule. Consider the psychological burden: this is not a carefree family ride—children must stay alert.

What Hikers Say

Cyclists praise this trail for its flatness and lake views, but emphasize the serious wildlife hazard. Riders consistently mention the bear spray requirement and the need for constant vigilance. Many note it's the perfect short ride for building biking confidence—as long as you respect the wildlife.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2 miles

Duration: 1–2 hours (depending on pace and stops for views)

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Old roadbed, packed dirt and gravel

Getting There

Trailhead: Between Lake Hotel and Lake Junction on the old roadbed access

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required. Entry to Yellowstone requires a park entrance fee.

Fees: $35 entrance fee (private vehicle, 7-day pass); $20 per person by bicycle or foot (NPS as of 2026-06-12)

Shuttle Available

Not applicable

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes. Leashed pets only. This is the only bike trail in Yellowstone where leashed dogs are permitted.

Biking: Yes. Mountain biking is the designated activity.

Trail Markers: Moderate. The old roadbed is visible but transitions to the main road junction at mile 1. Bring written directions.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail. Carry at least 2 liters. Fill up at Lake Hotel or Fishing Bridge Visitor Center area before the ride.

Shade: Low. Open lakeshore with minimal tree cover. Sun exposure is continuous. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen.

Hazards:

This is active bear habitat. Black and grizzly bears forage here in summer and fall. Federal regulations mandate 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison. Trail is narrow with steep sections near the lake—limited room to maneuver if wildlife appears. Bear spray is mandatory, not optional.

Emergency: Fishing Bridge Visitor Center (check-in before riding). In emergency, use park radio or flag down a ranger vehicle.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate. This is the only bike trail in Yellowstone where leashed dogs are permitted, which attracts dog-owning cyclists.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Fairly flat and wide roadbed, but narrow in sections. Hand-cycles are difficult. Wheelchair access is not viable.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Lake Hotel (lodging and services), Fishing Bridge Visitor Center (ranger info, visitor services), supplies at Lake Junction area.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail safe for solo riders?

Technically yes, but risky. Riding in pairs or small groups is safer—if you're injured or need help deploying bear spray, backup matters. Solo riders must accept full responsibility for wildlife encounters.

Do I really need bear spray?

Can I ride with my dog?

How hard is the climbing?

What if I encounter a bear?

When is this trail closed?

Is there water on the trail?