Of f icial Newspaper of Yel l o wstone National Par k Autumn 2001

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C o n t e n t s Safety ...... 2 Park Information ...... 3 Trip Tip s...... 4 Vol c a n o !...... 5 Welcome to the Wo r l d ’s First National Pa r k Big Mammal Map ...... 8 The Natural Force of Fire ...... 9 Yel l o wstone is also: • One of the few places in the world with active traver t i n e Is s u e s ...... 1 0 • The second largest national park in the contiguous te r r a c e s Se r v i c e s ...... 1 3 – 1 5 U.S.—approximately 3,472 square miles in Wyo m i n g , • Home to the largest concentration of elk in the wor l d Ma p...... Back Cover Montana, and Idaho (the largest is Death Val l e y National • Location of the largest lake above 7,000 feet in North Center section: Park in California) Am e r i c a — Ye l l o wstone Lake; with about 110 miles (170 Walks & Talks & Programs • Site of the wor l d ’ s greatest concentration of thermal km) of shoreline and approximately 136 square miles features—approximately 10,000, including more than (354 sq km) of surface area Ranger-led activities continue 300 geys e r s through September. • Location of the wor l d ’ s largest petrified forest • One of the wor l d ’ s largest active vol c a n o e s

I n t e r n ational Der Yel l o wstone National Park hat Madison–Norris Road closed—see back page. V i s i t o r s ge wisse Gefahren. Sehen Sie Seite 2. Sie können Information auf Deutschan den Besucherzentren Le Parc national de Yel l ow s t o n e und Par ke i n g angen bekom m e n . Park Inform a t i o n E m e r g e n cy présente des risques particuliers. Existen peligros únicos en el Re gardez la page 2. Des renseigne- Unique dangers exist in 3 0 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 3 8 1 Parque Nacional Yel l ow s t o n e . Ve a Yel l o wstone National park. ments en francais sont disponibles página 2. Se puede conseguir infor- w w w. n p s . g ov / ye l l Dial 911 aux centres des visiteurs dans le See page 2. You can obtain more mación en español en los Centros information at visitor centers and parc et aux kiosques d’entreé. de Visitantes y las entradas. en t r ance stations. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink 2 You Need to Read This Pa g e

Autumn 2001

Attention Anglers & Boaters Yel l o wstone National Par k ’ s general fishing season opens the Saturday of Memorial C AU T I O N : Scalding Wa t e r Day weekend and closes the first Sunday in Novem b e r . Other dates apply for Yel l o wstone Lake and its tributaries; see page 6 or consult the park fishing regu l a t i o n s . Beautiful but deadly: Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s thermal features can kill you. Their waters are frequently Boats and float tubes require permits; see page 6. near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them is thin and breaks easily, and often over l i e s more scalding wat e r . People have died in these pools. Be safe, be careful—enjoy the thermal B a c k c o u n t r y Pe r m i t s areas from a distance. Permits are required for over night backcountry use and may be obtained in person • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Th e y exist to protect you and to up to 48 hours in advance from any ranger station. Rangers will provide information pr e s e r v e delicate formations. on weather, trails and other conditions. See page 7 for more information. • Pets are prohibited in thermal areas. B i cy cl i n g • Swimming or bathing is prohibited in thermal pools or streams where water flows entirely from a thermal spring or pool. Please wear safety gear, including helmet and high visibility clothing. Park roads • Where swimming is allowed, swim at your own risk. Thermal waters may contain organ i s m s are narrow and winding with few shoulders, and no bicycle paths exist along them. kn o wn to cause infections and/or amoebic meningitis, which can be quickly fatal. Obtain In spring, high snowbanks make travel more dangerous. Road elevations range from more information at any ranger station or visitor center. 5,300 to 8,860 feet (1,615–2,700 m); long distances exist between services and facilities. Bicycling is permitted on established public roads, parking areas, and designated routes. Bicycles are prohibited on backcountry trails and boardwalks. Motorists frequently do not see bicyclists or fail to give them sufficient space on the road. Drivers sometimes pass on hill crests, blind curves or in oncoming traffic . Vehicles, especially motor homes or those towing trailers, may have wide mirrors, Stay Away from Wildlife posing an additional hazard. For more information about bicycling in Yel l ow s t o n e , inquire at a visitor center. Yel l o wstone is not a zoo and the animals are BE A R S li ve throughout the park. Be alert for Fa l li n g Tr e e s not tame, even though they may seem calm. tracks and sign; do not approach carcasses. Avoid areas with large numbers of dead trees (snags), which may suddenly fal l — Do not approach any wildlife. Vie w them Tak e all necessary precautions to avoid especially on windy days. from the safety of your veh i c l e . If an animal surprise encounters. reacts to your presence, you are too close. High Altitude Page 7, “Hiking and Camping in Bear Most of the park is above 7,500 feet (2,275 m). Al l o w time to acclimate and drink Keep your distance and stay safe—and you Co u n t r y ,” provides important infor m a t i o n plenty of liquids. Be aware of your physical limitations. Don’t over e xert; drink plenty will be rewarded by seeing more of an on precautions and what to do if you of water to forestall the dehydrating effects of the park’s dry climate. Stop and rest an i m a l ’ s natural behavior and activi t y . encounter a bear. fr e q u e n t l y . Each year park visitors are injured by wildlife If precautionary measures fail and you are when they approach animals too closely. You ch a r ged by a bear, you can usually defuse the Pe t s must stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away situation. Pepper spray is a good last line of Pets must be leashed. Th e y are prohibited on all trails, in the backcountry, and in fr om bears and at least 25 yards (23 m) defense; it has been effe c t i ve in more than thermal basins. Pets are not allowed more than 100 feet from a road or parking area. away from all other animals—including 90% of the reported cases where it has been Le a ving a pet unattended and/or tied to an object is prohibited. bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, used. Become familiar with your pepper wol v es, coyot e s . sp r a y , read all instructions, and know its limi- Picnic Areas Ov ernight camping is not allowed in the park’s picnic areas. Fires may be built only BI S O N are unpredictable and dangerous; tations. Pepper spray must be instantly avai l - th e y weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and able, not in your pack. Remember, carrying in fire grates available in picnic areas at Snake River , Grant Village, Bridge Bay, sprint 30 miles per hour (48 kph). Vis i t o r s pepper spray is not a substitute for vigilance Cascade, Norris Meadows, Yel l o wstone River , Spring Creek, Nez Perce, and the east ar e gored every yea r . and good safety precautions. parking lot of Old Faithful. Liquid or gas fuel stoves or self-contained charcoal grills If you are injured by a bear (regardless of may be used for cooking at all locations. Most picnic areas have pit toilets, but none CO YOTE S quickly learn habits like roadside ha ve drinking wat e r . feeding. This may lead to aggressive behavi o r ho w minor), or if you observe a bear or bear to ward humans and can increase the risk of sign, report it to a park ranger as soon as Stream Crossing the coyote being poached or hit by a veh i c l e . possible. Someone’s safety may depend on it. If your plans include fishing or following trails that cross streams, check at local ranger stations for current stream conditions. T h ef t Lock your vehicle; keep all valuables out of sight; label all valuable property with AVOID These Situations your name, address, or identification number; report theft or vandalism to a ranger. Tr a f f i c Your visit may be marred by tragedy if you violate park rules. Law enfor cement rangers Yel l o wstone has more than 350 miles (564 km) of roads. Most are narrow, rough, and strictly enfor ce park regulations to protect you and the park. Please help keep our contacts bus y . Some sections are steep with sharp drop-offs. Drive cautiously and courteously; with you positive by obeying park regulations and avoiding these prob l e m s : sl o w moving vehicles must use pullouts to observe wildlife or scenery and to allow safe passing by other veh i c l e s . Watch for animals on the road, especially at night. sp e e d i n g (radar enforced) tr a veling off boardwalks in thermal area s • • Bi c ycles and motorcycles present special hazards. Drive defensively and wear seat • dr i ving while intoxicated (open container • rem o ving or possessing natural (f l ow e r s , belts. Yel l o wstone has a mandatory seat belt req u i r ement for all passengers. Be la w enforced) antlers, etc.) or cultural (a r t i f acts) fe a t u re s especially cautious of ice and road damage; cool temperatures may occur any time of • not rem o ving detachable side mirror s • violating fishing reg u l a t i o n s the year. The maximum speed limit is 45 mph (73 km per hour) or slower as posted. when not pulling trailers • feeding or approaching wildlife • tr a veling off-roa d by vehicle or bicyc l e • spotlighting elk, deer, or other wildlife We a p o n s • im p r operly storing foo d (v i e wing animals with artificial light) No firearms or weapons, including state-permitted concealed weapons, are allowed in • violating camping regulations & rules • calling in elk by imitating bugles or using Yel l o wstone. Howe ver , unloaded firearms may be transported in a vehicle when the bug l e r s weapon is cased, broken down or rendered inoperable, and kept out of sight. Am m u n i - • ha ving pets off leash or on trails and tion must be placed in a separate compartment of the veh i c l e . bo a r dw a l k s • li t t e r i n g Violations of park regulations can result • swimming in thermal pools in a fine and/or court appearance.

