Yellowstone in Late May?

[Greenwald]

Have been doing some research for a ride with a buddy out west to South Dakota and on to Yellowstone in late May/early June in 2012.

Getting 'vibes' that this may not be a good time of year for Yellowstone, due to weather issues?

For those who have ridden out there around that time of year, what say ye?

Thanks - Kevin

[dbrick]

I don't know the answer to your weather question, Kevin, but if you can, take WY120 NW from Cody, then go west on WY 296 (the Chief Joseph Highway) over Dead Indian Pass. The sudden view of the Rockies as you crest the pass is jaw-dropping.

[LSkrabut]

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm

List 2012 Spring dates. Of course this all depends on the snow the park gets this winter :)

2012 Spring Road Opening:
Some park areas, entrances and roads are not open year-round! Most park roads are not open to motorized vehicle traffic between mid-March and mid-April while the roads are being plowed. The closed roads will begin re-opening starting April 20. See the spring schedule below for details. The North Entrance to Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana is open all year. Please note that this road is closed to east/west travel just east of Cooke City from late fall to late spring.

Roads will open, weather permitting, to motorized, wheeled vehicles as follows:

April 20, 2012-Weather permitting, west-side roads open to motor vehicles. Visitors will be able to travel by car through the park's North & West Entrances to Norris, Madison, Canyon, & Old Faithful beginning at 8:00 a.m.
May 4, 2012-Weather permitting, the road linking Canyon, Fishing Bridge, & the East Entrance opens to wheeled vehicles.
May 11, 2012-Travel from the South Entrance to Grant, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, & Lake over Craig Pass to Old Faithful open to wheeled vehicles. Also, Tower Junction to Tower Fall opens to wheeled vehicles. The road from Cooke City over Colter Pass to the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway intersection to the Long Lake gate shall open as soon thereafter as possible. For information on roads outside of the park from Cooke City via the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, travelers in Wyoming may dial 511; those outside of Wyoming may call 1-888-996-7623, or visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website at http://www.wyoroad.info/ .
May 25- (weather permitting) Dunraven Pass (Tower to Canyon).
May 25-(weather permitting)-Long Lake Gate over the Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge, Montana. For information on the Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge, Montana, travelers in Montana may dial 511; those outside Montana may call 1-800-226-7623, or visit the Montana Department of Transportation website at http://mdt511.com/ .

In the spring, before park roads open to motorized vehicles, some roads are open to non-motorized recreational vehicles such as bicycles, roller skis, and roller blades. There will be some administrative vehicles traveling the roads at this time so be careful. See the Spring Biking Page for a map and more information.

[PGlaves]

Depends on how late in May. Early June should find the roads open. I have, however been snowed on north of the park in July, and seen frost on the pumpkin and bike seat in both July and August.

So, roadwise things should be fine. Expect cool or cold weather if camping.

Have fun!

[tommcgee]

Have been doing some research for a ride with a buddy out west to South Dakota and on to Yellowstone in late May/early June in 2012.

I know the roads can be sketchy that time of year. This series will whet your appetite.

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-HD/dp/B003USYMV2/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1324319939&sr=1-1

I haven't been there since 1977 and hope to get there one more time before I die.

[Greenwald]

Depends on how late in May. Early June should find the roads open. I have, however been snowed on north of the park in July, and seen frost on the pumpkin and bike seat in both July and August.

So, roadwise things should be fine. Expect cool or cold weather if camping.

Have fun!

Won't leave until after Memorial Day weekend. As for 'camping,' riding buddy will be a 70'ish retired Sheriff with his new Ultra-Classic H-D. I know his idea of 'roughing it' will be having to cross the street from the motel to get to a restaurant! :laugh

[Greenwald]

I don't know the answer to your weather question, Kevin, but if you can, take WY120 NW from Cody, then go west on WY 296 (the Chief Joseph Highway) over Dead Indian Pass. The sudden view of the Rockies as you crest the pass is jaw-dropping.

So noted. Sounds like a 'Kodak Moment!' :thumb

[Greenwald]

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm

List 2012 Spring dates. Of course this all depends on the snow the park gets this winter :)

2012 Spring Road Opening:
Some park areas, entrances and roads are not open year-round! Most park roads are not open to motorized vehicle traffic between mid-March and mid-April while the roads are being plowed. The closed roads will begin re-opening starting April 20. See the spring schedule below for details. The North Entrance to Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana is open all year. Please note that this road is closed to east/west travel just east of Cooke City from late fall to late spring.

