Winter 2000/2001 C O N T E N T S Safety

Official Newspaper of Yellowstone National Park Winter 2000/2001 C o n t e n t s Safety ...... 2 Winter Highlights ...... 3 Sn o w m o b i l i n g...... 4 Skiing & Snowshoeing ...... 5 Winter Safety Tip s...... 6 AC T I V I T I E S ...... Center Section Wil d l i f e ...... 11 Is s u e s...... 1 2 Se r v i c e s ...... 1 4 - 1 5 Ma p ...... Back Cover

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The National Parks Pass is the new way to save on entrance fees! See p. 4.

NPS photo/Jim Peaco C a u t i o n ! Yellowstone has many hidden and unmarked hazards. Freezing, thawing, Plan Your Visit and Enjoy Ye l l owstone Safe ly and extreme temperatures can create dangerous conditions. Take proper pre- Winter in Yellowstone is a time of First, decide how you will get around the Entrance). Reservations are strongly cautions; use common sense and extra extremes: boiling versus frozen water, park. Heavy accumulations of snow limit recommended; call Yellowstone National care near canyons, waterfalls, thermal the suspended animation of hibernating driving; the only road open for year- Park Lodges at 307-344-7311 for infor- areas, viewpoints, and wildlife. Wat c h animals versus the struggle of others to round automobile travel is the Gardiner, mation and reservations. your children. Your hand and your voice find food, days of whiteout versus days MT–Cooke City, MTroad (North Snowmobiles may be rented from out- may be too far away once your child of pure sparkling colors. Transformed by Entrance to 7 miles east of the Northeast fitters in nearby communities or from the leaves your side. cold temperatures, water assumes end- Entrance). All other park roads are closed park concessioner Yellowstone National Road conditions from Gardiner to lessly variable forms and shapes: water- to wheeled vehicles but some are Park Lodges. Privately owned and operat- Cooke City, Montana, can be icy, snow- falls freeze into giant icicles, geyser spray groomed for snowmobile or snowcoach ed snowmobiles must be registered packed, and hazardous. Snow tires or creates fantastic ice sculptures, Yel l o w - travel. Snowmobiles, rented or privately according to the laws of the operator’s chains are always recommended and at stone Lake freezes from shore to shore. owned, and snowcoaches are permitted state of residence and have a muffler in times may be required. Wildlife and people adapt to harsh condi- only on groomed roadways; sidehilling good working order (see page 4). and off-road travel are illegal. Please drive, walk, snowmobile, and ski tions in ways both obvious and subtle. In Operators must have a valid motor safely to protect yourself and your park. the vast wilderness of Yellowstone, snow Snowcoaches—winter vehicles on skis vehicle driver’s license. Before beginning and cold combine with natural wonders to and caterpillar tread—depart from Old your trip, get an up-to-date road and create an incomparable winter experience. Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Wes t weather report. The key to enjoying your Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s season of winter operations Yellowstone (at the West Entrance) and winter visit is preparation. runs from late December to early March. Flagg Ranch (outside the South International Der Yellowstone National Park hat Map & spring plowing schedule on back page. V i s i t o rs gewisse Gefahren. Sehen Sie Seite 2. Sie können Information auf Deutschan den Besucherzentren Le Parc national de Yel l o w s t o n e und Parkeingangen bekommen. Park Information présente des risques particuliers. Emergency Existen peligros únicos en el Unique dangers exist in Regardez la page 2. Des renseigne- Parque Nacional Yel l o w s t o n e . Ve a 307-344-7381 ments en francais sont disponibles Yellowstone National park. See página 2. Se puede conseguir infor- page 2. You can obtain more www.nps.gov/yell Dial 911 aux centres des visiteurs dans le mación en español en los Centros parc et aux kiosques d’entreé. information at visitor centers and de Visitantes y las entradas. entrance stations. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink 2 You Need to Read This Page !

Winter 2000/2001

Scalding Water Can Kill Yo u Watch for Ice on Roads and Tra i l s • Only two roads inthe park are plowed: eautiful but deadly: Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s thermal features can kill you. Their waters are frequent- Between the North Entrance and Cooke City, Montana Bly near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them is thin and breaks easily, and often From Mammoth to the parking area at the Upper Terraces overlies more scalding water. If you break through crust or accidentally fall into a pool, you • They are maintained only during daylight hours and may may die. close during severe storms. • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. They exist to protect you and to • Expect snowpack, ice, frost heaves, drifts. preserve delicate formations. • Snow tires or tire chains may be required and are always • Pets are prohibited in thermal areas. re c o m m e n d e d . • Swimming or bathing is prohibited in thermal pools or streams where water flows entirely • Speed limit for all vehicles, including snowmobiles, is 45 mph (73 kph), from a thermal spring or pool. lower where posted. • Where swimming is allowed, swim at your own risk. Thermal waters may contain orga n - • Do not stop on the road and block traffic when viewing wildlife or scenery. isms known to cause infections and/or amoebic meningitis, which can be quickly fatal. Please use pullouts. Obtain more information at any ranger station or visitor center. • Trails and overlooks may be icy, making footing dangerous. Obey trail cl o s u re s . Proceed with caution at all times and watch your children closely.

High Altitude speech, memory lapses, drowsiness, and ex- B a ck c o u n t ry Pe r m i t s Attention Anglers haustion. Know these warning signs and how Visitors with a cardiac or respiratory medical Permits are required for overnight back- The fishing season in Yellowstone National to treat them. Seek help as soon as you can. history should be aware that most park roads co u n t r y use. Obtain them in person up to 48 Park closed on the first Sunday in November are above 5,300 in elevation. We recommend Fro s t b i t e can permanently damage tissue hours in advance from any ranger station. and will reopen the last Saturday in May. contacting a physician prior to your visit. and affect functional use of fingers, toes, Rangers will provide information on weather, nose, ears, or other extremities. Protect your- Be aware of your physical limitations. Don’t trails, snow conditions, and any special Pe t s self with warm, layered clothing and frequent overexert. Drink plenty of fluids to forestall winter hazards. Backcountry winter campers Pets must be leashed. They are prohibited stops to warm up. the dehydrating effects of the park’s dry cli- must carry stoves and fuel for cooking and in thermal basins, in the backcountry, and on mate. Stop and rest frequently. Know the warning signs of hypothermia and melting snow; no wood fires allowed. any trails—including ski trails. Pets are not frostbite and how to treat both conditions. allowed more than 100 feet from a road or Hypothermia and Winter Camping parking area. Leaving a pet unattended F ro s t b i t e Ava l a n ch e s Win t e r ca r- c a m p i n g is available only at and/or tied to an object is prohibited. Avalanches occur throughout Yellowstone on Mammoth Campground (accessible via the Even on seemingly calm days, you can be at slopes 25º or steeper. Be especially alert for North Entrance). Heated restrooms and water We a p o n s risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Both them if you are snowmobiling over Sylvan are available; wood fires allowed. No No firearms or weapons, including state- occur when you are exposed to cold tempera- Pass or if you are skiing or snowshoeing in overnight camping or stopping allowed out- permitted concealed weapons, are allowed in tures, wind, and when you are inadequately the backcountry. It is your responsibility to side of this designated campground. Yellowstone. However, unloaded firearms prepared with layers of clothing and appro- check conditions before beginning a trip, and may be transported in a vehicle when the priate gear. Primitive winter ca m p i n g is available at to know the warning signs, safety rules, and Old Faithful a on limited basis and at back- weapon is cased, broken down or rendered Hypothermia is a rapid loss of body heat how to respond should you or one of your country sites. No facilities. Permit required. inoperable, and kept out of sight. Am m u n i - that can cause death if not treated. Early party be caught in one. See page 6 for more (See above.) tion must be placed in a separate compart- warning signs include shivering, slurred in f o r m a t i o n . ment of the vehicle.

Avoid These Situations Stay Away from Wildlife

Your visit may be marred by tragedy if you violate park rules. Law You will see more of an animal’s natural behavior BI S O N may appear tame and slow but they are un- enforcement rangers strictly enforce park regulations to protect you and activity if you are sensitive to its need for predictable and dangerous. They weigh up to 2,000 and the park. Please help keep our contacts with you pleasant by obey- space. That need is most critical in winter. Cold and pounds (900 kg) and sprint at 30 miles per hour (48 ing park regulations and avoiding these problems: deep snow can make finding food difficult; every kph)—three times faster than you can run! Every movement costs precious energy . year visitors are gored, and some have been killed. • speeding (radar enforced) • removal or possession of nat- Do not approach any wildlife. View them from the BE A R S may be seen in early and late winter. Be • driving while intoxicated ural (flowers, antlers, etc.) or safety of your vehicle. If an animal reacts to your alert for tracks and sign. Never approach animal (open container law is cultural (artifacts) features presence, you are too close. carcasses. Report all bear sightings to a ranger. enforced) • feeding or approaching Each year a number of park visitors are injured by CO Y O T E S quickly learn bad habits like roadside off-road travel by vehicle or wildlife • wildlife when they approach animals too closely. begging. This may lead to aggressive behavior bicycle spotlighting (viewing animals • You must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away toward humans. See article on page 6. with artificial light) • improper food storage fr om bears and at least 25 yards (23 m) away • camping violations • calling in elk by imitating fr om all other animals—including bison, elk, RAV E N S have learned to unzip or unsnap packs of snowmobilers and other visitors. Do not allow pets off leash bugles or using buglers bighorn sheep, deer, moose, wolves, coyotes. • these birds access to your food. • littering • fishing violations • swimming in thermal pools • failure to remove detachable side mirrors when not pulling WILDLIFE HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY! trailers • If you are snowmobiling, follow the guidelines on page 6. • If you are skiing or snowshoeing, stop or de t o u r aro u n d Violations of park regulations can be punishable the animals. by fine and/or court appearance.

