Yellowstone and The Gravelly Range Family Trip

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

The trip will meet at 8:00am MST at the Magnuson Grand City Center Hotel, 507 W Main Street, Bozeman, Montana, 406-587-3158. You will need to spend the night before in Bozeman.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to Bozeman between 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the last day.

ITINERARY

TRIP DAY 1

The Beaverhead National Forest is a remote area just northwest of Yellowstone National Park. After meeting in Bozeman, we will shuttle 2-1/2 hours south to Ennis, Montana, home of millions of trout, and a few people. Ennis is located just outside the beautiful Gravelly Range in the Beaverhead National Forest. After a quick pit stop we will continue up into the mountains to the Gravelly Range Road where we will unload and begin our ride for the day. Our route takes us through beautiful alpine meadows full of wildflowers and spectacular views in every direction. The views from up here are world class. A few strenuous climbs and fun descents will bring us to our camp for the evening at Clover Meadows. TOTAL MILEAGE - 10-15 miles

TRIP DAY 2

After breakfast at Clover Meadows we will continue south, and today becomes a big climbing day. Three big climbs! Along our route we will pass through several more stunning meadows full of wildflowers and an occasional lingering snowfield. In this area, the wildlife is abundant and we have an excellent chance of spotting deer, elk, moose, yellow-bellied marmots and several species of birds of prey. Crossing our highpoint at Monument Ridge affords us distant views of the rugged Taylor-Hilgard peaks in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. After lunch we roll along towards Black Butte, elevation 10,452 feet, and camp near Black Butte Cabin. TOTAL MILEAGE - 12 miles, optional hike

TRIP DAY 3

This morning dawns with a one mile climb and then a long descent. For the last two days we have been traversing across the ridge and today we get to descend all the way to the Madison River. Today's ride is big fun as we lose almost 3,000 feet over approximately 20 miles. We will ride through huge stands of Lodgepole Pine, expansive meadows, through Wolverine Basin, and finally to the West Fork of the Madison River. Our riverside camp for the evening gives us the opportunity for a quick dip or perhaps a chance to fish in the famous waters of the Madison if you brought your fishing license. TOTAL MILEAGE - 20 miles

TRIP DAY 4

After riding through the Gravelly Range, we will load up the bikes, jump in the van, and shuttle over to Yellowstone National Park. We start our ride on one of the few dirt paths that allow bikes in Yellowstone and enjoy incredible views of the grand prismatic spring of intense color and beauty. As we make our way toward Old Faithful, we will ride a combination of paved park roads and dirt bike paths. Yellowstone National Park is a treasure and inspires awe in everyone who travels through it. Between the geysers, the abundant wildlife, and the powerful waterfalls, we are constantly impressed by its natural wonders. Our afternoon route takes us right to Old Faithful. The world's best known geyser predictably erupts every 80 minutes, so we can tour the area and the historic Old Faithful Inn and Visitors Center while waiting for this must see attraction. Our last night's camp will be inside the park at Grant Village on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, North America's largest mountain lake. TOTAL MILEAGE - 15 miles

TRIP DAY 5

After breakfast we will drive from Grant Village through Hayden Valley along the famous Yellowstone River. In this open parkland you may see moose, bison and possibly even grizzly bears, all from the safety of the Western Spirit van. Waterfowl, including white pelicans and trumpeter swans are abundant in the marshy areas. Our stop at the Mud Volcano will show us the varied thermal features here, including the Dragon's Mouth Spring. And yes, we are quite sure there is a real dragon in there. Our tour of the park will conclude at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone where the river plunges 1,000 feet. We will hike the South Rim Trail along the river which affords us incredible views of the spectacular upper and lower falls. Hot water acting on volcanic rock created the canyon's yellow colors, and our view from Artist's Point is truly one to remember. After lunch we will shuttle back to Bozeman. TOTAL MILEAGE - AM Van/Walking tour; 2-3 mile hike.

TERRAIN

Riding Surface: Packed dirt and gravel roads, some sand and some loose rock, pavement.
Technical Difficulty: Easy.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
Altitude: 5,000 - 9,000 feet.

Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-Driving
Interstate 90 runs directly through Bozeman. It is located 3 hours east of Missoula and 2 hours west of Billings. There is parking available at the hotel.

-Flying into Bozeman
Airport Code: BZN

-Flying into Billings, MT
Airport Code: MIL
Rent a car and drive to Bozeman, a 3 hour drive. You can park the car at the hotel while on the tour.

TAXI SERVICE
All Valley Cab 406-388-9999, Airport shuttles and around town service.

LODGING

Bozeman is a popular vacation spot so we recommend making your hotel reservations early.

Magnuson Grand City Center Hotel
$100-130
406-587-3158
It is best to call them directly for rates and reservations. This is where the trip meets.

Comfort Inn of Bozeman
$70-110
800-587-3833, 406-587-2322
Bike work station with stand, bikes allowed in room

Royal Seven Budget Inn
$60-85
800-587-3103

Voss Inn Bed & Breakfast
$120-140
406-587-0982

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! Please pack all of your gear in a medium to large duffel bag. It will ride in the trailer. If you have any questions about anything on the list, please call us.

If you plan to fish on the trip, you must obtain a Montana fishing license. They are available at Powderhorn Sporting Goods right across the street form the bike shop.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Bangtail Bicycle Shop, 508 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT, 59715; 406-587-4905. It is critical that you include your name, 'Western Spirit Cycling', and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

THINGS TO DO

RESTAURANTS

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Sweet Pea Café and Bakery, 19 South Wilson Ave, 406-582-0020 - great bakery and lunch salads
Community Food Co-Op, 908 West Main St, 406-587-4039 - yummy and good for you

DINNER
Aunt Sophia's, 101 East Main, 406-582-0393 - pasta prepared 40 different ways!
Café Zydeco, 1520 West Main, 406-994-0188 - yummy Cajun dishes
Casa Sanchez, 719 South 9th Ave, 406-586-4516 - authentic Mexican with 9 different salsas

BOOKS

These books can be found at http://www.amazon.com/

Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple

It Happened In Yellowstone by Erin H. Turner

Myth and History in the Creation of Yellowstone National Park by Paul Schullery and Lee Whittlesey

Jenny of the Tetons by Kristina Gregory

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

National Geographic Trails Illustrated map #201 Yellowstone National Park
These can be found at shop.nationalgeographic.com. Go to Maps and Atlases and then to Trail Maps and then to Wyoming.

For Forest Service Maps of the Western Spirit routes go to store.usgs.gov.
To get to the Forest Service maps go to "Featured Products" and then under "Go to product line" choose US Forest Service Maps. Phew... For our Yellowstone trip choose the state of Montanta and pick map 111629 Beaverhead NF SW MT Interacgency Map, Mt.

ACTIVITIES

HORSEBACK RIDING
Diamond K Outfitters, Gallatin Gateway MT, 406-508-0928

FLYFISHING
Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, 2417 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59718-3810
Rivers West, 520 Main, 800-622-0852 - give them a call to check their schedule.