Yellowstone Flooding
#1
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Yellowstone Flooding
I'd imagine some of the westbound Trans America riders would be dealing with Yellowstone closures by now. Anyone here dealing with that? Are you detouring to the south? It looks like folks will miss all the geothermal stuff, but get great views of the Tetons. At least that seems like the likely detour.
I wonder how bad and for how long this will impact folks riding the Trans America or other rides through the area. It looks like maybe fairly long term impacts from what they are saying is a 1000 year event.
I wonder how bad and for how long this will impact folks riding the Trans America or other rides through the area. It looks like maybe fairly long term impacts from what they are saying is a 1000 year event.
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Tell'em to bottle it up & send it out here to California.😁😉 We oughta end this darn drought, somehow. I recently discovered Star Thistles, which look pretty cool, with yellow flowers, but have some nasty poky Thistles. 😟
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And now up to 2’ of new snow on Going to the Sun in Glacier, creating avalanche danger.
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/52290580_5635_4909_8f3e_11c0883bd633_5602dc2d8ea2dd991c946dbb65a46aff383a97bf.jpeg)
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[I also plan to ride Yellowstone sometime in August - looks like Mammoth Falls might be closed and possibly other sections of the park. Firsthand observations appreciated]
#5
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I plan to ride Going to the Sun at the beginning of the second week of July. In my mind, that's plenty of time for the snow to melt. Am I daydreaming?
[I also plan to ride Yellowstone sometime in August - looks like Mammoth Falls might be closed and possibly other sections of the park. Firsthand observations appreciated]
[I also plan to ride Yellowstone sometime in August - looks like Mammoth Falls might be closed and possibly other sections of the park. Firsthand observations appreciated]
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvis...d-recovery.htm
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My fantasy was they'd bridge the washed out road sections
![](https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/294x251/screen_shot_2022_06_19_at_6_32_35_am_2dede0fce62b2111c4a663e7f8a6447b09333b41.png)
with prefab 'pedestrian' bridges
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/565x283/screen_shot_2022_06_19_at_6_34_29_am_4884e19ba40f93773a5da060142813e1670f3596.png)
and reopen Yellowstone roads for cyclists only.![Thumbs Up](images/smilies/thumb.gif)
In response to cycletourists' feedback of RV terror, Adventure Cycling mapped an 'official' detour to the southwest a few years back to bypass the crush of motor vehicle traffic through Yellowstone - and bypass one of North America's most unique geographical areas. Sad that it's come to that.
![](https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/294x251/screen_shot_2022_06_19_at_6_32_35_am_2dede0fce62b2111c4a663e7f8a6447b09333b41.png)
with prefab 'pedestrian' bridges
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/565x283/screen_shot_2022_06_19_at_6_34_29_am_4884e19ba40f93773a5da060142813e1670f3596.png)
and reopen Yellowstone roads for cyclists only.
![Thumbs Up](images/smilies/thumb.gif)
In response to cycletourists' feedback of RV terror, Adventure Cycling mapped an 'official' detour to the southwest a few years back to bypass the crush of motor vehicle traffic through Yellowstone - and bypass one of North America's most unique geographical areas. Sad that it's come to that.
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/523x461/screen_shot_2022_06_19_at_6_38_34_am_948310b9e33fb75ed7988d68e176959fd1eebc54.png)
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#7
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In response to cycletourists' feedback of RV terror, Adventure Cycling mapped an 'official' detour to the southwest a few years back to bypass the crush of motor vehicle traffic through Yellowstone - and bypass one of North America's most unique geographical areas. Sad that it's come to that.
The detour looks like it would give amazing views of the Tetons at the cost of a quite a bit longer route (as long as going through Yellowstone and doing an out and back on the Teton Spur). I tend to like direct routes and especially dislike going out of my way in an out and back fashion, so something like the Teton Spur isn't very appealing to me despite the breath taking views. For some reason I mind a meandering out of the detour less. I guess I am a little obsessive about it, but I hate going off route for anything if it means backtracking the same way to get back on route. Going off route to take a parallel route doesn't bother me.
Last edited by staehpj1; 06-19-22 at 06:52 AM.
#8
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I plan to ride Going to the Sun at the beginning of the second week of July. In my mind, that's plenty of time for the snow to melt. Am I daydreaming?
