YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) announced that starting tomorrow, Saturday, April 5, the 49-mile stretch between the park’s West Entrance and the North Entrance will be open to spring biking.
Cyclists can travel between the park’s West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, to Mammoth Hot Springs via Madison Junction and Norris Junction, according to YNP’s announcement.
In the spring, mountain bikes, road bikes and e-bikes (class 1 and 3) are permitted on roads closed to regular vehicles while weather conditions allow, per YNP’s website. Cyclists are always prohibited on all backcountry trails, boardwalks and oversnow routes.
YNP said via Facebook that while the road corridor will remain closed to public vehicles, it won’t be completely free of traffic.
“Cyclists will still encounter administrative traffic and construction vehicles, including heavy equipment and plows,” YNP wrote. “All cyclists must ride single file on the right shoulder of the road and follow the same traffic laws as automobiles.”
YNP reminds cyclists of safety precautions while visiting the park.
- Riding is permitted during daylight hours only.
- Wild animals have the right-of-way. All visitors must stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Prepare to wait or turn around if bison or other animals are on the road. Know how to travel safely in bear country.
- All food, trash and scented items must be kept inaccessible to wildlife at all times and stored securely. Be aware that in some areas, ravens have learned to unzip packs and bike bags and scatter the contents.
- Camping for bicyclists is limited to the developed campgrounds located throughout the park. Most park camping is reserved far in advance so make a reservation early. Note that not all campgrounds can accommodate groups.
For more information on biking in the park, go here.
