by 
On this episode of “This Week in Yellowstone” I take a look at the incoming snowstorm the park may experience this weekend, as well as share a few indoor locations to warm up and relax in Mammoth Hot Springs. I also touch on the wolf mating season, and bring up an issue for wolf hunting that the state of Montana is going to be voting on.
Listen to this as a podcast!
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The standard disclaimer: I may miss a few things and not cover some topics you’d like, but if there is anything you wish to know, please feel free to contact me. I also refer to locations in the park pretty casually, so if you are unfamiliar with the park, you may want to search for some of these things.
Please note that this weekly report is for current driveable regions of the park only and does not cover the experiences one may have to take a snowcoach or snowmobile tour into the interior. If you have questions about those adventures and regions, please contact your tour operator.
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
The State of Montana is looking at two bills this week. They are:
- Requires unlimited wolf hunting quotas when the statewide wolf population is at or above 550 wolves.
- Prevents the Commission from issuing quotas until the population objective is met.
- Opens unlimited hunting and trapping near Yellowstone (WMUs 313 and 316) from early September through mid-March.
- Allows open wolf hunting seasons until the population drops to 650 wolves or fewer.
- Leaves the season open all year, except May and June, to avoid whelping wolf pups.
- Notably, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) opposed this bill during committee hearings.
The vote is scheduled to happen the week of January 27th to January 31, so I will do my best to keep you updated on this. I have provided links on my social media accounts on this issue and will continue to do so. If you need a link, here you go: https://greateryellowstone.org/blog/2025/take-action-stop-the-montana-legislature-from-halving-states-wolf-population
Wolf populations and wolf hunts are obviously hot-button issues, but that does not mean that those against wolves should ignore science to ram through legislation. There is a solution that can have healthy wolf populations, as well as wolf hunting seasons and the eradication of wolves who prey on livestock. I am not against hunting at all. I will say that again. I am not against hunting. I am, however, against a baseless slaughter without any fact-based reasons other than bloodlust and antiquated ideals. Regional strategies with quotas and units are essential for effective wildlife management. Also, as a personal note, I do find it very ironic that the party that wants to “keep elected officials out of decision-making for locals” is letting elected officials make policies that are not what locals want. But I digress.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
Wolf Mating Season is upon us. Wolf mating season in Yellowstone runs from mid-January through early March, and it’s one of the most fascinating times of year for these incredible animals. While most wildlife is struggling with the bitter cold, deep snow, and scarce food, wolves are thriving—this is their time to shine. They’re not just surviving; they’re laying the groundwork for the next generation of Yellowstone wolves.
In a wolf pack, it’s typically the alpha pair—the dominant male and female—that mate. But in Yellowstone, where food is more abundant than in other places, some subordinate wolves get the chance to breed too. It’s not uncommon for adult females to sneak away from their pack, meet up with males from neighboring packs, and then return home to raise their pups. This adventurous behavior adds genetic diversity, which is crucial for the health of future generations.
Right now, wolves are forming and strengthening bonds, preparing for denning season just around the corner. It’s an incredible glimpse into how social and strategic these animals are—every move is about survival and ensuring their legacy in the wild.
You may be wondering how you will see this event happen. The answer is luck. I wish I had a better option, but you’ll have to find the wolves and wait, or just randomly come across them. The best way to see wolves is to look for the wolf researchers and tour companies all lined up with spotting scopes. If this happens, stop at a pullout and ask what they are looking at.
TIP OF THE WEEK
While I usually recommend outdoor adventures, this week I am telling you to go inside. Check out the buildings in Mammoth Hot Springs. After waking up early for wildlife-watching out toward Lamar, you’ll have to decide what to do during the middle of the day. For myself, I would go hiking for a bit and try to see wildlife while on foot. However, I am very aware that this isn’t what everyone wants to do when it is cold outside. Because of that, I cannot recommend going to Mammoth and checking out both the Albright Visitor Center and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.
The Albright Visitor Center is a rad historic building. Built in 1909 as the bachelor officers’ quarters for the cavalry troops who protected the park before the creation of the National Park Service, the building is today a place to learn about the park and chat with a ranger. The NPS website describes the visitor center as a place where “… you can gather park information, orient yourself to the rest of the park (including road conditions, and campground and lodge availability), shop for souvenirs, explore exhibits to learn more about the wildlife and history of Yellowstone, join a ranger program, pick up a fishing permit (fees are payable by debit or credit card), or use the restrooms. This visitor center also has free Wi-Fi.”
When wandering the visitor center, make sure you go downstairs for two reasons. One is that downstairs is where the bathroom is. The second reason to go downstairs is there is a great exhibit talking about the history of the park. Seriously, don’t skip this.