E m e rge n cy : dial 911 ¥ Park Info r m a t i o n : 3 0 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 3 8 1 3 Winter Wo n d e r l a n d

Winter 2000/2001

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Facts and T i p s • Area: approximately 2.2 million acres or 3,472 square miles in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho • Elevations: 5,300 ft (1,608 m) at the North Entrance to almost 11,358 feet (3,640 m) at Eagle Peak on the east boundary; most roads G ey s e rs & Hot Springs Lake Area lie at 7,500–8,000 feet (2,275–2,427 m) An unparalleled array of geothermal phenomena—geysers, Yellowstone Lake is North America’s largest high-altitude • Speed limit: 45 mph (73 kph) or lower where hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents—are evidence of a lake. During winter, its 136 square miles (354 sq km) of posted volcanic past and the active earth beneath our feet. Many of surface freeze solid from shore to shore (except for isolated • Yellowstone Lake: about 110 miles (170 km) of the most famous features can be found between Mammoth spots of thermal activity). Freeze-up is a gradual process in shoreline and approximately 136 square miles Hot Springs and Old Faithful. Thermal areas include such a large body of water. Water temperature gradually (354 sq km) of surface area Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint drops, cold water sinks as warm water rises, and the process • Thermal features: About 10,000 thermal Pot, Midway Geyser Basin, and the Old Faithful area. West continues until the water is uniformly cold enough to freeze. features are known, including more than 300 Thumb Geyser Basin is 17 miles east of Old Faithful; Mud Although shallow lagoons or bays may freeze earlier, wide- geysers Volcano is north of Yellowstone Lake. spread freeze-up takes place after an intensely cold subzero • Grand Loop Road provides access to major sce- In winter, the clash of extreme heat and cold creates extra- night. On average, the lake is ice-locked by December 25. nic attractions. Some, such as Old Faithful ordinary beauty—ghost trees, ice cones, eruptions seemingly In the few days between freeze-up and the accumulation of Geyser or the Grand Canyon, can only be seen amplified in the frigid air to several times their summer by parking and walking to the feature. 142 insulating snow, solar radiation causes heating and expansion miles (229 km) total around; Upper Loop, 70 height. Warm ground, steam, and hot water run-off create of the vast sheet. Ice noisily shifts—creaking, popping, and miles (113 km); Lower Loop, 96 miles (155 microclimates; in places, plants grow in summer-like lush- groaning in the stillness; locals say this is the time that “the km) ness. Animals are drawn to thermal areas because food is lake sings.” easier to find. • Quick tour: Explore one area instead of seeing This vast body of water is a complex system influencing the entire park from the road. Many people You may be surprised to see puffs of steam at random loca- climate, plants, and animals over a far greater area than its believe that to fully appreciate just the major tions. Countless tiny thermal features elude detection by shoreline boundaries. Set beneath the Absaroka Mountains, attractions in Yellowstone, you must spend at summer visitors, but winter reveals and highlights their pres- least three days it defines the essence of winter—an untouched wilderness ence. Other clues to thermal influence include patches of snowscape, harshly beautiful. General park information: 307-344-7381 (long • bare ground, ice-free streams or ponds, and frozen spray distance from some park locations) where no waterfall exists. V i ewing W i l d l i fe • Lodging and services: 307-344-7311 (long distance from some park locations) Yellowstone is home to a variety and abundance of wildlife Grand Canyo n unparalleled in the lower 48 states. The numbers and variety • Yellowstone National Park Official Web Site: The Yellowstone River has carved a great canyon through www.nps.gov/yell of animals you see are largely a matter of luck and coinci- rocks altered by thermal activity. Snow clings to canyon dence. As you travel snow-covered roads by snowmobile or Winter temperatures often hover near zero • walls in patterns determined by pinnacles, ridges, gullies, and snowcoach, look for birds along the waterways, elk and bison throughout the day, occasionally reaching highs in the 20s. Subzero nighttime lows are common. slopes. Deep in the canyon, steam plumes mark locations of in the thermal areas, and coyotes almost anywhere. Along the hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. By mid-winter the roar road between Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana, you may The lowest recorded temperature is -66˚F at the • of the Upper and Lower Falls is muffled behind massive see large numbers of elk and bison. This is also the area West Yellowstone station on February 9, 1933 sheets of ice. Water seems frozen in motion, as though in- where wolves are seen most frequently. See page 11 for more For most of the park, annual snowfall averages • stantly transformed from towering falls to icicle. At the base information about wildlife in winter and how to view them. close to 150 inches. At higher elevations, amounts are normally well over 200 inches annually, and, of the Lower Falls, spray freezes and grows into an ice cone Often, a visit is most remembered and enjoyed for the dis- in some locations, over 400 inches. In contrast, that sometimes reaches half the height of the falls. Overlooks coveries made on your own. Patience and alertness may the Lamar Valley often has less than 24 inches on along the North and South Rims offer views of different por- bring you moments of extraordinary beauty or reveal the the ground. tions of the canyon and of the Lower Falls. story of a jumble of tracks in the snow. May your visit be safe, rewarding, and special.

In 1996, Congress authorized a pilot fee program to demonstrate the feasi- bility of spreading some of the costs of managing public lands among Accessibility Guide Avai l a bl e those who use them. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of 100 National Afree Visitors Guide to Accessible Features in Your Park Service units that were selected to participate in the new fee program. Yellowstone National Park is available at all The additional funds generated by the fee increase are being used for proj- X entrance stations and visitor centers in the park. ects that the parks have been unable to fund in the past through yearly This guide describes which facilities have been F E E Congressional allocations. judged to be negotiable for wheelchair users. Additional facili- Entrance and campground fees are dedicated to projects that increase the ties are being made accessible as quickly as possible within quality of the visitor experience and enhance the protection of park funding limitations. D o l l a rs resources. Examples of projects underway include major renovation of For more information, write to: Canyon Visitor Center including the development of new geology exhibits, replacing outdated audiovisual equipment at Old Faithful Visitor Center, Park Accessibility Coordinator at Wo r k campground and amphitheater upgrades, and natural and cultural resource P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190; st u d i e s . TDD only (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) 30 7 - 3 4 4 - 2 3 8 6 4 S n ow m o b i l i n g

Winter 2000/2001 You Need a License!

All snowmobile operators in Yellowstone National Park are required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. In addition, persons possessing a learner’s permit may operate a snowmobile in the park when supervised one-to-one within line-of-sight (but not farther than 100 yards) by a licensed person 21 years of age or older. The policy change was implemented because of the park’s concern about the number of snowmobile accidents involving young operators. Snowmobile use has increased dramatically in the park during the past decade, and it is now common to have 800 snow machines, including track-conversion vehicles and snowcoaches, operating each day on the park road system. graphic removed Modern snowmobiles weigh 400-500 pounds and are capable to allow faster of quick acceleration to more than 70 mph. Between 1987 downloading and 1992, youthful operators accounted for an average of 16 percent of the snowmobile accidents in the park, while com- posing an estimated 5 percent or less of the total number of snowmobile operators. Park officials believe that winter traffic conditions in Yellowstone are more similar to a highway driving situation than to the snowmobile and off-road vehicle trails found elsewhere. Under the highway conditions found in the park, most young snowmobilers are at a distinct disadvantage in terms of their judgment, experience, and physical capabilities compared to a licensed driver. The driver’s license requirement implemented in 1993 for NPS photo/Jim Peaco snowmobiling in Yellowstone is not unprecedented. A nu m - ber of states require the possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile on public lands or on public roads. Options for young people visiting the park during the winter include doubling up on a snowmobile operated by a licensed driver or using any of the authorized commercial snowcoach services that provide transportation in the park.

Rules & Regulations

• Snowmobile operators must have a valid • Pass only when safe. • Operating a snowmobile while intoxicated (“piped”) exhaust systems often do not. Snowmobiles exceeding the decibel stan- state motor vehicle driver’s license in pos- If you turn around, you must do so within is illegal. Possession of open alcoholic • dard will be denied entry into the park. session. Persons possessing a learner’s per- the road width. beverage containers, including bota bags, Thermal basins, viewpoints, and walkways mit may operate a snowmobile when Drive on the right side of the road even if is illegal. • • are snowpacked and icy during winter; fog supervised one-to-one within line of sight the roads are rough. • Snowmobiles must be registered according (but no more than 100 yds.) by a licensed to applicable state law. reduces visibility. Stay on boardwalks or • Drive in single file. maintained trails; walk carefully. Wat c h person 21 years old or older. Lights and brakes must be in good working • When stopping, pull to the far right and • your children. Your hand or voice may be • Maximum speed limit is 45 mph (72 kph) co n d i t i o n . park in single file. too far away if your child leaves your side. or less where posted or as conditions war- Snowmobile exhaust and muffler systems • You must stay on designated roads. • Approaching, chasing, molesting, or feed- rant; speed is checked by radar. Obey all must be in good working order. The maxi- • Sidehilling, berm-riding, or any off- r o a d ing animals is prohibited. Winter is a time speed limit and stop signs. mum noise allowed is 78 decibels when travel is prohibited and carries a fine of up of great stress. When you force an animal • Use hand signals when turning or stopping. measured during full acceleration at a dis- to $5,000. to move, it uses energy vital to its survival. • Allow enough distance between snow- tance of 50 feet. Most stock exhaust sys- mobiles when traveling. • Report accidents to a ranger. tems meet this standard; “after-m a r k e t ” • Wild animals have the right of way.

