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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from May 1st to May 7th, I continue to share the news about roads opening up in the park, give an update on “The Plug” and the Beartooth Highway, give you the information you need to have when bringing a dog to Yellowstone, share a trail I love, and give you some cool facts about he Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner, Montana. I also talk about harlequin ducks, which you’ll either be fascinated by or not care at all. Of course, I also give you all the weather, wildlife watching updates, tips, and information I can to give you the best possible trip to America’s first National Park, This Week in Yellowstone.
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/
Disclaimer: I might miss a few details, so feel free to reach out with questions! I also mention park locations casually—if you’re unfamiliar, a quick search can help. This report only covers drivable areas of the park.
Also, these posts are a passion project—I’m not paid or sponsored. If you’re enjoying it, I’d love a review or a quick email! To support my work, check out my guidebooks on hiking and wildlife watching, or join me for a guided Yellowstone tour. For details, visit outdoor-society.com or reach out directly!
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
The biggest news of the coming week is the opening of the East Gate, as well as Hayden Valley, which is scheduled for May 2nd. This road connects Cody, Wyoming, to the park. This also means that the road from Canyon to Fishing Bridge, passing through Hayden Valley, will be open. This opening is weather-dependent, so always check the park road conditions before heading to the park.
The Plug will be opening soon.
“The Plug” is a 9-mile stretch of Highway 212 and one of the snowiest mountain passes in Montana. From Pilot Creek, WY, to Cooke City, it’s the main groomed trail for recreational access to the backcountry and remains unplowed from October to May. Generally, “The Plug” opens in the first or second week of May. Since there is no scheduled opening date for it, I will be mentioning it this week and maybe next.
When has the plug opened in previous years?
2024: May 2nd
2023: May 10th
2022: May 11th
2021: May 14th
2020: May 9th
2019: May 8th
Please keep in mind that the plug is not the same as the Beartooth Highway. The Beartooth Highway is currently being worked on, with a goal of being open by Memorial Day. I will provide updates on that as I receive them.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE TIDBIT
The Story Behind Yellowstone’s Iconic Roosevelt Arch
These days, it’s hard to imagine the National Park Service approving a large, purely decorative structure. But when the Roosevelt Arch was first dreamed up, times were different. Gardiner, Montana, was Yellowstone National Park’s primary entrance, and as the first national park in the country, Yellowstone was seen as a crown jewel of natural preservation. Park officials wanted an entrance that matched its importance.
The idea for the Arch came during Yellowstone’s “Army era,” when the U.S. Army was in charge of protecting and managing the park. One officer, Hiram M. Chittenden of the Army Corps of Engineers, looked around at the dusty, unremarkable approach to the park and felt it lacked the sense of grandeur Yellowstone deserved. Park administrators and local townspeople agreed, and plans began for a grand new entrance.
In 1903, with the arch partially constructed, President Theodore Roosevelt, who happened to be vacationing in the park, was invited to lay the cornerstone at a large dedication ceremony. Thousands attended, and the event brought national attention to the project. Although the structure wasn’t originally built to honor Roosevelt, his involvement in the ceremony led to it being named after him.
The finished Arch, towering 50 feet high, was built using hundreds of tons of local columnar basalt, hauled in from a nearby quarry. It was designed to be seen from a distance, making a powerful visual statement as visitors approached the park. The cost at the time was around $10,000, which would be about $340,000 today.
Early designs for the Arch were even more ambitious than what you see now. The curved walls on either side were meant to enclose a lush garden complete with two ponds and a waterfall. But those plans were quickly abandoned once it became clear that Gardiner’s dry climate wouldn’t support such landscaping.
Interestingly, the designer of the Arch remains a mystery. Some historians believe Robert Reamer, best known for designing the Old Faithful Inn, may have been involved. Others point to a lesser-known architect, Nels J. Ness. But due to a lack of documentation, no one can say for sure.
Hidden inside the Arch is a time capsule, or what people at the time called a “canister.” Arranged by local Masons during the dedication, it reportedly contains items like a Bible, a photograph of Roosevelt, Masonic documents, coins, and local newspapers. The plaque on the Arch carries a quote from the 1872 legislation that established Yellowstone: “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” a phrase that continues to capture the spirit of the national parks.
If you look closely as you pass through the Arch from the Gardiner side, you can spot the original cornerstone. It’s tucked low into the right tower and engraved with the date: April 24, 1903.
Despite helping dedicate it, President Roosevelt never saw the completed Arch. He didn’t return to Yellowstone after that visit. Still, his name lives on at one of the park’s most iconic landmarks, welcoming millions of visitors to this day.
