Rediscovering the Shortline Route

The Yellowstone Shortline Trail follows the historic path of the railroad line for approximately 9 miles from West Yellowstone to Reas Pass at the Montana-Idaho border. The path runs along the South Fork of the Madison River, winding through Custer Gallatin National Forest, offering breathtaking views of Montana’s landscape and glimpses of the area’s iconic wildlife. This was once the route taken by travelers aboard the Yellowstone Special and the Yellowstone Express, seasonal passenger trains offered by Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line Railroad. For many passengers, this would have been their first impression of Montana while on their way to visit Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone Shortline Trail will provide West Yellowstone’s residents and visitors with a sustainable, healthy, and authentic way to experience the region’s unique environment and history through the establishment of a world-class trail. The trail has the potential to provide the town of West Yellowstone and its residents and businesses with many positive benefits. Studies have shown that development of pedestrian and bicycle trails can increase tourism, spur economic growth, improve public health, and strengthen the quality of life for neighboring communities. The development of the Yellowstone Shortline Trail will attract new groups of tourists. These new groups will include those traveling to the area to experience the trail as well as those who are able to connect to West Yellowstone from other trails, such as the Continental Divide Trail, via the Yellowstone Shortline Trail.

The Yellowstone Shortline Trail will embrace the region’s rich history through interpretive signage along the trail. This will encourage users to learn about, understand, and further explore the West Yellowstone area. The introduction of the railroad to the area is the reason the town of West Yellowstone exists today. While the community has outlived the railroad, the town will never forget the significant influence the railroad had and continues to have on the area.

Exploring West Yellowstone

Venturing out of town from the planned trailhead will take you on a journey through Custer Gallatin National Forest along the old rail bed. Venturing into town will take you to the end of the railroad line, past historic structures that once welcomed Union Pacific passengers upon their arrival to West Yellowstone.

In West Yellowstone, you will discover a town bustling with activity and brimming with history waiting to be explored. West Yellowstone has a great deal to offer for anyone visiting after a day on the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. Whether you need to repair your bicycle or replace hiking equipment, grab a cold beer and pizza or enjoy a relaxing, fine-dining experience to wrap up the day, you can find what you need in West Yellowstone.

Spending an afternoon or evening in the town will leave you wanting to see even more. Plan a longer trip and book a stay at one of the town’s many hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, or RV parks. During your stay, allow plenty of time for exploring the historic district, visiting the Museum of the Yellowstone housed in the historic depot, seeing the animals at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, hiking or biking the Frontier Trail, perusing the unique shops in town, and trying a bite to eat at all of the best restaurants. West Yellowstone is a town worth spending time in.

Connecting to the Greater Yellowstone Trail

The Yellowstone Shortline Trail is a 9-mile section of the larger Greater Yellowstone Trail. The Greater Yellowstone Trail is a planned trail going south from West Yellowstone, through Idaho, east to Wyoming, and then north to Grand Teton National Park. The Greater Yellowstone Trail Concept Plan formalizes a vision for a world-class regional trail system along the unique and diverse 180-mile corridor.

The Greater Yellowstone Trail presents an amazing opportunity to enhance the quality of life, improve access to recreation and public lands, and generate economic opportunities for residents of eastern Idaho, southwestern Montana, and western Wyoming. Local communities throughout the corridor have already demonstrated a willingness to support, leverage, and invest in trail development.

To learn more about the Greater Yellowstone Trail, please visit: https://www.wyopath.org/our-work/pathways/greater-yellowstone.

“The Greater Yellowstone Trail will reconnect our small towns in a way reminiscent of the bygone railroad era.”