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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from May 22nd to May 28th, I will talk about the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, tell you about a cool trek to take when you are there, share some tips about staying safe in bear country from Yellowstone National Park, and let you know of a few scenic roads scheduled to open this Friday. I will also give you the weather forecast, wildlife report, and everything else you need to have an incredible time, “This Week in Yellowstone.”
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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
This week, things have been pretty slow. Obviously, the biggest news of the week was the grizzly bear that had to be put down by the park. Between early April and mid-May, the 400-pound bear overturned several 800-pound dumpsters and tore smaller trash cans from their concrete bases in pursuit of an easy meal. The bear’s activities were documented near Old Faithful, the Nez Perce Picnic Area, and the Midway Geyser Basin parking lot—some of the most visited locations in the park.
Despite Yellowstone’s extensive efforts to deter wildlife from human food sources, the bear’s persistence and ingenuity raised serious safety concerns. Over time, it became food-conditioned, a behavior that often leads to repeated and increasingly bold attempts to obtain human food, and a higher risk to visitors.
“It’s unfortunate that this bear began regularly seeking out garbage and was able to defeat the park’s bear-resistant infrastructure,” said Bear Management Biologist Kerry Gunther. “We go to great lengths to protect bears and prevent them from becoming conditioned to human food. But occasionally, a bear outsmarts us or overcomes our defenses.”
Officials say the decision to trap and euthanize the animal on May 14 was made in alignment with the park’s bear management plan, which seeks to prevent dangerous human-bear encounters and stop problematic behavior from spreading to other bears.
The last grizzly euthanized under similar circumstances in Yellowstone was in 2017, after a bear damaged tents and repeatedly accessed food in remote backcountry campsites.
For those asking, why not relocate or send the bear to a zoo?
Yellowstone National Park officials answered this.
The short answer is it doesn’t work.
Bears exhibit strong fidelity to their established home ranges, where they are familiar with seasonal food availability and their position within the local social hierarchy. In Yellowstone, relocating bears is not an effective long-term solution, as it is not possible to move them far enough to prevent their return to the original conflict site or to ensure they won’t encounter similar conflict opportunities in the relocation area.
The park’s long-term monitoring of relocated bears confirms very low success rates in the park. Since the 1970s, 54% of grizzly bears that were involved in conflicts and relocated in Yellowstone caused more conflicts after their relocation.
In rare cases, young bears that are still dependent on their mothers can be sent to a zoo. Wild, adult bears are not candidates for rehoming in a zoo.
Other News:
Tourism season officially kicks off this weekend, with visitation growing every week for the next few months. Expect wait times to be long at West Yellowstone, especially after 8 am until around 10 or 11 am. Traffic around the popular spots will also be increasing, with parking harder to find and bison and bear jams slowing down travel times throughout the park. Next week, I will talk more about the travel times and lines at West Yellowstone.
The last bit of news I have isn’t really news. It is just a reminder that the appropriate viewing distance from bears is 100 yards. In the last week, I have seen plenty of bears along the side of the road, and nearly every single time, people are getting much closer than 100 yards.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
The Brink of the Lower Falls
If you’re visiting Yellowstone and looking for a short hike with a huge payoff, the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail should be at the top of your list. This quick descent brings you face-to-face with one of the park’s most iconic and powerful sights—the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which crashes down more than 300 feet into the canyon below. Standing at the very edge of the falls, you’ll feel the ground tremble beneath your feet and hear the roar of water plunging into the canyon with an unforgettable force.
The trail starts just off North Rim Drive, near Canyon Village. From the parking area, you’ll follow a well-maintained, paved path that drops steeply through a series of tight switchbacks. It’s not a long hike, less than a mile round-trip, but it’s a steady climb back up, so be ready for a workout on the return. The descent is surprisingly quick, and the sound of the falls grows louder with every step, building anticipation as you approach the overlook.
When you reach the bottom, you’ll step onto a viewing platform that sits right at the brink of the falls. From here, you can watch more than 600,000 gallons of water per second rush past and drop into the canyon. The mist, the wind, and the thundering sound all combine to make it one of the most immersive and exhilarating experiences in the park. Look downstream and you’ll see the Yellowstone River winding its way through the colorful walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a view that’s equally stunning in its own way.
Although the trail is short, the steep incline on the way back up can be challenging for some, especially in the heat and for those who live at lower elevations. It’s a good idea to take your time, rest when you need to, and bring some water, even if you’re just planning a quick stop. The trail is usually open from late spring through fall, depending on weather and snowpack, and it can get busy during the summer months. If you can, try to hike it early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds and catch better light in the canyon.
