West Yellowstone Unveils Scenic Nine-Mile Nonmotorized Trail
Ribbon Cutting Set for Yellowstone Shortline Trail Grand Opening
If you've ever spent time in West Yellowstone, you know there's something special about that little mountain town. While the population rests at just 1,200 people, it becomes jammed packed in the summer, when hundreds of thousands of tourists pass through.
Whether it’s browsing the shops, grabbing a burger at T.R.'s Burgers and Brats after a long day in the park, or just watching the elk wander through town like they own the place, it’s always a memorable trip to West Yellowstone. Now there’s another great reason to visit.
Read More: Take a Peek Inside This Abandoned Montana Railroad Relic
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Town of West Yellowstone and the Custer Gallatin National Forest will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Yellowstone Shortline Trail.
The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at the trailhead on Iris Street, with a reception to follow at the historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge (Firehole Room, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.). Expect light snacks, a champagne toast, and plenty of good vibes. Afterward, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., you're invited to walk or bike the trail with a guided tour.
It's flat and smooth, my kind of trail.
The paved, 9-mile trail follows the old Oregon Short Line Railroad bed, winding west from town through forest and along the South Fork of the Madison. It’s nonmotorized, peaceful, and surprisingly flat—perfect for a relaxing ride or stroll. Those with mobility issues or young children will undoubtedly appreciate this.
The Yellowstone Shortline Trail is also packed with interpretive signs about the area's rich railroad and natural history. This former railroad line was used to bring passengers from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone National Park, beginning in 1907. Passengers made their final trip in 1960, when it was discontinued permanently.
This project has been years in the making, made possible by over $1.25 million in donations and federal funding. It’s a real win for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys fresh mountain air.
The celebration also ties into the Yellowstone Historic Center’s annual Train Day, with tours and a special presentation on the town’s railroad legacy. If you love West like I do, you won’t want to miss it.
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Gallery Credit: jessejames