The best road cycling routes around Wyoming

Wyoming offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find routes traversing vast plains and high desert landscapes, as well as those with rolling hills and river systems. While the state is renowned for its challenging mountain passes, there are also more gentle routes around lakes and parks, providing options for various skill levels.

There are nearly 20 road cycling routes documented on komoot for Wyoming. These routes cater to different preferences, with 11 classified as easy and 8 as moderate, ensuring options for a wide range of cyclists.

Yes, Wyoming offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Stacy City Park loop from Sunrise River is an easy 28.0-mile ride with minimal elevation gain. Another accessible option is the Forest Lake Cycle Shop – Stacy City Park loop from Forest Lake, which covers 16.9 miles.

For those seeking a challenge, Wyoming's mountain passes are legendary. Routes like the Snowy Range Road, Beartooth Pass, and Granite Pass offer significant elevation gains and breathtaking views. Sinks Canyon also provides over 3,000 feet of climbing with panoramic vistas of cliffs and forests.

Wyoming's routes often feature stunning natural beauty. You can experience the vastness of high desert landscapes along routes like Sage Creek Road, or enjoy alpine meadows and glacier-hewn valleys on the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. Many routes also offer opportunities to see abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, elk, and bison.

Yes, for longer rides, consider routes like the Lakeside Memorial Park – Forest Lake Cycle Shop loop from Moody Lake Park, which spans 45.5 miles. The state's extensive network of roads, including scenic byways, also allows for combining segments into longer, multi-day tours, especially through its vast plains and mountain regions.

The best time for road cycling in Wyoming is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, mountain passes are typically clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable. Some high-elevation routes, like Beartooth Pass, are only accessible during the summer months.

Many of Wyoming's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Forest Lake Cycle Shop – Lakeside Memorial Park loop from Sunrise River, a moderate 34.0-mile circuit, and the Lakeside Memorial Park – Forest Lake Cycle Shop loop from 206 St N, which is an easy 30.2-mile loop through park areas.

While specific road cycling within Yellowstone National Park might have restrictions, the region surrounding the park, particularly the Wyoming side of Beartooth Pass, offers some of the most epic and scenic out-and-back rides in the US. Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone, also provides stunning views and multi-sport tour opportunities.

Cyclists often praise Wyoming for its sense of solitude and sweeping vistas across open spaces. The diverse terrain, from challenging mountain climbs to peaceful routes through plains and prairies, is frequently highlighted. The opportunity for wildlife viewing and the well-paved surfaces on many routes also contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.

Yes, some road cycling routes in Wyoming pass through areas rich in history. For example, Roger Canyon Road near Laramie traverses regions with old railroad lines and wagon trails, offering a glimpse into the state's past while you ride.

You can expect a wide variety of terrain. This includes high mountain passes with significant elevation changes, expansive plains and high desert areas offering long, open stretches, and routes through river canyons and alpine meadows. The state's elevation ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 feet, ensuring diverse cycling environments.