There’s something about Yellowstone that hits a rider differently. Maybe it’s the wild feeling of freedom as you pass steaming geysers and massive bison while the wind tugs at your jacket. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air that somehow smells like pine, sulfur, and excitement all at once. Or maybe it's because places like Yellowstone make you feel small in the best way. If you're like me—someone who started riding as a form of survival therapy while raising triplet boys solo, working full time, and going back to college—then you know that the open road doesn’t just get you places, it brings you back to yourself.

And Yellowstone? It’s one of those bucket-list places where every twist of the throttle feels like it matters.

Best Riding Routes in Yellowstone for Breathtaking Views

Yellowstone National Park has over 300 miles of paved roads looping and winding through geysers, waterfalls, canyons, and critters that look like they could flatten a compact car. While you won’t be doing 80 on twisties here (speed limits hover between 35–45 mph), what you get in return is jaw-dropping scenery and sensory overload. That’s not a bad trade-off.

Grand Loop Road: The Main Artery of Adventure

If you only ride one road in Yellowstone, make it the Grand Loop Road. This 142-mile figure-eight route hits all the park’s greatest hits: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, Canyon Village, and Yellowstone Lake. Think of it as Yellowstone’s version of Route 66—just with more elk.

I’d recommend entering the park from the West Yellowstone entrance for the smoothest entry (and easy access to good grub and fuel). From there, you can ride clockwise or counter-clockwise. Either way, prepare for plenty of pull-offs, slow-going RVs, and possibly the occasional bison standoff. (Pro tip: They always win.)

The road itself is pretty chill for any bike, even a three-wheeler like my 2021 Can-Am Spyder RT. The curves are forgiving, the elevation changes aren’t too intimidating, and the scenery? Out of this world.

Beartooth Highway: The “Whoa” Factor Ride

Technically just outside the park, but if you skip Beartooth Highway, you're doing it wrong. This stretch of U.S. Highway 212 runs from Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, right near Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.

With over 60 switchbacks, sky-high mountain passes, and views that will have you pulling over every five minutes to say "Did you see that?!", this road isn’t just scenic—it’s spiritual. Think of it as Yellowstone’s rollercoaster ride, minus the safety bar.

The road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet at Beartooth Pass, which is like riding your motorcycle through the clouds. Snow can stick around even in July, so check conditions before you commit. It's best tackled by experienced riders comfortable with hairpin turns and thin air. If you're on a trike like me, it's still doable—just keep your hands loose and your eyes wide.

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: Underrated Gem

This one doesn’t get as much buzz, but the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY-296) is a local favorite and connects the Beartooth Highway to Cody, Wyoming. It’s named after the Nez Perce leader who led his people through this region in a heroic attempt to escape to Canada. Riding here isn’t just scenic—it’s sacred.

Smooth pavement, sweeping corners, and traffic that's delightfully sparse make it a biker’s dream. You’ll want to stop at Dead Indian Pass Overlook for views that rival anything else in the region. The name may be a bit grim, but the view? Absolute gold.

Where to Eat Like You Earned It

When you're logging miles through mountains and dodging buffalo traffic jams, you’re gonna need good food. Preferably the kind that sticks to your ribs and tells you, “You did a thing today.”

West Yellowstone, MT

Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon – Their pizza is legendary, and their beer selection doesn't disappoint either. Bonus: It's just a few blocks from the park entrance, so you can roll in smelling like road grit and still be welcome.

Running Bear Pancake House – A solid breakfast spot. Giant pancakes, strong coffee, and service that feels like you're getting hugged with each refill.

Gardiner, MT (North Entrance)

The Raven Grill – Elevated casual with views of the Yellowstone River. Bison burgers, fresh trout, and cocktails that make you want to slow-roll into the evening.

Yellowstone Grill – Cozy, home-style eats. Try the huckleberry milkshake. Trust me—it’s a small joy that sticks with you.

Cody, WY

Proud Cut Saloon – Western vibes with hearty fare. Steaks, burgers, and all the cowboy trimmings. You’ll want to lean back in your boots for this one.

Irma Hotel Restaurant – Built by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. Feels like stepping back in time and the prime rib buffet is straight-up legendary.

Where to Rest Your Helmet

After a day of riding and soaking in scenery that looks Photoshopped, you need a place to crash—somewhere you can kick off your boots, air out your gear, and recharge.

Lodging Near Yellowstone National Park

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone (West Yellowstone) – Rustic-chic cabins that feel more like a cozy basecamp than a hotel room. You can park your bike right out front and enjoy a fire pit with other travelers swapping bison traffic jam stories.

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins (In-Park) – Simple, no-frills cabins named after the man himself. No WiFi or TV here—just porch rocking chairs and the occasional elk strolling by. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect character.

Chamberlin Inn (Cody, WY) – Historic charm meets modern comfort. Downtown Cody location means you can walk to dinner after parking your bike and sipping a well-deserved whiskey.

Yellowstone Under Canvas (Glamping) – For the rider who wants to camp, but like... with a side of mattress and wood stove. It’s romantic, remote, and unexpectedly comfy.

When to Ride Yellowstone on Two (or Three) Wheels

The roads through Yellowstone are open roughly from mid-May to early November, depending on snowfall. July and August bring the warmest temps but also the biggest crowds. If you can swing it, go in late June or early September. The weather is still decent, and the roads are less clogged with minivans and moose-ogling tourists.

As someone who’s made the transition from cruisers to an adventure bike and now happily rides a Spyder RT, I can tell you this: Yellowstone is forgiving and friendly to all bike types. My Spyder made those mountain passes feel like a Sunday ride, and I didn’t have to white-knuckle every downhill curve like I used to on two wheels.

Yellowstone is perfect for both day-trippers like me and long-haul legends. Whether you're rolling solo, with your riding partner, or leading a pack, this ride isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the reminder that freedom is still out there, waiting on the other side of your ignition switch.

So saddle up, gas up, and take the ride. Your stress will melt somewhere between geysers and glaciers—and if you're lucky, a bison might even nod as you pass by.