Bunsen Peak Loop Trail

The full loop is approximately 16.7 km (10 miles) and generally takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete by mountain bike. However, this can vary significantly based on your fitness level and riding speed, as some sections are quite challenging.

No, the full Bunsen Peak Loop Trail is generally considered strenuous and requires good fitness and advanced riding skills. It features significant elevation changes, steep descents, switchbacks, and some scree sections. Some portions may even require you to push your bike. For a less strenuous option, consider the out-and-back ride from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead to the Osprey Falls Trailhead, which is a gentler 10.5 km (6.5 miles) round trip.

The trail offers diverse and expansive views. You'll ride through open meadows with sights of the Gallatin Mountains and Swan Lake Flat. As you ascend, panoramic vistas emerge, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Fort Yellowstone, Everts Bluff, and the Yellowstone River Valley. Notable highlights along the route include The Hoodoos and the Osprey Falls Overlook.

Wildlife encounters are common on this trail. You might frequently see bison and elk. Riders should also be alert for both black and grizzly bears, as they inhabit the area.

The best time to mountain bike this trail is typically during the warmer months when the trail is free of snow and ice, generally from late spring through early fall. Always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, especially in Yellowstone National Park.

The trail can be accessed from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead. Parking is available at this trailhead, which is located within Yellowstone National Park.

Yes, as the Bunsen Peak Loop Trail is located within Yellowstone National Park, you will need to pay the park entrance fee. Specific permits for mountain biking are not typically required beyond the park entrance fee, but it's always wise to check the official National Park Service website for the most current regulations and fees: nps.gov.

No, pets are generally not allowed on trails in Yellowstone National Park, including the Bunsen Peak Loop Trail. Dogs are permitted in developed areas, at campgrounds, and along roads, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) and are not allowed on boardwalks or backcountry trails.

Yes, the route partially utilizes sections of other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Osprey Falls Trail, Bunsen Peak Trail, Old Bunsen Peak Road, and the Howard Eaton-Mammoth-Golden Gate trail during your ride.

Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the Bunsen Peak Road Trail portion of this loop, which is one of the few trails in Yellowstone National Park where cycling is permitted.

The primary route described is a loop trail. However, for a less strenuous option, you can also ride an out-and-back section from the Bunsen Peak Trailhead to the Osprey Falls Trailhead.