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Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range Cycling Journey

Itinerary
Yellowstone & the Gravelly Range Cycling Journey
Guide(s)
Natalie Flower, Will Conner, Anna Rollins, Western Spirit Cycling
Trip options

Booking for a group?
Reserve spots for 5 or more people, and get $30 off for each

Add-ons

Bike rental

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of bringing or shipping your own bike, you can rent it with your guide for an additional fee. You can read more about the bikes on offer in the “Things to know” section—either Specialized Diverge Comp E5 or Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29. The bikes come with flat pedals, a helmet, and one water bottle cage. A water bottle and all the bike repair gear is also included. If you have clipless pedals (e.g., SPD, Crank Brothers, etc.), you’re welcome to bring them along with your shoes.

Camping gear rental

If you don’t want to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad, you can rent it from your guide. The tents that are offered are spacious and usually shared by two people. You can also consider renting an entire tent for yourself.

Special dietary requirements

The guides can accommodate any special dietary restrictions, which they frequently encounter. Just leave specific requirements down below, 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.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Yellowstone and the Gravelly Range Cycling Journey
Itinerary
Yellowstone & the Gravelly Range Cycling Journey
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
5 day
Guide(s)
Natalie Flower, Will Conner, Anna Rollins, Western Spirit Cycling
Reserve deposit ($400.00) $400
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • 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

    • 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!

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