Yellowstone Branch Line Trail
Ashton, Idaho
| Address: | Yellowstone Branch Line Trail, Ashton, ID 83420, USA |
| GPS: |
44°7'14.0"N 111°18'41.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trails/Routes: | 3.2-47.0 mi |
Backpack, Cross Country Ski, Hike, Horseback, and Mountain Bike
Yellowstone branch line trail runs from Warm River to the Montana border totaling 39 miles. There are a few places to jump on and off the trail as well as a few smaller trails that branch off of this larger trail. A lot of the traffic covers small portions of this trail so not many people tackle the trail in its entirety. The trail offers a variety of different activities. It is open for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and all terrain vehicles under a certain size. Depending on what you want to spend your day doing it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
Also known as The Great Western Trail of Idaho, The Warm River Rail Trail, Route of the Yellowstone Special, or the northern portion of the Yellowstone Grand Teton Rail Trail.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Warm River to West Yellowstone | 47.0 miles |
| Warm River to Bear Gulch | 3.2 miles |
More Information
Never 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 Ashton, Idaho
- Head east on ID-47 N/Main St toward S 6th StContinue to follow ID-47 N(8.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Warm River Campground RdDestination will be on the left(0.5 mi)
The main, south-end access is from the Bear Gulch Trailhead northeast of Ashton, Idaho but the trail goes all the way to Warm River Campground. There is a new underpass that was recently constructed under the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (State Hwy. 47) to access the trail which is less than 1/4 mile from the parking area.
Trails
Distance ?
47.0 milesElevation Gain ?
1,359 feetReal Ascent ?
2,180 feetReal Descent ?
821 feetAvg Grade (0°)
1%Grade (-14° to 9°)
-24% to 15%Distance ?
3.2 milesElevation Gain ?
322 feetReal Ascent ?
382 feetReal Descent ?
60 feetAvg Grade (1°)
2%Grade (-4° to 10°)
-8% to 17%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.