Pros & cons
PROS
- Two pullouts let you tailor a quick river out-and-back or do the full loop
- Excellent casual birding along the Madison with benches for lingering
CONS
- Unsigned pullouts can be easy to miss on your first pass
- Half the loop runs near the road and is less scenic with limited shade
Two small, unsigned pullouts on the north side of West Entrance Road about 2.5 and 2.9 miles from the West Entrance; park at either and join the boardwalk loop. Accessible parking may be limited.
Wildlife frequently use the area—give bison and all animals ample space and stay on the boardwalk. Portions are exposed with limited shade. You’re in bear country; carry bear spray and know how to use it. Pets are not allowed on boardwalks or nature trails.
Overview
Two Ribbons is a short, flat boardwalk loop just inside the West Entrance that’s made for a quick leg‑stretch. The total loop is about 0.7 miles with roughly 10–13 feet of elevation change, and it typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views. Expect benches, interpretive signs, and a mellow, family‑friendly pace. Crowds are light by Yellowstone standards.
What You’ll See
Half the loop traces the Madison River with broad water views and a big‑sky backdrop; the other half weaves through a young lodgepole pine forest regenerating from the 1988 fires. Interpretive panels explain fire ecology and how lodgepole pines bounce back. In early to mid‑summer, look for wildflowers in the open meadows.
Wildlife
This is a solid spot for easy wildlife watching along the river corridor. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, ospreys, and bald eagles overhead. Bison sometimes wander near the boardwalk, and patient visitors occasionally spot river otters. Dawn and dusk are best for wildlife activity and softer light.
Route and Flow
There are two small, unsigned pullouts that connect to the loop, so you can start from either end. If you’re short on time, many people walk the river side as an out‑and‑back for maximum scenery and skip the road‑adjacent half, which is more interpretive than scenic.
Accessibility
The boardwalk is wheelchair‑ and stroller‑friendly, generally wide with gentle grades, and dotted with benches for breaks. Do note that designated accessible parking may be limited at these small pullouts.
Best Time to Hike
Anytime you’re passing through the West Entrance, this is an easy add. Early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temps, better wildlife viewing, and kinder light for photos. Midday can feel exposed due to limited shade in the recovering forest.
Tips and Alternatives
Stay on the boardwalk and give all wildlife plenty of space; this is still bear and bison country. If you want a longer, more dramatic rim walk elsewhere in the park, consider the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail near Tower Junction.
Elevation
0.7 mi · 16 minWhere it starts
44.6515, -111.0308Wildlife on this trail
Near Two Ribbons Trail
All places →All trails →
3.4 mi awayWest Yellowstone Visitor Information CenterYour smartest first stop for ranger intel and permitsVisitor Center · Restroom
4.4 mi awayMount Haynes OverlookQuick Madison River stop with head-on views of Mount HaynesPullout · Parking
6.9 mi awayHarlequin LakeQuick forest stroll to a lily‑pad lake near MadisonTrailhead · Pullout
7.1 mi awayHarlequin Lake TrailShady stroll to a lily pad lake that duck watchers love.Easy · 1 mi · 30 min
7.8 mi awayNational Park MountainScenic peak with views and occasional wildlife sightings
8.6 mi awayPurple MountainSteady forest climb to a big, quiet overlook of Yellowstone’s geyser basinsModerate · 6.5 mi · 3.5 hr
9.1 mi awayTerrace Spring BoardwalkTiny quiet boardwalk loop with a serene hot spring pond and steamEasy · 0.2 mi · 6 min
11.2 mi awaySentinel Meadows TrailQuiet meadows, steaming springs, and bison away from boardwalk crowdsModerate · 3.5 mi · 1.2 hr
