YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park (YNP) has opened 49 miles of its roads to bicyclists as of Tuesday, April 2.
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.
Dependent on conditions, bicycles will also be allowed to travel from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass, giving them another six miles of roads to enjoy. Bikes are not permitted on other park roads until they open to cars, which will begin on Friday, April 19.
Given the unpredictability of spring weather, bicyclists are encouraged to exercise their best judgment. It’s also the beginning of bear season in the park, so cyclists should carry bear spray. YNP shared these additional safety tips for bicyclists visiting 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.
- 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 might 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.
See YNP’s bicycling and park roads websites for updates.