Roads will open, weather permitting, to motorized, wheeled vehicles as follows:

April 20, 2012-Weather permitting, west-side roads open to motor vehicles. Visitors will be able to travel by car through the park's North & West Entrances to Norris, Madison, Canyon, & Old Faithful beginning at 8:00 a.m.
May 4, 2012-Weather permitting, the road linking Canyon, Fishing Bridge, & the East Entrance opens to wheeled vehicles.
May 11, 2012-Travel from the South Entrance to Grant, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, & Lake over Craig Pass to Old Faithful open to wheeled vehicles. Also, Tower Junction to Tower Fall opens to wheeled vehicles. The road from Cooke City over Colter Pass to the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway intersection to the Long Lake gate shall open as soon thereafter as possible. For information on roads outside of the park from Cooke City via the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, travelers in Wyoming may dial 511; those outside of Wyoming may call 1-888-996-7623, or visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website at http://www.wyoroad.info/ .
May 25- (weather permitting) Dunraven Pass (Tower to Canyon).
May 25-(weather permitting)-Long Lake Gate over the Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge, Montana. For information on the Beartooth Highway to Red Lodge, Montana, travelers in Montana may dial 511; those outside Montana may call 1-800-226-7623, or visit the Montana Department of Transportation website at http://mdt511.com/ .

In the spring, before park roads open to motorized vehicles, some roads are open to non-motorized recreational vehicles such as bicycles, roller skis, and roller blades. There will be some administrative vehicles traveling the roads at this time so be careful. See the Spring Biking Page for a map and more information.

Printed all of this off - many thanks! :type

[AKBeemer]

We were in the park the last week of May a few years ago. Roads clear, weather cold and windy. Few people, many critters.

[MCMXCIVRS]

We rode up through Yellowstone from the Grand Tetons in late May 2009 coming home from Utah. The roads were fine, the temperatures were a bit cool but not cold. There was still deep snow at the top of the divide alongside the road and the lakes were still frozen over. The roads themselves were clear and mostly dry. We did ride through a small blizzard coming out of Butte on the trip down.

[rinty]

Kevin:

The elevation of the junction of the Chief Joseph and Beartooth Highways is about 10,000 feet, so I wouldn't bet on it being open in early June. But you can get updates from the Highway websites as you approach the area.

In any event, Highway 20 from Cody, into the Park is an excellent ride.

[tommcgee]

Another excellent series to rile you up:

http://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Nature-1851-1890-HD/dp/B004D1T7ZQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1324346914&sr=8-11

[Greenwald]

Awesome replies!

Thank you to one and all. :german

[pipestone]

I was there last year at the end of May..that will be good most years.
As your journey nears, check park status for openings and closures on routes. I have been disappointed before in the month of May in and around the park.

The earlier the better as far as wildlife....and the missing the masses of people. The people thing use to be way less.

.......oh well.

[rsbeemer]

Hi, The answer is you will never know until you get there. I went the 1st of June this year...was clear in Yellowstone when I left Texas...By the time I got there the road to Red Lodge over the Bear tooth was closed, just too much snow. So, I went to Missoula, Mt. and thought about going up to glacier but it was all snowed in also. Going East out of missoula was freezing rain so I high-tailed it South down through Idaho and Utah just to reach some warmer weather. I heard that at that time it was snowing in Yellowstone again. Next time I'll wait until the end of July before I go; it will be more crowded but it should be warmer. If you go in May, be prepared. Have waterproof everything, especially boots, gloves and be sure they work. I thought I had waterproof boots but about 50 miles East of Missoula my feet were soaked and freezing. A nice guy at a cafe gave me two trash bags. I put on dry socks, put the bags on my feet and then back into my boots, then rode South as fast as I could.
By the time I got back home through 600 miles of West Texas heat, I was burnt toast. It sure was fun. So, the answer again is, you won't know till ya get there which makes it a lot more interesting.

[Vinton]

I was there in the middle of June one year and spent two of the coldest nights camping I can remember. Woke up to 4 inches of snow one morning. Rain and wind on and off. A great time was had by all. Just watch the weather and bring your cold weather riding gear. The park is at over 6000 feet and it gets real cold there at night.