A New Way to Save On Ye l l owstone Entrance Fees the sales of passes at Yellowstone will go d i rectly to projects that help visitors Private, noncommercial automobile $20 (7 days, both Yellowstone and Grand Tet o n ) Individual snowmobile, motorcycle $15 (7 days, both parks) graphic removed experience the are a . The remaining proceeds go to a national fund that supports Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) $10 (7 days, both parks) to allow faster projects at any of the 380 national parks in Annual Pass, both parks $40 (valid one year from date of purchase) downloading The the system. To obtain your pass, stop by National Parks Pass $50 (valid one year from date of purchase for Na t i o n a l one of Ye l l o w s t o n e ’s entrance stations, or entrance fees at National Park Service areas) Parks Pass purchase the pass online at www. n a t i o n a l- Golden Eagle Pass $65 (valid one year from date of purchase at p a r k s . o rg or call toll-free: 1-888-GO- most federal fee collection areas) provides a new way to save money when Golden Age Pass $10 (one-time fee for lifetime pass—available to visiting your national parks. One annual fee PARKS (1-888-467-2757). For an additional $15, you can upgrade your National Park those citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. of $50 enables you to enter all National 62 years of age and older) Pass to a Golden Eagle Pass, which pro- Park Service areas. You receive a great Golden Access Pass Free (available to those citizens or permanent value by purchasing the pass, and you also vides admission to all national parks, residents of the U.S. who have been determined provide support to your favorite national national wildlife refuges, and other fee to be blind or permanently disabled) a r e a s . parks. A full 70% of the proceeds fro m NOTE: Remember to keep your admission receipt in order to re-enter the park. 5 Skiing & Snow s h o e i n g

Winter 2000/2001

Ye l l o w s t o n e ’s 2.2 million acres provide miles of trails for the adventurous skier and s n o w s h o e r. Whether you are on a groomed trail in the front country or venturing into the backcountry, remember that you are traveling in wilderness with all its dangers: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, deep snow,

graphic removed open streams, and avalanches. You have chosen to explore and experience the land on to allow faster its own terms, but there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any situation. downloading Carefully read the safety information on the next page, plus all backcountry guidelines/regulations, and know the limits of your ability.

Tr a i l s

You have a choice of many ski trails N o rtheast Region Tower Fall Tr a i l throughout the park; pick up maps This trail begins at Tower Junction and trail descriptions at visitor centers Skiing opportunities abound along and follows the unplowed Tow e r - Winter Gear Guide for trails in the Mammoth, Tow e r , the plowed road between Mammoth Canyon road for 2.5 miles past the Northeast, Canyon, and Old Faithful and the Northeast Entrance. Popular Calcite Springs Overlook to Tow e r areas. These trails range from easy to trails include: Fall. You’ll have views of the • Before you rent or borrow equipment, check for fit and di ff i c u l t . Upper Terrace Trail Yellowstone River Canyon. Plus, suitability for wilderness use. Choose skis and boots made you might see bison, bighorn sheep, for touring or mountaineering. Narrow racing skis may not In winter, Upper Terrace Drive becomes a groomed 1.5 mile ski or bald eagles. Continue on the 5.5 give you enough surface area to break trail and low shoes Old Faithful Area mile Chittenden Loop Trail or return may not give you enough ankle support. trail. You’ll have fantastic views of the steaming lower terraces and his- to Tower Junction. Winter temperatures are severe in Yellowstone, but you Lone Star Geyser Tr a i l • toric Fort Yellowstone. This is a ther- can be comfortable and safe if you dress properly. This moderate 9-mile trail begins at B a r ronette Tr a i l mal area; please stay on the trail. Appropriate clothes prevent chilling and overheating. the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and This 3.5-mile trail near the Northeast • Prepare for changing conditions by wearing clothes in takes you to Kepler Cascades. From Bunsen Peak Tr a i l Entrance follows Soda Butte Creek several adjustable layers: there, you follow an unplowed service This 6-mile trail follows the old along an abandoned roadway and windproof, hooded outer layer road alongside the Firehole River to Bunsen Peak road; in places it is parallels the Northeast Entrance Lone Star Geyser. The geyser erupts Road. The trail is mostly in a conifer wool or other insulated garments underneath quite steep and has some sharp turns. about every three hours from a 12- forest at the base of Barronette Peak, wool or synthetic trousers Catch the concessioner-operated ski foot high sinter cone. Beginning shuttle from Mammoth to the trail’s but offers spectacular scenery and long underwear skiers should return the same way; consistent snow conditions. wind or rainpants for extra warmth on windy days upper end, just south of Rustic Falls. more advanced skiers might like to Along the trail, you will have fine wool socks return via the Howard Eaton Tra i l , Fo r mo r e details about these gaiters or overboots views of the Gallatin Mountains and and other ski trails, check at the which is quite steep and should be the Gardner River Canyon. The trail gloves or wool mittens with shells skied with caution. vi s i t o r centers at Mammoth or Ol d ends in the Mammoth maintenance Fa i t h f u l . • Do not wear cotton clothes of any kind, including jeans, ar e a . sweatshirts, underwear, socks. They retain moisture and Fa i ry Falls Tr a i l put you at risk for hypothermia. Catch a snowcoach shuttle at Old B l a cktail Plateau Tr a i l Faithful Snow Lodge to the southern Protect yourself from the sun: This trail begins 7.5 miles east of • end of the Fairy Falls trailhead at the wear dark sunglasses on sunny days Mammoth and follows an unplowed Steel Bridge. From here you can ski 8-mile road. Enjoy the broad vistas apply sunscreen lotion to avoid sunburn to one of the most spectacular ice- As you plan your trip, allow for limited daylight, changing of meadows surrounded by mountain • encrusted falls in the park. You will peaks, and look for elk, deer, coy- snow conditions, temperature extremes, and the number of be skiing through areas of burned for- people in the group and their experience and physical otes, and bison scattered throughout est so be cautious of falling trees. You their winter range. condition. can ski back to Old Faithful by fol- • On day trips, consider taking some or all of these items to lowing the trail next to the snow vehi- increase your safety: cle road until you reach the Biscuit • All unplowed roads and trails are open to cros s - c o u n t r y skiing and sn o w s h o e i n g . extra clothing Basin Trail, which takes you through matches or lighter the Upper Geyser Basin past Morning • Apermit is req u i r ed for all overnight trips in the Yellowstone back- water & food Glory Pool and Geyser Hill. Th e co u n t r y. Inquire about backcountry permits at visitor centers or ra n g e r st a t i o n s . ma p entire trip is about 8 easy miles. co m p a s s • Pack it in—Pack it out: No matter what trail you are on or its length, ski repair kit you must pack out all ref u s e . • If you are planning an overnight ski trip, carry all of the above, plus: backcountry permit ba c k p a c k Trails in Northern Ye l l ow s t o n e sleeping bag small tarp tent or bivouac bag closed-cell sleeping pad stove and pots easily-prepared food first-aid kit repair parts and tools probe pole tr a n s c e i v e r sh o v e l kn i f e 6 Winter Safety T i p s

Winter 2000/2001

We a t h e r

Yellowstone’s weather is known for its unpredictability and sudden changes. Obtain information on current weather conditions and forecasts at visitor centers or ranger stations. Be prepared for a range of conditions, especially if you will be out for several hours or overnight. Know the locations of warming huts and phones (see the map on the back page). Plan your trip carefully and follow your plan.

graphic removed Ava l a n ch e s to allow faster downloading • Avalanches are possible on hillsides or in canyons with slopes of 25–45˚. • Slides occur most frequently after heavy snowstorms or during warm periods. • Call the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, 406-587-6981, for recorded avalanche advisories for Bozeman, Livingston, West Yellowstone, and Gardiner; or check with a local ranger for a current forecast. • Avalanche hazard can be high on roads between the East Entrance and Fishing Bridge Junction, on Dunraven Pass, on trails in the Cooke City vicinity, and in many areas of the backcountry. Learn about avalanche mechanics, safe travel methods, and rescue procedures. • Avalanches may occur on steep hills or in canyons. When travelling through such areas, Please leave the ski tracks for the skiers ; do not bunch up—spread out. Avalanches are more likely to occur during or after heavy don’t walk or snowshoe in them. fresh snowfall, high winds, or extreme temperature changes. For Skiers & Snow s h o e rs For Snow m o b i l e rs

