Yellowstone National Park on Two Wheels

Jul 9, 2024

Yellowstone National Park offers a distinct adventure for motorcycle riders. With its incredible geysers, abundant wildlife, and vast landscapes, riding through Yellowstone is both invigorating and memorable. This article will guide you through the best routes, provide safety tips, and suggest the ideal times to visit the park on two wheels. 

Is Yellowstone Motorcycle Friendly?

Absolutely, Yellowstone is welcoming to motorcyclists. The park's roads are well-maintained, with clear signage and ample space for bikes. The panoramic views and varying elevations offer a satisfying challenge with rewarding scenery that enhances the riding experience. Yellowstone is actually regarded as one of the best national parks for riders! 

Motorcycle Routes in Yellowstone Worth Riding

1. Grand Loop Road: This iconic loop covers about 142 miles and connects the park's major features. It’s a comprehensive route that offers views of geysers, hot springs, and possibly even some wildlife sightings.
2. Northeast Entrance to Cooke City: The route from the Northeast Entrance to Cooke City via the Lamar Valley is spectacular for a less crowded ride. Known as the best place in the park to see wolves and bears, early morning or late evening rides provide the best opportunities for wildlife encounters.
3. Beartooth Highway: Just outside the Northeast Entrance, this highway is often described as one of the most beautiful rides in America. With stunning high-alpine scenery, it's a must-ride for anyone visiting the area.
4. The Firehole Canyon Drive: This short but spectacular route is off the Grand Loop Road near the West Entrance. It's a one-way drive along the Firehole River and past stunning waterfalls and geothermal features. The scenic drive is relatively short, making it a perfect quick detour.
5. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: Connecting the Northeast Entrance with the Beartooth Highway, this route offers dramatic views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains with less traffic than other popular roads. It is renowned for its historical significance and breathtaking viewpoints.
6. The West Thumb to Grant Village: This route runs along the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, offering magnificent views of one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. The ride is serene, with numerous stops to enjoy the water views.
7. Canyon Village to Tower-Roosevelt: This drive takes you through the heart of Yellowstone’s rugged wilderness, offering a chance to see the dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. This route also passes through the Dunraven Pass, providing spectacular park overlooks.
8. South Entrance to Moose, Wyoming: For those looking to extend their journey outside the park, the ride from Yellowstone’s South Entrance to Moose in Grand Teton National Park is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and the towering Teton Range as a backdrop.

The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone on a Motorcycle

The best time for riders to visit Yellowstone is during the late spring to early fall months, from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and all roads and facilities are open. The park really comes alive with lush greenery in the spring and vibrant colors in the fall.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park on a motorcycle allows for a deeply personal and thrilling exploration of one of America's most cherished natural landscapes. With the right preparation and respect for the park’s rules and inhabitants, your ride through Yellowstone will be an unforgettable adventure.

Want a Local to Show You the Best of Yellowstone?

Yellowstone has more riding than most visitors can cover in a single trip, from the Grand Loop to the Beartooth Highway and everything in between. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the country, including in regions near Yellowstone. If you'd rather follow someone who knows the timing for wildlife sightings, the best stretches of the Lamar Valley, and where to stop for the clearest views, a guided tour is a great way to experience more of what this park has to offer.

You’re Crossing Over Three States with Different Helmet Laws

Be aware of the helmet laws which can vary as the park spans across three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), so it’s advised to wear a helmet at all times for safety​ so you don’t have to pay such close attention to which border you crossed over. Still, for all intensive purposes, it’s important to note that as of July 2024, all three states only require helmets under the age of 18. 

Riders Share still strongly recommends, regardless of helmet law or age, that riders always wear a helmet. 

Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in Yellowstone National Park

1. Stay Informed About Weather

The weather in Yellowstone can be quite unpredictable, with sudden changes that could affect riding conditions. It's important to dress in layers and carry waterproof gear to adapt to various temperatures and conditions you might encounter throughout the park​

2. Fuel Up

Given the large size of Yellowstone and the sparse availability of fuel stations, it's important to plan your fuel stops carefully. Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey as gas stations are few and far between both in and around the park

3. Follow Park Rules

The speed limit within the park is strictly enforced at 45 mph to protect both visitors and wildlife. The park's roads can also have uneven surfaces and natural debris, so maintaining a safe riding speed is crucial for your safety.​.

4. Be Prepared for All Road Conditions

Park roads can present challenges such as narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and areas with no road markings. Be vigilant at all times, especially in curves and areas with poor visibility

Can You Rent a Motorcycle Near Yellowstone? 

Yes! With Riders Share, you can find a motorcycle rental across hundreds of locations in the United States, including a bunch of cities near and around Yellowstone National Park, for as low as $23/day! Yellowstone doesn’t put limits on the type of motorcycles allowed in, so feel free to rent the motorcycle you’ve been wanting to try out! Find a motorcycle rental near you with Riders Share. 

Expect Wildlife, and Be Prepared

What to Do:

• Stop for Wildlife: Always stop your motorcycle when animals are crossing the road. Turn off the engine and remain still until the animal is safely across and at a distance.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep at least 25 yards away from most wildlife like bison and elk, and at least 100 yards from predators such as bears and wolves.

What to Expect:

• Encounters with Large Animals: Be prepared to see large animals like bison, which can weigh up to 1,800 pounds, and bears which are common throughout the park. Remember, these animals are wild and can be unpredictable.
• Wildlife on Roads: Animals may appear unexpectedly on roads, especially during dawn and dusk, which are peak movement times for many species in Yellowstone.

Safety Tips:

• Give Wildlife Space: If you encounter wildlife near the road, give them ample space to avoid stress or threat reactions. If an animal approaches or touches your vehicle, use your horn to discourage further contact and drive away slowly.
• Use Bear Spray: Carry bear spray and know how to use it, especially if you’re riding in areas frequented by bears. Bear spray should be easily accessible, not buried in a pack.

Enjoying Your Visit:

• Respectful Observation: Enjoy watching wildlife from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer view without disturbing the animals.
• Follow Park Guidelines: Adhere to all Yellowstone National Park guidelines regarding wildlife to ensure your safety and the preservation of the natural environment.

Understanding and respecting these guidelines will make your interactions with Yellowstone's wildlife can be safe and rewarding, enhancing your experience without disrupting the natural behaviors of the park’s inhabitants.