[Greenwald]

I was there in the middle of June one year and spent two of the coldest nights camping I can remember. Woke up to 4 inches of snow one morning. Rain and wind on and off. A great time was had by all. Just watch the weather and bring your cold weather riding gear. The park is at over 6000 feet and it gets real cold there at night.

Thanks for the 'heads-up.' Any visit to the Park would be a daytime drive-thru. 'Camping' would be a motel at night somewhere east of Yellowstone, and at a lower altitude. :wave

[rinty]

...a motel...east of Yellowstone...Greenwald

Red Lodge is a really fun place, Kevin, with a good selection of accomodation.

[Greenwald]

Red Lodge is a really fun place, Kevin, with a good selection of accomodation.

What city? :scratch

[widebmw]

What city? :scratch

Red Lodge, Montana.

http://www.redlodge.com/

[AKsuited]

Thanks for the 'heads-up.' Any visit to the Park would be a daytime drive-thru. 'Camping' would be a motel at night somewhere east of Yellowstone, and at a lower altitude. :wave

Or west, in West Yellowstone.

Harry

[rinty]

What city? Greenwald

That's Red Lodge City, Montana, Kevin. For a real treat, spend a night at this place:

http://www.thepollard.com/

And for a really great bar, try this place:

http://www.snowcreeksaloon.com/

Red Lodge is one of my favourite towns, along with Winthrop, Washington, Joseph, Oregon, and Waterton Townsite, in my home province. Places that have a vibe about them, and where you feel good, just being there.

[Greenwald]

That's Red Lodge City, Montana, Kevin. For a real treat, spend a night at this place:

http://www.thepollard.com/

And for a really great bar, try this place:

http://www.snowcreeksaloon.com/

Red Lodge is one of my favourite towns, along with Winthrop, Washington, Joseph, Oregon, and Waterton Townsite, in my home province. Places that have a vibe about them, and where you feel good, just being there.

Sounds GREAT!

Thanks for the intel. Happy New Year. :beer

[henzilla]

Red Lodge is a really fun place, Kevin, with a good selection of accomodation.

The ride to Red Lodge isn't too shabby either coming up from Cody,WY on Chief Joseph Hwy then over Beartooth Pass:thumb If it's open by then...

[w7lej1]

As others pointed out, the area may still be snowbound in early June. I'm no expert on the Beartooth Hwy, but riding through on 6-25-11 I found this big guy lurking on the side of the highway, and folks were still skiing and snowmobiling from the parking pullouts.

Cody, WY is close by, offers an alternate route into the park, and has lots of lodging and restaurants. I have the Cowboy Museum in Cody on my go back and see list.

WY Hwy 296, the Chief Joseph Hwy, offers great scenery and some twisties if you are so inclined, but beware of the abundant tar snakes.

Should be a great trip in any case - enjoy the west!

[BCKRIDER]

The ride to Red Lodge isn't too shabby either coming up from Cody,WY on Chief Joseph Hwy then over Beartooth Pass:thumb If it's open by then...

If you are planning to ride over Beartooth Pass, either direction, BEWARE of the one and only passing lane which starts on a curve. I was taken out on that stretch when headed to the Gillette rally by a very experienced rider who just didn't see that see the winter sand in that passing lane - and ONLY in that passing lane.

Don't count on whoever is charged with sweeping off the winter sand learning from our experience. A riding friend reported the sand was still there a week after our collision. Guess it was just too much trouble and expense to send a truck with a brush to correct this little oversite. Also still wonder how many other accidents happened that year in the very same spot.

So, just a heads up.

[tommcgee]

These two Yellowstone threads have got my wheels spinning. I haven't been there since 1977 and want to go again before I die. Last time was a honeymoon trip in the camper van, this time would be on the bike. It would normally be a solo trip (wife is only vaguely aware of motorcycles in the driveway).

Stumbling block: health issues that started in 2009 give me pause.

Solution: A week ago, a friend who's ridden a few thousand miles with me said on another forum that he'd like to do a west coast trip. I'm about to give him a call. I know we can ride and spend several days together without getting on each other's nerves. Those people can be rare.

[Muriel]

Thw Sylvan Pass between Cody and East Yellowstone is a winner - as is most of Wyoming. I spent a few weeks just riding the passes and through the high desert. If the spring flowers are out, you will have a treat. Head into the Tetons and on down to Dubois. Wind River Range. Powder River . . . . . it's fantastic country.

Beartooth Pass had just opened two days before - and I was there the end of June.