[I also plan to ride Yellowstone sometime in August - looks like Mammoth Falls might be closed and possibly other sections of the park. Firsthand observations appreciated]
[I also plan to ride Yellowstone sometime in August - looks like Mammoth Falls might be closed and possibly other sections of the park. Firsthand observations appreciated]
Road crews typically work Monday through Thursday between 6 am and 4 pm MDT.
There is approximately 1.5-2' of new settled snow at 6250' on the road and much more expected in the avalanche start zones above GTSR. Much of this new snow is expected to avalanche over the next few days due to the dramatic warm up and sunshine, with large amounts of avalanche debris being deposited on the road between Road Camp and Siyeh Bend. This late storm delayed progress on clearing GTSR and plow crews should return to higher elevations on Tuesday.
When crews are delayed at higher elevations, they are typically found at lower elevations clearing rocks, working on guard rails, etc.
As of last week, West Side crews re-cleared the snow that slid at Triple Arches over Memorial Day weekend and cleared almost to Rim Rocks.
East Side crews cleared up to No Stump Point and will be working toward the East Tunnel.
There is approximately 1.5-2' of new settled snow at 6250' on the road and much more expected in the avalanche start zones above GTSR. Much of this new snow is expected to avalanche over the next few days due to the dramatic warm up and sunshine, with large amounts of avalanche debris being deposited on the road between Road Camp and Siyeh Bend. This late storm delayed progress on clearing GTSR and plow crews should return to higher elevations on Tuesday.
When crews are delayed at higher elevations, they are typically found at lower elevations clearing rocks, working on guard rails, etc.
As of last week, West Side crews re-cleared the snow that slid at Triple Arches over Memorial Day weekend and cleared almost to Rim Rocks.
East Side crews cleared up to No Stump Point and will be working toward the East Tunnel.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/directions.h
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Also the Chief Mountain border crossing is closed indefinitely.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/directions.h
![Smilie](images/smilies/smile.gif)
[EDIT]
For those who, like me, would wonder if the USA border station remains open (i.e. not possible to enter Canada, but possible to enter the USA) -- no love. Carway is the nearest entrance.
[/EDIT]
Last edited by gauvins; 06-19-22 at 01:31 PM.
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But the park does try to get the road open as soon a possible because it’s a major economic driver for the area.
The Marias Pass alternative is nowhere near as interesting. The GF and I rode from St. Mary all the way to Sprague Creek Campground in one day so that we would have time to ride at least some of the west slope of GTS. It was a 100 mile day. Fortunately, GTS opened all the way the next day so we got to ride up to Logan Pass and back down after hanging out for an hour at the closure point until they opened the road completely.
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Here is a good read on the Yellowstone NP closures. Kent R (the op of the thread linked below) works very closely with the NPS directors doing park cleanups, trail maintenance, and other volunteer work within the NPS system.
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums...5/#post-620271
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums...5/#post-620271
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You could be okay, but that’s not a certainty. It all depends on what happens between now and then. And it’s not just a question of snow on the roadway. Avalanche danger is a major concern. A couple of years ago some cyclists went up later in the day and became trapped for hours after an avalanche behind them blocked the road so they could not get back down until the road was cleared. Avalanche danger increases as the day goes on because the sun loosens up things.
But the park does try to get the road open as soon a possible because it’s a major economic driver for the area.
The Marias Pass alternative is nowhere near as interesting. The GF and I rode from St. Mary all the way to Sprague Creek Campground in one day so that we would have time to ride at least some of the west slope of GTS. It was a 100 mile day. Fortunately, GTS opened all the way the next day so we got to ride up to Logan Pass and back down after hanging out for an hour at the closure point until they opened the road completely.
But the park does try to get the road open as soon a possible because it’s a major economic driver for the area.
The Marias Pass alternative is nowhere near as interesting. The GF and I rode from St. Mary all the way to Sprague Creek Campground in one day so that we would have time to ride at least some of the west slope of GTS. It was a 100 mile day. Fortunately, GTS opened all the way the next day so we got to ride up to Logan Pass and back down after hanging out for an hour at the closure point until they opened the road completely.
Used to do a 2.5 day loop, drive from Calgary to St. Mary's, ride to a private campground near Marias Pass (can't remember its name), Have a beer at the bar in West Glacier, then ride up the road to the hiker biker campground at Lake McDonald.
Rise at dawn and ride the west side before the road closure starts. Be down in St. Mary's by early afternoon and drive home.
I haven't done it for 20 years, but Logan Pass is one of my favourite rides.
I hope the road opens soon and people have the opportunity to ride it.
