Permit Alert: What to Know for May 2024
Yosemite National Park: Half Dome Permits
Half Dome, an iconic granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, stands as a symbol of nature’s grandeur and human ambition. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above the valley floor, its sheer face commands attention, inspiring awe in all who behold it.
For adventurers and climbers, conquering Half Dome is a revered challenge. The most popular route, the cables route, requires physical endurance, mental fortitude, and a healthy respect for the mountain’s unforgiving nature. It also requires a permit.
The Half Dome cables are put up each spring and taken down each fall, typically from the Friday before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Columbus Day. These dates are conditions dependent and may vary from year to year. You must have a permit to ascend the subdome steps or Half Dome cables.
Beginning May 22, a small number of day hike permits are available every day the cables are up, via a two day in advance daily lottery at Recreation.gov.
Multi-day hiking permits (overnight backpacking with an overnight stay at Little Yosemite Valley or other Wilderness location) are not available through the lottery process. More information on multi-day hiking in Yosemite is available at NPS.gov.
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Rocky Mountain: Timed entry vehicle permits
Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Spanning over 415 square miles, it boasts towering peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
Visitors can explore over 350 miles of trails, winding through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife like elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
With iconic landmarks such as Trail Ridge Road and Longs Peak, this park offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, and awe-inspiring scenic drives.
Planning for summer and fall trips to Rocky?
Beginning May 24 to mid-October, timed entry vehicle permits will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There will be two different options to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + which includes the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Timed entry permits for May 24 – June 30 will be available to reserve at Recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1.
For more detailed information and a list of frequently asked questions and answers, visit NPS.gov.
Learn more about Rocky Mountain NP from some of our creators.
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Mesa Verde: Cliff Dwelling Tours
Mesa Verde National Park is home to remarkable cliff dwellings that offer a glimpse into the ancient lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. These architectural marvels, perched on canyon walls, are a testament to their engineering and artistic achievements.
Cliff Palace: As the largest cliff dwelling in North America, Cliff Palace was once home to over 100 people. On a ranger-led tour, you’ll descend uneven stone steps, climb four ladders, and explore this impressive site. The tour lasts 45 minutes and covers a quarter-mile distance.
Balcony House: This adventurous tour involves scaling cliff faces via tall ladders, crawling through narrow tunnels, and retracing the steps of Ancestral Pueblo residents. The one-hour tour includes a 32-foot ladder, an 18-inch wide tunnel, and a 60-foot open cliff face.
Backcountry Tours: These special tours take you into the park’s lesser-seen cliff dwellings. Rangers guide you through the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people, offering a unique perspective on Mesa Verde’s hidden treasures.
To explore these fascinating cliff dwellings, make reservations at Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Remember, demand is high, so secure your spot early!
Learn how the science of using tree rings to understand the past began in Mesa Verde.
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Top photo of Yosemite by iStock
The National Parks Bucket List: The Ultimate Adventure Journal for All 63 Parks
Linda Mohammad never set out to write a book, but after traveling to all 63 National Parks we can be glad she did. Her new journal offers advice from her experience and lots of space for recording your own adventures. Below, excerpts from her Top 5 National Parks.
The story behind this colorful journal started simply as a desire to stay fit and not be confined to a gym. The California national parks were her “starter kit,” and weekend ventures gradually became expeditions to other West Coast parks and then farther afield.
Before she became a park expert, Linda had studied geology at the Colorado School of Mines. Students were required to draw pictures of rock formations and keep a journal of their observations in a notebook. Her new book has taken a similar approach. It’s filled with facts about each park, and there’s ample place to make your own observations. It’s a great format to bring the study of the world around us to a national park guide, notching off parks as you go.
The National Park Bucket List Journal is also a gateway to a community of national park travelers Linda joined almost by accident. She started uploading photos to an Instagram group – aptly called National Park Geek – and she eventually became the Chief Geek Ambassador.
A Growing Community
Digital connections turned into friendships with like-minded people who share a deep appreciation of the land and those who are bound to protect it. The more parks she went to, the more involved she became in the parks community and the greater understanding she gained of the fragile ecosystems surrounding them. For each park entry in the book she also notes the cultural heritage of the park and the tribes that once lived there. Her hope is that their descendants become co-managers of the parks to help preserve them for the future.
