There are few places in Yellowstone NP to ride a mountain bike. The Mount Washburn/Chittenden Rd. route is one. When I rode this road three times this past summer, I didn't see another biker but lots and lots of hikers. The road starts out at about 8,500 feet. Ride around the closed/locked gate and begin the 3-mile climb to 10,243 feet--over 1,700 feet of elevation gain. It is not particularly steep; however, when you take into account the altitude, it's a workout. Nothing technical about it. Some larger, loose rocks in places, but they are easy enough to avoid. After reaching the top, taking in the view and snapping a few pics, it's time for the fun part. There is a lookout tower at the top with a restroom and viewing room. Plenty of people up there to take your pic next to the Mount Washburn sign. The only thing I had to worry about was the amount of hikers on the road--nothing you can do about it. On one of my rides, I rose past a 2,000-pound bison right on the road and several bighorn sheep. With the workout, the scenery and the wildlife, this ride is more than worth it.
Not many biking opportunities in Yellowstone, but this was a great workout ride with rewarding scenery at the summit of the climb. Of course, the descent was fun; however, I had to watch for hikers, for there were many. If you ever ride this road, do it early in the morning: fewer people and possibly more wildlife to view.
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