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Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Highlights

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is an Authorized Permittee of Yellowstone National Park

A Yellowstone National Park bike tour is a otherworldly experience especially if you happen to enjoy wildlife, geysers and fabulous landscapes! This tour spends three days in the National Park and three days in the lesser known, but equally compelling Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We consider Day 6’s Bear Tooth Pass to be one of the top three climbs on any of our bike touring itineraries!

Join the local experts at Lizard Head Cycling Guides as we explore the Yellowstone Country together and are challenged by some of North America’s most dazzling cycling terrain.

This is a great tour for Intermediate+ level riders and offers BIG challenge for the every-freaking-inch (E.F.I.) type of rider. As an example, in the 7-years we have run this YNP itinerary, only 25 riders have E.F.I.’ed the tour. The final day’s Beartooth Pass often requires a short bump to the base of the final day’s massive climb.

On the last day of this tour we will tackle the incredible Beartooth Highway which has been proclaimed by some to be the most scenic 68 miles of mountain road to be found in America. Here’s part of the 27 mile descent from Beartooth Pass into Red Lodge, Montana.

Here are just a few of the amazing places that we will visit on this tour.

• Yellowstone National Park
• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• Yellowstone Lake
• The old west town of Cody, Wyoming
• Chief Joseph Highway
• Beartooth Highway

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Testimonials

Read what previous guests on our Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour have been saying…

Another great “Lizard Tour”- a most exhilarating ride with vista views beyond human comprehension, an intimate experience of Mother Earths aliveness, with friends looking out for each other. Lesley, MJ and Will worked well together and always available to meet everyone’s needs. – Duane

(Our group) completed the Yellowstone ride last week, it was a typical Lizard Head tour, pretty tough but doable, with some outstanding majestic scenery. (I wish) to comment on the outstanding team that lead our tour, DeAnn and Emily were such great guides, both pitched in to make sure that everything went smoothly, they are very professional and I did not hear one complaint from the group about the support. And it also helps to ride behind one of them after 5,000 plus feet of climbing. – Bill

☛ Click here to read a daily journal by Edward, a guest on one of our past Yellowstone National Park Bike Tours.

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Dates

Potential tour dates are listed below and not all tour dates will run. Lock in your preferred tour date early as unopened tour dates will be closed. Please see the Spring/Autumn Tour Calendar and the Summer Tour Calendar for confirmed departures. Any unopened date can be a Custom Week (9 riders required). Please contact us via email or call 970.728.5891

To easily register for a particular tour, please click the Book Now! link after the tour date listed below. This will select the tour name and the appropriate date on the registration form.

2025 Tour Dates

• August 17 to 22, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR A GO!
• August 24 to 29, 2025 (Book Now!) – TOUR A GO!

Tour Status Notes: NO STATUS = Date Set, no riders have signed up. TOUR OPENED = Tour Opened, rider minimums not met. TOUR A GO! = Tour is Go, rider minimums met. SOLD OUT = Tour Full, rider maximums met.

Why Should you Sign-Up Now and OPEN a Tour Date?
This is the proverbial chicken and the egg conundrum! We need our cyclists to first commit to the date that works for them so that we can commit to that date.

For starters, when you OPEN a date you get to pick your preferred departure date, and there is no penalty if the tour does not run. Once you pick your tour date, Lizard Head closes nearby dates and funnels all additional riders to your chosen date until the tour meets its 6 rider minimum.

BONUS: As an added bonus, we can also hold a spot for you on another tour date of your choosing. There is no fee to switch to another tour date.

In conclusion, if you want a tour to run, we need you to sign up and not wait for others to do the same! Waiting for others may mean that a tour date takes longer or does not confirm. Just Do It! Once a few riders jump into the proverbial waters, others will follow!

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Overview

Tour Length: 6-Days Cycling/5-Nights Lodging

Starting/Ending Town: Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

Total Miles: 250-395 (Can I keep up on this tour?)

Ability Level: Upper Intermediate (3)  to Advanced (3/4) 

Tour Cost: $3,575 per person with shared accommodations. Add $545 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (5-Nights).