After COVID the national parks and public lands have seen a huge rebound in visitation, making the planning process all the more important. Online guides can be unreliable, and sometimes it’s hard to vet where the information is coming from. Before she wrote the book Linda was already a go-to source for those who want to do all 63 parks or even just go on a weekend outing. This book distills her knowledge into a beautifully illustrated guide.
Linda has funded all her own travel without sponsorship of any kind. She freely admits to a love of planning, a useful skill when you’re visiting as many parks as possible and staying on budget. This doesn’t come through in the book, though you get the feeling talking to her that her blog (The Bucket List Traveler) will offer ways to plan efficiently, economically and sustainably. Unbiased hints on how to save money and resources are insider information we can all benefit from.
Like the book, Linda is easily approachable, and she’s happy to share her experiences in hopes that others will discover the joy of visiting our protected spaces. “Representation matters. The fact that I am out there, doing my thing, does inspire solo female travelers and people of color,” she says. She also encourages people to support parks, if not monetarily then by joining a park foundation – as she did for the Channel Islands National Park Foundation, where she serves as a director. This book is a fun way to explore the parks, get you inspired to get out there and record your own journey along the way.
Linda’s Top 5
Top photo of Linda Mohammad in Death Valley National Park (photo courtesy of Linda Mohammad)
Permit Alert: What to Know for April 2024
Mount Rainier: Timed Entry Reservations
Mount Rainier National Park, located in west-central Washington, spans 236,381 acres and boasts the iconic 14,410-foot peak of Mount Rainier. As an active volcano, it’s the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., giving rise to five major rivers.
Since 2013, the park has hosted 1.1 to 1.7 million visitors annually, with peak seasons between June and September. To manage congestion, timed entry reservations are mandatory for the Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2024. Visitors must pay an entrance fee, and various pass options are available.
Reservations for timed entry tickets are available at Recreation.gov. Timed entry reservations are valid only for the specified date and entry time of the reservation.
For more information about Mount Rainier National Park please visit NPS.gov.
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Shenandoah: Old Rag Mountain
Shenandoah National Park spans 200,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness—rolling mountains, serene forests and tranquil hollows. It’s a paradise for hikers.
The crown jewel of the park is Old Rag Mountain, the most popular—and most challenging—hike in Shenandoah.
This 9-mile loop climbs more than 2,400 feet, includes a strenuous rock scramble and typically takes seven to eight hours to complete. Nearly 80,000 people visit the trailhead of Old Rag every year—including many students from nearby University of Virginia, where it appears on the before-you-graduate bucket list.
From March 1 to November 30, visitors to Old Rag Mountain need a day-use ticket in addition to a Park entrance pass. Learn more and get your day-use ticket here and your park pass here.
Visit our Shenandoah Park page to see videos and learn more about the park.
If you want to try some of the other hiking trails in Shenandoah, read about Kevin Morgan’s Shenandoah 52 hiking challenge, and watch his videos on the 52 hikes.
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Zion: Angel's Landing
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is an iconic, thrilling hike renowned for its breathtaking views. The challenging trail ascends through narrow cliffside paths and steep switchbacks, culminating in a spine-tingling final ascent aided by chains. The reward at the summit is a panoramic vista of Zion Canyon.
The summer lottery is open between April 1- 20 for travel June 1 – August 31.
Learn more and enter the lottery.
Other lottery dates:
Fall: lottery open July 1-20 for travel September 1 – November 30, 2024
Winter: lottery open October 1-20 for travel December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Our creators have lots of tips on hiking Angels Landing and planning a trip to Zion.
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Top photo of Mount Rainier by Benedek/iStock.
Find A Winter Adventure in a National Forest
While many might already be planning their spring and summer adventures, there's still plenty of time for winter fun. Here are some recommendations from Carolyn Bucknall of the National Forest Foundation. Reposted with permission.
At the end of January, National Plan for Vacation Day reminded us to start looking for our next summer adventure. I fully support planning ahead (especially if you want to reserve a lookout tower), but I am also here to remind you to live in the moment. There is still plenty of time to have your next winter adventure before the snow melts!
