The best cycling routes in Park County

West Yellowstone serves as the main entry point along the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, and it is well equipped to handle visitors. You'll find a wide range of accommodation and dining options as well as grocery stores. It's a good place to resupply for those on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

The Roosevelt Arch is a historic stone gateway at Yellowstone’s north entrance in Gardiner, Montana. Built in 1903, it famously bears the inscription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

**Review of the Fountain Paint Pots in Yellowstone National Park** **Highlights:** The Fountain Paint Pots are a fascinating geothermal feature located in Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin. These bubbling mud pots are named for their vibrant colors, which result from iron oxide in the soil. The area also showcases other geothermal wonders, including hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles, offering visitors a diverse and captivating experience. The dynamic nature of the mud pots, which vary in consistency throughout the year, adds to their charm. **Gear Needed:** - **Comfortable Footwear:** The trail is entirely on a boardwalk, but sturdy shoes are recommended. - **Water:** Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. - **Sun Protection:** A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential. - **Camera:** Capture the unique geothermal features and landscapes. **Timing:** The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a short 0.5-mile loop that takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying cooler temperatures. **Key Points:** - The trail is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. - Pets are not allowed on the trail. - Stay on the boardwalk at all times to protect yourself and the fragile environment. - Wildlife sightings, such as bison or elk, are possible—maintain a safe distance. The Fountain Paint Pots are a must-see for anyone visiting Yellowstone. Their vibrant colors and dynamic activity make them a memorable highlight of the park's geothermal wonders.

The Natural Bridge Bike Trail in Yellowstone National Park is a 2.5-mile round-trip trail that begins just south of the Bridge Bay Marina off the Grand Loop Road. The trail follows a mostly disintegrated paved road through forested areas, joining a service road that leads to the Natural Bridge — a 51-foot rhyolite rock arch formed by Bridge Creek. Biking is permitted up to the service road portion, but beyond there, only hiking is allowed; you can leave your bike to hike up to the arch. The short but steep switchback trail to the top of the bridge is closed to protect this fragile resource. Mountain bikes are recommended due to the trail's condition. Like everywhere in Yellowstone, you should be alert for black and grizzly bears in the area and carry bear spray.

The Old Lake Road Bike Trail in Yellowstone National Park offers a scenic 1-mile ride right on the lakeshore between Lake Hotel and the main road south of Lake Junction. This out-and-back trail provides amazing views of Yellowstone Lake, free of cars. Cyclists should remain aware of both black and grizzly bears in the area. Bears frequent the area so much actually that the trail is closed in June due to their activity; visitors should check with the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for current opening dates. Leashed pets are permitted on this trail.

The Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail is a 4-mile (6.4 km) one-way route along an old dirt and gravel road, this is now totally closed to automobiles. The trail is fairly level, but mountain bikes are recommended due to the terrain. Parking at the south end of Fountain Flat Drive at the Fairy Falls Trailhead can be challenging during the summer; parking at the north end is more limited, but is often less crowded. Be aware: bikes are not allowed on the trail out to Fairy Falls, but you can leave your bike where the Fairy Falls Trail splits off from the Fountain Freight Road and hike to the falls.

This trail offers pristine, fine gravel roads that run through the National Park providing car-free views of the top tourist attractions!

The Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail is near Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance and offers an 8-mile (13 km) round-trip adventure along a historic railway corridor. Starting northwest of the Heritage and Research Center in Gardiner, Montana, the trail parallels the Yellowstone River and provides views of Electric Peak and opportunities to observe local wildlife such as pronghorn, elk, and bison. When you start out, you will need to walk your bike a short distance from Old Yellowstone Trail Road until you reach the old railroad bed that comprises the bike trail. Mountain or gravel bikes are recommended because the trail a gently sloping gravel and dirt surface. Due to limited parking at the pullout on the old Yellowstone Road near the Heritage and Research Center, it's good to arrive early. Like everywhere in Yellowstone both black and grizzly bears are active in the area, so be aware and carry bear spray. Additionally, there are sometimes cactus along the roadbed; using tubeless tires with sealant can help prevent punctures.