Tour Discounts: Please see our Reptile Rewards & Tour Discounts page to learn more about Reptile Rewards, Tour Discounts, and Group Discounts. Tour discounts are not stackable with any other discounts or promotions – only the highest valued discount is provided. Please note that for discounts to apply the tour minimum must be met.

Early Bird 2025 Thanksgiving Discount - For 6-Day or longer tours take $150 off the tour cost. Discount applies to new registrations only made before December 5, 2024. Please make sure to mention this offer when you register.
Excludes Self-Guided tours. Tour discounts are not stackable with any other discounts or promotions.

Tour Includes: 6-Days guide service, 5-Nights lodging, meals include 4-dinners, 5 lunches, 5 breakfasts, entrance fees, daily lunch en route, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

Non-Riding Spouses & Partners on Tour: If a non-riding spouse or partner would like to join you on tour and they have their own transportation, they can stay in your room for the cost of the tour's single room supplement. Please note that non-riders cannot check into hotels prior to guide arrival as the guides need to manage the check-in process. Checking in a large group can be challenging and take longer than normal, so non-riders need to hang back and be patient. Non-riding spouses and partners are welcome to join the Lizard Head meal plan which includes breakfasts and dinners for $75 per day. Note: Lunches are not included for non-riders driving their own vehicles due to the inherent variability of both lunch timing and locations. It is best for non-riders to plan to explore each day.

Lodging for 5-Nights: (subject to change)

• Night 1: Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park (Elevation 7,350 feet)
• Night 2: Canyon Lodge and Cabins, Yellowstone National Park (Elevation 7,900 feet)
• Nights 3 & 4: Buffalo Bill Village, or Chamberlin Inn – Cody, WY (Elevation 5,000 feet)
• Night 5: Soda Butte Lodge, or Alpine Motel – Cooke City, MT (Elevation 7,600 feet)

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.

Road Bike Rentals

NOTE: The make, model, and specifications of rental bikes may differ from what is described below. Please contact us if you have any specific needs for a rental bike or have any questions about rental bikes.

Lizard Head Cycling Guides is proud to rent Scott Bikes. The Scott Addict 10 Disc was designed from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 10 will be your go to when you’re looking to put the miles in.

The Scott Addict 10 Disc features: Carbon Frame and Fork, Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Drivetrain, 34x32 Compact Gearing, 30mm Tires, and Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Approx. Weight: 16.89 lbs / 7.66 kg (without pedals)

☛ Learn more about our Rental Bikes and Equipment

Road E-Bike Rentals: Click Here for more information on our Road E-Bike Rentals including pricing. Please note that E-Bikes are not available for certain tours including those that involve camping. Please contact us for more information before registering for a tour. NOTE: E-Bikes are great, but our tours are designed to be ridden without motorized assistance. We offer "bumps" along the road so that everyone can stay together.

Tandems and Recumbents: Lizard Head Cycling Guides happily accommodates both tandem and recumbent bikes on our tours.

If you have any further questions, please read more on our Rental Bikes FAQ page. You can also email us at info@lizardheadcyclingguides.com or call us at 970.728.5891

Meals On Tour

Lizard Head Cycling Guides provides most meals on all tours (unless otherwise noted) including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guides will prepare a daily lunch en route for nearly every tour, both road and off-road, as well as provide nutritious snacks at periodic aid stations during the day.

Most of our road tours utilize local restaurants for all meals and occasionally guides may prepare a dinner or two during a tour. Due to the nature of being "off the grid", most of our off-road tours feature guide prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. FUN NOTE: When guides prepare a meal in camp and the guests sit around and watch, this is called "Guide TV".

We also pride ourselves on being able to cater to specific dietary requests and needs, so rest assured that you will be able to get the nutrition that works best for you during your tour. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, or a someone who loves it all – we will keep you well fed during the tour!

Lunches: Lizard Head Cycling Guides prepares healthy lunches to keep you going. We will serve you fresh organic fruits and veggies, salads, hummus, sandwich fixings, nuts, gourmet cheeses and, of course, plenty of salty/sweet snacks such as chips and cookies.

