Cyclists advised to avoid Yellowstone floods
JUNE 16, 2022 - Travelers are advised to avoid the Yellowstone National Park area due to disastrous flooding that has closed all entrances and roads in the park.
Adventure Cycling's TransAmerica Trail and Parks, Peaks and Prairies routes both contain sections that travel near or through Yellowstone Park.
Although the entire Park is currently completely closed, the majority of the serious damage is in the northern portion of the park. At this time, there is no reported damage to the roads used by the TransAmerica Trail, which travels through the west and southern portions of the Park. We are hopeful that if/when the Park partially reopens, the TransAmerica Trail will be passable.
There is some reported flood damage on the Parks, Peaks, and Prairies route between Canyon Junction and Fishing Bridge. The road is potentially compromised and being evaluated. We do not have a recommended detour for the Parks, Peaks, and Prairies route.
Cyclists are advised to check Current Conditions posted by the park before proceeding with any trip plans near Yellowstone, and obey any local travel restrictions or advisories.
Adventure Cycling does not have the resources to provide up-to-the-minute emergency response, but our cartographers are working to find alternate routing when possible.
Our cartographers currently recommend any TransAm riders in the area take the digital-only Teton Valley Alternate. This 139.3 mile alternate to bypass the Park begins in West Yellowstone, MT, and heads west, south and east through Idaho into Wyoming. You'll ride 36 miles on US 20 through Montana and Idaho. The highway has variable shoulder widths, and continuous rumble strips in Idaho. It also has fast moving traffic. In both Idaho and Wyoming there will still be traffic, but we have routed onto several separate bike paths where possible. The alternate ends in Jackson, Wyoming, where you will connect to the Teton Spur on TransAmerica Section 5. Be aware that vehicle traffic on these roads will likely be increased due to the diverted traffic from the park. (More details on our Map Updates and Corrections page here.)
This is a changing situation. As always, check for local travel advisories before attempting to follow any Adventure Cycling route.