Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Bozeman

Riders either drive or fly to Bozeman, Montana. If flying, the airport is Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Day 1: Madison Junction to Old Faithful

After a morning shuttle from Bozeman, Montana to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, we embark on our journey into the park. But keep a look out for the commonly sighted bison and elk, often right in the middle of the road! Also keep a keen eye for the more elusive grizzly bear, or perhaps even some wolves! This is wild and rugged terrain where wildlife abounds amid the beauty of Mother Nature and her geothermal wonders. We also urge you to stop at the many pullouts to take in the wonders along the way as we explore the Lower Geyser Basin.
We end the day at Old Faithful and marvel in its magnificence and also take in many other geothermal features that dot the Upper Geyser Basin.
Distance: 16 miles with up to 860 feet of climbing

Day 2: Old Faithful to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Starting from Old Faithful, today’s route will take us over the Continental Divide and then along the western shores of Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. Yellowstone Lake is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera which is the largest ancient super-volcano on the North American continent.
Our destination today is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – an amazing 900 foot deep canyon carved into the ancient rock by the Yellowstone River that offers picturesque views of waterfalls and deeply eroded golden red rock formations. While Yellowstone National Park is best known for it’s geysers and thermal water features, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a hidden gem that must be visited to be appreciated. It’s simply gorgeous!
Distance: Standard: 49 miles with up to 2,590 feet of climbing, More miles option: 56 miles with up to 3,600 feet of climbing

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park to Cody

Today offers an epic day on the bike! After a hearty breakfast for the long day ahead, riders depart from Grant Village, pedal along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and then exit Yellowstone National Park via the East Entrance. After some moderate climbing for the first third of the route, riders will enjoy losing 4,500 feet along a 60 mile descent as we make our way along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, through the scenic Wapiti Valley, along The Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, around Buffalo Bill Reservoir to eventually make our way into the rustic western cowboy town of Cody, Wyoming. Wow! What a day!
Note: Lower mileage options exist for this ride by simply taking a bump for portions of the morning riding. However, look at all that downhill on the 2nd half of the profile below – you definitely want to ride that!
Distance: Standard: 65 miles with up to 2,675 feet of climbing, More miles option: 94 miles with up to 3,045 feet of climbing

Day 4: Layover Day in Cody

Today is a layover day in Cody, Wyoming. This is a day to take it easy and explore this western town founded by Buffalo Bill Cody. Places to explore include The Buffalo Bill museum of the American West which contains an impressive collection of artifacts and displays of the American West. Old Trail Town is one of our favorite. For guests wanting to spin there legs, there is self guided out and back ride along the South Fork.
Is this your first Rodeo?
At the end of the day, for those who are interested, your tour guides will take clients to a real western rodeo. Bring your best western wear and cowboy up!
Distance: Optional 52 mile ride and/or hiking

Day 5: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Today offer possibly the most scenic riding of the entire week as we cruise along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and dip into Montana at the end of the ride. The standard plan is to start with a quick shuttle (to avoid less scenic riding) and drop cyclists at the base of the climb of Chief Joseph Pass. NOTE: Chief Joseph pass was newly paved in the summer of 2017! The tarmac is smooth and fast
For the more miles rider today is certainly the “queen stage” of the week with over 8,000′ of climbing and a HC (beyond category) 10 mile climb to Chief Joseph pass.
Of course there will be plenty of opportunities to “bump” ahead for those not wanting to put in all the miles or climbs allowing those riders to literally cherry pick the best of the best along today’s route.
We will conclude the ride at Cooke City, Montana and check into the Soda Butte Lodge for the final night of our week-long adventure. It’s hard to believe that the week is almost over as we share one last dinner together in this truly wondrous place.
Distance: Standard: 58 miles with 6,840 feet of climbing, More miles option: 76 miles with up to 8,295 feet of climbing

Day 6: Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, MT

It would not be a classic tour without a classic ending… and today is the day! With an early morning start, we’ll take on the mighty Beartooth Highway and head northeast up to Beartooth Pass maxing out at nearly 11,000′ elevation. The climb is long and gradual and the views are amazing! As we past tree line on our ascent, we’ll ride past dozens of fresh water lakes sprinkled throughout the barren landscape where there is often snow pack at these altitudes year round. We consider Beartooth Pass a top three climb of all the climbs in all the itineraries we offer! When one reaches the top of Beartooth Pass they just don’t go down, they get to go across an alpine landscapes for miles before descending. Up high above the trees the views and wildflowers are tremendous.
At the top of Beartooth Pass we’ll stop for lunch with 100+ mile views in all directions – it is truly spectacular! Post lunch will be a mind boggling 27 mile twisty descent to the town of Red Lodge, Montana… this is one ride you are certainly not going to forget. Upon arrival in Red Lodge, we end at Red Lodge Ales to toss back a few celebratory brews and then pack up to shuttle back to Bozeman to end the tour.
What an incredible week!
Distance: Standard: 50 miles with 3,990 feet of climbing, More miles option: 64-miles with up to 5,400 feet of climbing

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

Yellowstone National Park Ride

Nights 1: Old Faithful Inn (elevation 7,350 ft)
Nights 2: Canyon Lodge and cabins, (elevation 7,900 ft)
Night 3 & 4: Buffalo Bill Village or Chamberlin Inn(elevation 5,000 ft )
Night 5: Soda Butte Lodge, or Alpine Motel (Elevation 7,600 ft)

NOTE: Meeting Hotel and Ending Hotel reservations and costs are NOT included unless specified otherwise. Guests are on-their-own to make reservations at the Meeting Hotel or Ending Hotel, or other nearby hotels.

Included:

• 5 nights of lodging.
• Meals include 4-dinners, 5 lunches( daily lunch en route), 5 breakfasts, energy food, liquid refreshments.
• Shuttles during the tour and mechanical support.

Not included:

• Night before and after the tour not included.
• Airfare to and from the start/ finish tour
• Alcoholic beverages,
• Bike rental.  Be sure to bring your own helmet. We have a very limited supply and will only pack them if special arrangements are made ahead of time.
• Gratuity guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2024: $ 3575.- pp single fee $ 545.-
You can avoid a single supplement by sharing a room with another rider.
Bike rental:
The Scott Addict 10. $250.-
Scott E-bike road bikes with straight bars $ 395.-
Tour dates 2025:
17 Aug – 22 Aug
24 Aug – 29 Aug

Conditions

Deposit $950.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

How is the Traffic in Yellowstone?

In Yellowstone there are roads that are more conducive for cyclists (shoulders and good pavement) and we seek these out. Overall, three of the our Yellowstone’s tour’s seven days are within the national park and on two of these days we offer the option of world class hikes that we ride our bikes to! On the four days of riding outside the park, you will find traffic to be very light.

Within the park, when we run our tours in late August, vehicular traffic is less than high season (July and early August) due to the fact that most kids and their families have returned to school. Overall, the nature of the traffic within Yellowstone park is generally “tourist” in nature; meaning they are driving at slower speeds and stopping at pull-offs. In general, there is not cell phone reception within the park and this means drivers are not distracted by the impulse to text or make calls. Also since traffic is less in the morning hours, we take advantage of this window to start our rides.

Overall, as a result of the design of our tour, our cyclists have found the riding experience within Yellowstone National Park to be safe and fulfilling.