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Four million visitors flock to Yellowstone yearly, but only a small portion ventures past its viewpoints and roadways. Be one of the rare ones and go off the grid, deep into the wilderness of Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range! This 5-day cycling tour will first take you along the top of the mountains in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and then down to the bank of the Madison River. While you’re there, might as well check off a few things off your wishlist—such as the legendary Old Faithful geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, or Lake Yellowstone. With terrific guides who are dedicated to offering you the best cycling experience there is, you can rest assured that this will be the retreat that you needed. Oh, and one of the best experiences of your life.

Adventure highlights

  • Witness geologic forces of the first national park in the world

    Things here change from week to week—just look at active geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles

  • Incredible all-inclusive experience

    With the most incredible food, pristine camping spots, and trusty support vehicle ready for you, there’s not a thing to worry about

  • Thriving wildlife in the wilderness of the West

    Spectacularly diverse wildlife—spot bison, grizzly bears, elk, moose, bald eagles, coyotes, gray wolves, and so much more

Itinerary

The marvelous wilderness of Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range is your gateway to an authentic vacation experience off the grid. This beginner-friendly cycling tour first takes you across the ridges of rugged mountains and then down to the banks of the Madison River. There will be a trusty guide by your side the whole way through, who will make sure you’re not hungry, bored, or lost. Nights are spent in camps deep in the backcountry, all meals, snacks, and beverages are included in the trip price, as well as the support vehicle and transportation throughout. Your guides can even arrange camping gear and bikes for you! What are you waiting for? Spend the next summer in the world's oldest national park!

  • Meet your guide in Bozeman at 8 am at the Hampton Inn Bozeman (75 Baxter Lane, Bozeman, Montana, 406-522-8000). Take a 2.5-hour drive to Ennis, Montana, home of millions of trout and a few people! Ennis is located near the beautiful Gravelly Range in the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, just northwest of Yellowstone National Park.

    After a quick pit stop, continue up into the mountains to the Gravelly Range Road, where you will unload and begin your ride for the day. The route takes you through beautiful alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. And the views from up here—world class! A few strenuous climbs and fun descents bring you to your camp for the evening at Clover Meadows.

    Meals: Lunch, dinner, and snacks
    Distance: 10-15 miles / 16-24 km
    Accommodation: Camping at Clover Meadows

  • After a hearty breakfast, continue down south, and this day soon becomes a big climbing day! There are three climbs ahead of you, but keep in mind that hopping into your shuttle is always available if you can’t push any more.

    You will pass through more stunning meadows enroute, occasionally stumbling upon lingering snowfields. In this area, the wildlife is abundant and there’s an excellent chance of spotting deer, elk, moose, yellow-bellied marmots, and several species of birds of prey. Crossing your highpoint at Monument Ridge affords you with distant views of the rugged peaks in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. After lunch, roll along towards Black Butte and camp near Black Butte cabin.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
    Distance: 12 miles / 19 km, optional hike
    Accommodation: Camping near Black Butte Cabin

    Campin with Western Spirit
  • This morning dawns with a one-mile climb and then a long descent. For the last two days, you have been traversing across the ridge and today you get to descend all the way to the Madison River.

    Today’s ride is super fun as you lose almost 3,000 feet (915 m) over approximately 20 miles (32 km). Ride through huge stands of Lodgepole Pine, expansive meadows, through Wolverine Basin, and finally to the West Fork of the Madison River. Your riverside camp for the evening gives you the opportunity for a quick dip or maybe some fishing in the waters of the Madison (only if you brought your own pole and obtained a fishing license).

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
    Distance: 20 miles / 32 km
    Accommodation: Camping near the Madison

    Camping at Gravelly Range
  • After riding through the Gravelly Range, load up the bikes, jump in the van, and shuttle over to Yellowstone National Park. Start your ride on one of the few dirt paths that allows bikes in Yellowstone and enjoy spectacular views of the park. Yellowstone is a treasure and inspires awe in anyone who travels through it. Between the geysers, thriving wildlife, and powerful waterfalls, you’ll keep admiring the park’s natural gems.

