April eases Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks into the hustle of summer, coaxing cyclists to dust off their steeds for car-free exploration of otherwise heavily trafficked scenic routes.

In Wyoming’s two federal reserves, workers plow a winter’s worth of snow from highways, then open the roads exclusively for bicyclists and pedestrians. And in Yellowstone, for a bison or 10.

“It’s a rite of spring,” said Jackson resident Anna Davis, who rode 28 miles along the base of the Teton Mountains with a small band of friends Sunday. “To be able to bike in that setting, under those peaks with no cars, there’s not a lot of things like it.”

The internal-combustion-engine-free window is brief, however. Yellowstone opened the 49 miles between West Yellowstone and Mammoth to cycling last weekend and will allow motorized vehicles April 18. In Grand Teton, the Teton Park Road will not open to cars until May.

It’s not only cyclists who enjoy the open roads. On sunny weekends, thousands flock to Grand Teton’s Taggart Lake Trailhead to stroll with the family, rollerblade or skateboard. The first mile is a gallimaufry spiced with every color and brand of outdoor togs.

“I just love the sort of carnival atmosphere,” Davis said of that popular starting point. “Everyone’s so excited to be there. It’s hectic, but everybody’s being nice.”

Angus M. Thuermer Jr. is the natural resources reporter for WyoFile. He is a veteran Wyoming reporter and editor with more than 35 years experience in Wyoming. Contact him at angus@wyofile.com or (307)...

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  1. Maybe with all the cuts to National Parks they should extend the “no car” days and only allow bikes and hiking to accommodate the reduction in staff and services in the park ; )

    Reply

  2. Thank you, Angus, for using a new word I had to look up – gallimauphry. The opening of this road and the people flocking there is a true rite of springtime.

    Reply