Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Igor Karni
Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States, primarily within northwest Wyoming, with parts of the park also located in Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S., and is renowned for its wildlife, natural landscapes, and geothermal features, particularly the Old Faithful geyser.
If you are thinking of exploring Yellowstone National Park by electric bike, this article will address all your questions before you embark on your trip!
Are e-bikes allowed in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, electric bikes are allowed in Yellowstone National Park! As of 2019, e-bikes are allowed to ride everywhere that traditional bicycles are permitted within the park.
According to the National Park Service (NPS) regulations for e-bikes, the operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion, and the motor may not be used to propel the vehicle without the rider also pedaling. E-bikes with a throttle are considered motorbikes, and therefore would have to abide by motor vehicle rules. Cyclists must also obey the speed limits and the state’s traffic laws.
On a federal level, the U.S.A. defines a “low-speed electric bicycle” as a two or three-wheeled vehicle that has fully operable pedal, and the state of Wyoming additionally requires an e-bike to have:
- A maximum motor output of 750W
- A maximum speed that must not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h) for Class I and Class II, or 28 mph (45 km/h) for Class III e-bikes
Read also: Best electric bicycle financing options in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.
To learn more about the United States’ electric bicycle laws, view the full list of rules here.
How is Yellowstone National Park organized, is bicycle-friendly?
Yellowstone National Park is well organized for cycling. E-bike riders are allowed to cycle on established public roads, parking areas, and designated routes within the park. However, cyclists should keep in mind that both e-bikes and traditional bikes are not allowed to ride in designated wilderness areas or on over-snow roads during wintertime.
The NPS also states that riders should practice extreme caution when utilizing park roads for cycling since vehicle traffic is heavy and there are no bicycle paths on roadways. The park also has winding and narrow roads, which offer poor visibility.
When it comes to bike paths within the park, the Mammoth Hot Springs area includes the Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail, The Old Gardiner Road Bike Trail, and the Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail.
In the West Yellowstone Area, cyclists can use the Riverside Bike Trail. The Old Faithful Area has the Fountain Freight Road Bike Trail, the Lone Star Geyser Bike Trail, and the Old Faithful Lower General Store to Morning Glory Pool Bike Trail.
The Lake Village Area includes the Natural Bridge Bike Trail and Old Lake Road Bike Trail. The Canyon and Tower areas include the Mount Washburn Bike Trail.
Where to stay during the trip?
There are many options to choose from when staying for an overnight visit at Yellowstone National Park!
For hotel, lodging, and cabin options within and around the park, some top-rated spots include Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, and Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins. Visit Booking.com (West Gate, North Gate, East Gate) or Hotels.com to view more options!
If you are interested in camping while visiting Yellowstone National Park, campsites include Madison Campground, Grant Village Campground, Canyon Campground, Bridge Bay Campground, and Fishing Bridge RV Park. For more information about camping, visit Yellowstone National Park Lodges!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
There are several places for visitors to eat at while in Yellowstone National Park!
For quick bites and easy on-the-go options, visit Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli, Mammoth General Store, Old Faithful Basin Store, Lake Hotel Deli, and Grant Village Cafeteria.
If you’re looking for sit-down restaurants or finer dining options, top spots include the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, Bear Pit Lounge, Obsidian Dining Room, Canyon Fountain and Grill, Wylie’s Canteen at Lake Lodge, Grant Village Dining Room, and Mammoth Terrace Grill.
What gear should I take on the trip?
It’s important to bring your proper bike and safety gear with you on your e-bike trip.
Be sure to bring: a helmet, backpack, route maps, closed-toe footwear, water, e-bike charger, reflective bike-appropriate clothing and layers, bear spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bike repair kit and pump, a first aid kit, and front and rear lights. The NPS also suggests that cyclists should check with the park staff ahead of time to know when to avoid high volumes of traffic and trail users.