E m e r g e n cy: dial 911 • Park Information: 307-344-7381 Become Acquainted With the Pa r k 3

Autumn 2001 I n f o r m a t i o n Self-Guiding Tr a i l s

C a nyon: Visitor Center fire in Yel l o wstone. Call 30 7 - Norris: Museum of the 6 PM ; Oc t . 1– N OV. 4, 9 AM – Slo w down and stretch your legs on these self-guiding Da i l y . 8 AM –7 PM th r o u g h 24 2 - 2 6 5 0 . National Park Ranger 5 PM . Information, bookstore, trails. At each location, you can purchase a trail guide with September 30; October 1–8, Da i l y . 9 AM –6 PM th r o u g h ge yser eruption predictions, a map, photos, and information. Madison: films on hydrothermal 9 AM –6 PM . Information, Sept. 3; Sept. 4– 3 0 , 9 AM – Grand Canyon of the Ye l l o w s t o n e bison exhibit, bookstore. Information Station 5 PM . Exhibits and video features and thermophiles. Scan the color-rich canyon and the Upper and Lower Fal l s Call 307-242-2550. Da i l y . 8 AM –7 PM th r o u g h about history of the park Call 30 7 -5 4 5 - 2 7 5 0 . from overlooks along the rims, which you can reach by car Sept. 3; Sept. 4– Oct. 8, r a n g e r. Former National Pa r k Fishing Bridge: West Thumb: or foot. See for yourself why viewpoints are named 9 AM –5 PM . In f o r m a t i o n , Service employees vo l u n t e e r Visitor Center Inspiration, Grandview, and Artist Point. bookstore. Call 307-344- at the museum. Information Station Da i l y . 8 AM –7 PM th r o u g h 28 2 1 . Da i l y , 9 AM –5 PM th r o u g h Sept. 3; Sept. 4– 3 0 , 9 AM – Norris: Geyser Basin Sept. 30. Information, Fort Ye l l o w s t o n e 6 PM . Information, bookstore, Mammoth: Museum bo o k s t o r e . En j o y a walking tour around this historic site at Mammoth exhibits on the park’s birds Hot Springs. Most of the buildings were constructed during Albright Visitor Center Da i l y . 10 AM –5 PM th r o u g h and other wildlife. Call 30 7 - Da i l y , year-round. Th r o u g h West Ye l l o w s t o n e : the time that the U.S. Army managed the park October 8. Information, book- (1886–1918). Th e y are now used by the National Par k 24 2 - 2 4 5 0 . Sept. 3, 8 AM –7 PM ; Sept. 4– Chamber of Commerce, store, exhibits on thermal Service as its headquarters. 30 , 9 AM –6 PM ; th e r e a f t e r , 9 Grant: Visitor Center features. Call 30 7 -3 4 4 - 2 8 1 2 . Public Lands Desk AM –5 PM . Information, book- Da i l y . 8 AM –8 PM th r o u g h Da i l y . 8 AM –7 PM th r o u g h Fountain Paint Po t store, exhibits on wildlife and Old Faithful: Sept. 3; Sept. 4–Nov. 4, Sept. 3; Sept. 4– 3 0 , 9 AM – Eve r -changing mudpots, constant geysers, hissing hi s t o r y . Films on the national Visitor Center 8 AM –4 PM . Information, park 6 PM . Information, bookstore, fumaroles, and colorful, boiling hot springs await you on park idea and artist Th o m a s passes. Call 406-646-4403. exhibits, video on the role of Da i l y . 8 AM –7 PM th r o u g h this trail. Located 8 miles (12.9 km) north of Old Fai t h f u l Moran. Call 307-34 4 - 2 2 6 3 . Sept. 3; Se p t . 4– 30, 8 AM – on the road to Madison Junction. Mammoth Hot Springs Visitors marvel at the surreal appearance of these trave r- Ye l l owstone to Build tine terraces. As an early visitor described them: “The hot springs fall over a lofty hill of snowy whiteness, resem- N ew Visitor Education Center bling cascades.” Trails wind through the area, and you can also drive through the Upper Te r r a c e s . at Old Fa i t h f u l G r aphic removed for faster loading Mud Volcano Area Di s c o ver turbulent and exp l o s i ve mudpots, including Mud Old Faithful Geyser is a landmark of worldwide renown Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth. Vie w—and smell—Sulphur and is visited by more than 85 percent of the 3.1 million Caldron. Located on the road between Lake and Canyon, people who come to Yel l o wstone each year. On peak days Architect’s rendition of the new visitor center.You can 6 miles (9.6 km) north of Fishing Bridge Junction. during July and August, more than 25,000 visitors are be a part of making this vision a reality. awaiting eruptions of Old Faithful and exploring the geys e r Norris Geyser Basin basin, which contains the wor l d ’ s greatest concentration of pr i vate donations. The Yel l o wstone Park Foundation is Explore the hottest, most dynamic geyser basin in the park. ge ysers. Unfortunately, visitor needs for information, leading this fundraising effort with assistance from the Porcelain Basin features hundreds of thermal features in an orientation, and educational services at Old Faithful are not National Park Foundation and the Yel l o wstone As s o c i a t i o n . open area; Back Basin trail winds through more forested being met. The existing visitor center is too small, contains Other public-spirited corporations, foundations, and terrain past a number of springs and geysers. Steamboat, no interpretive exhibits, and the auditorium lacks suffic i e n t in d i viduals have also joined this historic effort to raise at the wor l d ’ s tallest geys e r , erupted in May 2000—its fir s t seating for the numbers of visitors wanting to see films. As least $15 million for the new state-of-the art center. eruption since October 1991. a result, visitors often leave the Upper Geyser Basin area without understanding its unique, fragile, and priceless The new Visitor Education Center at Old Faithful will fit Upper Geyser Basin natural resources. into the historic landscape, and will be fully accessible, The wor l d ’ s largest concentration of geysers is located here, en e r gy efficient, of sustainable design, and built with including Old Faithful. Vie w that famous feature, then wal k For years the National Park Service has recognized the en vironmentally friendly construction materials and tech- the trails that wind past hundreds of geysers and hot need for a new visitor center at Old Faithful, but more niques. In the approximately 10,000 square feet of exh i b i t springs. Names such as Beehive, Grotto, Castle, River s i d e , pressing problems (deteriorating roads, failing sewer sys- space, visitors will discover a “window on the Earth” with and Morning Glory hint at the wonders you will see. tems) have taken precedence. Broad-based public support in t e r a c t i ve exhibits, computer animations and simulations, is bringing Yel l o wstone National Park closer to meeting its videos, and fil m s . West Thumb Geyser Basin st e wardship goal of enhancing the educational exp e r i e n c e The boiling springs in this basin, including the fam o u s for all visitors to the park through the new visitor center. If you wish to contribute to the Old Faithful Vis i t o r Education Center initiative, please contact the Yel l ow s t o n e Fishing Cone, discharge their waters into chilly Yel l ow s t o n e A $1.25 million grant from Unilever to the Yel l ow s t o n e Park Foundation: 406-586-6303; 37 East Main, Suite 4, La k e. With mountains as a backdrop to the east, this is one Park Foundation began the funding initiative, and was soon Bozeman, MT 59715; www.y p f . o r g, or complete and mail of the prettiest self-guiding trails. fo l l o wed by $2 million from Conoco and $3.25 million in the coupon on page 12.

