MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. — Beginning tomorrow March 25, the 49 miles between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs is open to cyclists.
The following sections of the Grand Loop Road between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs will open to cycling:
- West Entrance to Madison Junction
- Madison Junction to Norris Junction
- Norris Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs
As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass. Road status updates are available on the Spring and Fall Bicycling web page.
Bikes are not allowed on the remaining interior park roads until they start to open to public automobile access at 8 a.m. Friday April 15.
Spring in Yellowstone National Park can be unpredictable. Weather conditions change quickly prompting temporary road closures due to snow and ice on roadways. Wildlife is also becoming active during the spring season.
Bikers should be aware of snowplows, park vehicles and construction vehicles on the roads.
Yellowstone National Park offers these safety guidelines while cycling in the park:
- 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.
