Old Gardiner Road

Trail Overview

One of Yellowstone's first routes, the Old Gardiner Road connects Mammoth Hot Springs to the national park's north entrance. This historical stagecoach route from the 1880s offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains as well as wildlife viewing opportunities for the park's ungulates, including mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. The narrow dirt lane negotiates a respectable downhill grade as it offers terrific views of the park's headquarters, views into the Gardner River Canyon to the east, the Gallatin Range to the west, Electric Peak (10,969 feet) to the north, and the Absoraka Beartooth Wilderness to the northwest. The road ends at the edge of Gardiner, Montana where you'll find an authentic western main street lined with shops and restaurants.

Difficulty

This one-way route follows a maintained gravel road that has few pullouts and is closed during poor conditions. Keep watch for bicyclists who can travel the road in either direction. No trailers or RVs are allowed.