From downhill skiing to ice fishing, National Forests are a great place to start looking for your next winter adventure.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
If you have ever gone downhill skiing or snowboarding, chances are you were on a National Forest. Skiing is the second most popular activity on National Forests behind hiking and draws 23 million visits to National Forests every year (that is nearly half of all ski visits in the U.S.!).
National Forests host 122 ski areas across the country, including iconic resorts like Vail, Snowbird, and Mammoth, but there are plenty of quieter areas for visitors who want to avoid the crowds.
White River National Forest
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest is a skier’s paradise with 11 downhill ski areas to choose from. The Forest’s Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District is home to the state’s largest and most iconic ski resort, Vail. Known for its world-class accommodations, three distinct mountain areas, three terrain parks, and seven bowls, Vail has a winter adventure for every kind of skier from beginner runs to classic big-mountain skiing.
If you are looking for a spot that is a bit more affordable, but still has great snow and diverse terrain, try Arapahoe Basin or Copper Mountain in the Dillon Ranger District. Other popular ski areas on the White River National Forest include Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Aspen.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” Uinta-Wasatch-Cache‘s powder draws millions of visitors to Utah’s Wasatch Mountains each winter. What makes the snow so great? Many believe Utah snow is the best for deep powder skiing due to the area’s frequent and predictable snowstorms.
Four of the Forest’s five alpine ski resorts are easily accessible from Salt Lake City: Brighton, Alta, Solitude, and Snowbird. Each offers a different experience – Alta is for skiers only, Brighton attracts more snowboarders, Solitude offers pristine terrain, and Snowbird is renowned for its luxury accommodations. With a good mix of beginner and expert terrain, Brighton is a great place to start.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
If the crowds at ski resorts aren’t for you, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing can be a great way to enjoy the solitude of National Forests in winter. With everything from Nordic centers where beginners can find help with lessons and equipment, to groomed trails where experienced skiers can test their technique, National Forests are full of cross-country adventures for all ages and abilities.
Before heading out, always be sure to check with the local ranger district or avalanche.org for avalanche danger in the area (you can read more about avalanche safety here).
White Mountain National Forest
Skiing on National Forests isn’t limited to the West. With an average of 150 inches of snow a year, New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest draws nearly one million skiers to its slopes and backcountry trails every winter. Hundreds of miles of trails crisscross the mountain range, providing skiers with endless opportunities for classic skiing, skate skiing, and unlimited backcountry skiing.
Six different Nordic centers across the Forest provide easy access to trails and offer lessons and rentals, making them a great base camp for beginners. Bear Notch Nordic Center will also allow dogs on their trails, making it the perfect place for skijoring with your furry friends.
Sawtooth National Forest
Home to the iconic Sun Valley Resort, many come to Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest for alpine skiing, but stay for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.
In the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the North Valley Trails system provides miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that feature diverse terrain and incredible views of the surrounding Boulder Mountains. If you are looking for a more secluded experience, try the Sawtooth Wilderness, home to some of the most epic backcountry ski terrain in the country.
Monongahela National Forest
High in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest gets more than enough snow each winter to transform into a skier’s paradise. Explore open fields and secluded forests on ungroomed trails, or traverse the gentle rolling hills and steeper slopes of unplowed, Forest Service roads.
The White Grass Ski Touring Center’s trail network provides access to the 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness, a plateau laced with backcountry trails that take adventurous skiers through 1,200 vertical feet of slopes and glades. Easily accessible by major highways and bursting with diverse and beautiful terrain, it is easy to see why Monongahela National Forest is one of the most popular Nordic skiing destinations in the East.
Ice Sports
Snow isn’t the only new surface for winter adventurers to explore – ice can transform lakes and waterfalls into new landscapes for climbing, fishing, skating, and other ice sports.
Before heading out on any ice, test the thickness with an ax, portable drill, or ice pick, unless you know for certain the ice is thick enough. If a single blow reaches water, stay off the ice (you can read more about ice safety here).
Superior National Forest
In northern Minnesota, the Superior National Forest sits at the southernmost edge of the boreal forest ecosystem. In the winter, the Forest’s thousands of inland lakes freeze into a winter wonderland for ice skating, fishing, and other ice sports.