    An afternoon route will take you right to Old Faithful along a combo of paved park roads and dirt bike paths. Old Faithful is the world’s best known geyser erupting every 90 minutes! Tour the area and the historic Old Faithful Inn and visitors center while waiting for the eruption. Your camp for your final evening will be inside the park at Grant Village on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, North America’s largest mountain lake.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
    Distance: 15 miles / 24 km
    Accommodation: Camping on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake

    Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Montana
  • After breakfast, drive from Grant Village through Hayden Valley along the famous Yellowstone River. You might spot moose, bison, and possibly even grizzly bears (all from the safety of a van)! Waterfowl, including white pelicans and trumpeter swans are also abundant in the marshy areas.

    You will stop at the Mud Volcano, which will show you the varied thermal features of it, including Dragon’s Mouth Spring. The tour will conclude at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone where the river plunges 1,000 ft. Hike to Artist’s Point, affording you incredible views of the spectacular lower falls. Hot water acting on volcanic rock created the canyon’s yellow color, making the view from Artist’s Point one to remember. Shuttle back to Bozeman and expect to be there by 3 to 4 pm.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Distance: Multiple short hikes

    Yellowstone, Artists Point
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Meet your guides

Natalie Flower
5.00
Natalie Flower
Natalie Flowers hails from Prescott, Arizona, and her inspiration for leading bike vacations is simple yet profound: the sheer exhilaration of riding a bicycle. Sharing this joy with others is her passion. In her trusty pack, you'll always find an assortment of snacks, sunscreen for outdoor protection, essential tools for unforeseen adventures, a mini Coke for refreshment, and her ever-reliable windbreaker for changing weather conditions. Her most exciting cycling experience involved a journey from Portland to San Diego.
Will Conner
5.00
Will Conner
Coming from Forest, VA, Will finds inspiration in spreading the pure joy of biking. For him, nothing beats the excitement of pedaling, and he's on a mission to let others in on the secret. His pack is always stocked with fruit snacks for a quick energy boost, essential tools to handle any situation, hydration in the form of water, rain gear for unpredictable weather, and even a travel chess set for some strategic fun. When it comes to the most memorable two-wheeled adventure, it was undoubtedly the ride along the McKenzie River Trail.
Anna Rollins
5.00
Anna Rollins
Anna is a dedicated MTB guide and Wilderness Fisrt Responder from Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about taking you on bike vacations to help build connections and community through the incredible experience of exploration. She thrives on witnessing people surprise themselves day after day as they connect with the great outdoors, share laughter, and discover new places and flavors. Her most memorable two-wheeled experience? Ripping down Togwotee Pass as the sun set.
Western Spirit Cycling
5.00
Western Spirit Cycling
Western Spirit Cycling
Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has passionately pursued a simple goal: encouraging people to embrace the outdoors. While renowned for their cycling trips, their true mission lies in reconnecting people with nature. Whether they're crafting new adventures, supporting trail initiatives, or advocating for recreation economies, Western Spirit Cycling knows that spending time in nature is essential for well-being. Their 4 and 5-day journeys across America's public lands offer the perfect prescription, providing multiple days of riding, exploration, relaxation, and al fresco dining. Founded on the principle that nature is vital to human health, Western Spirit Cycling is committed to preserving and advocating for access to public lands and trails.
5.00 (4 reviews)
Debbie Lett (source: Google Reviews)

Just wanted to thank Ben and Chris for such a great experience. My first guided trip so wasn’t sure what to expect but wouldn’t change a thing. Everything was planned to perfection. The food was wonderful. And the kindness both boy’s showed was so motivating and encouraging especially in our world today. They both started working before the sun came up and didn’t stop until way beyond everyone going to bed, and it was obvious they love what they do. I also loved how they had a way of making us all feel like one big happy family and made lifetime friends. I hope we can have a reunion trip in the future:)

Mark Norwell (source: Google Reviews)

Fantastic experiences provided by excellent guides along with amazing views and fulfilling food! I will definitely be joining western spirit for another trip soon!

