Mammoth/Gardiner Back Road
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
| GPS: |
44°58'38.9"N 110°42'4.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
Hike and Mountain Bike
The Old Gardiner Road is a historic five-mile dirt road connecting Mammoth Hot Springs to the town of Gardiner, Montana, at Yellowstone National Park's North Entrance — a scenic route that doubles as one of the park's most enjoyable hiking and biking trails. Following the original 1880s stagecoach route that early visitors traveled into Yellowstone, it offers a wonderful mix of history, sweeping high-country views, and abundant wildlife.
Starting right in Mammoth, the road climbs gently before a long, fun descent down to the North Gate at Gardiner. Motor-vehicle traffic is limited to one-way (downhill toward Gardiner), but cyclists and hikers can travel it in both directions, making it a popular out-and-back or shuttle ride. Along the way you'll pass through open sagebrush country that's prime habitat for pronghorn, elk, bison, and other wildlife — keep your eyes open and your distance safe.
The route took on new importance after historic flooding in 2022 damaged the main north road; the Old Gardiner Road was widened and improved to serve as a primary access route while permanent repairs continue, so conditions and vehicle use may vary — check current park status before you go.
Come prepared for exposed, high-desert conditions: bring water, sun protection, and layers, watch for vehicles on the one-way sections, and never approach wildlife (stay at least 25 yards from bison and elk, 100 yards from bears and wolves). Pack out everything. For a historic, view-packed hike or ride right from Mammoth, the Old Gardiner Road is a Yellowstone gem.
More Information
Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
This Yellowstone National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yellowstone National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yellowstone-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinBackcountry Conditions - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
The Backcountry Conditions Map and Area Condition Details are not updated during the winter season. Check back in late-April for current conditions.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htmYellowstone National Park Road Information ~ Yellowstone Up Close and Personal
Yellowstone National Park Road Information ~ Yellowstone Up Close and Personal
https://yellowstone.co/roads.htmNever modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
- Head northeast on US-89 NToll road(184 ft)
- Sharp left onto US-89 SPartial toll road(499 ft)
- Turn right toward Juniper St (276 ft)
- Turn left onto Juniper St (112 ft)
- Turn right onto Cottage Ln (52 ft)
- Turn right (23 ft)
Located at Gardiner, Montana to park Headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs and from Mammoth Hot Springs to Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana.
Other Mountain Bike Trails and Hiking Trails Nearby
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
0.3 miles SWColorful limestone terraces covered in glistening hot-spring water, a 1-mile boardwalk with 300 feet of elevation, elk in the parking lot, and an easy family-friendly loop — Yellowstone's showiest geology.
Camp, Hike 5.3 mi
Beaver Ponds Trail
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
0.3 miles SWA 5-mile loop above Mammoth Hot Springs with beaver ponds of varying sizes, elk, wildflowers, birds, and occasional bear sightings — a perfect morning or evening hike.
Hike 8.1 mi
Sepulcher Mountain Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
0.3 miles SWAn 11-mile loop from Mammoth Hot Springs to the 9,652-foot peak of Sepulcher Mountain, passing colorful meadows, aspen forests, and stunning views of Electric Peak — with frequent bighorn, moose, and grizzly sightings.
Hike 4.0 mi
Lava Creek Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
0.4 miles EA 4.2-mile hike along scenic Lava Creek to the 60-foot tiered Undine Falls, with distant Mammoth Hot Springs views, meadows, Mount Everts, and frequent elk and bison sightings.
Hike 2.0 mi
Snow Pass Trail
Yellowstone National Park Wyoming
1.4 miles SWA moderately difficult 2.4-mile out-and-back with 700 feet of gain near Mammoth Hot Springs, passing impressive boulder hoodoos and ending at a secluded mountain valley — hike in groups and carry bear spray.
Backpack, Hike 7.9 mi
Rescue Creek Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
2.8 miles NA level, well-marked 8-mile point-to-point hike across the Montana-Wyoming border through colorful grasslands near Yellowstone, with frequent bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and elk sightings.
