Clearwater Fire Threatens PPP Highway near Yellowstone

[jamawani]

The Clearwater Fire continues to grow near Yellowstone N/P.
Containment is at 0% with extremely hot and dry conditions.
Although Highway 14/16/20 remains open, there is one lane of traffic.
All campgrounds in the immediate area have been closed.
Since campgrounds further west ban tent camping,
this means there is no cyclist camping between Buffalo Bill S.P. and Bridge Bay in YNP.
Heavy smoke also makes cycling difficult - both breathing and visibility.

An alternative route via Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance is extremely difficult.
And, with diverted traffic and little to no shoulders would have elevated risk.
Even before this fire, there are way too many large RVs and inattentive drivers.
Use extreme caution and expect changes on a daily basis.

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyshf-clearwater

[harveyrd]

I am planning a west-to-east trip for 2025 and was hoping to connect the Transamerica to PPP in West Yellowstone, but it sounds like PPP Setction 1 is all-but-closed or at least inadvisable this season?

I am also concerned about the crowded highways and limited shoulders in PPP section 1 along with Cody Mountain Tunnel just west of Cody.   The camping and lodging spacing also seems like a possible challenge in a crowded national park like YNP.

Maybe I'll stick with the TransAm?   Any general advise on PPP section 1 would be appreciated assuming no fires.

[harveyrd]

My current thinking is to stay on the Transamerica from West Yellowstone down to Lander and then detour to the NE taking 26, 20 and 16 to Ten Sleep to reconnect with the PPP.   Anybody have thoughts on this alternative?

[jamawani]

You are going to have traffic anywhere near the national parks.
US 14/16/20 east of Yellowstone is one of the most gorgeous rides out there.
Downhill Eastbound, usually with a tailwind.
There are small to moderate shoulders most of the way.
And a bypass at the dam around the tunnels.
(You have to ask as the visitors center so they can unlock the gate.)
>> The fire will be long out by next year.

BTW The road continues to be open.
The North Fork of the Shoshone Rive provides a critical firebreak.

Taking the time to see Grand Teton N.P is well worth it.
And the ride thru the Wind River Canyon is stunning.
Again, downhill but the wind alternates northerly or southerly.
The road from Worland and to Ten Sleep, US 16, is a bear.
Rugged badlands, no shade, and lots of climbing.
Would suggest going all the way up to Basin and then to Ten Sleep.

Either way is fine riding.

[harveyrd]

You jogged my memory because I have driven through Thermopolis on 20 and I do recall how hot and desolate it is out there, and it sounds like the section on 16 would be type 3 fun.   😳

Thank you jamawani!   This info is so helpful!!!