Happy 152nd Birthday to the first National Park! On March 1st, Yellowstone National Park turned 152 years old! While the land has been around for millions of years, the region now known as Yellowstone National Park was formally protected by the United States Government in 1872. Signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Act of …
Yellowstone’s Winter Chill: A 6.5% Dip in Visitation Kicks Off 2024
Yellowstone National Park gears up for 2024 with a surprising twist in visitor numbers. January witnessed a slight drop compared to last year, yet clinched the fourth-most visited spot in history. The action was at the North Gate in Gardiner, drawing winter enthusiasts. Snowmobile and snow coach tours spiced up the West, South, and East …
The Myth of Visiting Yellowstone National Park in September
There is a myth that is prevalent in Yellowstone National Park. It is stated as fact so often, it is hard to believe that it isn’t true. Yet, simple data proves that the words are not accurate: Yellowstone National Park does not empty in September. You’ve probably heard the myth and believed it too. After …
“Beyond the Boardwalks: 50 Rugged and Scenic Hiking Destinations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem” is finished!
Just in time for the snow to start melting and the trails of the region to open up for hikers, it is with great excitement and nervousness that I am making the following announcement. My new guidebook,“Beyond the Boardwalks: Your Guide to 50 Rugged and Scenic Hiking Destinations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem”is finished. I …
2023 Spring Bicycling and Road Running in Yellowstone National Park Starts April 7
On Friday, April 7th, road runners and bicyclists will have a unique chance to access a section of Yellowstone National Park’s interior. Each spring, as plow crews make their way through the west side of the park’s interior roads, the park staff begins to open the roads to pedestrians. While the date is always up …
2023’s First Grizzly Bear Sighting in Yellowstone National Park Has Happened!
The following is a press release from Yellowstone National Park, issued on March 7th, 2023. I altered it slightly, removing the inaccurate use of the word “hibernation” and replacing it with the accurate term “torpor.” Bears do not hibernate. I’ll let the National Forest Foundation explain the difference here. On to the press release: MAMMOTH …
Despite Flooding and Closures, Yellowstone’s 2022 Visitation Numbers Are Surprising. At least, to me.
Leading up to the intense and devastating flooding of June 2022, Yellowstone National Park and the surround communities were preparing for the yearly influx of summer visitors. The previous year, 2021, saw a record number of visitors (4.8 million) and all signs were pointing toward a repeat, if not an increase. After all, the park …
Where to Find a Toilet in Yellowstone National Park This Winter
Finding a place to relive oneself is challenging enough when visiting any national park. In Yellowstone during the winter, it is even more of a challenge. In theory, there is a place to stop every eight miles, but when you need to go, the places to stop can see like an eternity away. Having visited …
Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel To Reduce Services This Winter
Situated within walking distance to the picturesque terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs and offering quick access out to the wildlife watching wonderland of Lamar Valley, the Mammoth Hotel has been a favorite place for park visitors to stay for decades. This winter, that will change. On November 8th, Xanterra, the behemoth company in charge of …
Yellowstone’s North Entrance to Reopen to the Public for the First Time Since June 2022
It brings me great joy to finally type the following words: Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance is finally reopening to the public. On Nov. 1st at 8am, restrictions will be lifted and individuals can drive the newly paved road connecting the park with the town of Gardiner. For four long months, since the June 2022 …