Yellowstone NP Roads Open For Bicyclists

Bicyclists willing to brace the unpredictable elements of spring in Yellowstone National Park, can get in and ride around before motor vehicles do.

Beginning Friday, March 25, a 49-mile stretch of road between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs will be open to forms of non-motorized travel.

Snowplow crews are working on clearing other sections of highway within the park, such as the east entrance to Sylvan Pass.

Those roads will open when conditions permit.

A park spokes-person says those who choose to enter the park must ride single file on the right side of the highway, ride during daylight hours, be on the lookout for both wildlife, and motorized vehicles being used by park employees or construction workers.

Be prepared for quick changing weather conditions.

No services are available except for limited restrooms.

The West Entrance to the park is scheduled to open to motorized vehicle traffic at 8am on Friday, April 15th.

The East Entrance is scheduled to open on May 6th and the South Entrance on May 13th.

The roads connecting the north to the northeast entrance are open year-round to motorized vehicle traffic.

A spring bicycle trip in Yellowstone must be taken seriously for the following reasons:  

• Snowplows and other motorized vehicles operated by park employees or construction workers on the road.
• Quickly changing weather conditions. 
• Temporary road closures due to weather conditions. 
• Snow and ice covering sections of road. 
• Wildlife on roads. 
• No services available, except limited restrooms. 

Stay safe while cycling in Yellowstone by following these guidelines: 

• Ride during day light hours only. 
• Anticipate encountering bears, bison, elk, wolves and other wildlife.  
• Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Prepare to wait or turn around if bison or other wildlife are on the road.  
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.  
• Stay out of closed areas.  
• Ride single file and follow all other rules of the road.  
• Plan for self-rescue or repair. Cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.  
• Prepare to spend an extended period in winter conditions in the event of a mechanical breakdown, injury or other emergency.