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 b l e those who use them. Yel l o wstone and Grand Teton are 2 of 100 National A free Visitors Guide to Accessible Features in Your Park Service units that were selected to participate in the new fee program. Yel l o wstone National Par k is available at all entrance The additional funds generated by the fee increase are being used for proj- X ects that the parks have been unable to fund in the past through yearly stations and visitor centers in the park. This guide describes F E E Congressional allocations. which facilities have been judged to be negotiable for wheelchair users. Additional facilities are being made accessible as Entrance and campground fees are dedicated to projects that increase the quickly as possible within funding limitations. quality of the visitor experience and enhance the protection of park Dollars resources. Examples of projects underway include major renovation of For more information, write to: Ca n yon Visitor Center including the development of new geology exh i b i t s , Park Accessibility Coordinator replacing outdated audiovisual equipment at Old Faithful Visitor Center, P.O. Box 168, Yel l o wstone National Park, WY 82190; at Wo r k campground and amphitheater upgrades, and natural and cultural resource TDD only (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) st u d i e s . 30 7 - 3 4 4 - 2 3 8 6 4 Now That I’m Here, Where Do I Go?

Autumn 2001

Visitors can find the size of Yel l o wstone National Park and the variety of activities overwhelming. After all, you have sever a l hundred miles of roads to drive, almost one thousand miles of trails to hike, seven major areas to explore, nine visitor centers or museums to visit, plus activities such as interpretive programs and walks. To help plan your time in Yel l o wstone, consider the information here, read the material in the official map and guide (which includes mileage between major areas and detailed maps of these areas), or consult with interpretive rangers at the park’s visitor centers. H i g h l i g h t s G r aphic removed for Only One Day Here? Geysers & Hot Springs Teton Range to the south. This road also trav- faster loading els through areas where bighorn sheep, elk, Tips from Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s Ranger s Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s unparalleled array of thermal and bears (black and grizzly) are often seen. One day driving tours ph e n o m e n a — g e ysers, hot springs, mudpots, and steam ven t s — p r o vide evidence of the H i s t o r y 1 .D r ive to the Old Faithful area and wal k ac t i ve volcano beneath our feet. Visit the around the geyser basin; drive to the People have traveled through and lived in Ca n yon area—stop at several over l o o k s tr a vertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, and walk along part of the rim. then travel 21 miles south to view the acidic Yel l o wstone for more than 11,000 years. As 2. Add Hayden Val l e y to the above route— features of Norris Geyser Basin. From recently as the 1800s, Native American tribes especially at the beginning or end of the Madison junction, drive south to the mudpots tr a versed the Yel l o wstone Plateau in search day—to look for some of the park’s large and geysers at Fountain Paint Pot, the vibrant of buf falo, medicinal plants, and other animals. (See map on page 8.) hot springs of Midway Geyser Basin, and the resources. In the early 1800s, the fir s t 3. Visit the Canyon area and walk to Ar t i s t wonders of Old Faithful and the Upper European Americans—fur trappers— Point; stop at Fishing Bridge Museum on Ge yser Basin. West Thumb Geyser Basin is explored the region, followed by scientific the shore of Yel l o wstone Lake; spend the 17 miles east of Old Faithful; Mud Vol c a n o expeditions in the mid to late 1800s. afternoon at the geyser basins on the Tower Fall photo courtesy Frank Smith is north of Yel l o wstone Lake. “P l e a s u r e - s e e k ers” came after Yel l ow s t o n e Firehole River—Upper Geyser Basin National Park was established in 1872. (Old Faithful, Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Tips for Getting Basin), Midway , and Lower (Fou n t a i n L a k e A re a Other highlights of park history: Paint Pot). The lake area lies in a stunning setting with • In 1877, the Nez Perce crossed A r o u n d 4. Visit Old Faithful and one other thermal Yel l o wstone as they fled from Idaho to • Grand Loop Road provides access to area, such as Norris, West Thumb, or the Absaroka Mountains as a backdrop. Fou r Canada in an ill-fated attempt to avoi d major scenic attractions: 142 miles (229 Mammoth Hot Springs. visitor areas lie along its shores: Fi s h i n g being placed on a reservation. km) total around; Upper Loop, 70 miles 5. Visit lesser-k n o wn features such as Ar t i s t Bridge, Bridge Bay, Lake, and Grant/Wes t • The Northern Pac i f ic Railroad reached the (113 km); Lower Loop, 96 miles (155 Paint Pots, Natural Bridge near Bridge Th u m b . From these locations, you can hike, park in 1883, bringing many visitors. km ) . Ba y , Roaring Mountain north of Norris, fish, boat, and watch wildlife. (Fishing and • The U.S. Army managed the park from • The Madison–Norris section of the Terrace Springs near Madison Junction, boating require permits; see page 6.) You can 1886–1918; its headquarters were at Grand Loop Road is closed due to or Firehole Lake Drive in the Lowe r visit several historic buildings (see at right), Mammoth Hot Springs. Ge yser Basin. construction. See map on back page. witness a variety of thermal activity (see • Auto travel came to Yel l o wstone in 1915. • Al l o w plenty of time to drive from place Consider one or two moderate day hikes . ab o ve), and see the Yel l o wstone River contin- • The National Park Service was established to place. Speed limits are 45 mph (73 km Each major area of the park has sever a l ue its long journey as it flows from the lake. in 1916, and soon began managing the per hour) or lower; narrow, winding roads hi k es suitable for brief excursions into the G ra n d C a n y o n pa r k . warrant slower speeds in many sections; wilder side of Yel l o wstone. Consult the and traffic is often heavy and slow. Visitors interested in historic buildings will Da y h i k e Sampler, available for 50¢ at The most famous and spectacular section of find more than 900 examples here, including •Tra f fic is heaviest from mid June to mid visitor centers. the Grand Canyon of the Yel l ow s t o n e , September with daily peaks from mid some of the finest Rustic style buildings in If you have two or more days: including the Upper and Lower Falls of the the nation’s parks. The Fishing Bridge, morning to late afternoon. Yel l o wstone River , is seen from over l o o k s • Al l o w extra time for crossing mountain • Explore one area of the park in depth. Norris Geyser Basin, and Madison museums; • Explore one theme, such as geology, in along the North and South Rim roads near Northeast Entrance Station, Old Faithful Inn, passes; Sylvan, Craig, and Dunraven are the Canyon Village area. The northernmost all over 8,000 ft (2427 m). depth. For example, visit Mammoth Hot and Obsidian Cliff are National Historic Springs to see travertine formations and extent of the canyon is visible from Towe r Landmarks. Listed in the National Regi s t e r • Dr i ving time on the Grand Loop Road Fall and Calcite Springs overlooks, 19 miles varies depending on road and weather vi e w the sedimentary layers of Mount of Historic Places are: the Roosevelt Lodge, conditions, and traffic. See the tips at Ev erts, drive through glaciated terrain to (3 1 km) north of Canyon Village. Old Faithful, Lamar Buffalo Ranch, Lake Tower Fall or the Lamar Val l e y, climb right if you have only a short time in The road between Tower Junction and Fish Hatchery historic districts, the Lake Yel l ow s t o n e . Mount Was h b urn to view the Yel l ow s t o n e Caldera and evidence of glaciers, visit the Ca n yon Village goes over Dunraven Pass, the Hotel and the Mammoth Hot Springs Post Grand Canyon of the Yel l ow s t o n e . highest road in the park at 8,859 feet (2700 Of fice. A self-guiding tour, which begins at m). Along the way you will find spectacular the Albright Visitor Center, takes you around vi e ws of the Absaroka Mountains, the the U.S. Ar m y ’ s Fort Yel l o wstone at Find more information about the park on www. n p s . g ov / y e l l Yel l o wstone Caldera, and, on a clear day, the Mammoth Hot Springs.