• Travel in groups; emergencies are more easily handled than if you are alone. • Evaluate your party’s capabilities. Plan your outing so that the weakest member will • Dress for extreme cold. Items essential for snowmobilers include: helmet, face mask, enjoy and survive it. heavily insulated gloves or mittens, felt-lined boots, and a heavily insulated snow- • Learn about your equipment’s capabilities and weaknesses and be prepared to repair it. mobile suit. Avoid tight-fitting garments; they restrict circulation and increase the • Never closely approach geysers, hot springs, or mud pots. You may fall through over- possibility of frostbite. hanging snow ledges or thin crust. Do not leave designated trails in geothermal areas. • Carry extra food for 12 hours beyond your planned trip, extra fuel, drive belt, spark • Beware of icy conditions on downhill grades leading into thermal areas. Side-step or plugs and appropriate tools, plus extra parts that frequently break down or wear out on walk down the hill rather than risk skiing out of control into a boiling pool. your machine. Always include a flashlight, matches and a first aid kit. Repair services • When crossing frozen lakes, use extreme caution and check ice thickness by prodding are not available in the park except for minor repairs and parts at Old Faithful. with a ski pole. Ice, snow covered or not, may be thin, especially near inlets, outlets, and • Know the locations of warming huts, visitor centers, and public phones (see the waters warmed by thermal activity. Crossing rivers may be dangerous; some have back page of this newspaper). bridges and some do not. Ask a ranger about local crossings. • Before starting your trip, check on road and weather conditions. Blowing and drift- • Do not approach wildlife. All wild animals are unpredictable; if they charge, you can’t ing snow can be especially hazardous in Hayden Valley (between Canyon and Fishing outrun them in deep snow. If they run, you are forcing them to use energy they need to Bridge junctions) and on Swan Lake Flats (approximately 4 mi [6.4 km] south of survive. Mammoth Hot Springs). • Fires during the summer of 1988 burned near or across many ski trails and destroyed the • Avalanches may occur on steep hills or in canyons. When travelling through such trunks and root systems of many trees, creating hazardous standing snags, which could areas, do not bunch up—spread out. Avalanches are more likely to occur during or fall with little warning. Be alert for this possibility, and, while in burned areas, stay on after heavy fresh snowfall, high winds, or extreme temperature changes. established trails. • Hazardous conditions may temporarily close Sylvan Pass (between the East Entrance • Exertion in dry mountain air can dehydrate you. Carry and drink two quarts of water and Fishing Bridge Junction). The road from Tower Junction to the Washburn Hot a day. Carry gear to melt water from snow or dip it out of a stream from a safe distance Springs Overlook, 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Canyon Junction, is closed to snow- with a ski pole. Boil water from lakes or streams to reduce the chance of infection from mobiling due to avalanche danger. water-borne diseases. • Learn as much as you can about winter survival. Talk with park rangers before you leave on any trip. Many good books are also available on this topic. • Basic ski etiquette: yield to those going downhill when skiing uphill on trails. Wild Animals Have the Right of Way ! • Let someone know where you are going. • On unplowed roadways used by snowmachines, keep to the right to avoid accidents. • If bison or other wildlife are on the road, stop at least 25 yards away and/or pull your machine as far as possible to the opposite side of the road; give them a chance to move Most backcountry trails are marked for summer use. Orange metal markers attached to • of f the road. trees may be difficult to find in winter. • Do not make sudden or erratic movements; use groomed pullouts where possible. • Parties venturing into the backcountry should carry a USGS topographic map and a compass—and know how to use them. • Do not chase animals or cause them to stampede. • Even on a well-marked trail, it is easy to get lost in a whiteout or blizzard. • If the animal appears agitated, do not attempt to pass as any advance may cause the animal to charge . • Only skiers thoroughly familiar with the area should attempt off-trail travel. If animals run toward you and you can confidently turn around, do so, moving to a safe When planning your trip, get specific information on conditions at a ranger station or • • place to reassess the situation. visitor center. If they walk or run toward you and you cannot turn around, get off your machine and Elevations range from 6,000 to 10,000 feet. If you are coming from lower elevations, • • stand to the side of it, keeping the machine between you and the animals. acclimate yourself and test your capabilities by taking short day trips before considering longer excursions. • If they are standing calmly, inch toward them and assess their behavior. If they remain calm, pass on the opposite side of the road at a moderate speed.

There is no guarantee of your safe t y. Winter Activities Winter 2000/2001

What can you do in Y e l l ows tone? Check out the listings inside this special section of Y e l l ows tone Tod a y. Yo u’ll find activities, talks, and other special events and exp e r i e nces in and around Y e l l ows tone National P a r k .

Vi s i tor Ce n ters and Warming Huts The New Visitor Education Center Albright V i s i t o r Old Faithful Warming Huts Indian Cree k Dec. 18–Mar. 4 at Old Fa i t h f u l C e n t e r, M a m m o t h Visitor Center Ma m m o t h 24 hours daily Da i l y , year-round. Win t e r Da i l y , Dec. 18–March 11, Dec. 18–Mar. 4 Fishing Bridge hours: 9 AM –5 PM . Informa- 9 AM –5 PM . Information, 8 AM –5 PM Dec. 18–Mar. 11 tion, bookstore, and exhibits bookstore, and geyser erup- Vending machine snacks and 24 hours daily on wildlife, early history, tion predictions. A sh o r t cold drinks are available. Vending machine snacks and exploration, and establish- movie on thermal life is graphic removed Old Faithful cold drinks available. ment of the park. Films on shown throughout the day. Dec. 18–Mar. 11 to allow faster the national park idea and Call 30 7 -5 4 5 - 2 7 5 0 . Daytime only Ca n y o n downloading artist Thomas Moran are Vending machine snacks are Dec. 18–Mar. 11 shown throughout the day. av a i l a b l e . 24 hours daily Light snacks and hot drinks Call 307-34 4 - 2 2 6 3 . Ma d i s o n sold during the day; vending Dec. 18–Mar. 11 machine snacks available 24 hours daily Yellowstone National Park has launched an initiative any time. Light snacks and hot drinks to build a new Visitor Education Center at Old sold during the day; vending West Th u m b Faithful. A$1.25 million grant from Unilever Home machine snacks available Dec. 18–Mar. 11 & Personal Care–USAbegan the funding initiative, any time. 24 hours daily followed by a gift of $250,000 from Wallace and Mary Lee Dayton and a pledge of $3 million from Cheng and Shalin Wu. The Yellowstone Park Foundation is leading this fundraising effort with Self-Guiding Tra i l s assistance from the National Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Association. Other public-spirited corporations, foundations, and individuals have also Mammoth Hot Springs Grand Canyon of the Ye l l ow s t o n e joined the effort to raise at least $15 million for the Visitors marvel at the surreal appearance of these traver- The Canyon and the Upper and Lower Falls can be seen Ce n t e r . tine terraces. As an early visitor described them: “The hot from overlooks along the rims, which you can reach by skis Old Faithful Geyser is a landmark of worldwide springs fall over a lofty hill of snowy whiteness, resem- or snowmobile. See for yourself why viewpoints are named renown and is visited by more than 85% of the 3.1 bling cascades.” The trail winds through the area. You can Inspiration, Grandview, and Artist Point. million people who come to Yellowstone each year. also explore Upper Terrace Drive on snowshoes or skis. On peak days during July and August, more than West Thumb Geyser Basin 25,000 visitors are awaiting eruptions of Old Faithful F o rt Ye l l owstone Historic Tr a i l Thermal features boil and steam on the shore of ice-locked and exploring the geyser basin, which contains the Most of the buildings constructed in Mammoth during the Yellowstone Lake. Across the expanse of white, the wo r l d ’ s greatest concentration of geysers. time that the U.S. Army managed the park (1886–1918) are Absaroka Mountains rise. Look for otters fishing in ice Un f o r t u n a t e l y , visitor needs for information, orienta- now used by the National Park Service as its headquarters. holes. Lake ice is thin and hazardous—do not venture out tion, and educational services at Old Faithful are not onto it. being met. The existing visitor center is too small, Norris Geyser Basin contains no interpretive exhibits, and the auditorium lacks sufficient seating for the numbers of visitors Explore the hottest, most dynamic geyser basin in the park. Mud Volcano Area wanting to see films. As a result, visitors often leave Porcelain Basin features hundreds of geothermal features in Discover turbulent and explosive mudpots, including Mud the Upper Geyser Basin area without understanding an open area; Back Basin trail winds through more forested Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth. View—and smell—Sulphur its unique, fragile, and priceless natural resources. terrain past a number of springs and geysers. Steamboat, the Caldron. Located on the road between Lake and Canyon, world’s tallest geyser, erupted in May 2000—its first erup- 6 miles (9.6 km) north of Fishing Bridge Junction. For years the National Park Service has recognized tion since October 1991. the need for a new visitor center at Old Faithful, but S a fety & Courtesy T i p s more pressing problems (deteriorating roads, failing Fountain Paint Po t Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s thermal features can kill you. Their waters are sewer systems) have taken precedence. Donated Active, ever-changing mudpots; constant geysers; hissing frequently near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them funds will allow planning to begin. The facility fumaroles; and colorful, boiling hot springs await you on is thin and breaks easily, and often overlies more scalding will fit into the historic landscape, and will be large r , this trail and on Firehole Lake Drive. Located 8 miles (12.9 wa t e r . If you break through crust or accidentally fall into a fully accessible, energy efficient, of sustainable km) north of Old Faithful on the road to Madison Junction. pool, you may die. design, and built with environmentally friendly • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. construction materials and techniques. In the 10,000 They exist to protect you and the delicate formations. square feet of exhibit space, visitors will discover a Upper Geyser Basin “window on the Earth,” with interactive exhibits, Pets are prohibited in thermal areas. The world’s largest concentration of geysers is located here, • computer animations and simulations, videos, and including Old Faithful. View that famous feature, then walk • Thermal features are easily damaged by objects tossed into films. If you wish to contribute to the Old Faithful the trails that wind past hundreds of geysers and hot them; please do not litter. Visitor Education Center initiative, please contact the springs. Names such as Beehive, Grotto, Castle, Riverside, • Adapt your pace to winter conditions; trails may be icy Yellowstone Park Foundation: 406-586-6303; 37 and Morning Glory hint at the wonders you will see. and snowpacked, so walk with caution. East Main, Suite 4, Bozeman, MT 59 7 1 5 ; • Do not walk or snowshoe in ski tracks. Your careless steps ww w. y p f . o r g create hazards for skiers. • Do not disturb wildlife. Ranger–Led Programs

Winter 2000/2001 Mammoth Hot Springs

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Vis i t o r Ce n t e r Open Daily 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM Snowshoe Walk St a r ts December 26; ends March 2 Experience Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s winter beauty with a park ranger and learn 1:30 PM 1:30 PM about the diversity of life in this season as you silently traverse the snow. Please sign up for the walk by calling 307-344-2263 or stopping by Albright Visitor Center. Alimited number of snowshoes will be available for free or they can be rented from the Mammoth Ski Hut. Come prepared with warm, layered clothes, sunglasses and water. Beginners welcome! 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Win t e r Wildlife Tou r St a r ts December 27; ends Februa r y 28 Join a park ranger on this narrated bus tour of Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s Northern Range, which is important winter habitat for many species. Dress warmly. 1 PM Alimited number of binoculars and spotting scopes are provided. Meet at the Mammoth Hotel Lobby. Reservations for the tour should be made in advance with Yellowstone National Park Lodges at 307-344-7311. 3 hours. Evening Program St a r ts December 22; ends March 3 Enjoy learning more about this wonderland called Yellowstone National Park through illustrated programs. Topics vary and will cover subjects 8:30 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM such as winter wildlife survival and the geologic wonders of Yel l o w s t o n e . Check at Albright Visitor Center or the Mammoth Hotel for program descriptions. Meet in the Mammoth Hotel Map Room. 1 hour. Ac c e s s i b l e .

