Bicycling Opens in Yellowstone

Brave bicyclists can now experience Yellowstone in a way that few others can.
Beginning yesterday, bicyclists willing to brave the unpredictable elements of spring can cycle select roads in Yellowstone National Park. Road segments include Mammoth Hot Springs to Willow Park and the West Entrance to Roaring Mountain.
But Park officials say that until conditions improve, it will not be possible to bicycle between Mammoth Hot Springs and the West Entrance because of a five mile section of road construction that is unpaved, deeply rutted and muddy.
As conditions allow, bicycles will be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass, and the South Entrance to West Thumb. However, there is no bicycle access to Old Faithful or Canyon until those interior park roads open to public motorized vehicle access on Friday, April 20.
But officials caution that a spring bicycle trip into Yellowstone must be taken seriously. Quickly changing weather can be challenging, roads may close temporarily due to weather conditions, and snow and ice may still cover sections of road. Also, bicyclists should prepare to encounter bears, bison, elk, wolves, and other wildlife at any time.
No services are available along these sections of road, and cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.