Ride through Yellowstone

[Harley]

We are considering a ride up north, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, etc. Wondering about riding through Yellowstone. Has anyone had any problems with animals, (buffalos, bears, etc.) The little woman brought this up yesterday and needs some assurance. Thanks and GOD BLESS AMERICA !ray:

 

[GloryRyders]

A group of the MoGang made this trip prior to going to the Owners Event in Durango. Even though that had "close encounters" with some of the critters, for the most part they were just ignored by them. I believe that there were occasions that they could have reached out and touch the buffalo but were not bothered by them.:2thumbs: For the most part if you don't bug them, they won't bug you.

We are making this trip also in September for our 40th anniversary!

 

[2NFrnt]

Go for it

We just did it in mid-June, no problems with the wildlife and we saw lots of it. Bigger danger is the rented Motorhomes and all the first time drivers of them. Buy your gas in the park, they have the best gas I was able to buy on a 4000+ mile trip.

 

[ruthie]

We have been in Yellowstone many times of bikes and had no problems with animals. Yes, watch for RVs and cars stopping quickly. If you have the time ride the Beartooth Highway (212) to the Top of the World. it begins at the north east exit of the park. It is a must too ride for Spyders and bikes. It is beautiful!!!!

 

[dancogan]

...If you have the time ride the Beartooth Highway (212) to the Top of the World. it begins at the north east exit of the park. It is a must too ride for Spyders and bikes. It is beautiful!!!!

:thumbup: +1 and if you don't have the time ... make the time!

 

[schnauzermom]

Just got back

We stayed in Gardiner, North Entrance, for 3 days. Saw 2 wolves, 2 grizzlies, buffalo up close and personal, elk, etc. When an animal appears, traffic stops! No construction to speak of right now. Beautiful, awesome scenery. As previous post, do the trip to at least Cooke City, and beyond to Beartooth. One of the most beautiful roads in America. Only problem, if u call it that, was sudden thunderstorms....

 

[Firefly]

We are considering a ride up north, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, etc. Wondering about riding through Yellowstone. Has anyone had any problems with animals, (buffalos, bears, etc.) The little woman brought this up yesterday and needs some assurance. Thanks and GOD BLESS AMERICA !ray:

Just went through there on the way to Durango. Great ride.

Make sure and take some warmer clothes.. it can get a little chilly.

On of my HD buds had an elk run out in front of him.. but that can happen anywhere.

Saw Elk, Mamma Grizzly and Cubs. No danger to humans really.. just don't approach them. Watch for rubber neckers and rented campers.

Rushmore is worth the trip..... and the badlands are.. well... BADA$$.... :thumbup:

Much bigger chance of seeing buffalo in the Badlands...but they're not bothered by humans.

Rangers generally come around and shoo them off the roads..... saw this in the badlands, yellowstone and grand canyon.....

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Check out this video that Lamont posted of his close encounter

 

[murphybrown]

Never had a problem

We are considering a ride up north, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, etc. Wondering about riding through Yellowstone. Has anyone had any problems with animals, (buffalos, bears, etc.) The little woman brought this up yesterday and needs some assurance. Thanks and GOD BLESS AMERICA !ray:

. Have gone thru Yellowstone 2 or 3 times...never a problem, but I have seen some 2 legged animals do some reallllly stupid things...even tho the park animals are "conditioned" to masses they are still wild animals...the best was when mom, dad, and 3 kiddos were walking up to the Bull Bison (it was breeding/rut season)..the cow bison was across the road...family says oh look he is digging up grass to eat...as the bull is pawing, throwing dirt, swinging that massive head and throwing snot all over...and they walk toward him...I yell at them and say not a good decision...their answer: oh he is just looking for food: I yell back...hell no he is looking for SEX and you are between she and he....dang idiots..I could care less about stupid adults but kids would have been the innocent victims on that one....:banghead:...Here's Your Sign!!!!
Yellowstone is definitely worth visiting and enjoying...I say go for it..watch out for the 2 legged animals tho :yikes::yikes:...

 

[Dragonrider]

We spent 4 days in and around Yellowstone last year in early September (rug rats were back in school). Plenty of places to stay, food was over priced and only so-so, but the rides were terrific! We traveled on every allowed road in the park, and loved every minute. Yes, traffic stops in the middle of the road an the mere sight of wildlife in the distance, and yes, the fires kept the air smoky, and yes the buffalo came within 3 feet of the Spyder, but the park is a must do.

Don't forget the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from Cody to Cooke City - I rate this road as one of the top motorcycle roads in the lower 48. It tops the highway to the sun with the varied scenery and topography, better road, and NO traffic. A stop in Cooke City is a hoot to. Be prepared for your Spyder to draw a crowd.

 

[ARtraveler]

Your proposed itinerary brings back memories of some of my favorite rides. I used to do that area once a year when I lived in MN and WI. Badlands on a bike does not get much better.

You will encounter animals as stated above--but I have never encountered "attack" animals. They usually are okay if not taunted.

The two legged critters are the scarry ones. Also the motorhomes and people stopping on a dime to take pictures. Yellowstone was the worst for this. But, don't let that keep you away from Yellowstone--it is a wonder of wonders as far as scenery and attractions.

You will truly come away with a new appreciation for the beauty of our country after a trip like you are planning.

 

[liketoride2]

I live about 9 miles (in a direct line, not by road) off the south-west corner of the Park so I'm quite familiar with it. The main advice you can receive is to use common sense, keep your distance, and don't approach any animals, as already mentioned earlier in this thread. Don't do anything even remotely like the best example I know of how humans are sometimes idiots when it comes to wildlife, the subject of the story being a guy who was parked with a group of cars watching some grizzlys, got out of his van, walked down to the bears and actually touched a cub!!! For some unknown and fantastically lucky reason the mother bear did not attack him but he is incredibly lucky to be alive.

I've only ever been in one worrisome situation on a Park road, that being because whenever there is a wildlife sighting the traffic all comes to a stop and there is a lineup of vehicles on the highway. My wife and I were in such a situation when on our Spyder, the cause being a group of buffalo alongside and on the road. They were some distance ahead of us but one huge bull came walking up the road in our direction, passed about 10 feet from the Spyder with us sitting on it, but didn't even look in our direction and simply walked on up the road, not bothering anyone. But, that did elevate our heart rates a bit! There are usually Park rangers present quite quickly when such traffic jams occur.

Thousands of motorcycle go through the park every summer and I have never heard of an injury or fatality to a motorcyclist, although such may have happened at some time in the past. In some opinions moose are even more dangerous to humans than bears or buffalo, and are notorious for being very unpredictable, and the cows are fierce protectors of their young.

Incidentally, if you are going to or leaving the park by the West Yellowstone gate and traveling south on Highway 20 I would recommend taking state highway 47, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, which cuts off Highway 20 in the town of Ashton at it's southern end and cuts off in the Island Park Caldera at it's northern end. It's more scenic than 20, with both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls being very beautiful and well worth stopping to see. This road passes about 4 miles from my house.

Have a great trip and enjoy the many beautiful places you have planned.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net

 

[nutz]

Yellowstone ride

I've done it several times. Common sense, good distanc between vehicles and keeping an eye on the motorhomes will give you a great ride. Go out the east end and ride Beartooth Pass for some REAL excitement. When you have done beartooth you have done one of the very best and epic rides.

 

[summerdawn]

The only thing I would add is there are rattlesnakes in the Badlands so watch your step and I would not ride after dark if I could help it in Yellowstone.