BOZEMAN – It’s that time of the year – Cyclists, runners, hikers, anglers and everyone who wants to enjoy springtime outdoor activities without the danger of vehicles on the road will be found south of Bozeman.
The road to Hyalite closed last Sunday but this is common in the spring
If you’ve lived in Bozeman long enough you probably know that the road up to Hyalite closes at this time of year through May 15th and that all has to do with the spring snowmelt.
Melting snow causes the surface to become soft and saturated making it more susceptible for ruts, potholes, and cracks.
Hyalite road is even more prone to this because of how it was built. The blacktop was paved over the dirt road which makes it weaker than your primary and secondary streets, so Hyalite cannot support the number of vehicles during the spring melt as it does at any other time of year.
While this may be an inconvenience for drivers, the road is open to pedestrians who use the road for walking, running, cycling, and access to trails and Hyalite Peak without having to share the road with a motorist.
So enjoy this experience while it lasts because come late May the road will be once again flooded with motorists hoping to experience the beauties of the canyon.
Be aware that you may see administrative vehicles on the road, who are getting it ready for summer
Reporting for Carson Vickroy for MTN News
