Thing to Do

Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail

Yellowstone National Park

Five cyclists ride on a trail with steam rising from a geysers in the background.

Bikes are allowed on the Fountain Freight Road, an old dirt and gravel road now closed to automobiles. Most of this trail is fairly level, yet mountain bikes are recommended. The entire route is a four mile (6.4 km) ride in one direction, or an eight mile (12.8 km) ride there and back.

Parking at the south end of Fountain Flat Drive at the Fairy Falls Trailhead can be a challenge during the summer. Parking at the north end, while more limited, is often less crowded.

Bikes are not allowed on the trail out to Fairy Falls. You can park your bike where the Fairy Falls Trail splits off from the Fountain Freight Road and hike to Fairy Falls.

Alerts: Be alert for bears: both black and grizzly bears forage in this area. Watch for bison. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison and all other wild animals.

Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level and time spent sightseeing geysers.
Activity
Mountain Biking
Pets Allowed
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Yellowstone National Park near Old Faithful
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The terrain on this trail is mostly flat and could be accessed by a hand-cycle with mountain bike tires. The surface is an old paved road that is starting to disintegrate. The elevation gain/loss is about 268 ft (82m) in 0.7 mi (0.43km). Qualified service dogs are permitted along this trail, but travel with service dogs along trails is not without risks. Please be aware that having a service animal on this trail may put you at increased risk for confrontations with wolves, bears, and other wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park

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Last updated: September 22, 2025