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Spring in Yellowstone is probably its best kept secret. Fall is famous for bugling elk, winter for its wintry wonderland and over-the-snow travel by snowmobile and snowcoaches, and summer is best known for the large numbers of visitors from all over the world. Spring, on the other hand, is one of the quietest seasons when it comes to visitors.
The northern roads within the Park stay open for vehicle traffic, but driving conditions no longer require snow tires or recommended chains. (This includes the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana.) Spring wolf watching is at its’ prime and bears are beginning to emerge from hibernation.
Other entrances to the Park remain closed for another month, but Yellowstone lovers know a spring secret. Once plowing on two of the main western roads is completed (usually the last week of March), the road from Mammoth to Madison Junction and from Madison Junction to the West Entrance will open. These roads open only for non-motorized vehicle traffic. You can enter by bicycle, roller skis, and roller blades, or other non-motorized travel. Or, you can walk or jog using your own feet.
The West gate does not start charging entrance fees until April 20th when it re-opens for vehicle travel. So, you can blade, bike, or hike in at no charge. If you do ride from West Yellowstone to Mammoth and spend the night in Gardiner, or if you start your trip at the North gate, you will need to pay an entrance fees at the Mammoth North entrance. Cost is $12.00 per person and good for seven days. One other option could be the new Yellowstone annual park pass for $50.00. It covers 12 months and includes both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
You can even rent bicycles in West Yellowstone and ride right in if you don’t want to transport your own. Call Free Heel and Wheel at 40 Yellowstone Avenue (646-7744) or Yellowstone Bicycle & Video at 132 Madison Avenue (646-7815) for more information on rentals. You can even rent bicycle trailers (for one or two kids), Kelty kid packs (backpacks for carrying a child), and Bob trailer. Both shops stock a variety of touring tires and Yellowstone Bicycle carries a unique inventory of older and rare bike parts.
Bathrooms and picnic areas along these roads will also be open. The new bathrooms at Madison Junction will be open and heated. You will want to bring your own lunches and snacks. The first facility to open – The Old Faithful Geyser Grill – will not open until later in April. Services are only available in Mammoth at the general store and visitor center (open daily) and the medical clinic (open weekdays). Full lodging, restaurant, and retail services are available at West Yellowstone (at the west gate). Cell phone service is limited within the park. There are pay phones at Madison, Norris, and Mammoth.
Remember the altitude! Don’t forget that road elevations within Yellowstone range from 5300 to 8860 feet. Take your time with lots of breaks. Remember to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water or your beverage of choice.
Be prepared for Spring weather. Daytime temperatures range from the 30s to the 60s (0 to 20C) with overnight lows in the teens to single digits (-5 to -20C). Weather can also change quickly. Snow is common in the spring (a rare snowstorm can deposit up to 12" of new snow in a 24 hour period.). Always be equipped with a wide range of clothing options. Dress in thinner layers that can easily be removed.
Prepare for a safe outing by following these guidelines from the NPS:
- 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. Wear a helmet and high visibility clothing.
- Wild animals have the right-of-way and can be dangerous and unpredictable. If bison are on the road, do not cause them to run; consider turning around. Stay 25 yards from all wildlife; 100 yards from bears.
- Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Prevailing winds blow from the west make 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. At some points, there can be high snow banks on the sides of the road. The road between Madison and Norris is narrow, winding, has no road shoulders, and numerous potholes. Watch out for gravel, ice, snow and water especially on the corners. Use extreme caution!
Remember, the East and South Entrances and roads are Not Open for these early spring activities (too much snow). Also, the road from Madison Junction to Old Faithful will not be open because of bear management activities. Be aware that you will occasionally meet some administrative vehicles, including early road construction crews, traveling the roads at this time. Park rangers do not patrol the spring biking roads regularly; assistance and EMS can be delayed.
Combine spring biking with hiking in Yellowstone. There are numerous trails suitable for day hiking. Begin your hike by stopping at a ranger station or visitor center for information. Trail conditions may change suddenly and unexpectedly. Bear activity, rain or snow storms, high water, and fires may temporarily close trails. At a minimum, carry water, a raincoat or poncho, a warm hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. It is recommended that you hike with another person. No permit is required for day hiking.
Come early, stay late, bring your bikes or skates, and bring your family or your friends. This is a great opportunity to be the first to explore a new dimension of the beauty of Yellowstone in the springtime.
If you prefer to drive into Yellowstone, mark your calendar! On April 16th, West side roads open to motor vehicles including: Mammoth to Norris Junction to Madison Junction to Old Faithful; Madison Junction to West Entrance; Norris Junction to Canyon. As the days grow longer and the sun stronger, other roads clear of snow and open for vehicles. Questions on road openings? Just call 307-344-2109 for more information.