Additionally, if you will be camping, you should additionally bring your tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes, food, booking information, dishware, cutlery, and a valid ID.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
While there are currently no official lists of electric bike-specific charging stations in Yellowstone National Park, e-cyclists may be able to charge their e-bike at hotels, lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, and cafes. (However, be sure to ask for permission first!)
There is also a selection of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available within the park; riders may be able to use these stations to charge their e-bike.
EV charging stations within the park are located at Mammoth Hot Springs in front of the Haynes Photo Shop, as well as behind the Northwest corner of the Mammoth Hotel; Old Faithful at the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins outside Showerhouse 1; Canyon Village in front of Rhyolite and Washburn lodges; Lake Village in front of Teal employee dorm, and; West Entrance/West Yellowstone MT at The Gray Wolf Inn and Suites and the Holiday Inn.
For further details, visit National Park Service’s “EV Charging” webpage for Yellowstone National Park here.
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Yellowstone National Park?
Since the cycling paths within Yellowstone National Most trails are primarily designated as mountain biking trails, we recommend using either an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or a hybrid e-bike to safely tackle the park’s landscape.
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Yellowstone National Park, or should I take one with me?
Yes, there are a few options for e-bike rentals in Yellowstone National Park! We will feature these companies later in the article. You may also bring your e-bike with you, but don’t forget to first check that your e-bike abides by the federal and state e-biking specifications!
Read also: What are the rules & regulations for electric bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA? And, Best known e-bike brands in the USA.
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park is filled with breathtaking landscapes, offering tourists the chance to partake in various sightseeing activities while at the park.
Renowned for its geothermal features, visitors should be sure to check out Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone Caldera, Mammoth Hot Springs, Dragon’s Mouth Spring, Geyser Hill, and Artist’s Point.
Other natural sites include Yellowstone Lake, Firehole River Swimming Area, Rustic Falls, Electric Peak, Lewis Lake, Moose Falls, Sheepeater Cliffs, Specimen Ridge, and Storm Point Trail.
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
For monuments, museums, and other entertainment, check out Fort Yellowstone, Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center, Museum of the National Park, Fishing Bridge – Amphitheatre, Canyon Visitor Education Center, Roosevelt Arch, and Sleeping Giant Ski Area & Zipline.
Visitors can also partake in other activities outside of cycling such as rafting, paddling, fishing, and hiking!
What is the best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park on an e-bike?
The best time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park is between late April to May, July and August, and September through early October. While summer months tend to be the busiest and experience the warmest weather, spring and fall time generally see fewer crowds and fewer road closures.
Visitors should also bear in mind that, due to varying elevations throughout the park, temperatures can get quite cold in higher elevation areas, even during the summer months.
Average temperatures in July and August range anywhere from 42 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit (5 – 22 degrees Celsius), 18 – 52 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 – 11 degrees Celsius) in April and May, and 24 – 62 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 – 16 degrees Celsius) in September and October.
Winter months can get as cold as 1 degree Fahrenheit (-17 degrees Celsius) and can get quite snowy, so we recommend cyclists avoid visiting the park during wintertime.
Resources to help plan your trip
If you are looking to rent your e-bike, there are a few options available in Yellowstone National Park. The first option is Big Sky Ebike Tours & Rentals, which offer e-bikes for rent in 2-hour, 3-hour, full-day, or custom intervals. The company also offers multiple e-bike tour options. Whether renting an e-bike or booking a tour, Big Sky provides helmets as well!
Next, High Marks Rentals, located in West Yellowstone, offers full-day e-bike rentals, and helmets are also included with the rental price.
If you are planning on mapping out your own routes while on your e-bike trip, check out Trail Forks’ list of Yellowstone National Park trails, as well as the National Park Service’s Yellowstone “Bicycling” webpage.
To view more restaurant recommendations, Trip Advisor has a comprehensive list here.
And lastly, for more information on things to do while visiting Yellowstone National Park, view Google Travel’s list here!
Take a virtual visit to Yellowstone National Park with this short video:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
