GDMBR Signage

[jimlund]

Are the forest service roads signed well on the GDMBR?

[John Nettles]

I have not done the entire route but the parts I have were hit and miss.  Some areas had adequate signage or none were needed (it was the only road to take for miles) or you had to really scrutinize the route.  A GPS tracks helps a lot in these areas.

[Iowagriz]

My experience was the same as Johns.  I rode the first 600 miles, Banff to Lincoln.  Forest Service roads were signed 50% of the time.  Country back roads were usually signed.  I was primarily using the maps and can remember 5 or 6 times in which the GPS was used to ensure I was taking the proper turn.  I used GAIA on my phone for that purpose.

[jamawani]

JL -

There are two primary federal land agencies -
1. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
2. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The USFS manages the national forest lands thru which the GDMBR is routed.
Many, but not all intersection have some small signage.
The route through national forests is the easy part.

It is a different story, althogether, on BLM lands - which are far more remote.
In the Red Desert of Wyoming you will have many unmarked intersections and unsigned roads.
In addition, the road condition will vary from well-maintained to iffy.
So, it is imperative that you have excellent navigation skills.

You cannot expect to have phone coverage, so have back-up mapping.
Download all section maps and have an additional power source.
Plus, carry paper maps for the most remote sections. BLM 100,000 series.
Study them beforehand - and expect some changes.

I've lived in Wyoming & Montana for 30 years.
Ridden GDMBR sections and much more on remote roads.
Riding BLM roads can be some of the most rewarding riding anywhere -
(I've raced a wild horse for miles in absolute solitude - he was hardly breaking a sweat.)
But you have to be prepared.