What makes this hike special isn’t just the view, it’s the feeling of being right there, at the edge of something immense and impossibly powerful. While overlooks like Artist Point give you the classic postcard view from afar, the Brink of the Lower Falls lets you experience the falls up close, in full sensory detail. It’s a perspective you can’t get anywhere else in the park and one that many visitors say is a highlight of their Yellowstone trip.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Beginning Safety Information for Hiking In Bear Territory
When you’re hiking in areas where bears live—like Yellowstone, Glacier, or other national parks in the West—it’s essential to stay alert and take specific precautions. One of the most important things to do is watch for signs that bears are nearby. These signs can include freshly made tracks in the dirt, piles of bear scat (droppings), logs or stumps that have been torn apart (often from bears foraging for insects), trees marked with fresh claw scratches, dug-up ground, and even animal carcasses that may be serving as a current food source. All of these are strong indicators that a bear may be in the area. If you come across any of these signs, increase your vigilance and consider turning back or taking another route.
Know Before You Go
Before setting out on your hike, take time to gather information about the area you’ll be exploring. Contact the park’s visitor center or speak with a ranger to find out what types of bears inhabit the region—some parks have both black bears and grizzly bears, which behave differently. Ask whether there are any trail closures or restricted zones due to recent bear activity or ongoing bear management efforts. These closures are not suggestions—they are implemented for the safety of both people and wildlife, and should always be respected. Being well-informed before you hit the trail ensures you’re not walking into a situation unprepared.
Understand Bear Habitat
Knowing what kind of terrain and vegetation bears prefer can help you stay safer. Bears tend to frequent habitats where they can easily find food, water, shelter, and security. This means thick underbrush, forests with dense tree cover, and areas filled with berry-producing plants are all high-probability bear zones. Bears also favor natural features like gullies, riverbanks, and tall grasses that allow them to move without being easily seen. These features can make it difficult for hikers to spot a bear until they’re very close—something you definitely want to avoid.
During late summer and fall, bears become especially active as they search for high-calorie foods to prepare for hibernation. You’ll want to be especially cautious around patches of berry bushes, flowering plants, or other fruiting vegetation. Likewise, creeks, lakes, and rivers are hotspots for bear activity, particularly where fish or water-loving plants are abundant. In any of these areas, proceed carefully and keep your eyes and ears open.
Hike Smart: Go Together, Not Alone
Hiking in groups is one of the most effective ways to avoid a bear encounter. Groups of three or more people are significantly less likely to surprise a bear than someone hiking alone or in pairs. The combined sound, scent, and visibility of a group alerts bears to your presence from farther away, giving them time to move off before you get close. In the rare event of a bear encounter, having multiple people also improves the group’s ability to respond appropriately and look out for one another.
It’s also worth noting that trail running is highly discouraged in bear country. Moving quickly and quietly through the wilderness increases the odds of surprising a bear at close range, which is one of the most common triggers for a defensive bear attack. While it may be tempting to get in a trail run, your safety—and the bear’s—depends on slower, more deliberate travel.
Make Noise—and Make It Count
One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid surprising a bear is to make consistent noise as you hike. This lets bears know you’re coming, and gives them a chance to avoid you. Talking loudly to your hiking companions, occasionally singing, or calling out phrases like “Hey bear!” or “Coming through!” at regular intervals can all serve this purpose. You can also clap your hands or bang your trekking poles together when visibility is limited.
In areas near noisy creeks or waterfalls, or on windy days, your voice may not carry as far, so it’s important to increase your volume and frequency. Be particularly vocal when approaching blind corners, hill crests, or dense brush where bears might not see or hear you until you’re too close. While many hikers purchase bear bells to clip on their packs, research and experience show that these bells are generally too quiet to serve as an effective warning system. Your voice is your best tool.
If You See a Bear
If you see a bear before it notices you, stay calm and do not try to get closer. Instead, begin backing away slowly and quietly while keeping your eyes on the bear. Talk to it in a calm, steady tone so it knows you’re human and not a threat. Never turn your back or run—running can trigger a bear’s chase instinct, even if it wasn’t initially interested in you.
Avoid hiking during times of day when bears are most active—dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Bears tend to forage, hunt, or move around more during these cooler hours, and your chance of crossing paths with them is significantly higher.
Be Extra Cautious Around Sows and Cubs
Mother bears, or sows, are known for their fierce and protective behavior toward their cubs. If you encounter bear cubs—whether alone or with the mother visible nearby—your first and only priority should be to leave the area calmly and immediately. Even if you don’t see the sow, she is likely close and will interpret any approach as a threat to her young.
