MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS -- As the wildlife emerges from hibernation, so do the bicyclists in Yellowstone National Park.

Beginning today, cyclists can ride the 49 miles of park roads from the West Entrance at West Yellowstone, Mont., to Mammoth Hot Springs.

Park officials caution bicycle trips in the early spring can be challenging because of the quickly changing weather, snow and ice on the pavement, tall snow banks lining the roads and pullouts blocked by snow.

They also require bicyclists to ride single file, follow the rules of the road, yield to snowplows, and vehicles operated by park employees and construction workers.

Bicyclists should be prepared to encounter bears, bison, elk, wolves, and other wildlife at any time. They should carry bear spray, be prepared to turn around when encountering wildlife on the road, and stay out of closed areas.

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
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The park will not have services available along these sections of road.

Likewise, cell phone coverage throughout the park is sparse and unreliable for communicating emergencies.

Riders should plan for self-rescue or repair, and be prepared for severe winter conditions for an extended period of time in case of a mechanical breakdown, injury, or other emergency.

More information can be found on the park’s website at Spring Bicycling.

Meanwhile, the park will not open bicycle access to Old Faithful or Canyon until opens roads to public motorized vehicle access on Friday, April 21.

Cyclists can call (307) 344-2109 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays for updated road access information. Park road information also is available 24 hours a day at Park Road Updates or by calling (307) 344-2117.

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