The solitude and beauty of ice fishing on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is hard to beat. Walleye, northern pike, and crappies are plentiful, while lake and brook trout are prized by skilled anglers for their fight. The BWCA is also an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. In the long, clear nights of winter you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
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The National Forest Foundation’s Ski Conservation Fund gives ski areas and lodges an easy way for guests to be stewards of the lands they enjoy. Ski-related businesses collect small, voluntary donations from their guests to support conservation and restoration work on local National Forests. Together with businesses and forest visitors, we meet local conservation challenges—whether improving wildlife habitat, securing riverbanks, planting native seeds, or fixing trails.
As you’ve just read, the National Forest System is large and varied. Your unrestricted support enables the National Forest Foundation to work across the entire National Forest System so we can apply funds to the highest priority projects. Please consider making a general gift today to support this critical work by clicking here. Thank you!
Cover photo of Custer Gallatin National Forest by the U.S. Forest Service.
Permit Alert: What to Know for March 2024
Rocky Mountain National Park: Wilderness Overnight Backpacking Permits
Planning to go backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer? Now is the time to get ready! A wilderness camping permit is required year-round. Wilderness Camping Permits go on sale through Recreation.gov at 8 a.m. MST on Friday, March 1.
Your permit must be picked up at the Headquarters Wilderness Office (beside the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36 west of Estes Park, CO) or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Highway 34, north of Grand Lake, CO). Note there will be no in-person reservations taken at the park’s Wilderness Offices from March 1 through April 1, for summer trips between May 1 through October 31, 2024.
To get important tips and begin planning for your summer trip, visit the park’s Wilderness Overnight Backpacking page.
Follow Adam and Kathryn of Adventures of A+K on their Hike to Sky Pond. And always remember to Leave No Trace.
Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun-Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses Glacier National Park’s rugged terrain for 50 miles. This engineering marvel offers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. Completed in 1932, it winds across the Continental Divide and showcases diverse ecosystems and wildlife and is a National Historic Place, National Historic Landmark and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Due to heavy snowfall, it’s only open in the summer.
May 24 through September 8 vehicle reservations are required for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork from 6 am to 3 pm. July 1 through September 8 vehicle reservations are required for Many Glacier from 6 am to 3 pm. A portion of vehicle reservations are available 120 days in advance, on a daily rolling basis. Next Day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 pm MDT for next-day entry starting on May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis.
The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter vehicle reservation areas before 6 am or after 3 pm without a vehicle reservation. For more information check the NPS website. You can book your reservation here.
To help you get started planning your trip to Glacier, Parks Channel creators have lots of tips on where to go, what to pack, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do if you see a bear. Which you will. It’s Glacier.
Haleakala: Sunrise from the Summit
To view the sunrise at Haleakala, you’ll need a reservation to enter the park between 3am – 7am. This reservation ensures a parking space at one of the four sunrise viewing locations at the summit. April permits are now available at Recreation.gov. Please note: tickets are per vehicle, not per person, and tickets are limited to one per customer every three days.
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Washington DC: Cherry Blossoms on the National Mall
Peak Bloom is happening now! The Yoshino Cherry Trees along the National Mall and Tidal Basin in Washington DC, are open and revealing their beautiful, pink flowers. You don’t need a reservation or permit to enjoy them, but you will need to plan ahead and bring patience as you will be joined by tens of thousands of other people.
This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will run special events from March 20 – April 14 to welcome and educate visitors and celebrate the trees’ magnificent blooms. Check the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website for full details.
The Trust for the National Mall helps the National Park Service all year long in its work to care for the iconic cherry trees, now celebrating their 112th year on the Tidal Basin. You can help protect them from the effects of ever-increasing foot traffic, the changing climate, and the rising sea level by making a donation here.
And if you can’t make it to DC this month, you can tune in to #BloomCam and track the progress of the blossoms on the National Mall with 24/7 views of the Tidal Basin, thanks to EarthCam and Salamander Washington DC.
Check out our Washington National Mall page for tips on visiting Washington.
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Top photo of the Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington DC by Sean Paul/FreePik.
Permit Alert: What to Know for February 2024
Yosemite’s annual spectacle. You’ll need a pass for Horsetail Fall Firefall.
Horsetail Fall Firefall is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the winter months, typically in February, when this small waterfall is flowing. The magic unfolds when the skies are clear and the setting sun aligns perfectly with the fall, creating a breathtaking spectacle that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The event has gained significant popularity in recent years, which means a reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10–11, February 17–19 and February 24–25, 2024. Even if you’re not specifically visiting Horsetail Fall, a reservation is required on these dates. If you plan to visit on Mondays through Fridays (excluding the 19th) no reservation is needed.
