Photo courtesy of Todd Kipfer

Bicyclists enjoy spring biking in Yellowstone

The winter snowmobiling season in Yellowstone National Park ends around mid-March and the spring/summer wheeled-vehicle season opens in mid-April, conditions permitting. From mid-March to the mid-April, public access via motorized vehicles is prohibited while park crews plow the roads and make preparations for the summer season. This time period allows the unique opportunity for non-motorized use of certain park road segments. Bicycling, walking, jogging, roller blades, roller skis, and similar means of non-motorized travel are permitted between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs as conditions allow from late March (check the Operating Hours and Seasons for more information). The spring bike opening day in March is weather dependant.

Snow removal efforts may allow for a brief period of bicycle-only access into the park sometime in May from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 miles from the entrance) and the South Entrance (to West Thumb Jct) depending on road conditions for these early spring activities. The road from Madison Junction to Old Faithful and from Norris Junction to Canyon will NOT OPEN for spring activities during this time.

Cycling in Yellowstone during this time of year is not for the faint of heart:

• The weather is unpredictable, and severe winter conditions can be encountered at any time.
• There are no services open in the interior of the park and riders should be prepared to take care of all their own needs. Bring food, water, extra clothing, and a bicycle repair kit.
• Water is available ONLY at Madison picnic area and Mammoth.
• There is very limited cell phone coverage; pay phones are available at Madison, Norris, and Mammoth.
• The cleared section of the road may be narrow and covered with a layer of snow and ice, and pullouts may remain filled with snow.
• Cyclists should expect to encounter snowplows or other vehicles operated by park employees or construction workers traveling in conjunction with park operations.

Cyclists are asked to:

• Ride single file to the right.
• Wear a helmet and high visibility clothing.
• If riding before sunrise and after sunset, you must use a forward-facing white light and a rear-facing red light. Travel at night is not recommended.
• If bison are on the road, do not cause them to run; consider turning around.
• Stay 25 yards from all wildlife; 100 yards from bears & wolves.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

An entrance fee is charged at the North Entrance. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, at the park's Northeast Entrance, is open all year to cyclists and automobiles, weather permitting. The only campground open this time of year is at Mammoth Hot Springs. Weather permitting, park roads will begin opening to motorized vehicles on the third Friday in April. Some interior park roads don’t open to automobile travel until Memorial Day weekend.

See the Bicycling in Yellowstone and the Hiking Page for more information. You may verify what specific roads are open to such activities by calling: 307-344-2109.

• Mammoth to Madison Junction; West Entrance to Madison Junction (including restrooms & picnic area). Snake River Entrance Station to West Thumb Junction as conditions allow.

• East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 mile corner) as conditions allow.

• Tower Junction to Tower Falls as conditions allow.
  
• The roadway south of Tower Falls (Dunraven Pass) beginning the second Friday in May as conditions allow.
  
• The road between Mammoth and the Northeast Entrance is open to wheeled vehicles as well as bicycles. Ride only with great care.
  

Roads closed

• The road between Madison and Old Faithful is closed until the third Friday in April as a result of human safety and bear management concerns.

• All other park roads.

Please be aware of the following conditions and abide by park regulations to insure a safe visit to the park:

Obey Rules of the Road! You will share the road with park administrative vehicles. This will include heavy construction vehicles working on park construction projects.

• Bicyclists should ride single file on the right hand road shoulder.
• Pedestrian travel is recommended on the road shoulder opposing traffic.
• Be alert for administrative vehicles!
• Park rangers do not patrol the spring biking roads regularly; assistance and EMS can be delayed.
• Wear a helmet and high visibility clothing.
• Bicycles using the roadway before sunrise and after sunset must be equipped with a forward facing white light and a rear facing red light. Travel at night is not recommended.
• If bison are on the road, do not cause them to run; consider turning around.
• Stay 25 yards from all wildlife; 100 yeards from bears.

The following list may help you prepare for a safe outing:

• Advanced preparation is essential. Travel self-contained as there are no facilities or services provided, i.e., be prepared to repair a flat tire or make repairs.
• Travel between Madison and Old Faithful (bear-management area) will be closed until the third Friday in April.
• Wild animals have the right-of-way and can be dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach, chase, molest or feed wildlife.
• Minimize the dangers associated with a bear encounter. Bring bear spray.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Prevailing winds blow from the west making the ride toward Madison far easier and more comfortable than the return trip.
• The West Entrance road is NOT maintained on a regular basis; you may encounter intermittent snow and ice on the roadway.
• The road between Madison and Norris is narrow, winding, has no road shoulders, and numerous potholes. Use extreme caution!

-----Please enjoy the park safely-----