Dinners: On our road tours, Lizard Head Cycling sources our favorite restaurants in each town that we visit. Our guides focus on establishments that offer fresh and local ingredients and guests choose whatever they desire to eat off the menu including: appetizer, salad, entrée, and of course, dessert... yum! Also, while on tour if a guest wants to dine early before the group and go to bed, this is fine. We understand that on some days sleep is the most important post-ride element.

Ability Level: Can I Ride This Tour?

Definition of Ability Levels

= Intermediate (2/3) Rides and/or takes spin classes 1 to 3 times a week for a total of 50 or more miles.
= Upper Intermediate (3) Rides and/or takes spin classes 2 to 4 times a week for a total of 75 or more miles.
= Advanced (3/4) Rides and/or takes spin classes 3 to 5 times a week for a total of 100 or more miles. Has ridden multi-day tours and done a century ride.
= Expert (4) Rides 4 or more times per week totaling 150 or more miles. Rides E.F.I. with regularity. Has done numerous multi-day tours, century rides and races.

How Fit do I Have to Be? If one month prior to the tour, you can ride 2 to 3 times a week equaling a total of 75 or more miles a week, you'll do just fine. We like to jokingly say that "one is ready for a Lizard Head Cycling Tour when they are finished with tour" and this is true! The only way to simulate a week long bike tour is to go on a week long tour.

Our average rider age is 55 years. These are bike tours, not races so we take our time to stop, take pictures and see the sights. We have all day to reach our destination and most riders take "bumps" at some points. We offer reduced mileage options for each day. Of course if someone wants to ride E.F.I. (Every Freaking Inch), we love to show them all the extra climbs, loops and hidden canyons that can be included!

Do the Bump! Daily mileage options allow cyclists of varying abilities to enjoy this tour. One of our favorite options is to give cyclists a "bump" via the support vehicle, or a 10 to 20 mile lift down the road representing an hour of pedal time. After the bump the rider is "off the front" and riding at his or her own pace without feeling they are being left behind the group. They'll then have time to linger and take in the spectacular scenery. All cyclists come together in time for lunch. Afterwards, cyclists can take another bump and/or continue riding.

Seamless Mileage Options: Lizard Head Cycling Guides designs multiple mileage options for each tour – something we're well known for in our business. This technique is similar to heliskiing in that one does not ski everything, they ski the best. 🙂

Slow or Fast? Many cyclists who sign up for our tours have worried themselves silly about not being able to keep up, but then they're surprised to find that all the worrying was about nothing. They do just fine! Slow and Fast only exist relative to other cyclists. Speed does not matter as long as one is moving on the bike. As long as one is moving, they are truly going fast enough.

If you have questions about your ability to ride this tour, please contact our office via email or call us at 970.728.5891 - we'll more than happy to guide you!

Please also see this blog post for more information.

Overall Route Map

Below is an example of the daily routes for this tour and are subject to change based on season, available accommodations, road closures, and other factors. The actual routes will be made available to registered participants before their tour, so please view these routes as a general outline as to what to expect.

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. Please feel free to ask additional questions.

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Itinerary*

*PLEASE NOTE: Tour itineraries are subject to change and modification based on the group, available accommodations, road construction, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, landslides and/or other acts of nature. Also, the distances and elevation profiles shown below may not reflect the actual distances and elevations while on tour as these are provided here to give an idea as to the anticipated mileage and terrain. Please view this itinerary, the distances, and elevation profiles as a general outline as to what to expect while on this tour.

Also, please be aware that the below itinerary and the daily routes are subject to change based on the available lodging for any given tour within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. So please view the below itinerary as what to generally expect for our Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour.

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
16 miles with up to 860 feet of climbing

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.

 

Day 2: Old Faithful to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Standard: 49 miles with up to 2,590 feet of climbing
E.F.I. Option: 56 miles with up to 3,600 feet of climbing

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!

 

Day 3: Yellowstone National Park to Cody
Standard: 65 miles with up to 2,675 feet of climbing
E.F.I. Option: 94 miles with up to 3,045 feet of climbing

Today offers an epic day on the bike! After a hearty breakfast for the long day ahead, riders depart from Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, pedal along the eastern 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!

