Messages

1

Routes / Re: GDMBR - snow depth Indiana Pass (CO)

« on: March 29, 2026, 06:07:50 am »

Another point of interest is the America the Beautiful Pass. I’m definitely going to visit at least three national parks (Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier), so it’s worth buying. I want to buy it on-site; I understand that it’s available at BLM offices such as the BLM District Office in Las Cruces, NM. Is that correct? Or would you recommend another way to purchase it?

Tailwinds, Bill

2

Routes / Re: GDMBR - snow depth Indiana Pass (CO)

« on: March 25, 2026, 10:27:51 am »

Thanks for the reply, Mattheu. I saw that Indiana Pass is listed as such on OpenStreetMap. It’s true that it’s not an official USGS name. But within the GDMBR community, it’s a well-known term.

I’m trying to find a middle ground between the heat in New Mexico (at this moment over 86 °F in El Paso) and snow or slush (mud) on high elevations like Brazos Ridge, Indiana Pass, or Boreas Pass. As far as I understand, there doesn’t seem to be much snow in Colorado this year.  The entire state has been experiencing a snow drought with a record-low snowpack. But the weather has become so unpredictable—who knows, maybe we’ll get a decent amount of snow at the last minute after all. I’m afraid the snow drought will also lead to a water shortage, which is a major issue for cyclists.

3

Routes / Re: GDMBR - snow depth Indiana Pass (CO)

« on: March 20, 2026, 05:32:26 am »

Thanks for the reply, jamawani. I’m indeed working on plans to ride the GDMBR (NOBO). Maybe this year, maybe next year. I remember a large prescribed burn in 2022 in New Mexico, the Black Fire in the Gila National Forest. It got out of control. A large section between My Own Landing Strip and Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch (~13 miles on the GDMBR) was completely scorched, visible on Google Satellite as a large brown patch. Sufficient water supplies have always been a concern (especially in NM), and now, with the drought, even more so, I understand.

The plan is to start in El Paso in mid-May, and I expect to be at Brazos Ridge around mid-June and at Indiana Pass a few days later. If there isn’t much snow this year, would that be possible?

Another point of interest is the America the Beautiful Pass. I’m definitely going to visit at least three national parks (Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier), so it’s worth buying. I want to buy it on-site; I understand that it’s available at BLM offices such as the BLM District Office in Las Cruces, NM. Is that correct? Or would you recommend another way to purchase it?

Tailwinds, Bill

4

Routes / Re: GDMBR - snow depth Indiana Pass (CO)

« on: March 12, 2026, 11:02:44 am »

Thank you for your detailed response, jamawani. The link mistakenly refers to Indian Pass in Alaska. I searched further on the USDA website and saw that there is actually very little snow on Indiana Pass this year. There is even talk of a snow drought. Or am I mistaken? Please see: https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/awdb/site-plots/POR/SNWD/CO/Grayback.html

5

Routes / GDMBR - snow depth Indiana Pass (CO)

« on: March 12, 2026, 08:05:55 am »

Where can I find information about the current snow depth at Indiana Pass (CO)? Will it be passable in mid-June 2026?

Tailwinds, Bill

6

General Discussion / Re: Crazy Guy On A Bike? CycleBlaze? Something else? How do you blog now?

« on: January 30, 2026, 06:58:37 am »

https://www.polarsteps.com

7

General Discussion / Re: Changes to Entrance Fees and Passes for NP in 2026

« on: December 19, 2025, 04:43:40 pm »

Thank you jamawani. I may cycle the GDMBR and visit Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier (NOBO). And, of course, all the other beautiful nature along this route.

8

General Discussion / Re: Changes to Entrance Fees and Passes for NP in 2026

« on: December 19, 2025, 08:39:28 am »

Thank you for the reply. I'm neither, I'm a tourist.

9

General Discussion / Changes to Entrance Fees and Passes for NP in 2026

« on: December 18, 2025, 11:59:49 am »

In 2026, I am going to take a cycling trip in the US and will also visit some national parks. On the NPS website, I read that at the national parks I will visit, nonresidents aged 16 and older must pay a $100 nonresident fee in addition to the regular entrance fee, unless they have the Nonresident Annual Pass: Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park. Does this also apply to cyclists? If so, I would need to purchase the new America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass 2026. Is that correct?

10

Routes / GDMBR - Why Flathead Alternate has changed?

« on: November 30, 2025, 07:07:54 am »

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route: Previously, the Flathead Alternate ran over Flathead Pass. Currently, this pass is no longer part of the Flathead Alternate. What is the reason for this? The washouts?

11

Colorado / Re: Where to stay in Del Norte

« on: April 29, 2025, 11:08:55 am »

Thanks for the reply Doug. Indeed, it was my understanding that staying overnight in the park is also a possibility (but I also read something about water sprinklers suddenly turning on  ).

Can you leave your stuff safely when you go into the village? In my opinion you are safer in a closed campground with regard to theft.

Other options include the Windsor Hotel, Mellow Moon Lodge or Country Family Inn & Restaurant (the latter has bad reviews).

12

Colorado / Where to stay in Del Norte

« on: April 28, 2025, 03:09:54 am »

Hi, I am planning to ride the GDMBR and want to stay in Del Norte (2 nights). Unfortunately, Woods and River RV Park no longer offers camping spots. What is a fine location In Del Norte to spend the night as a cyclist? Thank you for your reply!

13

Canada / Re: Riding GDMBR and want to stay in Banff AB

« on: April 24, 2025, 10:45:30 am »

Thank you Jama! Indeed HI Hostels is an option as wel as Tunnel Mountain campground.

Do you know about staying in Del Norte? Woods and River RV Park does no longer offer tent camping - campers only.

14

Canada / Riding GDMBR and want to stay in Banff AB

« on: April 16, 2025, 12:59:31 pm »

I am going to cycle the GDMBR this year and want to spend a few days in Banff. As a cyclist, where is the best place to stay? It seems necessary to book and reserve well in advance but I don't know the exact day when I will arrive. I don't want to end up in the situation where I have nowhere to stay. Or only at a very high price. Thank you and best regards

15

Connecting ACA Routes / Ovando - Missoula

« on: March 24, 2025, 06:46:37 am »

This summer I am riding the GDMBR and want to bike up and down from Ovando to Missoula to visit the ACA. I want to avoid Hwy 200 as much as possible and am thinking of biking along the Nine Mile Prairy Road and then (nearby Wisherd bridge) to take the Camebridge Road and Cowboy Trail. Are the last two roads (Camebridge Road and Cowboy Trail) passable by bike?