A Way to Save On Park Entrance Fees Pr i vate, noncommercial automobile $20 (7 days, both Yel l o wstone and Grand Tet o n ) sales of passes at Ye l l owstone will go In d i vidual snowmobile, motorcyc l e $15 (7 days, both parks) d i rectly to projects that help visitors Single entry (foot, bike, ski, etc.) $10 (7 days, both parks) experience the area. The remaining pro- Annual Pass, both parks $40 (valid one year from date of purchase) ceeds go to a national fund that supports National Parks Pas s $50 (valid one year from date of purchase for projects at any of the national parks in the entrance fees at National Park Service areas) The system. To obtain your pass, stop by one of Golden Eagle Pas s $65 (valid one year from date of purchase at most Na t i o n a l Ye l l ow s t o n e ’s entrance stations, or purchase federal fee collection areas) Golden Age Pas s $10 (one-time fee for lifetime pass—available to Parks Pas s the pass online at www. n a t i o n a l p a r k s . o rg or those citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. p r ovides a way to save money when visiting call toll-free: 1-888-GO-PARKS (1-888-467- 62 years of age and older) national parks. For one annual fee of $50, 2757). For an additional $15, you can Golden Access Pas s Free (available to those citizens or permanent you can enter all National Park System upgrade your National Park Pass to a Golden residents of the U.S. who have been determined areas. You receive a great value, and you Eagle Pass, which provides admission to all to be blind or permanently disabled) also provide support to your favorite national national parks, national wildlife refuges, and NO TE: Remember to keep your admission receipt in order to re-enter the park. parks. A full 70% of the proceeds from the other federal fee areas. You Are In a Vo l c a n o ! 5

Autumn 2001

In Ye l l o w s t o n e , you are standing in one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. While most of the world’s volcanoes are found in areas near the tectonic plate boundaries, the Ye l l o w s t o n e volcano is the result of heat and molten rock rising as a hotspot.

50–40 million years ag o 16 million years ag o , volcanics begin ag a i n Ye l l owstone eruptions —Absaroka Vo l c a n i c s — in northern Nevada and southern Idaho 2 million years ago to the present

The known history of volcanism in Yel l o wstone begins about 50 million years ago during a period of ext e n s i ve mountain building through- out the northern Rocky Mountains. The Absaroka Mountains, which lie along the eastern boundary of Yel l o wstone, were formed during this period. These volcanoes were similar to present-day Cascade Range volcanoes such as Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. Like them, the Absaroka volcanoes were created by subduction along tectonic plate boundaries existing at that time. This volcanic activity ceased about 40 million years ago, and the region was relatively quiet. About 16 million years ago, a hotspot rose from deep within the earth and began causing a series of volcanic explosions. The hotspot remained stationary, but the tectonic plates continued moving from northeast to south- west. Geologists can trace at least nine volcanic explosions from northern Nevada through southern Idaho into Yel l o wstone National Park. About 2.1 million years ago, the hotspot was under the southwestern portion of Yel l o wstone, extending into the Island Park area of Idaho. An eruption occurred that is estimated to have been 2,400 times the size of the 1980 Mount St. Helens explosion. A smaller eruption fo l l o wed about 1.3 million years ago. Then, about 630,000 years ago, a massive eruption destroyed much of central Yel l o wstone, leaving a giant crater or caldera. The caldera rim is shown in the official park map and it can be seen in many areas of the park (for example, Gibbon Falls, Lewis Falls, and Lake Butte). Today the caldera is 30 x 45 miles—and it can be seen from space. Yel l o wstone remains atop the hotspot and the pressure of the rising fluids and magma has created two bulges—called resurgent domes— within the caldera, one near LeHardys Rapids north of Yel l o wstone Lake and the other east of Old Faithful near Mallard Lake. Since the Yel l o wstone Caldera formed, lava has flowed onto the landscape numerous times. One exp l o s i ve event occurred about 150,000 years ago creating a smaller caldera that is today filled by the West Thumb of Yel l o wstone Lake.

2 million years ag o 1.3 million years ag o 630,000 years ag o 21 years ag o

H u c k l e b e r ry Ridge eruption

The volume of material ejected during this explosion was 2,400 times the size of the 1980 Mount Saint Helen’s erup- tion, which deposited ash thro u g h o u t the Ye l l owstone region and beyo n d . L ava Creek eruption Ash from Huckleberry Ridge has been This eruption produced the found as far away as Missouri. p resent-day Ye l l ow s t o n e Caldera. Ash from Lava C reek has been found as far away as Mississippi. Mesa Falls eruption

Remains of this eruption can be found around Island Park, Idaho, west of Ye l l owstone National Pa r k .

M t . S t . Helens eruption About Vo l c a n o e s A volcano is any place where the earth’s crust opens and molten rock (magma) flows As the heat and magma well up, pressure builds in the volcano. At Yel l o wstone and out and/or gases and rocks are thrown out in an eruption. In all volcanoes, magma some other volcanoes, earth’s crust fractures and cracks in a concentric or ring- rising from the lower part of the mantle collects in or beneath the crust. Cracks in the fracture pattern. At some point these cracks reach the magma, releasing the pressure, crust allow the magma to reach the surface; the magma is now called lava. Vol c a n o e s and the volcano explodes. The explosion of lava, ash, and gases is extremely hot, and that form over continental hot spots, such as here in Yel l o wstone, tend to have lava the hot ash particles weld together as tuff. The huge amount of material released with lots of silica. Because silica-rich magma does not flow easily, these vol c a n o e s causes the volcano to collapse into a huge steaming crater—a caldera. Often the tend to erupt violently. caldera is subsequently filled (or partially filled) with continuing lava flows. 6 Camping & Fishing