Clyde Pennington (source: Google Reviews)

Incredibly organized trip with amazing food and views. I’ve done my share of camping over the years but I’ve never experienced anything like “Western Spirit” camping. They took all of the hard work and worry out of the trip allowing us to focus on the riding and scenery. Such an amazing experience!

Adventuring It (source: Google Reviews)

Amazing guides and trips. The only work we did was peddling and enjoying the views. We have been on a couple of trips now and they make it easy and enjoyable!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced cycling guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
      • 5-day Yellowstone cycling tour
      • All meals during for the duration of the tour (from lunch on Day 1), including snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks
      • Support vehicle
      • Round-trip transfer from Bozeman to the trailhead
      • 2 large cycling water bottles
      • Sunscreen and bug spray
      • Bike stand, lube, and tools for repairing bikes
      • Some group camping equipment: solar showers, all kitchen and dining ware, camping chairs, first-aid kit
      • All camping permits and entry fees for public lands

    Bike and helmet rentals are available for an added fee of $350. Personal camping equipment (2-person tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad) is available for an added fee of $90 per person.

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to Montana
      • Accommodations before and after the tour
      • Bike and helmet — can be rented
      • Personal camping equipment — can be rented
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Travel and medical insurance — highly recommended
      • Montana fishing license (if you plan on fishing) — available at Powder Horn Sporting Goods right across the street from the bike shop
      • Guide gratuities (10-20% is recommended)
  • This Yellowstone cycling tour is beginner-friendly, though you still need to have good physical fitness as you’ll be cycling between 10 and 20 miles (16-32 km) per day, 4 days in a row. Overall altitude gain is anywhere between 5,000 and 9,000 ft (1,525-2,745 ft). Knowing how to ride a bike is a must, though!

    Regarding the terrain, you’ll be riding along dirt and gravel roads, some sand and some loose rock, as well as along the pavement. Day-by-day mileage and riding breakdown can be checked in the itinerary.

  • The following equipment can either be brought or rented:

      • Bike or e-bike (rented bikes come with flat pedals)
      • Helmet (included in the bike rental)
      • Tent
      • Sleeping bag
      • Sleeping pad

    Here’s a list of cycling clothing you need to bring:

      • Cycling shoes
      • Cycling shorts (3-5 pairs)
      • Cycling shirts (3-5 pairs)
      • Long-sleeve cycling shirt
      • Long-sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
      • Cycling socks
      • Windbreaker
      • Tights or leg warmers
      • Cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth and 1 regular pair)
      • Rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
      • Rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
      • Warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long-sleeve fleece shirt)
      • Sunglasses

    Camp clothing

      • Camp shorts and shirts
      • Warm socks
      • Long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
      • Warm long pants (2 pairs)
      • Long-sleeve fleece or sweater
      • Down jacket (insulating layer)
      • Brimmed hat or visor
      • Bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip) and towel
      • Hiking shoes and sandals
      • PVC rain gear (to wear in camp)

    Personal items

      • Medication (daily and emergency)
      • Toiletries, including biodegradable soap and wet-wipes
      • Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
      • Day pack
      • Stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
      • Camera and extra batteries (optional)
      • Binoculars (optional)
      • Alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (optional)
      • Books or maps (optional)
      • Portable USB charger with 1-2 charges for your devices (optional)

    Packing notes: The bulk of your gear and clothing will be stowed in the support vehicle, preferably in a large duffle bag, and will only be accessible during the evenings. For this trip, you’ll always be carrying a riding pack with medication (daily and emergency), 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, additional warm clothing, and day-long food supplies. Your riding pack can be a hydration pack but should have the capacity to carry all of the above.

    An optional small day bag can be used to store items you’d rather not carry while riding but want to have on hand during the day. This day pack will stay with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day’s activities.