Far more information on the arch than you may ever want can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/upload/YS_11_3_sm.pdf
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK.
Harlequin Ducks at LeHardy Rapids: Yellowstone’s Whitewater Specialists
If you’re spending time in Yellowstone and want to spot something a little off the beaten path, something that most visitors miss, keep your eyes on the rapids. The Harlequin Duck is one of the park’s most stunning and unique birds, and it’s also one of the hardest to find unless you know where to look.
The males are true showstoppers: deep slate-blue with chestnut flanks and bold white markings on the face and body. They almost look painted. Females are more understated, dressed in soft browns and grays, but they still have that signature white patch around the eye that gives them a touch of elegance. Even when you spot them, they can almost disappear against the swirling water and rocks, so keep those binoculars handy.
What makes Harlequin Ducks really stand out, though, isn’t just how they look—it’s where they live. These birds love whitewater. They’re built for it, perfectly adapted to fast-moving streams and crashing currents. You won’t find them bobbing lazily on a pond or lake. Instead, they dive headfirst into the frothy water, slipping beneath the surface to forage for aquatic insects, crustaceans, and larvae clinging to underwater rocks.
They’ll paddle upstream with powerful strokes, dive into the roughest part of the current, and pop up several yards away like it’s nothing. Watching them is a little like watching tiny kayakers—confident, athletic, and completely at home in the rapids.
One of the best places to see them in Yellowstone is LeHardy Rapids, a short stretch of fast-moving water on the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone Lake. It’s an easy stop—there’s a boardwalk with signs and viewing spots, and it’s a great place to take a break and watch the river do its thing. In the spring and early summer, Harlequin Ducks often gather here to breed and raise their young, making this the best time to visit if you want a chance to spot them.
Beyond the ducks, LeHardy Rapids is also a hotspot for wildlife activity thanks to the cutthroat trout that spawn in the area. If your timing’s right, you might catch trout leaping up the rapids in impressive displays of strength and determination.
If you’re hoping to see Harlequins, plan to be there early in the morning, when the light is soft and the ducks are more active. Bring binoculars and some patience, because these ducks are much better at hiding in plain sight than you’d expect, especially among the swirling whitewater and rocks.
And here’s a cool bit of trivia: Harlequin Ducks spend most of the year along rocky coastlines—think the Pacific Northwest—braving ocean surf and spray. Yellowstone is one of the few inland places in North America where they nest in the wild. That makes every sighting here feel a little extra special, like you’ve stumbled on a secret Yellowstone experience most people never know about.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Dogs and Yellowstone
Thinking of Bringing Your Pet to Yellowstone? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re dreaming of hiking scenic trails or strolling the famous boardwalks with your pet, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Yellowstone isn’t the best place for that kind of adventure.
I know that’s probably not what you were hoping to hear. And truly, I’m not here to ruin your excitement—I just want to give you a heads-up so you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises. While the National Park Service loves pet owners (you’ve probably seen their fun B.A.R.K. Ranger program online), the reality is that most national parks—including Yellowstone—have very strict rules about where pets are allowed.
Here’s the short version: Pets are not allowed on Yellowstone’s trails, boardwalks, in thermal areas, or in the backcountry. Period. Even if your dog is in a carrier, stroller, or your arms, it doesn’t matter. These rules apply across the board.
So, what can you do with your pet in the park? You’re welcome to bring your dog as long as they stay within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, or campgrounds. They must be on a leash (6 feet or shorter), in a crate, or inside a vehicle. You can walk them around parking areas or paved roads, and yes, you can technically view Old Faithful with your dog—from a distance, not from the seating areas on the boardwalk.
If you’re only planning to drive the scenic loop and take in the views from your car, your pup can totally tag along. Just be aware that if you plan to get out and explore the natural wonders on foot, your dog will need to stay behind.
These rules aren’t in place to be mean. They’re designed to keep everyone safe, especially your pet. Sadly, every few years, a dog gets burned or even killed after jumping into a hot spring or running off the trail. Wildlife is another concern. Predators like bears and coyotes can pose serious dangers to pets, and pets can spread diseases to native wildlife. Plus, not everyone is comfortable around animals, so the park wants to make sure all visitors have a peaceful experience.
A quick note on service animals: legitimate service dogs are allowed in most areas, but emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and pets wearing vests bought online are not considered service animals. Please don’t abuse that system—it hurts the people who truly rely on trained service animals.