Autumn 2001 Camping in Yellowstone National Pa r k

Dates Fees Sites Elev (ft) Features Please make your res e r vat i o n s Camping Rules 5/ 2 5 – 9 / 1 6 $1 5 43 0 7, 8 0 0 A, F, DS , G early and/or plan on securing you r Camping or overnight veh i c l e Bridge Bay* campsite as early in the day as parking in pullouts, parking areas, Ca ny o n * 6/ 1 – 9 / 9 $1 5 27 2 7, 9 0 0 A. F, S / L ,D S , G possible; campgrounds may fill by picnic grounds, or any place other early morni n g . than a designated campground are Fishing Bridge RV* 5/ 1 8 – 9 / 2 3 $2 8 34 4 7, 8 0 0 F, S / L ,D S , G F i r s t - C o m e , not permitted, and there are no over - Grant Vil l a g e * 6/ 2 1 – 9 / 3 0 $1 5 42 5 7, 8 0 0 A, F, S / L ,D S , G fl o w camping facilities. Howe ver , F i r s t - S e r ve d camping is often available in neigh- Ma d i s o n * 5/ 4 – 1 0 / 2 1 $1 5 28 0 6, 8 0 0 A, F, DS , G Se ven campgrounds are operated by boring communities and public lands the National Park Service: Indian outside the park. Indian Creek 6/ 8 – 9 / 1 7 $1 0 75 7, 3 0 0 V Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, Camping is limited to 14 days Lewis Lake 6/ 2 2 – 1 1 / 4 $1 0 85 7, 8 0 0 V and Tower Fall. You cannot reserve between June 15 and September 15 Ma m m o t h All year $1 2 85 6, 2 0 0 A, F, G these sites. and to 30 days the rest of the year; there is no limit at Fishing Bridge No r r i s 5/ 1 8 – 9 / 2 4 $1 2 11 6 7, 5 0 0 F, G R e s e r v a t i o n s RV Park. Check-out time for all You can reserve a site at the five campgrounds is 10 AM . Pebble Creek 6/ 1 – 9 / 2 4 $1 0 32 6, 9 0 0 V campgrounds operated by Slough Creek 5/ 2 5 – 1 0 / 3 1 $1 0 29 6, 2 5 0 V Yel l o wstone National Park Lodges, Quiet Hours indicated by * on the chart at left. Camping in Yel l o wstone is a special Tower Fal l 5/ 1 8 – 9 / 2 4 $1 0 32 6, 6 0 0 V For same-day reservations, call 307- experience. Each visitor deserves the 344-7901 or ask at lodging activi t i e s opportunity to hear the wildlife and *Sites you can reserve ; A Accessible sites ava i l a b l e S/ L Pay showe r s / l a u n d r y nearby price doesn’t include tax. desks. For future reservations, call streams in this beautiful envi r o n - F Flush toilets DS Dump stati o n 307-344-7311 or write Yel l ow s t o n e ment. Respect the rights of other V Vault toilets G Ge n e r a tors OK 8 AM –8 PM National Park Lodges, P.O. Box 165, campers and comply with the law by YN P , WY 82190; adhering to quiet hours, 8 PM to 8 AM D i s c o u n t s Group Camping ww w. Tr a vel Ye l l ow s t o n e . c o m . (10 PM –7 AM at Fishing Bridge RV Fishing Bridge RV Park is for hard- Park). No generators, loud audio Holders of Golden Age and Group camping is available at $40–75 per night, depending sided vehicles only (no tents or tent de vices, or other noise disturbances Golden Access passes receive Madison, Grant, and Bridge on group size. Ad v ance reser- trailers are allowe d ) . will be allowed during this time. approximately a 50% discount Bay from late May through vations are required and can be Generators are only permitted in six on camping fees, except at closing date for organ i z e d made by writing Yel l ow s t o n e campgrounds and the Fishing Bridge Fishing Bridge RV Park, where groups with a designated National Park Lodges, P.O . RV Par k . no discounts apply. leader such as youth or educa- Box 165, YN P , WY 82190 or tional groups. Fees range from by phoning 307-344-7311.

Permits and Fe e s

Pe r m i t s Fishing Regulations Fi s h i n g You must have a permit to fish in Yel l ow s t o n e . In Yel l o wstone, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, otters, grizzly Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to purchase bears, and other wildlife take precedence over humans as con- either a $10 ten-day or a $20 season permit. Anglers 12–15 sumers of fish. All fish are wild (there is no stocking), so years of age are required to obtain a non-fee permit; those 11 there must be sufficient adult fish to reproduce and maintain years and younger may fish without a permit but must be populations and to assure genetic diver s i t y . These facts require supervised by an adult who knows the regulations. Permits are both a philosophical and literal distinction between recreation- available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Hamilton al angling and consuming fish. In Yel l o wstone, angling is General Stores. State fishing licenses are not valid in based on fishing for native species of wild trout in a natural Yel l o wstone National Park. If you catch a lake trout in se t t i n g . G r aphic removed for faster loading Yel l o wstone Lake and its tributaries—including the Fishing regulations in Yel l o wstone National Park have evol ve d Yel l o wstone River — y ou must kill the fish. as ongoing research reveals population trends and inter- Boats & Float Tubes You also must obtain a permit in relationships with the rest of the Yel l o wstone ecosystem. person for boats and float tubes from the following locations: Increasing numbers of anglers have also influenced the devel - South Entrance, Grant Village Backcountry Office, Bridge opment of regulations by their impact on certain species and Bay Marina, and Lake Ranger Station. Non-motorized boating aquatic habitats. As of 2001, you must release all native sport permits only are available at the Canyon, Mammoth, and Old fish: cutthroat trout, Ar ctic grayling, mountain whitefish. Faithful backcountry offices, Bechler Ranger Station, and Park fishing regulations are available at all ranger stations, West and Northeast Entrances. You must have a Co a s t visitor centers, or Hamilton General Stores. Guard approved “wearable” personal flotation device for each person boating. N o n - Toxic Fishing Yel l o wstone National Park has implemented a non-toxic fis h - Fishing Season ing program. Fishing tackle, such as leaded split-shot sinker s , Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s fishing season generally begins on the Saturday weighted jigs (lead molded to a hook), and soft lead-weighted of Memorial Day weekend and continues through the fir s t ribbons for nymph fishing, are no longer allowed. Only non- Sunday of Novem b e r . Major exceptions: Yel l o wstone Lake toxic alternatives are allowed to accompany these types of opens June 15; Yel l o wstone Lake’ s tributary streams open fishing tackle. For more information, contact the Yel l ow s t o n e July 15; Yel l o wstone River and its tributaries between Canyo n Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yel l o wstone National and Yel l o wstone Lake open July 15. Please refer to park fis h - Park, WY 82190. ing regulations or the park website for additional information: ww w. n p s . g ov / y e l l / p l a nv i s i t / t o d o / fi s h i n g / i n d e x.htm NPS/Schmidt Hiking & Backpacking 7

Autumn 2001

el l o wstone National Park, with about 2.2 million acres, is one of Am e r i c a ’ s premier wilder- areas, cold water lakes, turbulent streams, and rugged mountains with loose rock. Vis i t i n g Yness areas. Most of the park is backcountry and managed as wilderness. More than 900 wilderness means experiencing the land on its terms. If you choose to explore and enjoy the miles (1,460 km) of trails are available for hiking. Howe ver , there are dangers inherent in natural wonders of Yel l o wstone, there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any wilderness—including unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal situation! Carefully read all backcountry guidelines and regu l a t i o n s .

