Cross Country Ski Trail Descriptions
Rendezvous Ski Trail Grooming Report
Whether an experienced skier looking for a scenic workout, a family looking to combine outdoor sports with fun, or just a beginner, there is some great cross country skiing right here in West Yellowstone. The Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, the Riverside Trail leaving from West Yellowstone and going into the park, and 40 miles of ski trails in the Old Faithful area create the perfect ‘trio.’
The Rendezvous Ski Trail System is situated at the southwest corner of West Yellowstone (south end of Geyser Street), the Rendezvous Ski Trail system covers over 35 KM+ of varied terrain from gently rolling hills to more challenging climbs, descents, and turns. The view is always scenic whether winding through tall stands of lodge pole pine or open meadows embraced by nearby Lionhead Mountain. The trail system is unique because of its location at a high altitude adjacent to the Continental Divide that produces early and late season snows. Skiers in the know call it “ultra-reliable” snow because it comes every year.
The Riverside Trail is accessible right from West
Yellowstone from a spur road located along the fence break on Boundary
Street (the east end of Madison Avenue at the park boundary). From there
the trail follows a power line to the old service road and merges with
it shortly before Riverside. The "Upriver" and "Downriver"
loops combine for nearly ten kilometers of groomed track up and down
the banks of the Madison River along with great views of Mt. Holmes
and the Gallatin Mountain Range. Wildlife is abundant along the river
and you could encounter bison, elk, deer, moose, coyotes and foxes.
Watch for bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and an occasional river otter
in the river.
After one mile, you will experience the remnants of the 1988 Yellowstone
fires and a realization of just how close the fires came to West Yellowstone.
There are also stopping places along the way, great for a picnic break
on a beautifully blue winter’s day. Riverside Trail is perfect
for new skiers or families with young children as it crosses easy terrain
and has no substantial change in elevation.
Most of Yellowstone is backcountry and managed as
wilderness; many miles of trails are available for skiing. Track is
set only on a few trails. Most trails are marked with orange metal markers
attached to trees. There are 40 miles of cross-country trails in the
Old Faithful area many of which are interconnected. For specific trails
descriptions, please click
here. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross country skiing
and showshoeing. When skiing on unplowed roadways used by snowmobiles,
keep to the right to avoid accidents.
