Explore Yellowstone National Park, By: Melody Schubert: Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Ranger-Led Programs In Yellowstone National Park
Take a
moment to look around and you'll be amazed at the simple beauty you discover in
Yellowstone National Park. One way to go behind the scenes is to join a
Ranger-Led Program. Who else can fill you in on the finer details of where to
fish or go horse back riding in Yellowstone National Park than a Ranger? Here
are a few program suggestions. Check with the Yellowstone National Park for
current schedules. Some may be canceled due to the weather.
Afternoon Talks at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Join a ranger through Mid-March for a program highlighting a fascinating aspect of Yellowstone’s natural, cultural, or scenic wonders. Weekly program descriptions will be posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center and at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street. Meet at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This is a Free program about 45 minutes long.
Snowshoe Walk
Dress up in your winter wear discover Yellowstone’s fascinating winter ecology while wearing snowshoes through Mid-March. Join a ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center. Bring snowshoes—no experience necessary. Also bring water and a snack. For information, please call 406-646-4403. This Free program is about 3 hours long.
Geysers Galore
As you wait to watch Old Faithful erupt, discover why Yellowstone has so many geysers. Look into Yellowstone’s restless geologic past (and present!) for a story that includes volcanoes and earthquakes. Meet at the benches in front of Old Faithful. Talk starts 20 minutes prior to a predicted mid-day eruption of Old Faithful. Times are posted daily at the temporary Old Faithful Visitor Center. This Free program is about 20 minutes long, and makes a nice break in-between exploring the park.
Early Spring Activities in
Yellowstone are a great way to both see and enjoy the park. This time period
allows the unique opportunity for non-motorized use of certain park roads.
Bicycling, hiking, jogging, roller blades, roller skis, and similar means of
non-motorized travel are ONLY permitted between the West Entrance and Mammoth
Hot Springs from about mid-March through the third Thursday in April. The
opening day in March is weather dependent. Fall weather is unpredictable; roads
may be closed temporarily by snow or other weather conditions. Snow tires or
chains may be required. Check on the Yellowstone website for current conditions.
Did You Know?
According to The National Parks Service there are more people hurt by bison than by bears each year in Yellowstone. Park regulations state that visitors must stay at least 25 yards away from bison or elk and 100 yards away from bears. The Winter season runs from approximately mid-December to mid-March. The only park road that remains open to wheeled-vehicle use year-round is the road from the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana. Snow tires and/or chains may be required. Only over-snow vehicles are allowed on other park roads.