B a c k c o u n t ry Rules

To preserve Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s Pack It In— rapid loss of body heat can backcountry and enhance cause death if not treated. your wilderness exp e r i e n c e , Pack It Out Early warning signs include the National Park Service You must carry all refuse sh i vering, slurred speech, has established the follow- out of the backcountry, memory lapses, drows i n e s s , G r aphic removed for faster loading ing regulations and guide- including items partly and exhaustion. Cold wat e r lines. Contact a park burned in fire pits (foil, tin, is a special hazard to anglers ranger befor e you begin glass, etc). and boaters. Get into dry an over night trip. S a n i t a t i o n clothes and drink warm fluids at the first signs of Pe rm it s & Bury human waste 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) below hyp o t h e r m i a . R e s e r v a t i o n s the ground and a minimum Permits are not required for S t o c k Us e of 100 feet (30 m) from Ov ernight stock (horses, day hiking, but hikers are wat e r . Waste water should encouraged to check in at a mules, burros, and llamas) Electric Peak dominates the northwest corner of the park, an area of challenging trails be disposed of at least 100 use is not permitted prior and abundant wildlife—including grizzlies. For a safe hike in this area, your group ranger station for val u a b l e feet (30 m) from water or a safety information. to July 1, due to forage should include four or more people, should inquire about conditions at the Mammoth Hot campsite. Do not pollute Springs Backcountry Office, and follow the precautions below. NPS Backcountry use permits are conditions and/or wet trail la k es, ponds, rivers, or conditions. Horses are not required for all over n i g h t streams by washing your- trips and must be obtained al l o wed in front country self, clothing, or dishes in ca m p g r o u n d s . in person at a ranger station th e m . Hiking and Camping in Bear Country not more than 48 hours in S t r e a m ad v ance of the first date of Should You the trip. Campers may D r i n k t h e C r o s s i n g s Although the risk of an encounter with a If a Bear Approaches re s e r v e campsites for future Fording a stream can be bear is low, there are no guarantees of you r trips in person or by mail Wa t e r ? hazardous, especially during sa f e t y . Minimize your risks by following the or Charges You for a $20 fee. To make Ev en though clear lake and spring snowmelt or high guidelines below. Do not run. Some bears will bluff their way re s e r v ations, check at a stream water may look, wat e r . Check at local ranger out of a threatening situation by charging, then ranger station or write the smell, and taste good, stations for current trail and A Fed Bear veering off or stopping abruptly at the last Backcountry Office, P.O . Gi a rd i a and other bacterial stream conditions. second. Bear experts generally recommend Is a Dead Bear standing still until the bear stops and then Box 168, YN P , WY 82190 contaminants may be pres- Do not leave packs containing food unattend- ent. Drinking untreated Tr a i l s sl o wly backing away . If you are attacked, lie For safety and resource con- ed, even for a few minutes. Al l o wing a bear to on the ground completely flat. Spread your water may lead to intestinal In the spring trail conditions obtain human food even once often results in cerns, especially regar d i n g infection. Before drinking, are highly variable. Some le gs and clasp your hands over the back of bears, camping is allowed in the bear becoming aggressive about obtaining your neck. Another alternative is to drop to the water from lakes and can be dry, while others are such food in the future. Ag g r e s s i ve bears pres- designated campsites only. streams should be treated by muddy or blocked by high ground, lift your legs up to your chest, clasp Each campsite has limits for ent a threat to human safety and even t u a l l y your hands over the back of your neck, and filtration with a good com- ri ver crossings or snow. may be destroyed or removed from the park. the number of people and mercial fil t e r , or by using a Some are closed to stock. play dead. stock allowed. The maxi- chemical treatment such as Check at a visitor center or While Hiking mum stay at any single iodine or chlorine, or by backcountry office for When Camping campsite varies from 1 to 3 Ma k e bears aware of your presence on trails Ne ver camp in an area that has obvious evi - boiling for at least one current trail conditions. by making loud noises, shouting, or singing. nights. To obtain detailed mi n u t e . dence of bear activity such as digging, tracks, information, check at a Orange metal tags on trees Hi k e in groups and use caution where vision is scat, or where animal carcasses are present. ranger station. S t o r m s and posts mark trails, but obstructed. Do not hike after dark. Avoid car- may be sparse in some casses; bears often defend this source of food. Odors attract bears. Avoid carrying or cooking Firearms, weapons, pets, Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s weather is odorous foods or other products. Keep a clean unpredictable. A sunny areas. Off-trail travel is traps and nets, motorized di f ficult because of the If You Encounter a Bear camp; do not cook or store food in your tent. equipment, and any type of warm day may become Do not run. Bears can run 30 mph (48 kph), or All food, garbage, or other odorous items used fiercely stormy with wind, terrain and the number of wheeled vehicle (exc e p t do wned trees. Carry a map 44 feet/second (13 m/second), which is fas t e r for preparing or cooking food must be secured wheelchairs) are prohibited rain, sleet, and, sometimes than Olympic sprinters. Running may elicit an from bears. Hang all such items at least 10 sn o w. Lightning storms are and compass, and know in the backcountry. ho w to use both. attack from an otherwise non-aggressive bear. feet (3 m) above the ground and at least 4 feet common; get off water or If the bear is unaware of you, keep out of sight (1.2 m) out from tree trunks. Treat all odorous C a m p f i r e s beaches and stay away from and detour behind and downwind of the bear. products such as soap, deodorant, or toiletries Ca m p f ires are permitted ridges, exposed places, and If the bear is aware of you and is nearby but in the same manner as food. only in established fire pits. isolated trees. has not acted aggressivel y , slowly back away . Burn only dead-and-down Sleep a minimum of 100 yards (91m) from Without adequate clothing Tree climbing to avoid bears is popular where you hang, cook, and eat your food. wood. Wood and ground and gear, an easy day hike fires are not allowed in advice, but not practical in many circum- Keep your sleeping gear clean and free of or boat trip can turn into a stances. All black bears, all grizzly cubs, and food odor. Don’t sleep in the same clothes some campsites. Your fir e battle for survival. Exposure must be attended at all times some adult grizzlies can climb trees. Plus, worn while cooking and eating; hang those to wind, rain, or cold can to a tree may provok e an otherwise uncertain clothes in plastic bags. and be completely ext i n - result in hypothermia. Th i s guished before you leave. bear to chase you.

Be Safe In the Backcountry ! 8 Big Mammals in Ye l l o w s t o n e

Autumn 2001

G r aphic removed for faster loading

BE SURE TO READ THIS Be a Wise Wildlife Wa t c h e r Remember: You are a guest in the home of wildlife. This is a general guide to where you Grizzly Bear B i s o n P r o n g h o r n M I G H T see the big mammals that live in • Stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and at least 25 yards (23 m) from all other animals. Ye l l ow s t o n e . Watch for wildlife wherever • Ne ver stop in the middle of the road, use the pullouts. you drive or walk in the park. You might Be safe an d le gal . see these and other animals in other • Turn off your engine. Black Bear Bighorn Sheep M o o s e places in the park, or you might not see • Al ways talk quietly. L o o k a ny wildlife at all. for elk in • To find out what people are observing, get out of your car, rut where approach them, and speak quietly. Nev e r call or shout from c i r c l e d your car. Wo l f E l k 9 The Natural Force of FIRE

Autumn 2001

Fire, climate, erosion, and a vast assortment of lifeforms ranging from microbes to In the first few decades after Yel l o wstone was established as the wor l d ’ s first national insects to mammals, including humans, have all played roles in the creation of the park in 1872, no effe c t i ve fire fighting was done. Then, during the Army administration vege t a t i ve landscape of Yel l o wstone. Vegetation here has adapted to fire and, in some of Yel l o wstone (1886–1918), fire suppression occurred most frequently on the grass- cases, may be dependent on it. lands of the Northern Range. Throughout the rest of the park, which is largely cover e d Ecologists have known for many years that wildfire is essential to the evolution of a by lodgepole pine forest, reliable and consistent fire suppression began with the era of natural setting. Records kept in Yel l o wstone since 1931 show that lightning starts an modern airborne fir e f ighting techniques of the past 30 to 40 years. average of 22 fires each year. Large-scale fires burn through the conifer forests of the In natural areas such as Yel l o wstone National Park, preserving a state of wildness is a Yel l o wstone plateau every 250 to 400 years and take place in the low- e l e vation grass- primary goal of management. In 1972, Yel l o wstone was one of several national parks lands on average every 25 to 60 years. When fires are suppressed, the habitat gradually that initiated programs to allow some naturally caused fires to burn. Between then and becomes less diverse. This, in turn, affects the variety of animals able to successfully 1988, scientists learned much about the occurrence and behavior of fire. For exa m p l e , inhabit a particular area. eighty percent of the lightning starts in this period went out by themselves .

