Blue skies. The sound of nature. Acres of forest. The wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Come discover the riches of West Yellowstone, Montana that are not on the beaten path. Exploring the West Yellowstone area by bicycle can be a rewarding experience. Help safeguard our national resources – water, scenery, wilderness, wildlife, and timber. Some guidelines govern your use of this area.

Big blue skies. The sound of nature. And lots of fish- 3,000 per mile in the best Yellowstone Country streams! Come discover the clear waters of West Yellowstone, Montana. In Yellowstone Country, 1,000 miles of blue ribbon trout streams provide anglers with hours of fishing pleasure. The waters of Yellowstone are clean and clear, promising tranquility and incredible views. For more private fishing, test the hundreds of miles of virgin waters where wild trout have not learned the tricks of the anglers. You may want to cast from the shores of the Golden Trout Lakes, or test your luck in Yellowstone National Park’s Slough Creek. These quieter waters swimming with fish are not packed with people, so an angler can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing fishing venture. In addition, visit the popular Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers and cast into Montana’s beautiful Wade, Cliff, Hidden, Elk, Earthquake, and Hebgen Lakes. Within a short drive, anglers can test the waters of Henry’s Lake, and Henry’s Fork and also the 220,000 acres of water in Yellowstone National Park.

Highlighted Rivers and Lakes:

Rendezvous Ski Trails

Over 30 kilometers of premier trails in Gallatin National Forest. They are professionally groomed from early November through April with both diagonal stride tracks and a twelve-foot skating lane.

Approach Trail. (To trailhead)

1.2 km. Flat terrain. South edge of West Yellowstone at Geyser and Obsidian Streets. Setting out from the parking lot, the starting point for this trail is clearly marked by a log arch.

Kid’s Loop.

0.9 km. Flat terrain. Located along the Approach Trail, these short, fun loops connect to a play hill.

Rendezvous Loop.

6 km. Begins at trailhead. Includes shorter, easier cutoffs- Washburn at 0.9 km, Spencer at 1.4 km., Folsom at 1.6 km., and Grizzly at 2.2 km. A good choice for windy, snowy days, these gently rising trails lead through pine forests to the more difficult final loop. Have lunch in the warming hut at Biathlon Range. (Intersection #18)

Volunteer Loop.

2.3 km. Begins at trailhead. This twisting, turning, dynamic trail has continuous rolling hills and boasts spectacular views of Mt. Holmes in the Gallatin Range in Yellowstone National Park. Returns to Rendezvous Loop at first cutoff where you may return to trailhead (1 km.) or continue outward bound on Rendezvous.

Dead Dog Loop.

5.9 km. Begins at Intersection #11 at top of U.S Highway 191 Hill. This more challenging loop takes you through forest and meadow with rewarding views of the Gallatin Mountain Range and Yellowstone National Park. Rejoins Rendezvous at Intersection #10 at base of Highway 191.

Windy Ridge Loop.

8.3 km. Ungroomed. Experienced skiers only. Begins at Intersection #13. Allow ample time to experience the exciting down hills and beautiful scenery of this long, difficult trail. Water and food should be carried. Rejoins Dead Dog at Intersection #12 where you may return to Rendezvous on the shot two-way section or continue on Dead Dog.

Northwest Corner Ski Trails.

Ski into Yellowstone National Park from trailheads north of West Yellowstone along U.S Highway 191 and return in your own tracks.

Meadow Trail.

Begins near Biathlon Cabin. This trail skirts Rendezvous’ wood and gently climbs rolling hills through meadows, affording expansive views of the Madison Mountains and the Lions Head area. Returns to the Biathlon Cabin for a short 0.2-km. ski back to the trailhead.

Telemark Meadows.

Mile post 18. West Side of US Highway 191. A well-kept secret. As you gain elevation, test your telemark skills on these gentle to steep slopes while enjoying views of the Madison and Gallatin Mountains.

Bighorn Pass Trail.

Mile post 20. Small parking area at trailhead. This trail cuts east across flats into woods and along the Gallatin River. Watch for moose, elk, eagles, and coyotes.

Fawn Pass Trail.

Mile post 22. Large parking area at trailhead. This popular ski trail crosses the Gallatin River and gently gains elevation through woods and meadows. Great wintering area for elk. Connects with Bighorn Pass Trail at 8 km.

Specimen Creek Trail.

Mile post 27. This enjoyable trek follows Specimen Creek as it gradually rises through forest and meadows. Look for elk, moose and standing petrified trees on exposed ridges above you.

Riverside Ski Trail.

No skating, please. Partially machine groomed with a flat, double tracked, machine groomed approach trail. Begins just inside Yellowstone-most skiers begin ion the east edge of West Yellowstone at Boundary and Madison Streets. Look for the orange trail sign between the snow piles. Treat yourself to the splendor of the Madison River and impressive views of Mt. Holmes and the Gallatin Mountain Range. Exceptional wildlife viewing of bison, elk, and possibly moose can be found along the Madison River.

Upriver Loop.

2.5 km. Take this short cutoff trail up the first hill by the river.

Downriver Loop.

5.9 km. This trail will take you through more varied landscape, from lodgepoll forest to the flats along the river. You’ll find a cutoff trail up the steep bench about half way around the loop.

Both loops require a traverse up and across a short, steep hill. Touring equipment is recommended to complete the loops. Or, you can return along the machine-groomed trails.

Harriman State Park.

Groomed and ungroomed trails. The Ranch Loop is easy, Thurman and Silver Lake loops are moderate and the Ridge loop is difficult with a few steep hills. The entire outer loop system is about 8 miles. All trails allow a skier to experience a variety of terrains – open flats gradual climbs through trees, ridge overlooks, and sloping downhill. Heading north, after one mile, the trail takes you to several old buildings, once headquarters for the Railroad Ranch. One now serves as a warming hut. Free Site.

For Your Safety.

If you ski without a guide, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of the area, the weather, you equipment and your stamina. Carry extra dry clothing, food, water, maps, matches, first-aid and ski repair kits for a safe trip.