Hike 4.0 mi
Bunsen Peak Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
3.4 miles SWA moderately difficult 4.6-mile hike to Bunsen Peak with a 1,300-foot climb and sweeping views of Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces, Swan Lake Flats, and the Gallatin Mountains.
Hike 7.8 mi
Osprey Falls Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
3.4 miles SWAn 8-mile out-and-back near Mammoth Hot Springs hiking green meadows and burned forest to the rim of Sheepeater Canyon and a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall on the Gardner River.
Hike 8.4 mi
Bunsen Peak Loop Bike Trail
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
3.4 miles SWA challenging 10-mile mountain bike loop around Bunsen Peak in Yellowstone with 1,120 feet of elevation gain, sharp switchbacks, and frequent sightings of bears, elk, and bison.
Mountain Bike 3.8 mi
Abandoned Railroad Bed Bike Trail
Gardiner, Montana
3.9 miles NAn 8-mile out-and-back bike trail along the Yellowstone River on an old railroad bed near the North Entrance of Yellowstone, with mountain, plain, and river scenery — and frequent wildlife sightings.
Mountain Bike 0.8 mi
Wraith Falls Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
4.5 miles SEA less-than-a-mile family-friendly hike near Mammoth Hot Springs to the unique fan-shaped 79-foot Wraith Falls — open year-round and easy for all skill levels.
Hike 7.4 mi
Blacktail Deer Creek to Yellowstone River Trail
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
5.5 miles EA 7-mile out-and-back trail dropping through green fields and boulder formations to waterfall views along the Yellowstone River, with a suspension bridge connecting onward trails.
Hike
Forces of the Northern Range
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
6.7 miles EA half-mile boardwalk on Yellowstone's Blacktail Deer Plateau with mountain peak displays, a wildlife primer, and a view-packed introduction to the Northern Range's forces of nature.
Hike
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
13.2 miles EA suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.
Camp, Hike, Swim 2.4 mi
Lost Lake Trail
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
14.4 miles EAn easy 2.8-mile loop behind Roosevelt Lodge, winding through forest, meadows, and along the shores of Lost Lake — open year-round and finishable in under two hours.
Hike 8.2 mi
Garnet Hill Trail
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
14.7 miles EA 7.6-mile loop through Yellowstone meadows, sagebrush, and riverside forest with exceptional wildlife — wolves, bears, bison, moose, elk, and badgers all roam this area.
Hike 7.3 mi
Agate Creek Trail
Tower Junction, Wyoming
15.3 miles EA moderately difficult 7.3-mile hike along Yellowstone River with colorful cliff overlooks, the Narrows, and a primitive riverside campground at trail's end.
Hike 0.3 mi
Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
15.3 miles EA 3.9-mile loop trail from a Yellowstone picnic area along the canyon rim of the Yellowstone River — steam vents, wildlife sightings in meadows, and canyon erosion views throughout.
Hike 16.9 mi
Specimen Ridge Trail (2K4)
Buffalo Ford, Wyoming
16.0 miles EA challenging 17-mile remote hike ascending 3,000 feet to Amethyst Mountain and descending into Lamar Valley — ending at a river ford that may require turning around if uncrossable.
Hike 2.8 mi
Mount Washburn Bike Trail
Devils Den, Wyoming
16.4 miles SEA steep 2.5-mile gravel service road climb to the top of Mount Washburn with 1,500 feet of elevation gain and sweeping Yellowstone views — watch for service vehicles and carry bear spray.
Mountain BikeNearby Campsites
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
0.3 miles SWColorful limestone terraces covered in glistening hot-spring water, a 1-mile boardwalk with 300 feet of elevation, elk in the parking lot, and an easy family-friendly loop — Yellowstone's showiest geology.
Camp, Hike
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
0.4 miles EThe only year-round campground in Yellowstone, with 85 first-come sites at 5 miles from the North Entrance, walking distance to the famous Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and nearby hiking and fishing.