The Historic Fires of 1988

Facts About the 1988 Fires The summer of 1988 was the driest on record in Yel l o wstone. Though substantial • The summer of 1988 was the driest in the precipitation fell during April and May, practically no rain fell in June, July, or history of Yel l o wstone National Par k . August—an event previously unrecorded in the park’s 112-year written record of weather conditions. In early summer, about 20 lightning-caused fires had been allowe d • 9 fires caused by humans; 42 fires caused by li g h t n i n g . to burn, and eleven of these fires burned themselves out. • 36% (793,880 acres) of the park was But fires that continued to burn into the extremely dry weeks of late June and July met af fected, mostly by surface bur n s . dramatically changed conditions. By late July, moisture content of grasses and small • Fires begun outside of the park burned more branches had dropped as low as 2 or 3 percent, and downed trees measured at 7 percent than half of the total acreage. (kiln-dried lumber is 12 percent). After July 15, no new natural fires were allowed to burn and after July 21, all fires were fought. • About 300 large mammals, primarily elk, pe r i s h e d . The extreme weather conditions and heavy , dry accumulations of “fuel” (vegetation of • $120 million spent fighting the fir e s . various types) presented conditions rarely observed. Typical fir e f ighting techniques were frequently ineffe c t i ve because fires spread long distances by “spotting,” a • 25,000 people employed in these effo r t s . phenomenon in which wind carries embers from the tops of 200-foot flames far across • Until July 15, naturally-caused fires allowe d un b urned forest to start spot fires well ahead of the main fire. Fires routinely jumped to burn. After that, all fires fought, regar d l e s s barriers that normally stopped them such as rivers, roads, and major topographic of their cause. features such as the Grand Canyon of the Yel l o wstone River . Fires advanced rapidly, • La r gest fir e - f ighting effort in the history of making frontal attacks dangerous and impossible. the U.S. By the last week of September, about 50 lightning-caused fires had occurred in or • Ef fort saved human life and property, burned into the park, 8 of which were still burning. More than $120 million had been but probably had little impact on the fir e s spent on fire control efforts in the greater Yel l o wstone area, and most major park th e m s e l ve s . de velopments—and a few surrounding communities—had been evacuated at least once • Rain and snow finally stopped the advan c e as fire approached within a few miles of them. At the operation’s peak, 9,000 fir e - Protecting the Old Faithful Inn, 1988 NPS /Henry of the fires in September. fighters (including Army and Marine units), more than 100 fire engines, and dozens of helicopters participated in the complex effort to control the fires and protect devel o p - ments. It was the largest such cooperative effort ever undertaken in the United States.

After the Fires The National Fire Plan The 1988 fires created a mosaic of burns, partial burns, and unbur n e d The 2000 fire season caught the attention of the American public G r aphic removed for areas that provided new habitats for plants and animals. when almost 93,000 wildland fires burned close to 7.4 million acres • Fertile soils with good wat e r -holding capacity and dense, diver s e and destroyed numerous structures. President Clinton asked the faster loading vegetation before the fire recovered quickly. Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop recommenda- • Soils that supported very little vegetation before the fires have tions on how to reduce the impacts on fire on rural communities and continued to have very little vege t a t i o n . ensure sufficient fir e f ighting resources for the future. A report was presented to the President on September 8, 2000, and came to be • Ma n y of the forests burned in 1988 were mature lodgepole stands, and this species is now recolonizing most of the burned areas. kn o wn as the “National Fire Plan.” The plan identified five key points that continue to emphasize interagency approaches: • The first seedlings of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir , and Do u g l a s - f ir are emerging. • Fi r e f ighting: Continue to fight fires and be adequately prepared for next year. • Whitebark pine seedlings have appeared in all 275 study plots. • Rehabilitation and Restoration: Restore landscapes and rebui l d • Fire enhanced aspen reproduction and young aspens now grow communities damaged by the wildfires of 2000. throughout the park in burned areas. • Hazardous Fuel Reduction: Invest in projects to reduce fire risk. • The fires have had no discernible impact on the number of grizzly bears in greater Yel l o wstone. • Community Assistance: Work directly with communities to ensure adequate protection. • Ca vity-nesting birds, such as bluebirds, have had more dead trees for their nests; birds dependent on mature forests, such as boreal • Accountability: Be accountable and establish adequate over s i g h t , The human face of fir e NPS/Henry owls, lost habitat. coordination, program development, and monitoring for perform- an c e . • Cutthroat trout spawning habitat has not been harmed, nor have the number of spawning streams declined. The House and Senate approved an appropriations bill that funded most of the recommended actions. The bill contains about • No discernible fire-related effects have been observed in the fis h populations or the angling experience in the six rivers that have $2.8 billion in funding for the five land management agencies been monitored regularly since 1988. in vol v ed in wildland fire management. Of this sum, $101 million is for National Park Service projects and activities identified in the • Vegetation growth has slowed erosion in watersheds that had erosion and mudslides after the fires, such as the Gibbon River . National Fire Plan. 1 0 Issues in Ye l l o w s t o n e

Autumn 2001 The Northern Range Controv e r s y G r aphic removed for Visitors to Yellowstone may hear differing opinions about the condition faster loading of the northern part of the park, a l s o called the Northern Range. Some people insist the Northern Range is G r aphic removed for faster loading overgrazed by the park’s hoofed animals (ungulates such as elk).Yo u NPS photo/Jim Peaco may see conditions that make you think this might be true. What you see, Winter Use P l a n h o w e v e r, is not necessarily what it Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s Winter Use Plan is designed seems to be. to provide a range of winter experiences and Points of Vi e w overuse. In fact, ungulate grazing enhances co yotes, and mountain lions. The complex settings that do not impact sensitive natural In part, the controversy is due to the personal the protein content of grasses, the yearly interdependence of these relationships results resources, wildlife, cultural areas, or the or scientific background of each person. Many gr o wth of big sagebrush, and the establish- in fluctuations in the elk population. Wh e n experiences of other park visitors. Th e urban dwellers live among intensively man- ment of sagebrush seedlings. Neither a reduc- there are lots of elk, predator numbers pl a n ’ s development invol v ed surrounding aged surroundings such as manicured lawn s tion in root biomass nor an increase in dead increase, which, in part, helps to reduce elk states, communities, and federal agencies; and community parks; they are not used to bunchgrass clumps has been observed. Th e numbers. In the past decade, elk have contin- more than 50,000 public comments were wild, natural ecosystems. Livestock managers relationship between ungulates, aspen, and ued to colonize new winter ranges north of re c e i ved. The resulting plan would have pro- and range scientists tend to view the land- wi l l o w are not so clear, and more research is the park as areas have been set aside for this hibited recreational use of snowmobiles in scape economically, intensively manipulating ne e d e d . purpose, and summers have been wet (result- Yel l o wstone and Grand Teton national parks the land to maximize the number of animals a The major factor influencing the size of the ing in better plant production) while winters and the John D. Rockefeller Par k wa y . ha ve been generally mild. The fires of 1988 unit of land can sustain. Many ecologists and Northern Range elk population appears to be How e ver , as a result of a lawsuit, the wilderness managers, on the other hand, winter sever i t y . Mild winters allow many also opened many forest canopies, allowi n g be l i e ve the ecological carrying capacity of a more grasses to grow. All of these fac t o r s Na t i o n a l Park Service will be preparing a more elk to survive until spring, but sever e Supplemental Environmental Impact landscape is quite different from range or eco- winters result in significant levels of winter ha ve increased elk survival . nomic carrying capacity. Th e y believe that the Statement (SEIS) this fall. This additional kill for many animals, not just elk. In sever e National Park Service policies not only pro- process will include any new information only constants in a naturally functioning winters, one-quarter of the herd can die. Many tect native species but also preserve natural wilderness ecosystem are variability and that may be available and provide the public scientists believe the northern Yel l o wstone elk ecological processes. Wh e r e ver possible, another opportunity to comment on the change. What may look bad, in fact, may be herd demonstrates the ecological principle of human intervention is discouraged. Wh i l e normal for a wild landscape. density-dependence: mortality of calves, year- co n t r o versy continues about the Northern winter use plan. The existing rule will lings, and adult bulls all increase with higher Range and Park Service management prac- remain in effect during the SEIS process. Research Findings elk population densities. tices, so does the ecological research on the The SEIS process will be completed in Ma n y intensive studies of the Northern Range late fall 2002 and the final plan will be Elk are also continuously subjected to preda- co m p l e x relationships between the landscape ha ve revealed no clear evidence of grassland and its native wildlife. announced and implemented. To find out tion by other species, including bears, wol ve s , more, visit www.n p s . g ov / y e l l / t e c h n i c a l / pl a n n i n g / i n d ex . h t m Watch Out for Exotic Invaders P l a n t s spotted knapweed, Canada thistle, 2 .T h ey do not spawn in shallow may cause them to swim in a New Zealand Dalmation toad- ox - e ye daisy, hounds-tongue, and water where predators can catch whirling motion (as if chasing their M u d S n a il flax (left) and leafy spurge. th e m . tail). Seriously infected fish have a This tiny (less than 1/4 inch) snail reduced ability to feed or escape other non-native Since 1994, approximately 27,000 occurs in the Firehole, Gibbon, L a k e Tr o u t from predators, and many die. plants are dis- la k e trout have been removed Madison, and Snake rivers. It often Yel l o wstone Lake is the core Young rainbow trout and cutthroat placing native through control efforts and by forms dense colonies on aquatic species at an of the remaining undisturbed, trout appear to be very vulnerable natural habitat for Yel l o wstone an g l e r s . vegetation and rocks along stream- alarming rate to the disease. Older fish and other beds, crowding out native aquatic and could cutthroat trout, which today Whirling Disease species of trout are less susceptible su r v i ves in about 15% of its insect communities that are a seriously affe c t This disease is caused by a micro- (or possibly immune), but may primary food source for fis h . the park’s native historic range. Because cutthroat scopic parasite that destroys the carry the disease. trout live mainly in near-s h o r e Scientists are developing strategi e s plant communi- cartilage of juvenile trout, which for dealing with this invad e r . ties, wildlife waters and spawn in tribut a r y populations, and streams of the lake, as many as 42 even thermal species of birds and mammals— You Can Help If you catch a lake trout in Yel l o wstone Lake and its ar e a s . such as grizzly bears, raccoons, tr i b utaries—including the Yel l o wstone River — y o u otters, white pelicans, bald eagles, Non-Native Plants must kill the fish. No n - n a t i ve plant and osprey—may depend on the If you see any of the problem plants, especially in Whirling Disease & Mud Snails seeds spread on the backcountry, report them to a ranger at a visitor NPS/Dunmire cutthroat as a food source. • Rinse mud, plants, and debris from all angling muddy shoes center or ranger station. and boots, In 1994, this delicate web of life ge a r , footwear, boats, and other items used in the vehicles that have driven through was threatened when lake trout (or Lake Tr o u t water before entering the park and after leavi n g “weedy” areas, dirty construction Ma c k i n a w) were discovered in Fish for lake trout in Yel l o wstone Lake during June, each water body within the park. Inspect your gear. equipment, weed-infested hay, Yel l o wstone Lake. Lake trout, early July, late September and early October when • Dispose of fish entrails and snails in a waste contaminated sand and gravel used na t i ve to the Great Lakes and other the fish frequent the north and southeast shores of container where the fish or snails were taken. in road projects northern areas of North Am e r i c a , West Thumb and are in waters that are 10 to 20 feet Do not transport fish parts, except what you will Species of particular concern pose two threats to the ecosystem: deep. Lake trout are attracted to medium-sized lures consume, outside the watershed where you caught include Dalmation toadflax, 1 .T h ey eat cutthroats. that imitate small fish. the fis h . W h a t ’s Nearby? 1 1