Once you have finished, head over to the Mammoth Hotel. The hotel, as it stands today was built in 1936, while retaining a wing of guest rooms originally built in 1911, and features its signature Map Room containing a large wooden map of the United States of America constructed of 15 different woods from 9 countries. This is also a really cool place to sit and warm up, as you can get a cup of coffee from the gift shop or a drink from the bar. Espresso and coffee are available from 6:30 am to 10:00 am, while bar beverages and espresso are said to be served between 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If the amenities aren’t available, you can walk a little south of the hotel to the cantina or the gift shop that also sells some snacks and drinks. The map room is an underrated spot to sit and relax, and I think you’ll enjoy it, too. You can even play checkers (or chess if you bring your own pieces) at one of the stone game tables located around the room.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
Let’s start with the weather forecast for Lamar Valley. This weekend is going to be snowy, with the current forecast calling for over a foot of snow in Lamar Valley, starting on Friday afternoon through Wednesday. The good news is that highs are supposed to be in the upper 20s and low 30s, and lows in the 20s and high teens through Wednesday. Sunday looks to be the snowiest day.
For Cooke City, the forecast is similar to Lamar, but the snow totals will be higher. Cooke City may see over two feet of snowfall between Friday and Wednesday. The temperature will also be a few degrees colder than Lamar.
In Gardiner, expect highs in the upper 30s and lows in the 20s for most of the week. Snowfall will be less than Lamar and Cooke City, but Gardiner could still see 10 inches of snow between Friday and Wednesday.
The forecast I am using is as of Wednesday, January 29th. It may be colder than the temperatures I listed. It may also be warmer. It may snow more. It may snow less than I said. I do my best.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
The snowpack for Yellowstone is still slowly diminishing, as we haven’t had a good snowfall in a bit. That will not be the case starting this coming weekend. As of January 29th, the snowpack is below average. The NW corner of the park is in the upper 90% of normal, while the western edge of the park is in the low 80%. The north and eastern side of the park is in the low 70%. These numbers will climb during the incoming snowstorm if the forecast is correct.
ROADS CONDITIONS
On Thursday and most of Friday, the roads will be in pretty decent condition. You’ll have patches of compact snow and ice between Mammoth and Tower Junction, pretty good roads through Lamar, and then snow-packed roads to Cooke City. Once the snow starts to fall, things will deteriorate quickly. I expect Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday to be pretty rough going for anyone not used to driving in the snow. I can see the snow being heavy enough at times to cause numerous cars to go off the road, which could lead to a temporary closure of the road. It may not happen, but you should be ready for that to happen.
The park will be plowing and doing its best, but the snow will potentially be too much for the underfunded park staff to deal with. Heck, even if they were fully funded, they would still not be able to keep the roads perfect.
I guess the takeaway here is to expect the roads to be pretty rough going this weekend and early next week. It might not be the case, but always be prepared.
For up-to-date information call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777. Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.
CAMPING INFO
I chatted with someone who camped in the park last week, and they said they only made it in any level of comfort because they had a sleeping bag designed for -30 degrees and were sleeping in a camper. It will be slightly warmer this weekend, but it is still not ideal camping weather unless you are like the person I talked to and have awesome cold-weather gear.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
It’s been a week of mountain lion sightings, wolf sightings, moose sightings, and more. The mountain lions were visible near Amphitheater Mountain a few days ago, but be aware that you will only be able to see them with really good binoculars and/or a spotting scope if they are there.
Wolves have been around Lamar, visible near the Lamar River trailhead, but they will more than likely be on the move. Moose have also been in that area, between Soda Butte and Pebble Creek.
Elsewhere, bison are moving along the road, elk and congregating more toward Gardiner, and I even saw some pronghorn near Gardiner too.
With incoming snow squalls all weekend, I would expect wildlife sightings to be less than ideal, as visibility over any sort of distance won’t be that consistent. As always, your best bet to see wildlife is to drive the road a few times.
HIKING NEWS AND UPDATES
Last weekend, you didn’t need snowshoes or skis to walk up the road to Tower Falls, as the snow was packed down nicely. That is going to change. This weekend will be very snowy, so you’ll definitely need snowshoes or skis to do pretty much any trek around the park. You can walk the boardwalks of Mammoth with just good boots or traction devices, but be careful as it will be slick.
TREK OF THE WEEK
This week, since it will be snowy, I am recommending something close to Mammoth. You guessed it, you should snowshoe or cross-country ski on the upper terrace loop! Wandering the Upper Terrace at Mammoth is a nice substitute and much less expensive than booking a full day’s tour down to the geyser basins. This short and occasionally steeper-than-you-expect loop route is a great little jaunt, getting you up close and personal with a few of the park’s memorable features. For snowshoers, this trail is a great introduction to the region, as well as a chance to get to some of the lesser-seen winter sights. You’ll also have a chance to potentially see wildlife, as well as follow one of the original guided routes of the park, dating back to the 1800s. The hike is a little over 2 miles in total, with a few hundred feet of elevation gain and loss.
BOOK A HIKING TOUR
Would you rather hike the trails with a knowledgeable expert on the park?
I offer private guided hiking services in Yellowstone and would be happy to help you have an amazing time out in the wilds of the park. Feel free to reach out to me directly, or check out my current guided hiking options at outdoor-society.com
PICK UP A GUIDEBOOK
Enjoying this information, but want even more?
I have a wildlife-watching guidebook and a hiking guidebook to the region available at my store. Both ebook and paperback copies are available at outdoor-society.com.
