Yellowstone National Park Spring Bicycling

The winter snowmobiling season in Yellowstone National Park ends around mid-March and the spring/summer wheeled-vehicle season opens on the third Friday in April, conditions permitting. From mid-March to the third Thursday in April, public access via motorized vehicles is prohibited while park crews plow the roads and make preparations for the summer season. This time period allows the unique opportunity for non-motorized use of certain park road segments. Bicycling, walking, jogging, roller blades, roller skis, and similar means of non-motorized travel are permitted between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs ONLY from about mid March through the third Thursday in April. The opening day in March is weather dependent. The East and South Entrances and roads are Not Open for these early spring activities. The road from Madison Junction to Old Faithful will Not Open for spring activities during this time. Please Note, there will be some administrative vehicles traveling the roads at this time. See the Hiking Page for more information. You may verify what specific roads are open to such activities by calling: 307-344-2109.

Please be aware of the following conditions and abide by park regulations to insure a safe visit to the park:

Obey Rules of the Road! You will share the road with park administrative vehicles. This will include heavy construction vehicles working on park construction projects. Bicyclists should ride single file on the right hand road shoulder. Pedestrian travel is recommended on the road shoulder opposing traffic. Be alert for administrative vehicles! Wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. Bicycles using the roadway before sunrise and after sunset must be equipped with a forward facing white light and a rear facing red light. Travel at night is not recommended.

The following list may help you prepare for a safe outing: Advanced preparation is essential. Travel self-contained as there are no facilities or services provided, i.e., be prepared to repair a flat tire or make repairs. Travel between Madison and Old Faithful (bear-management area) will be closed until the third Friday in April. Travel between Norris to Canyon may be prohibited due to weather conditions. Wild animals have the right-of-way and can be dangerous and unpredictable . Do not approach, chase, molest or feed wildlife. Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Prevailing winds blow from the west making the ride toward Madison far easier and more comfortable than the return trip. The West Entrance road is NOT maintained on a regular basis; you may encounter intermittent snow and ice on the roadway. The road between Madison and Norris is narrow, winding, has no road shoulders, and numerous potholes. Use extreme caution! -----Please enjoy the park safely-----