 

Day 4: Layover Day in Cody
Optional 52 mile ride and/or hiking

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!

 

Day 5: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
Standard: 58 miles with 6,840 feet of climbing
E.F.I. Option: 76 miles with up to 8,295 feet of climbing

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 E.F.I. 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.

 

Day 6: Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, MT
Standard: 50 miles with 3,990 feet of climbing
E.F.I. Option: 64-miles with up to 5,400 feet of climbing

It would not be a classic Lizard Head tour without a classic ending… and today is the day! With an early morning start, we 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 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 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!

 

Yellowstone National Park Bike Tour: Logistics & FAQs

Bike Shipping

Lizard Head Cycling recommends shipping with BikeFlights.com. Bikes can be shipped either to our partner bike shop in each meeting town for professional assembly or directly to the meeting hotel for self-assembly. Bike boxes can generally be left at the meeting hotel during the tour. Bikes shipped across the continental US should be shipped 8 days prior to your tour.

Meals on the Tour
Most meals (aside from two) from lunch on the tour’s first day (Sunday) through breakfast on departure day are included. The exceptions are that guests are own their own for meals on the layover day. In total 5 dinners, 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches are included.

Breakfasts and dinners are in restaurants where clients either order off the menu or choose from a buffet. Fresh lunches that include salads, local fruit, vegetables and meats are served in roadside parks by the Lizard Head Cycling Guides. Any dietary preferences or allergies should be noted on the registration form. Each of Lizard Head Cycling’s lunches contains gluten free options.

If on any given night a guest is tired or not feeling particularly social, they can choose to eat early and retire. Lizard Head Cycling enjoys hosting its guests for meals each evening, but understands some of us may just need to lie down after a day in the saddle. A meal should not feel like marathon after a big day on the bike.

Ride Difficulty
Due to the mountainous terrain, this tour is designed for upper intermediate to advanced cyclists. Each day there are additional mileage options for advanced riders.

Tour Support
A 15-passenger van and trailer that carries luggage, food and equipment supports Lizard Head Cycling’s tours. Cyclists keep a day bag that is accessible within the support vehicle.

The vehicle will sag and then pass riders to set up aid stations every 20 to 25 miles. This allows cyclists to linger at the back and then take a ten-mile, fifteen-mile or whatever mile “bump” forward to catch-up or get ahead of the group. Energy food, drink mixes, and fresh fruit are available throughout each stage.

The Daily Schedule
Cyclists ride their own pace. Lizard Head Cycling does its best to support riders in their varying desires and efforts. Cyclists can either use our tours to simply support their tour experience or to engage in a guided experience along the route.

Cue sheets with directions, profiles and locations of aid stations are given out for each stage.

General Tour & Cancellation Policies

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of our tour and cancellation policies, which can be found by clicking here.

Travel Insurance

If you have not already, now would be a great time to consider adding travel insurance to your tour. You are welcome to use any travel insurance company you would like. We recommend Generali/Trip Mate.

Generally, if contracting COVID causes clients to cancel or interrupt their tour, trip insurance companies would treat it as any other illness as long as it is contracted after the insurance was purchased. Please check your individual plan documentation for details. Please note that quarantine is usually only covered if clients are actually sick with COVID. If a state requires quarantine upon arrival because of standardized state law, coverage is generally not covered. Again, check your individual plan documentation for details.

American Guests - use this link: http://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/get-a-quote.html?partner=LIZA0855

• The Premium Plan is the only plan which offers Pre-Existing coverage so long as the plan is purchased prior to Final Payment.
• The Premium Plan is the only plan that offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason - the policy must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and if they cancel for Any Reason, it must be 48 hours prior to departure, and the reimbursement for an Any Reason claim is 60% of pre-paid, insured, non-refundable trip cost.
• Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-874-2442 for coverage questions and policy modifications or to purchase by phone. Agency Code: LIZA0855

Canadian Guests - use this link: https://tripmate.catravelins.ca/?utm_source=lizardhead