Don’t miss this spectacular event – get your reservation at: Yosemite Firefall at Recreation.gov
Want to know what else you can do in Yosemite in winter? Follow Alice Ford through this winter wonderland.
For tips from some of our other creators on visiting Yosemite and planning a trip click here.
Grand Canyon by Raft
Have you ever wanted to raft the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park? Every February 1 the lottery opens to apply for a permit for a non-commercial trip. Keep in mind these are not trips guided by a company. Grab some friends to help you raft the boats, cook the food, and put up your tent. Alexandra Nevada took her first trip through the Grand Canyon in October 2023. “I didn’t know anyone on the trip prior to going, though they have become lifelong friends,” she says.
This section of the Colorado River is highly technical, and at least one member of your group must have the experience and skills required by the National Park Service. “My advice is to have experienced participants with you,” says Nevada. “Rafting, regardless of rapid classes, is a serious sport. Make sure you review your permit and know what you’re getting into. Call a ranger office to clear up any confusion.”
An avid rafter and Colorado resident, Nevada adds: “We all deserve to have a good time and a unique experience. Permits aid in this and help preserve an area, limit use, and keep our natural and human resources safe. Apply for permits, have patience, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t win a permit in a lottery system. You can always try again next year, or hopefully meet someone who has a permit and jump on their trip. Most importantly, all rafters should learn, live, and love Leave No Trace principles and respect our rivers, leaving them to be enjoyed in the future.”
Learn more and enter the lottery for a rafting permit here.
Not ready to do it alone? A number of companies provide trips through the Grand Canyon.
Learn more about commercial trips here.
For tips from our creators on visiting the Grand Canyon and planning a trip click here.
Acadia: Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is a classic spot to watch the sunrise. For part of the year, from October 7th – March 6th, it’s the first place in the continental US to experience sunrise. Acadia is also in the top ten most popular national parks in the US with 3.9 million visitors in 2022. If you’re planning a trip there this year, you’ll need a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road from Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, Oct 27, 2024. Thirty percent of the reservations will be available 90 days in advance (beginning February 22); 70% of the reservations will be available at 10am (ET) two days in advance.
For more information, check here. To book a reservation, click here.
For tips from our creators on visiting Acadia and planning a trip click here.
National Forests to Visit This Winter
Parks might get more headlines, but our national forests offer incredible adventures in winter. Here are five to visit, recommended by our friends at the National Forest Foundation. Reposted with permission.
Raise your hand if adventuring in the winter months can feel like too much work. No, really! Even as a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast sometimes the thought of layering up to go on a hike during the chilliest months of the year has me snuggling even deeper under the covers and hitting snooze for the third time in a row.
The key though?
Packing your bag the night before, insanely strong coffee, and knowing that these five National Forests are even more beautiful in the winter season.
White River National Forest
White River National Forest currently receives more than 10 million visitors per year. Covering 2.3 million acres in the heart of the Colorado Rockies this National Forest is home to iconic destinations such as Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake. While this National Forest tends to be a hotspot for some of the best backpacking trails in the summer, what you didn’t know is that it is even more magical in the winter season. White River National Forest is home to 11 ski resorts, so, strap in and hit the slopes to see parts of the forest you wouldn’t see in the summer months!
Hiawatha National Forest
Year-round this National Forest boasts dramatic shoreline cliffs and classic lighthouses, but Hiawatha is home to a seasonal winter treat known as the Eben Ice caves. While not technically caves, ice stalactites have formed underneath the bedrock creating massive walls of ice which you can walk alongside and admire. To see this winter trail you need to plan accordingly and check weather conditions as the hike to this unique location requires traction in the winter months.
Coronado National Forest
Have you heard of Sky Islands? Sky islands are isolated mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico. These mountains rise over 6,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor creating a stark contrast between the lowlands and high peaks. The extreme elevation and habitat variations of these geological variations result in a greater diversity of plants, and wildlife. When visiting Coronado National Forest, you can experience all four seasons during a single day’s journey! From hiking amongst desert giants like the saguaro cactus to playing in the snow in the mountains, Coronado is one of the most biologically diverse National Forests in the nation.
