EBS STAFF
On Tuesday, April 2, bicyclists can bike the 49 miles between Yellowstone’s West Entrance in West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. Bicyclists interested in the route can monitor weather on Yellowstone’s website.
The West Entrance to Madison Junction, Madison Junction to Norris Junction, and Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs will all be open. “As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass (6 miles),” an April 2 Yellowstone National Park press release stated.
Bicycles are prohibited on other park roads until the remaining roads open to the public on Friday, April 19.
Spring road conditions include administrative vehicles, wildlife along roadways and rapidly changing weather. Yellowstone provided rules for spring riding in the park:
- Ride single file and use extreme caution. Expect administrative vehicles such as snowplows, heavy equipment, contractor and employee traffic. Roadway shoulders are narrow, and curves can limit visibility.
- Bears, bison, elk, moose and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors when the snow is deep. Be mindful as they endure this hardest part of the year. Snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the road. Do not crowd, harass, or push wildlife and be prepared to wait or turn around.
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Travel during daylight hours only. There are currently no overnight accommodations or camping in the park.
- Watch for quickly changing weather conditions and the possibility of temporary road closures. Snow and ice may cover sections of road.
- No services will be available between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, except limited restrooms. In Mammoth Hot Springs, the only facilities open will be the post office, general store, visitor center, medical clinic and self-service fuel pumps.
- 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.