Old Faithful

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Vis i t o r Ce n t e r Open Daily, 12/18/00–3/11/ 0 1 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM 9 AM–5 PM Evening Prog r a m St a r ts December 20; ends March 10 Join a park ranger for an illustrated slide program that highlights a fasci- 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM nating aspect of Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s natural, cultural, or scenic wonders. Weekly program descriptions posted in Old Faithful Visitor Center. Meet at the Old Faithful Visitor Center Auditorium. 1 hour. Accessible

West Yellowstone

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Snowshoe Wal k St a r ts December 27; ends March 10 Discover Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s fascinating winter ecology while wearing snowshoes. Join a park ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM along the Riverside Trail. Meet at the Chamber of Commerce Vis i t o r Ce n t e r , corner of Yellowstone and Canyon avenues, in West Yel l o w s t o n e , Montana. Bring snowshoes—no experience necessary. Also bring water and a snack. For information, please call 406-646-4403. 3 hours. Winter in Yellowstone

Winter 2000/2001 Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

SNOWCOACH TOU R S Full and half-day interpretive tours in heated oversnow vehicles. Serving Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, and Flagg Ranch. From West Yellowstone to Old Faithful: $42.50 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM 9 AM –12 PM From Old Faithful to West Yellowstone: $42.50 2–5 PM 2–5 PM 2–5 PM 2–5 PM 2–5 PM 2–5 PM 2–5 PM From Mammoth to Old Faithful: $45.00 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM 8 AM –12 PM From Old Faithful to Mammoth: $45.00 2–6 PM 2–6 PM 2–6 PM 2–6 PM 2–6 PM 2–6 PM 2–6 PM From Old Faithful to Flagg Ranch: $47.50 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM 8– 1 1:30 AM From Flagg Ranch to Old Faithful: $47.50 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 12:15 PM – 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM Day trip from Old Faithful to Canyon, round trip: $90 8:30 AM –6 PM 8:30 AM –6 PM 8:30 AM –6 PM 8:30 AM –6 PM 8:30 AM –6 PM Day trip from Mammoth to Canyon, round trip: $85 8:30 AM –5 PM 8:30 AM –5 PM 8:30 AM –5 PM 8:30 AM –5 PM 8:30 AM –5 PM

DA YTOU R S Win t e r Wildlife Tou r , Mammoth Hotel only: $19 1–4 PM Interpretive tour to Lamar Valley via bus or van Da y b r eak Tou r , Mammoth Hotel only: $21 7–10:30 AM Tour to Lamar Valley via van or bus, with continental breakfast Fi r ehole RiverWildlife Tou r , Old Faithful only: $21 1–4 PM 1–4 PM 1–4 PM Guided snowcoach tour West Thumb Geyser Basin Tou r , Old Faithful only: $21 1–4 PM 1–4 PM Guided snowcoach tour

SKI AND SNOWSHOE TOU R S Grand Canyon Ski Tou r , from Old Faithful: $9 2 8 AM –6 PM 8 AM –6 PM Grand Canyon Ski Tou r , from Mammoth: $9 2 8 AM –6 PM 8 AM –6 PM Afternoon Ski-Daddle, Old Faithful to Fairy Falls: $32.50 1–5 PM Afternoon Ski-Daddle, Old Faithful to DeLacey Creek: $32.50 1–5 PM Cooke City See and Ski, from Mammoth: $55 8:30 AM –5:30 PM 8:30 AM –5:30 PM Guided Snowshoe Tou r , Mammoth or Old Faithful: 8: 3 0 – 1 1:30 AM 8: 3 0 – 1 1:30 AM $27 tour with snowshoe rental; $22 tour only

EVENING PROGRAMS Slide shows and talks about early visitor experiences in Yel l o w s t o n e 8:30 pm 8:30 pm 8:30 pm 8:30 pm Mammoth Map Room Live Piano Music in the Mammoth Map Room 5 PM 5 PM 5 PM 5 PM 5 PM 5 PM 5 PM

Ye l l ow s t o n e ’s Historic Snowshoe Cabins Visitors venturing into Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s remote backcountry may the park from poachers and vandals, while enforcing campfire, find small cabins scattered through the park. These buildings fishing, and firearms regulations. represent Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s colorful past, and they are still used by Poachers often built shelters and cached supplies in the park, graphic removed rangers today on backcountry patrols. The history of the cabins returning to them during the winter. To deter the poachers, the to allow faster dates to the very beginnings of the park. army began sending out winter patrols. Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s harsh downloading In 1886, the U.S. Army arrived in Yellowstone to assume the winter conditions necessitated shelter for soldiers during their role of managing and protecting the park. The army quickly patrols, and construction began on a system of cabins. The first realized that it could not meet its responsibility from its six cabins were erected in the fall of 1890, and were called Mammoth Hot Springs headquarters and assigned detachments “snowshoe” cabins after the long Norwegian skis then in use. to various locations throughout the park. These troops protected The cabins were located a day’s ski apart (about ten miles). Without modern equipment like radios to call for help, After the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, the patrolling soldiers’survival depended upon their wilderness design of all park buildings received the attention of profession- skills and the protection that the isolated cabins afforded. al landscape architects. The park’s snowshoe cabins, though remotely located and seldom seen by park visitors, were no Most of the cabins were “one-room, rough log cabins, 12 x 16 exception. Designers sought to build cabins that had an “old feet in size,” with gable end doors and extended roofs character- time log cabin effect” and harmonized with their natural setting. istic of the Rocky Mountain style log cabin. Construction of the Ev e n t u a l l y , the park adopted a standardized plan that was used graphic removed cabins in such remote locations required maximum use of local- up until World War II. to allow faster ly available materials, and, with the exception of the windows, downloading roofing, and lumber for the door and shutters, building materials Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s historic snowshoe cabins continue to be main- were obtained onsite. Doors and window shutters were “made of tained and used by park rangers, mostly for backcountry patrols. 2-inch plank to provide protection from bears.” To add to the The cabins are important reminders of the soldiers and rangers comforts of the patrolling rangers, cabins were furnished with that dedicated themselves to protecting this special place, as ample food, “a good supply of china and silverware,” small alu- well as a vital piece of today’s backcountry management. minum stew kettles, and bake pans. by Lon Johnson, YNPBranch of Cultural Resource s Other Programs

Winter 2000/2001

Cl a sses at the Ye l l ows tone Institute

The Yellowstone Association Institute is a The Institute also offers “Lodging and non-profit field school operated in partnership Learning” packages in cooperation with graphic removed with the National Park Service. Th r o u g h o u t Yellowstone National Park Lodges. to allow faster the year, the Institute offers more than 125 Participants tour the park with an Institute downloading short courses on the natural and cultural histo- naturalist and enjoy comfortable accomoda- ry of Yellowstone. Winter courses are based at tions at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and the Lamar Buffalo Ranch field campus and at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. The following park hotels. packages are scheduled this winter: The Lamar field campus is located along the “Wo n d e r l a n d ” plowed road between Tower and Cooke City. • Acomprehensive overview of Yel l o w s t o n e This facility includes heated guest cabins and in winter a common building with classrroms, showers, • 3 nights at Mammoth and 2 nights at Old and kitchen. The following courses are sched- Fa i t h f u l uled this winter: • Sunday–Friday from Jan. 7 to March 2 De c e m b e r “S e c r et Snowscapes” 2– 3 Wilderness First Ai d • Skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing for active visitors. Ja n u a r y • 4 nights at Mammoth 12 – 1 5 Snowshoeing in Yel l o w s t o n e • Sunday–Thursday from Jan 7 to March 1 19 – 2 1 Snow Tra c k i n g “Wi n t e r Wolf Discovery” 26 – 2 8 Winter on a Sliver • Wildlife viewing in Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s Lamar graphic removed Fe b r u a r y Val l e y to allow faster 1– 4 Exploring the Yellowstone • 2 nights at Mammoth • Wednesday–Friday and Friday–Saturday downloading 10 – 1 2 Weather Cycles in the Big Sky from Jan. 3 to March 2 13 – 1 5 Exploring Yellowstone on Sn o w s h o e s Complete information on all of the above 16 – 1 8 Exploring Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s Win t e r programs is available at World on Skis ww w. Ye l l o w s t o n e A s s o c i a t i o n . o r g 23 – 2 5 Wolf Watching in Yel l o w s t o n e For “Lodging and Learning” reservations, Ma rc h please call Yellowstone National Park Lodges 7– 9 Coyote & Raven—Fact & Fiction at 307-344-5566. 12 – 1 3 The Sly Fox For all education programs listed above, call 16 – 1 8 Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s Wol v e s the Yellowstone Association Institute at 307- 23 – 2 6 Wildlife Observation: Win t e r 344-2294 or write P.O. Box 117, Yel l o w s t o n e Co nce ssioner Act i v i t i e s National Park, WY 82 1 9 0 .