Never position yourself between a sow and her cubs. If you find yourself in this dangerous position, move slowly and deliberately to a safe distance while keeping an eye on the mother. Speak in a soft, non-threatening voice, avoid sudden movements, and be prepared to use bear spray if the situation escalates. Do not run or make loud noises, as this may provoke a charge.
Hiking in bear country demands a heightened level of awareness and preparation, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. By learning to recognize bear signs, understanding their habitats and behaviors, making noise, and traveling in groups, you significantly reduce your chances of a negative encounter. Stay informed, follow park guidelines, and respect wildlife from a safe distance to help ensure your outdoor adventure is not only safe but memorable for all the right reasons.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE FACT OF THE WEEK
Tucked deep within Yellowstone National Park lies one of its most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural wonders—the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Stretching approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) in length, reaching depths of 800 to 1,200 feet (244 to 366 meters), and measuring between 1,500 and 4,000 feet wide, this canyon is not only a visual spectacle but also a profound geological storybook shaped by fire, water, and time.
Unlike the more widely known Grand Canyon in Arizona, which was primarily carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone owes much of its existence to volcanic and hydrothermal forces.
Roughly 640,000 years ago, a cataclysmic volcanic eruption created the Yellowstone Caldera, a 30-by-45-mile collapsed volcanic depression that today underlies much of the park. In the tens of thousands of years that followed, subsequent volcanic activity filled the caldera with rhyolite lava flows. This silica-rich volcanic rock forms the bedrock of the canyon area.
What makes the Yellowstone Canyon unique is the influence of hydrothermal alteration on this rhyolitic rock. Superheated water, steam, and acidic gases from underground geothermal systems interacted with the rock, chemically weakening and staining it. Over time, the weakened rock became far more susceptible to erosion by the Yellowstone River, which began carving the canyon approximately 160,000 to 140,000 years ago, with additional incision likely continuing to the present day.
One of the most iconic and visually interesting aspects of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is its vivid coloration. The canyon walls shimmer in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and even white. These colors are not due to mineral deposits like copper or sulfur, but rather the oxidation of iron compounds in the altered rhyolite.
When iron in the rock is exposed to oxygen, especially through hydrothermal fluids, it rusts, just like iron metal does when left out in the rain. The resulting palette gives the canyon its name and contributes to its striking, almost surreal appearance. The yellow hues are primarily from limonite, a type of iron oxide-hydroxide, while the reds and pinks indicate a higher degree of oxidation.
The Yellowstone River, which remains undammed along its entire 692-mile course, drops dramatically into the canyon through two major waterfalls that captivate visitors and photographers alike.
Upper Falls plunges 109 feet (33 meters) and can be viewed up close from a short trail near the Canyon Village area. While smaller than its downstream sibling, it offers a thunderous prelude to what follows.
Lower Falls, the canyon’s centerpiece, is the tallest waterfall in the park at 308 feet (94 meters)—nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. It was likely formed where the river crosses a more resistant lava flow that eroded more slowly than the surrounding rock. The force of the water, combined with the underlying geology, continues to shape the falls’ plunge pool and nearby rock faces.
On sunny days, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, visitors may be treated to ethereal rainbows dancing in the mist rising from the Lower Falls—an effect that only adds to the grandeur of the scene.
Though the canyon may appear timeless, it remains geologically active. The region’s hydrothermal systems continue to operate beneath the surface, subtly altering and weakening the bedrock. These forces, combined with weathering and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, result in frequent rockfalls and landslides. The canyon is very much a dynamic, evolving landscape—a rare window into the intersection of volcanic and erosional processes.
Visitors can explore the canyon via the North and South Rim Drives, both of which offer multiple lookout points such as Inspiration Point, Lookout Point, Grand View, and Brink of the Lower Falls. Several hiking trails offer closer perspectives but can be strenuous, with steep descents and numerous stairs.
It’s essential to stay on designated trails and obey closure signs. The geology that makes the canyon so beautiful—soft, thermally altered rock—also makes it prone to sudden collapses and unstable footing.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is more than just a pretty vista—it’s a geologic masterpiece forged by fiery eruptions, sculpted by persistent rivers, and painted by the hand of chemical transformation. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a serious geology buff, the canyon offers not just views, but insight into Earth’s powerful and ongoing story of creation and change.
WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK
Lamar Valley: After a rainy Thursday afternoon and evening, the rest of the week looks pretty good for Lamar. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will have highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s, with lows in the mid-30s and a slight chance of rain. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be warmer, with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 30s, with around a 25% chance of rain each day.