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Marias Pass is totally not scenic, but its a reasonable ride.
Used to do a 2.5 day loop, drive from Calgary to St. Mary's, ride to a private campground near Marias Pass (can't remember its name), Have a beer at the bar in West Glacier, then ride up the road to the hiker biker campground at Lake McDonald.
Rise at dawn and ride the west side before the road closure starts. Be down in St. Mary's by early afternoon and drive home.
I haven't done it for 20 years, but Logan Pass is one of my favourite rides.
I hope the road opens soon and people have the opportunity to ride it.
Used to do a 2.5 day loop, drive from Calgary to St. Mary's, ride to a private campground near Marias Pass (can't remember its name), Have a beer at the bar in West Glacier, then ride up the road to the hiker biker campground at Lake McDonald.
Rise at dawn and ride the west side before the road closure starts. Be down in St. Mary's by early afternoon and drive home.
I haven't done it for 20 years, but Logan Pass is one of my favourite rides.
I hope the road opens soon and people have the opportunity to ride it.
Once we got into the park I went ahead to make sure we got a campsite. Dropped my gear and rode to the store at the lodge for wood. The GF was so spent when she got to Sprague Creek that she couldn’t understand why there were urinals in the women’s room then realized she had walked into the men’s room.
I’ve ridden up and over west to east one and up and back down the west slope three other times. Probably my favorite ride.
Last edited by indyfabz; 06-19-22 at 04:43 PM.
#14
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Partial reopening on Wed: https://www.npr.org/2022/06/19/11061...open-wednesday
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I just hate it when they put urinals in the womens' room. 😁 I gotta confess, I've used the womens' room a couple times, when idiot vandals have rendered the men's room unusable. 🙄 A simple yell before entering should tell you if it's all clear. 😉
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Cost and timeline for repairs. Haven’t read it yet.
https://www.oregonlive.com/environme...outputType=amp
https://www.oregonlive.com/environme...outputType=amp
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Got this emailed to me today. I always appreciate the clarity of a simple map:
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So it looks like Trans Am riders should be ok except for the construction area. Unless the route has changed since did it a coyote decades ago, it enters the park at West Yellowstone, goes through Madison, Old Faithful and the Grant Village area and exits via the south entrance.
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#20
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So it looks like Trans Am riders should be ok except for the construction area. Unless the route has changed since did it a coyote decades ago, it enters the park at West Yellowstone, goes through Madison, Old Faithful and the Grant Village area and exits via the south entrance.
Have you seen anything that specifically indicates that bikes are or will be allowed in? able to camp?
The Tetons detour wouldn't be the end of the world, but would be a big disappointment for some who would be looking forward to Yellowstone as a highlight of their trip.
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Yellowstone bypass
We'd layover in W Yellowstone and folks would take the tour bus.
edit- oops, map already posted above by tcs. Here it is larger.
Last edited by BobG; 06-21-22 at 09:05 AM.
#22
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Taking a bus tour or even renting a car are options I have not taken often enough in various places on tours. I regret not taking a day or a few days to see a few places that I have been near and didn't want to detour to on various tours. In this case I guess it would be a no brainer to do that and yet it probably wouldn't have occurred to me to do it if I was touring there in the past. Maybe I'll do better in the future and take time for side trips like that. It would certainly be a day well spent.
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The last info I saw said that was that odd even license plate days would be used for entry to the park and it didn't mention bikes at all. I did see sometthing in the closure info that mentioned that Canyon, Madison, Norris, and Lewis Lake campgrounds remained closed. I assume that means the others are open in the portions of the park that is open. They may not have opened hiker/biker camping though. They specifically did mention that backcountry camping is not open at this time.
Have you seen anything that specifically indicates that bikes are or will be allowed in? able to camp?
The Tetons detour wouldn't be the end of the world, but would be a big disappointment for some who would be looking forward to Yellowstone as a highlight of their trip.
Have you seen anything that specifically indicates that bikes are or will be allowed in? able to camp?
The Tetons detour wouldn't be the end of the world, but would be a big disappointment for some who would be looking forward to Yellowstone as a highlight of their trip.
I am pretty sure Yellowstone had restrictions last year, but I don’t know the details.
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#25
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Picking lower traffic days of the week and times of day go a long way toward minimizing the traffic worry.
Hmm, I suppose. Riding a couple extra-long days or taking some rest days to hit a popular park on a certain day of the week during a long tour is possible.