Enjoy your travels,

Muriel

[advenbob]

The first full weekend in June there is a Volkswalk conducted at the Crazy Horse Mounumnet. A couple of cans of food is the entrance fee and you have the opportunity to enjoy a hike up to the outstreched arm of Crazy Horse. In 2005, a group of us from Phoenix attened and then we went our seperate ways. I took a couple of days to ride to West Yellowstone. This is now the second week of June, and when I woke up the next morning, snow covered the bike. Part of the group was heading to Jackson and ended up snowed in at Dubois, as the wind was too much over South Pass. They made it to Cody the same day I did, and attempeted to enter the park at the East entrance. Road contstrution and the rain made them turn around for another day in Cody. After spending two days in West Yellowstone, (nice weather) it again snowed on departure.

You plan for the worse and go for it. A very enjoyable part of our country with plenty of roads to ride.

bob

[26667]

Came thru Jackson Hole mid-June some years ago and bicycle riders told us there'd been 18" of snow the previous week in Y'stone. None on the roads, tho' as we rode north from JH. When we got in and camped in Teton Park, we built the biggest fire we could, kept our boots as close as we could, and then slept in ALL our gear. Next several days were gorgeous and perfect..IDK , maybe 75-80 as highs.
I bet it's largely based on luck that time of year.

[txmxrider]

Hello Kevin,

My wife and I are planning a trip to YS in that same timeframe. We will be staying at West Yellowstone and doing day trips within the park and the surrounding area. Feel free to email me at txmxrider@yahoo.com if you want to compare research notes. Otherwise, keep your eye out for a blue '03 K1200GT with TX plates. Maybe our paths will cross.

PS, I enjoy your articles in the BMW-MOA. Keep up the good work!

[Greenwald]

Hello Kevin,

My wife and I are planning a trip to YS in that same timeframe. We will be staying at West Yellowstone and doing day trips within the park and the surrounding area. Feel free to email me at txmxrider@yahoo.com if you want to compare research notes. Otherwise, keep your eye out for a blue '03 K1200GT with TX plates. Maybe our paths will cross.

PS, I enjoy your articles in the BMW-MOA. Keep up the good work!

Will do. Departing Wisconsin around May 30th. Not planning to be back until around June 5/6.

Will BOLO (Be On The Lookout) for TX tags on a K1200GT. :wave

[71243]

Have been doing some research for a ride with a buddy out west to South Dakota and on to Yellowstone in late May/early June in 2012.

Getting 'vibes' that this may not be a good time of year for Yellowstone, due to weather issues?

For those who have ridden out there around that time of year, what say ye?

Thanks - Kevin

I've been turned back by snow in Yellowstone, in June, twice... Last time was "09" [i think] 8" in the passes, & 4-5" inches in the park. Got as far as Devils Tower, and turned back to Deadwood.

[Greenwald]

I've been turned back by snow in Yellowstone, in June, twice... Last time was "09" [i think] 8" in the passes, & 4-5" inches in the park. Got as far as Devils Tower, and turned back to Deadwood.

Thanks for the intel.

Will monitor weather closely and be flexible in the decision-making process. :german

[suttie]

Last year, we rode from Vancouver to the Grand Canyon. Weather in Yellowstone was fine. The Bison on the roads were really scary, though. As was the ride from Wyoming into Utah. The Grand Tetons were spectacular. After Memorial Day or Victoria Day for Canucks should be fine.

[Greenwald]

:thumb:dance:thumb:dance:thumb

[jaherbst]

Have been doing some research for a ride with a buddy out west to South Dakota and on to Yellowstone in late May/early June in 2012.

Getting 'vibes' that this may not be a good time of year for Yellowstone, due to weather issues?

For those who have ridden out there around that time of year, what say ye?

Thanks - Kevin

Kevin my wife and I honeymooned there beginning May 19th 1977. Still on the honeymoon as of this writing. ( my wife made me write this) We were on a Gold wing and camped out at the Cody WY entrance. Weather was chilly at night but I had someone to cuddle up with.

Jack

[Greenwald]

Kevin my wife and I honeymooned there beginning May 19th 1977. Still on the honeymoon as of this writing. ( my wife made me write this) We were on a Gold wing and camped out at the Cody WY entrance. Weather was chilly at night but I had someone to cuddle up with.

Jack

I don't think your wife made you write that - sounded too much from the heart.

But I'll back you up if you ever retell it and stick to your story.

Lucky man. :thumb