Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail - Mountain Bike near Gardiner, Montana
20 Old Yellowstone Trail S, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA,Gardiner,Montana
45.0324520867553, -110.71572648280285
0.5 miles W of Gardiner, Montana
Address: 20 Old Yellowstone Trail S, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
GPS: 45°1'56.8"N 110°42'56.6"W
Maps | Directions
State: Montana
Trails/Routes: 3.8 mi

National Park

Mountain Bike

The Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail, otherwise known as Shortline Trail, is a easily accessible bike trail found just inside the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This bike trail follows an old railroad bed along Yellowstone River. The trail is 8 miles out and back and takes an average of two to four hours to complete. The stunning views of mountains, grassy plains and roaring river provide a picturesque background for an adventurous ride. 

The trail can be found near the Heritage and Research Center in Gardiner Montana. There is a pull off on the road here with limited parking. Mountain bikers will need to walk their bikes from the parking area to the railroad bed. Once there the trail is gently sloping, made mostly of dirt and gravel with a few larger rocks. it is recommended that visitors bring tire sealant. 

The Abandoned River Bed Bike Trail has a variety of wildlife that are often spotted here, including black and grizzly bears, elk and bison. Visitors should carry, and know how to use, bear spray and keep a large safe distance between themselves and the wildlife. Pets and Service Animals are allowed on this trail, but are not recommended and brought at your own risk due to possible dangerous wildlife confrontations. 

4.2K Written by tasiawhicker

Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Gardiner, Montana

  1. Head south on US-89 S toward W Stone St (0.2 mi)
  2. Continue straight onto Park St (0.2 mi)
  3. Turn left onto Old Yellowstone Trail S
    Destination will be on the right
    (0.3 mi)
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Old railroad bed going into Gardiner, MT by Kaiser0929
4.2K

Added by tasiawhicker

Trails

Distance ?

3.8 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-73 feet

Real Ascent ?

57 feet

Real Descent ?

130 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-2° to 3°)

-3% to 6%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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