    Please ensure you bring all items from this list, which has been thoughtfully crafted to guarantee your comfort throughout the tour, regardless of weather conditions. We strongly recommend adhering to the layering system, comprising a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer, and a weather barrier to shield against wind. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

  • Indeed you can! Bringing your own bike and equipment on the flight can be inconvenient and costly. If you’d like a carefree experience, you can rent a bike and camping equipment with your guides at an additional cost. You can add it to your booking upon checkout.

    You can rent a two-person tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. Regarding bikes, you have a choice between the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 and Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29.

    The Specialized Diverge Comp E5 is quite simply the fastest, most capable—and just maybe the most fun—alloy bike, delivering a ride that’s quick and lively, but also stable enough when the terrain gets rough. If you’re looking to get the most versatile bike on gravel back roads, no bike is better than this one! The bike is outfitted with Future shock suspension, disc brakes, a 1X11 drivetrain and Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c tires.

    Another great choice is the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29, as it brings all-new suspension kinematics and progressive geometry into a full-alloy package that’s both lightweight and extremely durable! These are outfitted with a no-fuss SRAM SX 12-speed groupset, 29” wheels, a Rockshox 35 with 140mm from & 130mm rear travel and dropper posts.

  • Camping during the Yellowstone cycling adventure offers the chance to go off the grid and immerse yourself in the beautiful environment of one of US’ favorite national parks. You can also enjoy the night sky without the light pollution, relax by the campfire, and embark on side hikes and additional adventures to explore the natural beauty of the area. Solo travelers are more than welcome! It’s a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people, and make lasting friendships.

    The right camping gear ensures a cozy and comfortable experience throughout the journey.
    Participants have the option to bring their own camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Your guide will supply all other necessary camping equipment, including camp chairs. If you prefer not to bring your own camping gear, you can rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad for an additional fee.

    Regarding shower facilities, the tour provides solar showers for rinsing off, but these are not suitable for a full-fledged shower. They are not private, so participants should bring a swimsuit and their own towel. Additionally, wet wipes are recommended for freshening up.

    When it comes to bathroom facilities, it is ensured that participants have access to sanitary options. In designated campsites, pit toilets are available. In the backcountry, the tour follows a “pack-it-in, pack-it-out” rule and provides a portable toilet in a private location with scenic views. A hand wash system is provided for cleanliness.

  • You can expect delicious, healthy, and abundant meals that are a real treat after a day of riding! This Yellowstone cycling tour is fully catered from the first day’s lunch to the last day’s lunch. Plus, you’ll have access to plenty of snacks, ensuring you stay energized during your rides. Your skilled guides, with a knack for backcountry cooking, will prepare a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including appetizers, Dutch oven dinners, fresh salads, and delectable desserts.

    The beverages are also covered, offering water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks throughout the journey. While alcohol is not provided, you’re welcome to bring your favorite drinks, which will be stored at the perfect temperature.

    The guides are more than capable of accommodating dietary restrictions, which they frequently encounter. Just leave specific requirements in a note when booking, such as being a vegetarian with particular protein preferences (e.g., tempeh over tofu). This information will help your guides in meal planning, ensuring you have a satisfying culinary experience.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • The group size for this Yellowstone cycling tour is up to 13 riders.
      • The usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Yellowstone cycling tours can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Children between 14 and 17 years of age are able to go on trips with a legal guardian, but only if they are strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet and cover daily distances.

    If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The Yellowstone cycling tour begins at 8 am at the Hampton Inn Bozeman, 75 Baxter Lane, Bozeman, Montana, 406-522-8000. You will need to spend the night before in Bozeman—your guides recommend the Hampton Inn (you can also leave your car here while on the trip).

    To get to Bozeman, MT, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). It will take you 15 minutes by car to get from Bozeman Airport to Bozeman, or 2-3 hours by car from Billings Airport to Bozeman.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

    Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Montana, please refer to Montana’s travel advice.

    If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

      • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
      • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
      • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.

    Please note that your guiding company cannot cancel trips, offer credits or adjust dates due to weather, road conditions and other factors beyond their control. Your trip runs in all weather conditions, with the itinerary subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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