Spring & Fall Bicycling

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Every spring and fall, bicycling (including e-bikes) may be permitted on park roads while they’re closed to motorized, public travel. Electric or pedal-assist bikes are considered bikes (as opposed to motor vehicles) and can ride anywhere bikes are allowed. Roads will not be free of cars during these times: bicyclists will encounter employees, contractors, plows, and other administrative vehicles on the roads.

If you plan to bike on any roads open to public, motorized travel, check out our bicycling page.

 

Map

The map below shows which road segments are typically open to spring and fall bicycling (and other forms of non-motorized travel). This map does not show current status: it is for trip-planning purposes only.

 

 

Spring

Spring bicycling season usually starts by early April (there is no set date). Designated routes are only opened when snow removal and other pre-season business can accommodate cyclists. Please note that roads may not be plowed on weekends and snowfall can be heavy at times. The following road segments may open to bicycling each spring:

• CLOSED: Mammoth Hot Springs to the West Entrance (49 miles)
• CLOSED: East Entrance to the east side of Sylvan Pass (6 miles)

Fall

Fall bicycling season begins when park roads close Nov. 1. Designated routes are only opened when post-season business can accommodate cyclists and ended when plowing operations cease for snow to accumulate on roads to support oversnow travel. The following road segments may be opened to bicycling each fall:

• CLOSED: Mammoth Hot Springs to the West Entrance (49 miles)
• CLOSED: Madison Junction to Old Faithful (16 miles)
• CLOSED: Tower Fall to Chittenden Road (6 miles)
• CLOSED: East Entrance to the east side of Sylvan Pass (6 miles)
• CLOSED: South Entrance to West Thumb (22 miles)

 

Effective April 23, 2021, the South Entrance Road, beginning at the South Entrance Station to the West Thumb Junction, will be closed to spring bicycling.

Yellowstone National Park has identified that spring bicycling on the South Entrance Road poses a significant risk to bicyclists due to the narrow roadway and lack of road shoulders. In addition, and most importantly, high snow banks, often on both sides of the road, make the road even more narrow, limits site distances and drivers' ability to see bicyclists, and leaves no escape route for bicyclists or bears to leave the roadway.

 

Regulations

• All cyclists must ride single file on the right shoulder.
• Riding is permitted during daylight hours only.
• Wild animals have the right-of-way. People must remain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Prepare to wait or turn around if you encounter bison or other animals on the road: do not cause animals to run.
• Spring bear closures prohibit bicycling toward Old Faithful until roads open to normal traffic in mid-to-late April.
• Mammoth Hot Springs is the only campground open during spring and fall bicycling seasons. Any other overnight stays during this time require a backcountry permit. Camping is not permitted along roads.

Safety

• Extreme cold, high winds, heavy snow, and driving rain are all possible during spring and fall. Expect daytime highs between 30 F - 60 F (0 C - 20 C). Check the weather forecast before you ride.
• Vehicles will be traveling on roadways: bicyclists should wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.
• Roads may not be plowed on weekends.
• During spring, high snowbanks make travel more dangerous.
• Road elevations range from 5,300 - 8,860 feet (1,615 - 2,700 meters) above sea level, and there are no services open in the interior of the park during the spring and fall bicycling seasons: bring plenty of food, water, extra clothing, and a repair kit for your bike.
• Water is available at the Madison Junction picnic area and Mammoth Hot Springs.
• When riding e-bikes in national parks, follow all applicable regulations and be aware of these special safety considerations: (1) Mount and dismount the bike carefully. The added weight of the battery and motor-assist technology can add 20 or more pounds to the weight of the bike; (2) Obey speed limits. Some e-bikes may exceed park speed limits with the motor engaged; (3) Pay attention to traffic. Drivers may not be aware that an e-bike rider is traveling close to their speed; (4) Slow down at intersections. Make eye contact with other drivers before crossing the intersection.
• Cell phone coverage is limited in Yellowstone. Pay phones are available at Madison Junction, Norris, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Bears are active during both the spring and fall bicycling seasons: know how to travel safely in bear country.