Ocala National Forest
Somewhere around March, I begin to tire of my handy snowshoes. The thought of trudging through a snowbank feels way less exciting in spring than it does in December. If you also find yourself wishing for sun, Ocala National Forest is just the spot for you! President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Ocala National Forest in 1908 making it the oldest National Forest in Florida. With over 600 lakes and rivers that boast crystal blue water this National Forest is a secret oasis. So pack a bathing suit, bring some sunscreen, and make your way to the tropics this winter to visit Ocala National Forest.
Umpqua National Forest
Where can you find cascading waterfalls views even in the winter season? You guessed it! Umpqua National Forest is nestled on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains and is home to plenty of waterfalls, wildlife and so much more. During the winter season, Umpqua National Forest becomes an idyllic winter wonderland complete with snow-covered trees, and icicles. Bundle up and head out to explore the over 530 miles of beautiful trails and when you are done you can warm up at Umpqua Hot springs. Please plan accordingly as the gates leading up to the hot springs are likely closed for the winter months which will result in needing to hike up to the springs.
As you’ve just read, the National Forest System is large and varied. Your unrestricted support enables the National Forest Foundation to work across the entire National Forest System so we can apply funds to the highest priority projects. Please consider making a general gift today to support this critical work by clicking here. Thank you!
The Right Way To Experience Yellowstone...Slowly
Last time we went to Yellowstone it was in an aging borrowed RV with squishy brakes.The good news is we never went that fast. There was so much to see, our fellow park goers kept the speed limit to a walking pace.
You’ll know immediately if there is a bear within a hundred yards. Cars will just stop, creating a “bear jam” that can last until the bears decide move on. Bison don’t seem to be bothered by cars and freely cross—and often linger—in the middle of the road. It’s a good decision to stay in your car when anything bigger and faster than you is in the vicinity. Best not to risk going viral on social media or worse, not living to regret it.
And why be in a hurry anyway? Nature’s greatest theme park is a spectacle of open plains, forested mountains, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, explosive geysers, crystal clear hot pools, bubbling cauldrons of mud, scenic lakes and rivers.
Yellowstone is vast, almost 3,500 square miles and it attracts 4 million visitors a year. About half of them will visit between June and August. There are a lot of travel tips on how to avoid the crowds, but going in winter is a good bet to see the fewest people.
Alice Ford went on a bucket list trip to see the wolves of Yellowstone in below-zero temps and lived to tell the tale. Her great adventure is worth a watch.
No matter when you go, you’re going to have to make a plan about where to stay, where to camp, where to eat and what to do. You’ll need to purchase a pass, but you don’t need a reservation to get in. The grand lodges all require reservations up to a year in advance. If you are into camping, there are a dozen campgrounds in the park and you’ll need to make a reservation for them, too. For expert travel advice, Matt and Cheryl of We’re in the Rockies have the best trip planner with tons of useful information.
Yellowstone sits on one of the biggest calderas in the world, the remnant of a supervolcano that is still active but last erupted 70,000 years ago. Legends of dragons drew explorers to Yellowstone Valley, but the Crow believed there was another explanation for what killed the trees and scorched the earth. Grant Bulltail of the Native Memory Project tells the tale.
Today, if you stay on the boardwalks and paths you’ll be fine, just know that in some places the ground below your feet is heated by magma that is turning glacier-temperature water into boiling hot tubs. This makes for quite a show in the upper geyser basin, where Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world, can be found. It goes off every 1.5 hours, and the predicted times of launch are posted by the NPS. Half the geysers in the world are here. For what to expect about Old Faithful and how to time your trips, check out Matt’s guide.
There’s plenty of history in Yellowstone, too. If you’re interested in a cautionary tale of what happens if you get lost, there’s the story of Truman C. Everts.
His misadventure is legend, and the History Guy has the story. A gripping tale of a man who lost his bearings, scalded himself in a geyser, started a vast forest fire, hallucinated from hunger and ended up drinking a pint of bear grease to survive.
After a few days hiking through forests yelling “hey bear” to spook the grizzlies, following the Yellowstone River downstream, and crisscrossing the Continental Divide a dozen times, we finally made our way, slowly, out of the park.
