By delbike in September, 2011
Rode (mountain bikes) about 8 miles (in the Island Park/Big Springs area). The trail surface was soft sand and pea gravel, kept churned up by lots of ATV use. Difficult riding, and couldn't enjoy the scenery because all focus was on the soft trail. Chose to use surface roads for the remainder of our ride. This is a great ATV trail, but I wouldn't bike it again.
By rrobbins in February, 2009
I've ridden the length of this trail several times and hiked large portions of it repeatedly. The south end about three miles north of the Warm River campground passes through a short, historic tunnel. The tunnel suffered a cave in recently and the alternative route around the tunnel is sketchy at best. A better route is to follow the Forest Service road that heads to the north just above the Bear Gulch parking lot and follow for about 4 miles to the junction where the trail and the road meet.
About eight miles north of the southern terminus of the trail the trail crosses some very boggy terrain and the best choice is to follow the Forest Service road that runs close by to the east. That road continues next to the trail for about 7 miles or so but a rider can re-enter the trail at almost any point along the route.
The sandy stretch continues for about two miles just south of the Henry's Fork crossing. It's a dig but it doesn't last too long.
There are abundant springs and creeks along the trail so water can purified almost anywhere. Services are available downstream from the Buffalo River and Henry's Fork River crossings. On the Montana side, the sign that says bridge out needs to be taken seriously. At that point, cross the South Fork of the Madison River and take the Forest Service road that follows the river until a few miles from West Yellowstone.
It's a great ride!
By Joe in May, 2005
"My wife and I have ridden about 30 miles of this trail. The scenery is amazing and we had a great time. There are some soft and sandy spots that make pedaling more difficult, but overall excellent."