West Yellowstone is the epicenter of epic off road riding. Whether you want to ride your own ATV or UTV or rent an ATV or side by side from Yellowstone Adventures, here are some of our favorite trails to check out. Many of these trails are also great for winter snowmobile action, too! Either way, the scenery here is incredible.
First, a little geography to help you get oriented. We’re in the town of West Yellowstone, which is a gateway into Yellowstone National Park. OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) are NOT permitted in the park. No ATVs, UTVs, side by sides - nothing!
West Yellowstone is in Montana, but 96% of Yellowstone National Park is just east of us in Wyoming. We are right next to the boundary of the park, and just a few miles from the border between Montana and Wyoming. We are also close to Idaho, a few miles south. So when you are researching your options, it’s important to be clear about the distinction between the town of West Yellowstone and the national park called Yellowstone.
Here in West Yellowstone, outside the national park boundaries, there’s lots of national forest land where riding is permitted, including Custer Gallatin National Forest, a fabulous destination for off-road riding. Here are four of our favorite trails in the area. Ride these, and prepare to fall in love with our unmatched backwoods scenery.
Two Top Loop
Allow three to four hours for this 30-mile loop, which starts and ends right here in West Yellowstone. It enters Idaho and connects with the trail network in the Targhee National Forest, with a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet. On clear days, marvel at the incredible jagged beauty of the Teton mountain range in Grand Teton National Park, along with views of Yellowstone National Park and Lionhead in Montana.
South Plateau
The South Plateau Trail enters Idaho and connects to a trail network in Targhee National Forest, and it also connects with Two Top Loop. Allow three hours for the basic trail. You can access it from Electric Street right here in town. It runs along the boundary of Yellowstone National Park, so be sure to stay out of the park. This is a great out-and-back ride that follows scenic rivers and creeks, or you can connect with other trails for a super loop ride. It’s your best bet if you hope to spot some moose.
Lionhead Loop
Lionhead Loop is a fun option off of Two Top Loop for riders who are looking for action! While it’s not a long trip, clocking in at just about 16 miles, the trail climbs to over 10,000 feet. We’re talking short and steep! You follow the east side of the Continental Divide, with great backcountry access and amazing views. We recommend allowing 4-5 hours for this tour.
Big Springs
Big Springs in Island Park is about 22 miles south of West Yellowstone. With an elevation about the same as West Yellowstone at 6,300 feet, getting there is a nice easy ride, and once you get there you’ll find a ton of logging trails to roam. Plan on 4-6 hours for this exploration.
We hope this gives you some ideas! Please stop by our shop to pick up a map and get current updates about trail conditions. We’ve got ATVs to rent, tons of experience in the region, and a bottomless passion for the incredible recreation opportunities in this beautiful part of the world. We look forward to your visit to Yellowstone Adventures, in West Yellowstone, Montana.
