Cycling in Yellowstone: Experience Iconic Parks Virtually

Discovering the Heart of Yellowstone: A Cycling Journey through Geothermal Wonders

A deep rumble shakes the ground as a towering column of steam erupts into the sky - a steaming natural geyser has once again announced its presence. Nearby, a herd of bison moves slowly across the road, unbothered by the spectacle. This National Park is Yellowstone, a land where fire and water shape the earth and wildlife roams free.

Best Cycling Routes in Yellowstone

While there are no signs of an imminent eruption, Yellowstone’s supervolcano fuels the park’s geothermal activity and resulting features, making it one of the most geologically active places on Earth. Among its most famous attractions is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts with remarkable regularity approximately every 90 minutes. Equally stunning is the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S., renowned for its striking rainbow-like colours created by heat-loving microorganisms. The park is also home to an incredible variety of mud pots, fumaroles, and other geysers, with more than half of the world’s geysers found within its boundaries, showcasing the raw power of the Earth's geothermal energy.

Above: A panoramic view of Yellowstone with a bison grazing in the foreground

Located in the scenic landscapes of northwest Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park extends into parts of Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, it was the first national park in the world, setting a global standard for conservation and the protection of natural landscapes. This iconic park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including magnificent bison, majestic elk, and grizzly bears.

Above: A bison showing its powerful presence to an onlooker in Yellowstone

Each route, with varying difficulty levels, highlights a different facet of the park, immersing you in its raw beauty, untouched wilderness, and varied terrain. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits you!

Cycling Route: Norris Basin to Firehole Canyon

Cycling along Grand Loop Road from Norris Basin to Firehole Canyon takes you through a stunning mix of geothermal features, dense forests, and open meadows rich with wildlife. Starting at Norris, you’ll soon see steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and the stark, mineral-rich landscape of one of Yellowstone’s most active geothermal areas. As you cycle heading south, the road winds through lodgepole pine forests, occasionally opening up to sweeping meadows where bison and elk often graze. The Firehole River begins to parallel the road, its waters warmed by geothermal runoff, creating misty pockets in cooler temperatures.

Above: One of the many geothermal features near the road

Above: Magnificent scenery with pine, spruce and fir forests along the way

Along the way, you’ll pass key landmarks, including the turnoff to the Madison River Valley and several scenic pullouts with views of distant mountain ranges. Just before reaching Firehole Canyon, the road descends into a more rugged landscape, with rock formations framing the route. The entrance to Firehole Canyon Drive offers access to the stunning Firehole Falls, where the river tumbles over a rocky ledge, carving through ancient lava flows. This scenic ride provides a closer look at the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and offers one of the park’s few swimming areas, a rare opportunity to experience Yellowstone’s geothermal waters firsthand.

Above: Enjoy the beautiful, serene and peaceful scenery along the Yellowstone routes

Above: Cycling through Firehole Canyon past rugged cliffs and the fast-running river

Bike Ride Canyon Village – Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon

Your ride through Canyon Village, which covers 19 km and 297 m ascent, offers beautiful views of rugged canyons, dense pine forests, and abundant wildlife. As you approach the village, towering lodgepole pines flank the road, creating a serene, wooded atmosphere. Near the roadside, you might catch glimpses of elk or even a roaming bison.

forests of Yellowstone National Park.png Above: Ride through the lush forests of Yellowstone National Park

As you continue, the highlight of the region—the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone—comes into view. From the road, you can catch glimpses of the canyon’s striking yellow, orange, and red-hued rock walls carved by the mighty Yellowstone River. Pull-offs such as Lookout Point and Artist Point provide panoramic vistas of the canyon and its dramatic waterfalls, including the Lower Falls, which plunge an impressive 308 feet (94 metres) into the gorge below.

Above: Lower Falls plunges an impressive 308 feet (94 metres) into the ravine

Cycling further, the landscape transitions between open meadows and thick forests, where you may see bald eagles soaring overhead or a black bear foraging in the distance. The area is also teeming with geothermal activity, with steam rising from hidden hot springs and fumaroles scattered throughout the region.

Ride Canyon Village | Yellowstone NP | Wyoming on ROUVY

Cycling Route Gardiner to Mammoth – Gateway to the Wild

The town of Gardiner serves as a gateway to Yellowstone. It starts just outside the northern entrance and takes you into the stunning Mammoth Hot Springs area. The terraced limestone formations, shaped by millennia of thermal activity, create a unique landscape on a 14 km segment that consists mainly of gentle climbing of 556 m on a road that becomes narrow near the top and finishes on a short downhill. Watch out for the elk crossing the road in the first half of the ride!

Gardiner is also home to the Roosevelt Arch, an iconic stone gateway inscribed with the words "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated this arch in 1903, and it remains a symbol of the park's historic significance.

Ride Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs | Yellowstone NP | Wyoming on ROUVY

Bike Ride Mammoth Hot Springs to Virginia Cascades – Fire, Water, & Wilderness

From Mammoth Hot Springs, the 39 km ride leads to the beautiful Virginia Cascades, featuring rivers, forests, and undulating climbs of almost 700 m of ascent. This area is renowned for its limestone terraces, which are formed by mineral-rich water that creates layers of white travertine. As you leave this geothermal site, the road winds through forests and meadows, contrasting with the terraces. Moderate climbs reward you with expansive mountain and valley views. Virginia Cascades offers a tranquil setting with water cascading over rocky cliffs, and wildlife sightings, including elk and bears, are common.

Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone NP.jpg Above: Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Yellowstone has experienced several significant wildfires, including the massive 1988 fires, which burned over a third of the park. These fires played a crucial role in the park’s natural regeneration, as many plant species depend on fire to release their seeds and promote new growth.

Cycle near geysers.png Above: Cycle near geysers steaming upwards in the distance

Virginia Cascade.jpg Above: Virginia Cascades, a cascade-type waterfall on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park

Ride Mammoth Hot Springs to Virginia Cascades | Yellowstone NP | Wyoming on ROUVY

Biking Yellowstone from Home: The Perfect Way to Experience America’s Wild Heart

Thanks to ROUVY’s immersive routes, you can experience Yellowstone’s beauty and unique landscape from your indoor trainer, riding through geothermal wonders, scenic canyons, and wildlife-filled forests. Whether you enjoy viewing the spectacle of the geysers, the challenge of undulating terrains, or the tranquillity of untouched nature, Yellowstone has something for every rider. So why wait? Hop on your bike, explore the wild heart of America, and let the spirit of Yellowstone inspire your next ride!