Yellowstone National Park Lodges is Mammoth: $109 Per Person Double of fering Winter Getaway packages, Occupancy; $172 Single Occupancy which make it easier to enjoy the park Old Faithful: $209 Per Person Double under its frosty cover. All Mammoth Occupancy; $309 Single Occupancy packages include a 1-hour hot tub rental Sn o m o - D e a l — and unlimited ice-skating. All Old at Old Faithful or Ma m m o t h Faithful packages include round-trip snowcoach transportation per person. 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts per person, Plus, each of the following packages welcome gift and a Snow Card. include a Snow Card good for 10% off Plus: 1-day snowmobile rental (1 graphic removed of meals, select gifts, in-park transporta- machine) and clothing package to allow faster tion, tours, ski shop services and snow- Mammoth: $149 Per Person Double downloading mobile rentals. The Snow Card is valid Occupancy; $272 Single Occupancy all winter, so keep it for your next visit! Old Faithful: $249 Per Person Double Occupancy; $409 Single Occupancy Fr osty Fun Package— at Old Faithful or Ma m m o t h Extra snowmobile: $120 additional 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts per person, For information and reservations: Inquire welcome gift and a Snow Card. at one of our hotel front desks, call 307- Mammoth: $89 Per Person Double 34 4 - 7 3 1 1, or visit our website at Occupancy; $152 Single Occupancy ww w. Tr a v e l Ye l l o w s t o n e . c o m Old Faithful: $189 Per Person Double Occupancy; $289 Single Occupancy Nordic Heaven— at Old Faithful or Ma m m o t h 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts per person, welcome gift and a Snow Card. Plus: 1-day ski rental and ski drop per pe r s o n 1 1 W i l d l i fe in W i n t e r

Winter 2000/2001

Winter is the season of greatest stress to all living things. For many animals, it is the time of dying. The very old, very young, and those weakened by injury or illness are at a disadvantage when it is extremely difficult to find food. Even animals in good condi - tion cannot endure repeated stress without depleting energy reserves; soon, survival is at stake. Now more than ever, you must avoid unnecessarily disturbing wildlife. Never approach animals closely—you may cause an animal to move, and exertion through deep snow consumes great quantities of energy.

H ow T h ey Surv i v e

Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s wildlife live in an environment • Between 12,000 and 20,000 elk winter in the park, characterized by long winters that range in severity mainly in the northern portion where the elevation of temperatures and snowfall depending on location. is lower and snowfall and temperatures are more Each species has adapted to these conditions in its moderate. As many as 800 elk spend the winter own way: among the thermal basins in the Firehole Val l e y , • Many bird species leave the park and move to taking advantage of exposed vegetation and the graphic removed lower and/or distant areas for the winter. Bald warm ground and open waterways. to allow faster eagles move in to the park to fish its open water- • Moose often move up to as high as 8,500 feet downloading wa y s . during the winter where they browse on subalpine • Grizzly and black bears spend the fall gorgi n g fir and Douglas-fir. In the thick fir stands, less themselves on high-fat foods in preparation for snow builds up on the ground and it’s usually less entering their winter dens, where they will “sleep” crusty—this enables the long-legged moose to or hibernate through the adverse conditions. During move more easily. warm spells, they may emerge to hunt. • Some ravens remain in the park year-round. Th e y • Marmots, ground squirrels, and chipmunks also often follow wolves, bears, or herds of elk, await- hi b e r n a t e . ing a chance to feed on a carcass left from winter kill or a predator’s successful hunt.

Habituation Spells D i s a s t e r Where to Wa t ch W i l d l i fe

ellowstone National Park is home to Moose: In the winter, moose often move Yone of the greatest concentrations of up to higher elevations. Look for them free-roaming, large mammals in the lower around stands of conifer trees above 8500 48 states. With the restoration of the gray fe e t . graphic removed wolf, the variety of species found here now Mountain Lion: Rare sightings occur at to allow faster includes all those large mammals present night, especially along the road to the downloading when Euro-Americans first arrived here. Northeast Entrance. Habitat preferences and seasonal cycles of Bighorn Sheep: Look on cliffs along the movement determine, in a general sense, Gardner River and between Calcite Springs where a particular animal may be at a par- and Tower Fall. ticular time. In winter, look for wildlife wherever you see open water and thermal Be a v e r : May be seen early mornings and ac t i v i t y . evenings in open water such as at Wil l o w Pa r k . Do you think that placid elk beside the road is safe to approach? Feel like feeding Grizzly bears: May emerge from hiberna- a raven that approaches your snowmobile? Think again. Wildlife in Yel l o w s t o n e tion on warm days, and in late winter. Look Ot t e r : Look along the Lamar and may appear highly tolerant of humans, but this is a dangerous illusion. An i m a l s in the open meadows of the Lamar and Yellowstone rivers, and Yellowstone Lake. that have become habituated—that is, used to people—are still wild and Hayden valleys, Lake and Fishing Bridge unpredictable. areas. Also look along the road to the East Habituated wildlife can quickly become conditioned to human foods. Swans, Entrance. Backcountry travelers should be Be a Wise W i l d l i fe coyotes, bighorn sheep, bears, ravens, and other species have all demonstrated alert for bears at all times. Wa t ch e r begging behavior in Yellowstone. This seemingly harmless activity is dangerous Black bears: May emerge from hiberna- Remember that you are a guest for both you and the animals. When they come to the roadside to obtain food, tion on warm days, and in late winter. Look in the home of wildlife. they are often hit by vehicles or become exhausted chasing traffi c . along the roads from Mammoth to Tow e r • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away Human foods in an animal’s diet may result in tooth decay, ulcers, digestive and the Northeast Entrance, and in the Old from bears and at least 25 yards problems, or failure to accumulate fat reserves for the winter. Beggar birds and Faithful, Madison, and Canyon areas. (2 3 m) from all other animals. wildlife may become aggressive and have occasionally injured park visitors. Wol v e s : Most active at dawn and dusk; • Stop in a pullout instead of the middle The park is not a zoo. Animals live and die based on their species’ ad a p t a t i o n s most often seen in the open areas along the of the road. and their individual ability to survive in this environment. And all animals in the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek; seen • Turn off your engine. park are wild and potentially dangerous. occasionally in the Hayden and Firehole va l l e y s . • Always talk quietly. • Respect wildlife—never approach too closely and be alert for changes in their • To find out what people are be h a v i o r . El k : Look around Mammoth Hot Springs, observing, get out of your car or off • Never feed wild animals—including ravens. Lamar Val l e y , Hayden Val l e y , and the your snowmobile, approach them, and Firehole Val l e y . • Follow the law:Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards away speak quietly. Ne v e r call or shout from all other animals. Pro n g h o r n : Look in the grasslands near from your vehicle. the North Entrance. 1 2 Issues in Ye l l ow s t o n e