Gardiner: Thursday will see a high around 60 and a low in the 30s, with a chance of rain developing in the afternoon and early evening hours. Friday through Sunday will be partly to mostly sunny, with highs in the 60s and lows in the upper 30s. There is a 24% chance of rain on Saturday, and a slight chance of rain every day. Monday through Wednesday will see temperatures climb into the 70s as highs and the 40s as lows, with a slight chance of rain each day.
West Yellowstone: After a cloudy Thursday with a chance of rain in the evening, the weekend looks good. Friday through Sunday will be sunny and cloudy, and will have a high in the low 60s and a low in the low 30s, with a slight chance of rain each day. Monday through Wednesday will have highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and lows in the upper 30s. There is also a small chance of rain each day.
Old Faithful: Old Faithful will be similar to West Yellowstone, just five degrees cooler and with an increased chance of rain each day.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
The snowpack as of May 21st, 2025, is fine. It could be better, but it could also be a lot worse. The interior of the park is around 83% of normal, up from 68% last week. The mountains surrounding the park are fairing better, with numbers in the high 80s and 90% of the normal range.
ROAD CONDITIONS
After an exciting day of snow on Tuesday, which led to some overnight road closures, this coming week looks to be much calmer. I do not anticipate any major issues this week in the park.
The most exciting news for roads is that, weather permitting, Dunraven Pass, connecting Tower to Canyon, will open on the 23rd of May. It could open slightly earlier, as it has in the last few years. Also, the Beartooth Highway is scheduled to open on the 23rd, as well, weather dependent. The Plug, east of Cooke City, has also been open for over a week. I forgot to mention it last week. Sorry.
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
As always, Mammoth Hot Springs campground is open. The Madison Campground near the West Yellowstone entrance is now open. The Fishing Bridge RV Park and Bridge Bay are also open. Tower is said to be opening on the 23rd.
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
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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 the link above!
HIKING NEWS AND UPDATES
Every day, more trails in the park open. The general rule of thumb is to expect mud on the trails right now and be happy when there isn’t any. The lower elevation trails, not mountain trails, are mostly snow-free and ready to rock. Higher elevation trails will have snow. Even Bunsen Peak is still not fully melted out yet, but it is doable. Also, check with rangers about bear conditions on trails. Trails are opening and closing right now faster than the Backcountry Situation Report is updating.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Today, I am recommending the Storm Point Trail near Fishing Bridge. It is considered to be a very easy hike, coming in at under three miles in length with around 100 feet of elevation gain.
The trail starts by skirting the shoreline of Indian Pond, a spot rich in history and quiet beauty. Its name comes from Native American artifacts uncovered here in 1880, including remnants of wickiups and animal corrals. An early geologist once observed that Indian Pond seemed to be a preferred site for crafting tools, thanks to its location near stone quarries, the game-rich Pelican Valley, and the abundant waters of Yellowstone Lake.
As you hike the area, you’ll more than likely catch sight of bison lounging in the grass or grazing nearby. These powerful creatures once dominated the plains—some 60 million roamed the West before their numbers collapsed by the end of the 19th century. Yellowstone stands alone as the only place where wild bison have lived continuously since settlers arrived. Although they may seem slow and unbothered, bison can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous, give them space and observe from afar. This spot is commonly a place where people have been gored or charged by bison.
Bison aren’t the only wildlife to be aware of here. Bears in the spring are common here, and it isn’t uncommon to see this trail closed due to bear activity. I hiked here recently and saw fresh bear tracks and bear scat all over. Do not hike here without bear spray and a knowledge of how to stay safe in bear country.
The trail continues onward to the vast expanse of Yellowstone Lake, veering right to follow the shoreline. Near Storm Point, the landscape comes alive with yellow-bellied marmots. These stocky, golden-brown rodents—often mistaken for oversized squirrels—can grow up to two feet long, tail included. You’ll likely hear their piercing chirps before you spot them. In winter, marmots enter true hibernation: their body temperature plummets, their heartbeat slows to a crawl, and they slip into a deep, energy-saving sleep beneath the frozen earth.
Storm Point offers more than just dramatic views. It’s a haven for birdlife, too. Watch for mallards, lesser scaups, Barrow’s goldeneyes, and common mergansers. Occasionally, you might spot a formation of Canada geese or even the striking profile of a white pelican gliding overhead.
True to its name, Storm Point is no stranger to wild weather. Afternoon winds from the southwest often whip across the lake, sending waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. The effect can be both awe-inspiring and humbling. This is a great place to get away from it all and reconnect with the power of Yellowstone’s natural beauty.
After soaking in the views at Storm Point, the trail winds gently along the lakeshore before curving back into the forest. Eventually, the path emerges from the trees and reconnects with the main trail near the starting point, completing a loop through one of Yellowstone’s most captivating landscapes.
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!
