Yellowstone National Park

I visited Yellowstone National Park in the middle of January. Everyone I told said that I was crazy. While that might be partially true, I did spend a wonderful week in the park with very little traffic, lots of snow, and an abundance of wildlife.

Typically bears will hibernate in the winter, but the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, in West Yellowstone, Montana, feeds their inhabitants all winter, and this keeps the bears happy and outside exploring for the food that is hidden for them. G&WDC also houses a number of wolves, raptors, otters, and ground squirrels.  A number of other birds fly in and out freely. 

We stayed at the Brandin’ Iron Inn .62 miles from the park’s west entrance. We walked to a number of restaurants and shops downtown. The Slippery Otter had great pub food right across the street from the hotel.

There are snowmobiles you can rent, and you can reserve a position on an excursion that takes you into the park.  We had a driver and a snowcat that took us into the park daily. Our driver was quite knowledgeable about the park and wildlife as well as a photographer who was able to understand why we wanted to be in certain parts of the park at specific times, like sunrise and sunset. He was also very familiar with wildlife’s schedules.

I highly recommend going to the Grand Canyon at Canyon Village. You’ll want to watch for the otters while you’re there. Mammoth Hot sprints, Tower-Roosevelt with the Arch & Northern Range, Hayden Valley, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake and the geyser basins. There are geysers all over the park, but don’t miss Old Faithful.  This geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes. 

There are several rivers including the Yellowstone River, Lamar River and Firehole River. Each of them gives you abundant wildlife.  The Lamar Valley, also referred to as the American Serengeti, gives you bighorn sheep and pronghorn.

While wildlife is abundant, it is also dangerous. It is not a good idea to pet the fluffy cows, or for that matter, to get anywhere close to them. Take a long zoom lens, and don’t attempt selfies.  I did well with a 70-300mm.  The coyotes will walk right past you, but don’t confuse the wolves and coyotes.  Wolves are much bigger and will eat you.  Grouse will follow you around if they like you.  Rangers will yell at you if they think you’re messing with the Grouse (no, I just took it’s picture, he followed me around on his own accord.)

If you want the full experience, make sure you go at different times of the year. Summer is a traffic jam along with holidays, but off season gives you more options.  There is a maintenance worker named Jeff Henry who is also an author.  You’ll find him clearing snow from the buildings in winter, but he’s an avid photographer. He has several books available including seasonal guides that are helpful.