Scenic byways open for season

A sure sign of summer on its way, both scenic byways into the Platte Valley were officially opened last week by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). 

The first byway to open was Wyoming Highway 70, which officially opened on May 20 according to a press release from WYDOT. Also known as the Battle Pass Scenic Byway, this 23 mile section of highway connects the Encampment/Riverside area with the Little Snake River Valley as well as providing access to various United States Forest Service roads and Hog Park Reservoir.

The Snowy Range Scenic Byway on Wyoming Highway 130 followed a day after, officially reopening on May 21. The 12-mile section of seasonally closed highway connects the North Platte Valley with Centennial and Laramie.

In both cases, WYDOT crews from Saratoga, Baggs and Laramie started work on the scenic byways in early May and had to use multiple rotary plows and other heavy equipment to clear large drifts of snow.  In the case of the Snow Range Scenic Byway, some drifts were as tall as 15 feet.

While the weather is warming up in the lower elevations, severe weather is still possible at the higher elevations. WYDOT urges all motorists-including bicyclists and motorcyclists-to stay alert as they travel either mountain pass.

"The roadway is clear of drifts but significant snow melt occurs during the day, which often drains into or across the road surface," said Tim Morton, WYDOT District 1 Maintenance Engineer. "This snow melt freezes at night creating hazardous slick spots, especially in the morning hours."

Additionally, tall snow banks may limit visibility around curves and can obscure signs, delineators or guardrails said Morton.

The Battle Pass Scenic Byway closed for the season on November 13, 2020 and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway closed for the season on November 10, 2020. The Battle Pass Scenic Byway tops out at 9,955 feet as it crossed the Continental Divide while the Snow Range Scenic Byway tops out at 10,800 feet.

Last year, Wyoming Highway 70 opened on May 21. The Battle Pass Scenic Byway reopened on June 3 in 2019, May 21 in 2018, June 1 in 2017 and June 9 in 2016. Wyoming Highway 130, meanwhile, opened on May 18 last year. The Snow Range Scenic Byway reopened on May 25 in 2019, May 21 in 2018 and on May 25 in both 2017 and 2016.