Winter 2000/2001 A New Pe rspective for Winter V i s i t o rs

Many of Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s visitors and employees consider Winter Use Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement winter to be their favorite season. Wildlife is more visi- for the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and ble; the scenery is spectacular covered with snow; and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway proposes an thousands of thermal features are at their most dramatic, alternative that provides public access to the national wreathed in delicate ice formations and billowing steam. parks via snowcoaches only beginning in the winter of graphic removed 2003-2004. Recreational use of snowmobiles by the pub- We hope your visit is safe and memorable, and that to allow faster Yellowstone lives up to your expectations. But while you lic would not be allowed because the adverse effects of downloading are here, we would like you to think about a vexing snowmobile use on air quality, natural sound, wildlife dilemma we all face. The focus of our concerns revolves and safety are impairing park resources and the visitors’ around the extraordinary wonders we all enjoy and their ability to enjoy those resources. need for special consideration in the winter. We recognize that this change will affect the short-term For all its beauty, winter is a time of extreme hardship economies of communities, especially those nearest the for much of Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s wildlife. Winter controls the parks. The National Park Service is committed to work- size of many animal populations, and those populations ing with the local communities to help them adjust as have evolved to survive in an extreme environment. easily as possible to this method of accessing Yel l o w - But human use of the park has skyrocketed in the past 20 stone and Grand Teton parks. We envision helping the years, and though we humans try very hard to use the states, counties, communities, non-governmental orga n i - land lightly, we have many effects that we only now are zations, and businesses develop a new marketing plan beginning to understand. As well, we have effects on for the two national parks in the winter. Perhaps, work- Bison in Ye l l ow s t o n e each other; the more people there are, the less each per- ing together, we can realize new opportunities for eco- son can be assured of the quality experience for which nomic development that will help us preserve Yel l o w - Yellowstone is so famous. stone National Park unimpaired for future generations. Wild, free-ranging bison have been a part protect the economic interest and viabili- We have been working on the winter use issue since the As we approach making a decision about winter use, we of the Yellowstone landscape since pre- ty of the livestock industry in the state of early 1990s, and we have been preparing a new winter are offered a chance to gain a new perspective on historic times. Primarily because of Montana. The federal agencies preferred use plan since late 1997. Working with the U.S. Forest Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s winter season—one where each visitor, poaching and market hunting, the bison alternative uses an adaptive management Service and eight other state and local cooperating agen- not just the backcountry venturer, has the opportunity to population declined until just after the framework to reduce the unnecessary cies, the National Park Service produced a Winter Use enjoy the natural sounds of geysers erupting, mudpots turn of the 19th century when less than killing of bison and provide for separa- Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement for the bubbling, bison snorting, wolves howling, rivers flowing, 50 bison existed in Yellowstone National tion of bison and cattle on public lands Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and John and quietness. Pa r k . outside the park and further reduce the D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. This document, This article was written in late October 2000. If you Tod a y , the Yellowstone bison population already very low risk of brucellosis trans- which analyzes a range of seven alternatives, was would like current information about the winter use numbers about 3,000. Maintaining a mission to cattle. Some bison would be released to the public October 10, 2000, followed by a planning issue, please ask a park ranger at any of the wild, inherently nomadic bison herd can tolerated on public lands during winter, 30-day no-action period. The National Park Service warming huts or visitor centers in the parks. Or when present problems. Bison are wildlife and up to 100 along the park’s north bound- accepted written comments on the document until you return home, please write us at: Winter Use, P.O . do not recognize political boundaries and ary near Reese Creek and up to 100 October 31, 2000. We expect the Record of Decision Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190 sometimes move to adjacent public and along the west boundary of the park. (the final decision document) to be signed in mid- or visit our website at www.n p s . g o v / y e l l / private land, especially during the winter. The spring bison population limit would November 2000 by the National Park Service te c h n i c a l / p l a n n i n g / w i n t e r u s e / p l a n / i n d e x . h t m Increased numbers of bison, weather con- be approximately 3,000 animals and Intermountain Regional Director. ditions, and human activities all affe c t bison would be vaccinated once a safe distribution of animals. and effective vaccine is available. Cattle would be vaccinated and monitored in Early in this century, bison were exposed specific areas near Yellowstone National to the disease brucellosis, probably a Park. Techniques for bison management result of contact with domestic livestock. could include additional monitoring of While no documented case exists of wild, bison on public lands outside the park, free-ranging bison from Yel l o w s t o n e hazing bison onto appropriate public transmitting brucellosis to domestic lands or back into the park in the spring cattle, the small risk of transmission to avoid lethal removal, and control of concerns the livestock industry. some bison on public lands outside the One of several important objectives of park through capture and slaughter or the National Park Service is to maintain agency shooting. the genetic integrity of the bison popula- The public comment period on the final tion. Another objective is to maintain and environmental impact statement ended preserve the ecological function that October 17, 2000. However, you can bison provide in the Yellowstone area. view a summary of the final environmen- Some of these functions can include tal impact statement at the National Park graphic removed maintaining appropriate numbers of Service website: www.n p s . g o v / p l a n n i n g to allow faster bison to provide food for predators and or you can request a copy of the plan by downloading winterkill bison for a wide array of scav- calling the park at 307-344-2159. engers. In addition, bison provide an important role as one of several ungulates Until the agencies sign a Record of that graze on Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s grasslands. Decision (the final decision document) in late 2000 and begin implementing the To address these issues, the federal gov- final plan, the agencies will continue to ernment released in August 2000 the manage bison under an adjusted In t e r i m Final Environmental Impact Statement Bison Management Plan, approved in for the Interagency Bison Management August 1996 and adjusted in 1997. Plan for the State of Montana and Copies of the interim plan are available Yellowstone National Park. The plan is from the Yellowstone Center for designed to maintain the largest wild, Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yel l o w s t o n e free-ranging population of bison in the National Park, WY 82190. United States and address the risk of brucellosis transmission in order to Friends of Ye l l ow s t o n e

Winter 2000/2001 You Can Help Preserve and Protect Ye l l ow s t o n e

n our increasingly crowded and developed world, Yellowstone National Park provides a source of refuge and renewal for those who enter its quiet places. The park’s magnificent wilderness Iareas offer a glimpse of what our continent was like when humans first gazed in wonder upon its steaming geysers, thundering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. However, Yellowstone exists today only because generations who came before us understood its value and made its preservation a priority. Because so many visitors who love Yellowstone want to help ensure that it stands wild and unimpaired for our future, two separate organizations have been established. The Yellowstone Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Association work in partnership with the National Park Service and each other to provide a means for visitors to contribute to Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s preservation. Please help us do the very best we can to protect and preserve this national treasure. Your contribution to either organization will designate you as a true friend of Yellowstone; contributors of $1,000 or more will have their names displayed on the park’s Honor Wall at Old Faithful, receiving special recognition as stewards and benefactors of Yellowstone National Park. Yel l o w s t o n e will exist tomorrow as one of Am e r i c a ’ s most treasured places only if our generation understands its value and makes its preservation our priority.

Ye l l owstone Pa r k Yellowstone F o u n d a t i o n Association ellowstone National Park is one of reduces the possibility of potentially YAm e r i c a ’ s greatest treasures. Every year, dangerous human/bear encounters; millions of people like you come to visit and • Anew Visitor Education Center to replace the experience the beauty and mystery of the current visitor center at Old Faithful, which is ublic appreciation and dedication have ensured Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s protection and preserva- wo r l d ’ s first national park. Unfortunately, too small to accommodate the more than three tion for more than 125 years. The non-profit Yellowstone Association has dedicated shrinking federal budgets make it more and P million people who visit Yellowstone each itself to fostering this critical public support through education since its founding in 1933 and, more difficult to protect and care for ye a r . with the help of visitors like you, has provided funding of more than $7,200,000 to Yel l o w s t o n e Yellowstone in perpetuity. National Park in support of educational, historical, and scientific projects. The Yellowstone Park Foundation receives The Yellowstone Park Foundation is a non-profit no government support. It relies solely on the or ganization dedicated exclusively to raising How can you help? generous contributions of private individuals, money for projects that protect, preserve, and First, visit a Yellowstone Association educational bookstore, located in all park visitor centers. foundations, and corporations to help protect enhance Yellowstone National Park. The goal of One hundred perce n t of the profit from your purchase is returned directly to Yellowstone to fund critical and preserve Yellowstone for our enjoyment and the Foundation is to alleviate the environmental educational programs, scientific research, ranger-interpreter training, and program supplies. that of future generations. and financial pressures that Yellowstone faces by Second, become a memberof the Yellowstone As s o c i a t i o n and provide substantial support to raising money for projects that would otherwise Yellowstone needs your help, now more than Yellowstone while receiving a year’s subscription to the As s o c i a t i o n ’ s informative Yellowstone ne w s l e t t e r go unfunded. The Foundation supports many ev e r . Donors of $25 or more to the Yel l o w s t o n e and to Yellowstone Tod a y , the official park newspaper, both published quarterly. You will also receive a important projects, including: Park Foundation are listed in Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s 15% discount on purchases in Association park bookstores and a discount on Yellowstone As s o c i a t i o n Honor Book at Old Faithful for one year. Donors • The Yellowstone Wolf Project, which tracks Institute cl a s s e s . In appreciation for their contribution, members who join in the park will also receive their of $1,000 or more receive special recognition on and monitors the habits, habitat needs, and choice of a large, beautiful, and reusable fabric book bag depicting either a grizzly bear, gray wolf, or the Honor Wall for one year. Please help to pre- ecological impacts of Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s new wolf bi s o n . serve the beauty and wonder of the park by pa c k s ; becoming a Friend of Yel l o w s t o n e . For more information on Association membership or activities, ask one of our helpful staff members • Areroute of the Pelican Valley Trail out of at any park visitor center or write P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 or call 307-344- prime grizzly habitat, which significantly 2296. You can also visit our website at ww w. Ye l l o w s t o n e A s s o c i a t i o n . o rg .

Ye s , make me a Friend of Ye l l owstone National Pa r k ! I want to help preserve Yellowstone Contributor Supporter Guardian Steward Other YES! through education. $25 $50 $100 $1,000 To receive all the benefits of membership, visit any park visitor center or complete and mail this form with Enclosed is a tax-deductible gift of your dues to: The Yellowstone Association, P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, W Y8 2 1 9 0 .

Name N a m e Address A d d r e s s C i t y S t a t e Z i p City State Zip Phone ( ) Charge to: MC Visa Annual dues: A s s o c i a t e ...... $ 3 0 P a t ro n ...... $ 2 5 0 C o n t r i b u t i n g...... $ 5 0 S p o n s o r ...... $ 5 0 0 Credit Card # Exp. Date S u s t a i n i n g ...... $ 1 0 0 B e n e f a c t o r ...... $ 1 , 0 0 0 Make checks payable to The Yellowstone Park Foundation. Make checks payable to The Yellowstone A s s o c i a t i o n . The Ye l l owstone Park Foundation 37 East Main, Suite 4 C h a rge to: V I S A M a s t e r c a r d D i s c o v e r Bozeman, MT 59715 406-586-6303 Card # Expiration Date or visit our website @ www. y p f . o rg S i g n a t u r e P N P 1 4 S e rvices in the Pa r k

Winter 2000/2001 x Comprehensive Medical Care in a Wilderness Setting... Ye l l owstone Park Medical Serv i c e s

ellowstone Park Medical Services Division of West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyo m i n g , has offered medical care to Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s visitors, employees, and residents since 1980. Mammoth Clinic Y • Open weekdays 8:30 AM–1 PM and 2-5 PM; At the Mammoth Clinic, a board-certified physician provides year-round health care to the closed Wednesday afternoons. Phone 307-344-7965 Yellowstone Park community. Experienced registered nurses and office staff complete the Old Faithful Clinic team, offering courteous, professional family and emergency medical care. • Staffed every two weeks beginning the week of December 29 through the In the summer, the operation grows to meet the needs of the park’s increased number of Snow Lodge Winter Season. Call Mammoth Clinic for specific information visitors and the employees who serve them. Outpatient services are provided at Lake Hospital and appointments. and Old Faithful Clinic as well as at Mammoth Clinic. Lake Hospital is also an acute-care facility with ten inpatient beds, clinical laboratory, • Board-certified physicians ph a r m a c y , radiology, and 24-hour ambulance and emergency services. The staff is assembled • Prompt personal, family, and emergency medical care from highly qualified, experienced professionals from across the country. • For appointments, call 307-344-7965 • For emergencies, dial 911 For information on employment for the 2001 season (both professional and nonprofessional positions are available), send a resume to: Yellowstone Park Medical Services, 707 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414 or call 800-654-9447, ext. 462. Ye l l owstone Park Medical Serv i c e s A division of West Park Hospital— C o dy, Wyo m i n g We ’re there when you need us!

