Quick Take
4.5- Summary
A scenic, high-altitude trail half that rewards patience more than aggressive pacing.
- Best for
Trail runners
Destination racers
Runners who enjoy altitude and rolling terrain
- Consider another race if
You are chasing a flat-course PR
You dislike rocky footing
You are not prepared for cold race mornings
- Would run again
- Yes
Race Facts
- Closest airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Elevation
- Approximately 6,600–7,000 ft
- Weather
- Cold morning; around 38°F on race day
- Best area to stay
- Island Park or West Yellowstone
- Rental car
- Required
- Parking
- Near the start on Old Airport Road
- Surface
- Trail with rocky sections
- Walkability
- No
- Start / finish
- Old Airport Road, West Yellowstone
Who Should Run This Race?
This race is ideal for trail runners who want a moderately challenging half marathon with significant elevation and altitude. If you’re comfortable running at higher elevations and want a race that’s less crowded but still well organized, this is a solid pick. It also suits those combining a race weekend with outdoor adventures in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Getting There
Airport
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport · BZN
- Drive to race
- About 1 hr 45 min
- Drive to lodging
- About 2 hr to Island Park
- Rental car
- Required
Best major-airport option for most travelers, though driving is unavoidable.
- Alternative airports
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
The race start is on Old Airport Road near West Yellowstone, Montana, but many runners opt to stay in nearby Island Park, Idaho. Island Park is about a 45-minute drive from the start and offers more affordable lodging options. Volunteering at packet pickup or on race day is encouraged and adds to the community feel. Plan for an early morning drive to the start to ensure smooth parking and easy access.
🏨 Lodging
Hideaway Lodge
Island Park, Idaho
- Price
- $70/night
- Drive / access
- 45 min to race start
- Pros
- Excellent value compared to West Yellowstone
- Quiet location
- Comfortable rooms
- Easy drive to restaurants in Island Park
- Cons
- 45-minute drive to the race
- Very early wake-up
- Limited food immediately nearby
I stayed at Hideaway Lodge for the two nights leading up to the race.
Considering how expensive West Yellowstone can be, this was one of the best values of my entire Wyoming–Montana–Idaho trip. I'd happily stay here again.
🏃 Shakeout Run
Run Details
Island Park Easy Shakeout
- Distance
- 2 miles
- Location
- Island Park, Idaho
- Surface
- Quiet roads
- Parking
- From lodging
- Elevation
- About 6,300 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Rating
- 4
I kept the pace around 9:30 per mile and focused on staying relaxed. The altitude was noticeable even at an easy effort, so this was not the day to test fitness.
📦 Packet Pickup & Volunteering
Packet pickup was straightforward and well organized. Volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, which added to the positive race experience. Volunteering opportunities are available both pre-race and on race day, providing a great way to get involved and meet other runners.
🍝 Pre-Race Dinner
Madison Crossing Lounge
West Yellowstone, Montana
- Best for
- Dinner
- What I ordered
- Pasta
- Verdict
- Excellent pasta within minutes of the race start.
After volunteering, I drove into West Yellowstone for dinner.
Madison Crossing is only a few minutes from the start area, making it one of the best pre-race dinner options. I'd definitely eat here again before the race.
Race Morning
Race morning temperatures were around 38°F, so gloves and layered clothing are recommended. The race is a cupless event, so bring your own hydration system. Plan to leave early to account for the 45-minute drive from Island Park and secure parking near the start line. The early start and cold weather make preparation key.
Bring Gloves and Your Own Cup
The start was around 38°F, my hands went numb, and the event was cupless.
- Severity
- High
Pack gloves even if the afternoon forecast looks mild. Also bring a collapsible cup or another hydration option because aid stations do not provide disposable cups.
🌄 Course & Elevation
The course is primarily trail with rolling hills and some rocky footing, requiring attention to footing and pacing. Elevation ranges from approximately 6,600 to 7,000 feet, with a total gain of 671 feet. The altitude presents an additional challenge, so be sure to acclimate properly and adjust expectations accordingly.
Run by effort, not pace
The rolling hills, rocky footing, and altitude make normal road-race pacing unrealistic.
- When it matters
- Miles 5–9
- Priority
- Essential
Expect pace to fluctuate and be willing to back off on climbs. Conserving energy early matters much more than forcing even splits.
🏅 My Result
Race Result
- Pace
- 7:27/mi
- Overall place
- 9th overall
- Age-group place
- 2nd in age group
- Elevation gain
- 671 ft
- Trip
- Wyoming · Montana · Idaho Triple
- Elevation
- Approximately 6,600–7,000 ft
I finished in 1:37:41, placing 9th overall and 2nd in my age group. The race was a solid test of endurance and altitude adaptation, and I was pleased with my pacing and effort given the conditions.
🍔 Post-Race Food
T.R.'s Burgers
West Yellowstone, Montana
- Best for
- Lunch
- Verdict
- Exactly what I wanted after a cold trail half marathon.
Nothing fancy—just a really satisfying burger after one of the toughest races I've run.
Wilcoxson's Ice Cream
West Yellowstone, Montana
- Best for
- Dessert
- What I ordered
- Huckleberry + Cream & Coffee Fudge
- Verdict
- A must-stop while you're in West Yellowstone.
I ordered one scoop of Huckleberry and one scoop of Cream & Coffee Fudge in a waffle cone. It was the perfect celebration after finishing the race.
🗺️ Things To Do Nearby
The race location is a great base for exploring Yellowstone National Park, just a short drive away. Other nearby attractions include Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho and Shoshone Falls in Idaho, both worth visiting if you have extra time.
💡 Things I Would Do Differently
- Bring gloves and dress in layers to handle chilly race morning temps.
- Use trail shoes for better traction on rocky sections.
- Stay vigilant about hydration, especially at altitude.
- Don’t underestimate the altitude; arrive early to acclimate and adjust pacing accordingly.
Overall Verdict
The Yellowstone Half Marathon is a rewarding race for those seeking a scenic, moderately challenging trail half marathon at altitude. With solid organization, beautiful surroundings, and nearby outdoor attractions, it’s well worth the trip for runners prepared for the unique demands of this course and environment. I’d rate it a 9 out of 10 and recommend it to trail runners looking for a memorable race experience in the Greater Yellowstone region.
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