Camp
Indian Creek Campground Yellowstone
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
6.9 miles SIndian Creek Campground is a quiet, wooded, tent-friendly Yellowstone campground near Mammoth Hot Springs, big on wildlife and peace.
Camp
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
13.2 miles EA suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Tower Falls
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
16.5 miles ETower Fall plunges 132 feet off Tower Creek in Yellowstone, framed by dramatic rock pinnacles — located about 3 miles south of Roosevelt Junction.
Camp, Hike
Norris Campground
Norris, Yellowstone National Park
16.6 miles SCentrally located in Yellowstone NP, this campground puts you within a short drive of Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, Old Faithful, and Yellowstone Lake.
Camp 0.8-3.8 mi
Little Gibbon Falls
Norris, Yellowstone National Park
18.7 miles SA family-friendly 4.5-mile Yellowstone loop reaches fishing and swimming spots along Gibbon Creek, with kid-safe trail, canoeing options, and bearspray-worthy backcountry feel.
Camp, Canoe, Hike
Slough Creek Campground
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
19.4 miles EA small, popular Yellowstone campground right on Slough Creek where wolf packs are frequently spotted — sites fill fast, so arrive early.
Camp
Canyon Campground
Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park
19.7 miles SEA popular Yellowstone campground of 300-plus sites just minutes from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Upper and Lower Falls, with hiking trails and North Rim Drive access right from camp.
Camp
Madison Campground
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
24.4 miles SA partly wooded riverside campground at 6,800 feet in Yellowstone, close to Old Faithful and the geyser basins, with great fishing on the Madison River and 270-plus individual sites.
Camp
Pebble Creek Campground
Northeast Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
29.1 miles EA quiet campground tucked in Yellowstone's far northeast corner near Trout Lake and world-class Lamar and Soda Butte trout rivers — arrive before 11 a.m. to secure a spot.
Camp
Fishing Bridge RV Campground
Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park
32.9 miles SEAn RV campground near the mouth of the Yellowstone River where visitors can watch White Pelicans, waterfowl, and trout from the historic Fishing Bridge — fishing from the bridge is no longer permitted.
Camp
Bridge Bay
Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park
33.3 miles SA scenic campground on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake at 7,800 feet — wooded upper loops, open meadows, and a nearby marina store, though far from the park's main dining hubs.
Camp 14.8 mi
Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
35.8 miles SA nearly 15-mile backcountry hike starting at Biscuit Basin passes turquoise pools, a 70-foot waterfall, Firehole Meadows, Imperial Geyser, and three stunning blue lakes with rust-red shores.
Backpack, Camp, Hike
Grant Village
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
40.9 miles SNamed for President Grant near Yellowstone Lake's West Thumb, this village has lakeside dining, a geyser basin next door, campfire ranger programs, and tree-lined campsites steps from the water.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak
Big Springs
Island Park, Idaho
43.0 miles SWA Big Springs campground shaded by Lodgepole Pines on Henry's Fork — with a 1-mile interpretive trail, fish feeding under the bridge, the historic Johnny Sack Cabin, and access to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.
Camp, Hike
Wade Lake
Cameron, Montana
43.9 miles WWade Lake is a hidden gem of southwestern Montana — a spring-fed mountain lake famous for its glassy, aquamarine water, tucked into a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly Range....
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim 6.9 mi
Heart Lake Trail
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
45.9 miles SAn 8-mile moderate hike to a remote backcountry lake with blue thermal pools, fumaroles, Rustic Geyser, and remarkable fishing for native cutthroat, mountain whitefish, and Arctic grayling.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs
Upper Coffee Pot Campground
Island Park, Idaho
46.9 miles SWHenry's Fork of the Snake River winds through a lodgepole pine forest past this campground, offering fly-fishing for rainbow and brook trout and easy tubing and canoeing.
Camp, Canoe 0.1 mi
Lewis Lake Campground
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
48.2 miles SYellowstone's third-largest lake draws canoeists, kayakers, and serious anglers, with a quiet campground open mid-June through early November on a first-come basis.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak
