The Riverside Ski Trail provides several easy options to ski along the Madison River and enjoy views of both the Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges. Boundary Street to loops: 1 mile (1.6 km) Downriver loop, full: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Downriver loop, short: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) Upriver loop: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) Trailhead: In West Yellowstone, east side of Boundary Street at Madison Avenue. The first mile is through forest to the loop trail junctions above the Madison River. The upriver loop (right), provides panoramic views of the Madison River and the Gallatin Range. The downriver loop (left), crosses open forests and meadows along the river. A cutoff trail shortens the trip by 1.3 miles (2.1 km). Return to the trailhead via the approach trail. Look for elk, bald eagles, and waterfowl. The first two miles may be occasionally groomed for classic ski tracks. Note: Bison and elk frequent this trail. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison and all other wild animals. During the warm season, bicycles can travel a short distance (1.4 mi, 2.2 km) on the Riverside Trail to Barns road. This trail gives access to a section of the Madison River. This is a fairly level trail and mountain bikes are recommended on the dirt and gravel road. Alerts: Be alert for black and grizzly bears. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison and all other wild animals.

Trail Condition
Groomed

Trail Features
View
River/Stream

Trail Surface
Dirt

Highest Elevation
feet

Elevation Gain
feet

Roundtrip Distance
miles

Organization
Yellowstone National Park