graphic removed Cellular One to allow faster downloading CellularOne is proud to offer service in Yellowstone! Bozeman, MT 585-7524 • Livingston, MT 222-1800 • Cody, WY 527-7700

Hamilton Stores—Oldest Park Concessioner Hamilton Stores, Inc. he 1872 Act that set the park aside “for five years he acquired store concessions at Tthe benefit and enjoyment of the people, Lake and Fishing Bridge, and he built filling and the protection of the natural and scenic stations at each location. This was the start erving the traveling public since 1915, treasures therein” also granted leases for the of what was to become the oldest, privately various concessioners who served the public. owned family concession in the National SHamilton Stores, Inc., offers a wide For the first decade of the park’s offi c i a l Park system, serving the traveling public for variety of merchandise, including Yellow-stone souvenirs, gifts, film existence, no lease to sell general store mer- more than 75 years. and photo supplies, souvenir T-shirts and sweatshirts, winter chandise was issued. Then, in 1882, Henry Hamilton Stores invites you to visit its loca- E. Klamer applied for and received permits accessories, groceries, and food, including tions during the summer season for a bit of to provide fresh meat to camps and hotels, to that history—most especially, the original hot and cold beverages, beer, and liquor. pasture and slaughter beef cattle, operate a store at Old Faithful (the Lower Basin Store) dairy herd, and to open a general store in the and the General Store in the Lake area. Th e Old Faithful area of the park. Mammoth General Store is open year-round to serve the traveling upper store at Old Faithful and the Fishing In 1915, a year after the Klamer General Bridge General Store also convey rustic public and, for your convenience, is an authorized UPS shipping Store was purchased by Charles As h w o r t h charm. The newest store, Grant Vil l a g e agent. Hamilton, horse transportation in Yel l o w - General Store, was built and decorated with stone reached its zenith. Three thousand the crafts of many Montana artisans. Th e “hayburners” pulled Yellowstone wagons, general store at Mammoth Hot Springs, open We are also happy to invite you to visit our on-line catalog at: coaches, surreys, freight wagons, and— ye a r -round, can also be seen in historic pho- http//www.hamiltonstores.com grandest of all—double-decker 26-passenger tos from around the turn-of-the-century with Tallyhos or stagecoaches. However, autos horse-drawn stagecoaches and people in were allowed into the park for the first time period dress in front of the store. that year, and Charles Hamilton quickly spotted the tire marks in the dirt. In the next 1 5 S e rvices in the Pa r k

Winter 2000/2001

The Early Bird Gets the Wo r m

here is nothing quite like springtime in Below are some of the discounts being offe r e d : TYellowstone. The remaining patches of snow Old Faithful Inn, May 11- 1 7 are melting, and Mother Nature is renewing. Under Historic room (without a private bathroom—$29 the sunshine and blue skies, everything seems shiny Hotel room—$89-119 and new. Bison, deer and elk calves are born, and the bears yawn and stretch, and emerge out of Old Faithful Snow Lodge, May 4-17 hibernation looking for food. The wild flowers start Lodge room—$99 to peek out of the greening ground. And our guests Grant Village, May 25-31 can enjoy Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s spring awakening while Ro o m s — $ 6 9 - $ 7 9 Yellowstone National receiving GREATDEALS, with rooms and cabins Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, May 4-17 starting at only $29 (plus tax, single or double Cabin or Room (without private bathroom)—$29 Park Lodges oc c u p a n c y ) ! Frontier Cabin or Hotel Room—$59 Book an Early Bird Special by April 1st, and Lake Hotel, May 18-24 receive a discount of up to 50% off the regular Hotel room—$99-109 ra t e s ! Book the Early Bird Special by calling Yel l o w s t o n e National Park Lodges reservations at 307-344-7311 or visiting www.Tr a v e l Ye l l o w s t o n e . c o m . Visitors looking for reduced rates are also encour- aged to visit our web site for occasional unadver- Think Ahead tised internet specials. to Spring!

Ye l l owstone To d ay is produced by the Division of Interpretation, National Park Service, I M P O RTANT PHONE NUMBERS Yellowstone National Park, in cooperation with the Yellowstone Association and park concessioners.

E M E R G E N C Y: 9 1 1

Park Info r m a t i o n : 3 0 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 3 8 1 Lodging, dining, camping, Montana Power Company activities: 307-344-7311 or TDD 307-344-5395

Snowmobilers— Yellowstone Park YPSS Offers Services, Advice Service Stations rior to the invention and proliferation of travel. Dress intelligently and carry a tow Pthe snowmobile, the roads of rope, flashlight, matches, an extra drive belt, Yellowstone National Park were seldom and spare spark plugs. Fill your fuel tank Yellowstone Park Service Stations has been serving Yellowstone travelled in the winter months. The resident when you have the opportunity to do so. winterkeepers, a few hardy souls on skis and Travel at least in pairs if you can and watch visitors since 1947. Since 1972, we have also served winter travelers, snowshoes or in snowplanes, and an occa- each other for signs of hypothermia. Let o ffering quality petroleum products at four winter locations. sional ranger were about the only people out someone know what your travel plans are, there among all of the winter wildlife and especially if travelling at night, and check Snowmobile fuel is available at Canyon, Old Faithful, and Fishing Bridge sc e n e r y . The tempo has changed during the back in with them when you arrive at your past 20 years, but the unique Yel l o w s t o n e destination. Be on the lookout for animals December 18–March 11 and at Mammoth Terraces December 18–March 4. winter wilderness experience is still here. on the road. Do not approach wildlife close- Yellowstone Park Service Stations (YPSS) ly . The energy an animal expends running Drive belts, spark plugs, and accessories are available at has offered basic services to snowmobilers from you may seriously affect the animal’s Old Faithful, Canyon, and Fishing Bridge. in Yellowstone since 1972. You are encour- prospects for survival. (Snowmobile repair services are n o t a v a i l a b l e ) . aged to play it safe out there—Yel l o w s t o n e It is a privilege to be able to live and work can be very unforgiving in winter. Familiar- here in the winter. All of us who do hope ize yourself with the location of warming you enjoy your winter visit. Conoco, Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit huts, public telephones, and other services in cards are accepted. the park, and know where you are as you Ye l l owstone Roads and Fa c i l i t i e s Park Infor m a t i o n : 30 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 3 8 1 TD D : 307-344-2386 Emergen cy : dial 911

Spring Plowing St a r ts March 5 Throughout the park, groomed roads will close to oversnow vehicle (snowmobile and snowcoach) tr a f fic for spring plowing as follows: March 5: Mammoth to Norris March 7: Madison to Norris to Canyon March 12: All other park roads close to oversnow traffic.

Roads close at 8 AM on the days listed.

Area Chambers of Commerce Mo n t a n a Billings 40 6 - 2 4 5 - 4 1 11 Bozeman 40 6 - 5 8 6 - 5 4 2 1 Gardiner 40 6 - 8 4 8 - 7 9 7 1 Livingston 406-222-0850 West Yel l o w s t o n e 40 6 - 6 4 6 - 7 7 0 1 Lodging only 40 6 - 6 4 6 - 9 4 8 8 Cooke City–Silver Gate 40 6 - 8 3 8 - 2 4 9 5 Red Lodge 40 6 - 4 4 6 - 1 7 1 8 Wyo m i n g Co d y 30 7 -5 8 7 - 2 2 9 7 Ja c k s o n 30 7 -7 3 3 - 3 3 1 6 Du b o i s 30 7 -4 5 5 - 2 5 5 6 East Yel l o w s t o n e / Wapiti Val l e y 30 7 -5 8 7 - 9 5 9 5

Id a h o Idaho Falls 208-523-1010 Eastern Idaho Visitor Info Ce n t e r 80 0 - 6 3 4 - 3 2 4 6

Clinics Food service: Lodging Mammoth Clinic: Open weekdays 8:30 AM–1 PM Dining Rooms: Mammoth Hotel, Dec. 22–Mar. 4 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Dec. 22–Mar. 4 and 2–5 PM; closed Wednesday afternoons; phone Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Dec. 18–Mar. 11 Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Dec 18–Mar. 11 307-344-7965. Old Faithful Clinic: Staffed every 2 Fast Foods: Old Faithful Snow Lodge–Geyser Grill, Campground weeks beginning the week of December 29. Call the Dec. 18–Mar. 11 Mammoth Hot Springs: Open year-round Mammoth Clinic for more information. Light Lunches: Mammoth General Store, Visitor Centers Open year-round Warming Huts Mammoth Hot Springs: Open year-round Snack Bars: Madison and Canyon warming huts, Dec. 18–early March Old Faithful: Dec. 18–Mar. 12 Dec. 18–Mar 11 Mammoth, Indian Creek, Madison Junction, Old Faithful, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, Canyon Snowmobile Fuel General Store Old Faithful, Canyon Junction, Fishing Bridge: Mammoth Hot Springs: Open year-round Dec. 18–Mar. 11 Mammoth Hot Springs: Dec. 18–Mar. 4

This map is courtesy of Conoco—providing petroleum products since 1917 . . . All service stations in Yellowstone offer environmentally sensitive fuels, specially formulated by Conoco to reduce hydrocarbon emissions and decrease other pollution-related problems.