Now, if you’re set on hiking or walking trails with your dog, there are great options nearby! Surrounding National Forests and public lands outside of Yellowstone are far more pet-friendly, with millions of acres and thousands of miles of trails to explore. Towns like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cody, and Bozeman also offer dog boarding, in case you want a day or two to explore the park without worry.
Have questions or need a pet-friendly trail suggestion outside the park? Just ask—I’d love to help!
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
Lamar Valley: Thursday through Sunday will be mostly sunny and decently warm in Lamar Valley, with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 20s and 30s. Rain and thunderstorms are expected on Sunday afternoon, with a high of 60 and a low of 37. Monday through Wednesday will be partly sunny with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, with a slight chance of rain each day.
Cooke City: Cooke City’s forecast is pretty much the same as Lamar’s, but expect temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler each day, and a slight chance of snow on Sunday and Monday.
Gardiner: After a Thursday of partly sunny skies and a high in the 50s, things will heat up in Gardiner. Friday’s high will be 68, and the low will be 36; then Saturday will see a high of 71 and a low of 40. Late clouds and thunderstorms are expected on Sunday, with a high of 68 and a low of 41, then a cloudy Monday will be in the 50s before things get partly sunny with a high in the 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
West Yellowstone: Thursday through Sunday will be mostly sunny and decently warm, with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 20s and 30s. Rain and thunderstorms are expected on Sunday afternoon, with a high of 60 and a low of 37. Monday through Wednesday will be partly sunny with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, with a slight chance of rain each day.
Old Faithful: Old Faithful’s forecast is pretty much the same as West’s, but expect temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler each day.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
Thanks to a snowy weekend, the snowpack for most of the park is still in fantastic shape. Most of the park is in the 90% of normal range, with the NE corner way up at 108% of normal. This is fantastic news as we are starting to turn the weather corner into real spring out here.
ROADS CONDITIONS
With no snow or serious precipitation in the forecast, roads should be great. However, keep alert for any construction vehicles on the road and potential delays starting near the old and new bridge site by Tower Junction and through Golden Gate. The construction work probably won’t be happening this week, but it is better to expect it early and be happy when nothing is going on.
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.
CAMPING INFO
Mammoth Hot Springs remains the only open campground in the park and will be the only open campground in the park until May. However, additional camping options are available and will continue to open outside the park. If you need some spots to camp, reach out, and I can share a few.
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
Anything in the Canyon, Hayden, and Fishing Bridge areas is going to be snowy enough that you may need snowshoes. Expect snow on the trails between Canyon and Norris, and the boardwalk at Norris, as well. Elsewhere, the lower trails in the northern range of the park will be mostly snow-free, but could be a little muddy if there has been any precipitation. The boardwalks and trails in the geyser basins are mostly snow-free if you stay in the lower elevations. Expect runoff and muddy conditions pretty much everywhere.
As of the time of the recording, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail is still closed.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Yellowstone River Overlook Trail at the Yellowstone River Picnic Area.
I know, I recommended this trail a little while ago, but now is the time to do it again, especially since we are still waiting on some snow and mud to get better elsewhere. Unlike in the winter, this time when you hike this trail, I am suggesting you hike it from the Specimen Ridge West Trailhead, just after the Yellowstone River Picnic Area. This will have you avoiding potential closures for construction on the new bridge, which closes the picnic area from time to time.
Starting at the Specimen Ridge Trail, the path meanders slowly uphill through the prairie. This time of the year, expect to see bison, bighorn sheep, marmots, hawks, eagles, pronghorn, and maybe even a black bear. If any wildlife is blocking your path, be sure to pass it by at least the required viewing distance for wildlife. That is 100 yards for bears and wolves, and 25 yards for all other animals.
As the trail climbs more steeply, you’ll soon round a few corners and find yourself on top of the canyon rim. From here, follow the river downstream, walking on the canyon rim and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Go at least to the big bend in the river across from the Calcite Springs Overlook, where you can see steam rising from the base of the butte, along the bank of the river. Those hoping for some longer mileage should hike to the top of the Yellowstone River Picnic Area, staying to the left on the canyon rim and not taking the trail down to the picnic area.
The trail is best known for showcasing the unique geology and sweeping views of the canyon, river, and mountains of the northern range. This hike makes for the perfect half-day jaunt and is sure to get you away from the increasing traffic driving to and from Lamar Valley.
Expect to gain about 700 feet in elevation on this 5-mile out-and-back trek.
NEXT WEEK
In next week’s episode, I’ll return with all of the information you need to have a good week in the park, including wildlife, weather, and trail updates.
Until then, happy trails!
