by 
This week in Yellowstone National Park, February 27th to March 5th, 2025, I share the location of a roadside bear den, recommend a scientific news letter about the Yellowstone Supervolcano, share yet another awesome hike to take when there is still snow on the ground, and give you all of the weather, wildlife and road updates you’ll need to enjoy your time visiting Yellowstone National Park this coming week.
The standard disclaimer: I might miss a few things, so if there’s anything else you’d like to know, reach out! I also mention park locations casually, so a quick search might help if you’re unfamiliar. Also, this report only covers driveable areas of the park.
Listen to this as a podcast!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
Before I get started, I want to let you know that this podcast is a labor of love. If you enjoy what I am doing, let me know with a review or email. When you do visit the park, consider booking a hiking tour with me. Picture yourself hiking the trails with me, sharing the best spots, hidden gems, and all the incredible wildlife stories the park has to offer. I also give all of my tour guests as much information as possible to ensure their trip continues to be amazing. My guided hiking tours will forever change how you view Yellowstone, giving you an unforgettable adventure beyond the boardwalks.
If you’d like to know more, reach out to me directly or check out my current guided hiking options at the link at the top of this page. Let’s make your Yellowstone adventure one to remember!
Ok, on to the news.
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
Seasonal worker numbers in national parks are expected to rise in 2025. Following a pause in seasonal hiring that raised concerns about staffing, Yellowstone may see an increase in workers compared to last year. According to KBZK in Bozeman, the National Park Service plans to expand seasonal hiring from 6,300 in 2024 to 7,700 in 2025. It remains unclear how many of these positions will be allocated to Yellowstone, but the increase could help address staffing needs during the busy summer months.
This week’s other news is a sign that spring is coming soon. This is the last week that you will be able to take a snowcoach into the interior from Mammoth Hot Springs, as well as access Canyon and Norris by snowcoach and snowmobile from West Yellowstone. The park website states that the season will end from Mammoth on March 2nd, 2025. On March 4th, Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village, and Canyon Village to Washburn Hot Springs Overlook will all be closed to snowcoach and snowmobile travel. The rest of the interior will close to over-snow travel by March 15th.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
I struggled with wanting to share this experience. It isn’t because it isn’t cool, but it is often not as exciting as it should be. What experience am I talking about? The visible bear den near the Petrified Tree.
Located at the large pullout near the Petrified Tree turn out, between Floating Island Lake and Tower Junction, there is a chance to look into a bear’s den. This black bear den has been used three out of the last four years and is a good, quick stop when heading to or from Lamar Valley.
While it may seem kinda lame with your naked eye, with a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, you might get a glimpse of the bear. Occasionally, the bear will have its face out of the hole, or a paw. The reason I don’t find it too exciting is because more often than not, you are just looking across a gully and staring into a hole.
Now, I get that I am being a little negative about this experience. There is a chance that you won’t see much of anything. However, now that the last gasps of deep winter are possibly behind us, there is a chance that the bear will be more active. Each and every week, the chances of seeing an active bear here increase, so definitely check it out.
By the way, I am sure I will mention this again, but bears do not truly hibernate; instead, they enter a state called denning or winter torpor. Hibernation and torpor are both states of reduced metabolic activity used by animals to conserve energy. Torpor is a short-term, temporary state of lowered body temperature and metabolism, often lasting hours or days. Hibernation is a prolonged, deep state of dormancy with significantly reduced body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism, lasting weeks or months.
Unlike true hibernators, a bear’s body temperature during torpor drops only slightly, and they can wake up more easily if disturbed. They also remain capable of giving birth and nursing cubs during this period.
TIP OF THE WEEK
One of many people’s conversations when visiting Yellowstone is about the supervolcano. From inquiring about the likelihood of an eruption to curiosity about how the plumbing works in the thermal features, people love the idea of a supervolcano. This week, my tip is to check out a super cool resource that will help you learn everything you’d ever want to know.
The Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is something you should check out. Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mark Stelten, a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and deputy Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. While often covering complex issues, the writing is fantastic and mostly easy to understand. With the first post being Dec 1st, 2003, you have a lot of information available. You can sign up to receive each week’s post in your email, making it even easier to learn all about the Yellowstone Caldera.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
Lamar Valley: It is going to be toasty for part of this coming week. Highs in Lamar will be in the low to mid-40s through Sunday, with lows during that time in the 20s and teens. On Monday, there is a slight chance of snow showers as the colder weather returns. Highs from Monday to Wednesday will be in the 30s and lows in the teens.
Cooke City: Just like Lamar, Cooke City will be warm for this time of year on Thursday through Sunday, with highs in the 40s and lows in the teens. Monday may see some snow, and the high will be in the mid-30s, then high temps drop into the upper 20s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a chance of snow each day.
Gardiner: Gardiner will be even warmer this week, with highs in the 40s and even low-50s during the weekend. Lows will still be in the teens and 20s, though. On Monday, expect cooler temps and clouds, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. Tuesday and Wednesday will be partly sunny with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s.
As always, temperature may be higher or lower than I say, and snowfall amounts may also be higher or lower. The area is hard to predict, especially more than a day or two out.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
The snowpack in Yellowstone is looking pretty good. While it could be higher, it is currently hovering in the 90% of normal range and higher. At this time in 2024, the snowpack was in the upper 60% of normal range in most of the park. With some warmth in the region, I expect the snowpack to drop a little, but shouldn’t change substantially.
ROADS CONDITIONS
The roads this week should be pretty good. You’ll still have some sections of snow and ice here and there, but generally, I anticipate pretty smooth sailing as you drive the park. Expect road conditions to worsen the closer to Cooke City you get.
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
You know how every week I say not to camp at Mammoth? Well, not this week. If you are wanting a winter camping experience this winter in Yellowstone, this is the week for you! With warm (for us) temperatures, a camping adventure at Mammoth could be quite fun. Honestly, if my van was running, I would be considering a night or two.
WILDLIFE WATCHING UPDATE
You have to listen to the podcast to get this information. Sorry.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
PICK UP A GUIDEBOOK
Love what you have heard on this podcast and want more information on wildlife watching? Get a copy of my wildlife-watching guidebook to the region! Available in both ebook and paperback formats, my book will help you spot wildlife like a seasoned local. Please consider buying a book directly from me, as I make nothing when they are sold on Amazon. Grab your copy now at outdoor-society.com!
HIKING NEWS AND UPDATES
If you are snowshoeing or cross country skiing this week, expect some pretty bad snow. With warm temps during the day and freezing overnight, it will be slick and hard snow to travel on. Also, if you are doing the boardwalks, expect slushy conditions during the day and slick/icy paths in the morning hours.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Lost Lake and Lost Creek Falls View.
The trail to Lost Lake and the upper viewpoint of Lost Creek Falls are often overlooked, much like many other trails I feature in my guidebook. While the Petrified Tree area remains a popular destination, few individuals venture beyond the well-trodden paved path, fewer still in the winter.
However, those who do make their way to the caged tree in the winter months have an opportunity to expand their adventure and step off the beaten track to experience the tranquility of Lost Lake along with the breathtaking view of the frozen over Lost Creek Falls. The trail to the lake is extremely easy to follow, passing through a narrow gap between hills before arriving in an open area that houses the lake. In the winter, the lake is frozen and covered in snow, creating a wide open expanse for you to wander and look for animal tracks. I have seen most of the major animal tracks here in the snow, including wolves.
Beyond the lake, the trail crosses a quaint little bridge over the creek, enters a forest, and darts toward the top of the canyon. Keep your expectations of walking atop a canyon low, as the forest keeps it mostly hidden as you traverse around it. After crossing another small bridge over the creek, you’ll head along the opposite side of the canyon. The trees remain, but more glimpses of the canyon begin emerging to your left. Keep an eye out for clearings as you near the end of the canyon. From a few spots, you’ll be able to walk short boot paths to the canyon rim and see the majestic Lost Creek Falls. Be cautious of cornices on the canyon rim.
This is a 5.5-mile out-and-back trek in the winter with about 200 feet of elevation gain and loss. Please contact me if you’d like more information on this route.
Or, you can pick up a copy of my hiking guidebook, Beyond the Boardwalks: Yellowstone National Park and find your perfect hike in the region. Please consider buying a book directly from me, as I make nothing when they are sold on Amazon.
