Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Map
Start at Bridge Bay
Along the Lake
Finish
Description: What can one think when someone says "I rode in Yellowstone". There is magic in Yellowstone, I'm not sure why. It may be the thermal features or the herds of Buffalo or the vastness and wildness of the place or the closeness you feel to the vanished frontier. I was there 5 days and this was the only decent ride I got in. There are probably better rides but this is what I did. A circular road essentially rings Yellowstone with various "spokes" connecting it to the outside world. Bridge Bay, the start of the ride, is where we camped and near the southeast corner of the ring.

The ride was a one way affair where I got picked up at the Old Faithful visitor center. On the way you, you first spend about 17 miles along Yellowstone Lake. At the West Thumb junction, you begin a climb which goes on for about 6 miles, steep at times. What is interesting is you cross the continental divide twice (8300' and 8200'), as you can see on the map. I can say I crossed the divide (twice) in a hailstorm! It was a sunny day and then whammo....hail. Made for a good story to my eastbound friends over the phone. Once you cross the divide the second time, its basically a nice 4 or 5 mile downhill run to Old Faithful. Memorable.

Distance: 34 miles

Terrain: Lakeside (17 mi), climb and descent (17 mi)

Date: August, 1999


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