Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND
It's almost impossible to visit Yellowstone without your own vehicle. There's no public
transportation of any kind inside the park and only minimal transportation in the gateway
corridors. What's surprising is that despite the volume of traffic trundling through the park,
there appears to be little movement in the direction of a mass transit system inside the park.
Bicycle
Touring by bicycle is popular, although traveling through Yellowstone National Park
presents its own special challenges. Specifically, many riders report that cycling can be
very unpleasant due to narrow roads jammed with RVs - whose side mirrors and wide
loads present a real danger to the little guy. For more on safe biking, traffic and road condi-
tions, see the Health & Safety chapter (
Click here
).
Cyclists using national-park campgrounds usually pay the same fee as walk-ins, which
can be considerably lower than the fee for a vehicle. Mountain biking in areas around the
national parks is outstanding; however, bike travel on national-park trails is severely lim-
ited and wilderness areas may also have restrictions. Bike shops frequently have group
rides and can provide information on local trails.
Better World Club
(
866-238-1137;
www.betterworldclub.com
)
offers a bicycle roadside assistance program.
Rental
Long-term bike rentals are easy to find; recommended rental shops are listed throughout
the guide. Rates run from $100 per week and up, and a credit-card authorization for several
hundred dollars is usually necessary as a security deposit.
Buying a bike and reselling it before you leave may be a more economical option. Check
out local yard sales or message boards in local coffee shops for used bikes, and be sure to
tune up your ride before hitting the road.
Bus
Although some long-distance touring companies visit the parks, only Jackson has regular
bus service.
