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Print Friendly MapThe Yellowstone Shortline Trail is an 8.75-mile trail that connects West Yellowstone, just outside the national park. The surrounding land is controlled by the US Forest Service. The trail surroundings are rural and tranquil, but trail users should also be aware that the area is wildlife country, and proper precautions should be taken.
Motorized vehicles, including E-Bikes, are not allowed on this trail.
About the Route
As the trail leaves West Yellowstone, there is a very slight uphill. The entire trail landscape is surrounded by pine trees, and the trail is interrupted only occasionally by infrequently traveled forest roads. There are three newly installed bridges along the route. The trail comes to its southern endpoint at the Idaho state line where trail users can continue along the Railroad Right of Way Trail.
Connections
The Yellowstone Shortline Trail connects to the Railroad Right of Way Trail at its southern end.
Trail History
The Yellowstone Shortline Trail runs along the path of an old shortline railroad that took passengers into West Yellowstone, from which they took stagecoaches into the park.
The Yellowstone Shortline Trail runs between S. Iris St. (West Yellowstone), where parking is available, and the MT/ID State Line.
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
My wife and I rode the Shortlineline trail on a recent visit to Yellowstone. We had a terrific time. The scenery was breathtaking. Especially the parts of the trail that ran next to the South Fork of the Madison river. The trail ascends at a very gentle 1% to 3% grade. But we were super impressed with how well maintained the trail is and the informational signs along the way were excellent and very interesting. Personally, we were kind of grateful that E bikes are not permitted on the trail. I’m sure that’s somewhat controversial, but it definitely meant that this experience for us was extremely peaceful and quieted our souls.
First, it states on here that no e-bikes are allowed. One of the staff at the campground we were staying, said she sees e-bikes on it all the time. So, we took our chances. Yes, there are several signs stating no e-bikes. We kept our speed around 10 mph, and always pedaled. Very peaceful and beautiful trail. We saw a coyote and a deer. Riding along the shoreline of the river was serene.
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