Autumn 2001 Grand Te t o n National Pa r k Mak e time for a visit to our neighbor to the south, Grand Teton National Park. Th i s park offers spectacular scenery and its own set of campgrounds, exhibits, and other ac t i vities. Pick up a copy of the park news p a p e r , the Teew i n o t , for complete informa- tion. Newspapers are available at Grand Teton visitor centers and entrance stations. Ca m p g ro u n d s —First come, first served; camping fee is $12 per night. Ad v anced re s e r v ations are not accepted. Campgrounds fill to capacity during July and Au g u s t . For current status of campgrounds, ask at entrance stations or visitor centers in Grand Teton National Park. Approximate filling times and operating dates are as follows : Gr os Ven t r e (360 sites) Ev ening or may not fil l 4/28–10/11 (noon) Jenny Lake (49 sites) 8 AM 5/12–9/21 (noon) Signal Mountain (86 sites) 10 AM 5/12–10/5 (noon) Colter Bay (350 sites) 12 noon 5/19–9/21 (noon) Lizard Cree k (60 sites) 2 PM 6/9–9/4 (noon) Je n n y Lake Campground is open to tents only. Other campgrounds will accommodate tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles. All campgrounds have modern comfort sta- tions, but none have utility hookups. The maximum length of stay is 7 days at Jenny La k e and 14 days at all other NPS campgrounds. Lo d g i n g —M a k e your reservations directly, using the following phone numbers: Je n n y Lake Lodge (June 2–Oct. 7) 30 7 - 7 3 3 - 4 6 4 7 Colter Bay Cabins & RV Park (May 25–Sept. 30) 80 0 - 6 2 8 - 9 9 8 8 Flagg Ranch Village (May 24–Oct. 8) 30 7 - 5 4 3 - 2 8 6 1 or 800-443-2311 Jackson Lake Lodge (May 20–Oct. 10) 80 0 - 6 2 8 - 9 9 8 8 G r aphic removed for faster loading Signal Mt. Lodge (May 12–Oct. 14) 80 0 - 6 7 2 - 6 0 1 2 Do r n a n ’ s Cabins (all year) 30 7 - 7 3 3 - 2 5 2 2 Lodging can also be found in communities surrounding Grand Tet o n .

Moose Visitor Center—Open year-round. Through September 3, 8 AM –7 PM ; th e r e a f t e r 8 AM –5 PM . Information, audiovisual programs, exhibits, permits, publica- tion sales. Phone: 307-739-3399. Telecommunications device for the deaf only (TDD): 307-739-3400. Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum—Through September 3, 8 AM – 8 PM ; 8 AM –5 PM , 9/4–9/30. Information, audiovisual programs, permits, and publi- cation sales. Phone: 30 7 - 739-3594. TDD: 30 7 - 73 9 - 3 5 4 4 . Jenny Lake Visitor Center—Through September 3, 8 AM –7 PM . Information, publication sales. Phone: 307-739-3392. Jenny Lake Ranger Station—Through September 3, 8 AM –6 PM ; 8 AM –4:30 PM 9/ 4 – 9 / 2 3 . Backcountry permits and climbing information. Phone: 307-739-3343. Flagg Ranch In f ormation Station—Through September 3, 9 AM –5:30 PM . Cl i n i c —Grand Teton Clinic, located near Jackson Lake Lodge. Daily, through Oct. 10, 10 AM –6 PM . Call 307-543-2514 or after hours 307-733-8002. Emerge n cy : dial 911. Hiking, sightseeing, boating, floating the scenic Snake River , horseback riding, and fishing are available depending on seasonal conditions. Backcountry camping requires a free permit that can be obtained at the Moose and Colter Bay visitor centers and the Jenny La k e Ranger Station. Boating requires a Grand Teton boating permit, sold at visitor centers. A Wyoming fishing license is required to fish in Grand Teton National Par k . For Grand Teton information, call 307-739-3300 or visit the website, ww w. n p s . g ov / g r t e Nearby National Parks and Forests Area Chambers of Commerce For more information on national parks and forests Services are available in communities near Yel l o wstone. For information, in the Yel l o wstone region, please contact: contact these Chambers of Commerce: Grand Teton National Par k 30 7 - 7 3 9 - 3 3 0 0 Mo n t a n a Wyom i n g Glacier National Par k 40 6 -8 8 8 - 7 8 0 0 Bi l l i n g s 40 6 - 2 4 5 - 4 1 1 1 Co d y 30 7 -5 8 7 - 2 2 9 7 Shoshone National For e s t 30 7 - 5 2 7 - 6 2 4 1 Bo z e m a n 40 6 - 5 8 6 - 5 4 2 1 Ja c k s o n 30 7 -7 3 3 - 3 3 1 6 Gallatin National For e s t 40 6 -5 8 7 - 6 7 0 1 Ga r d i n e r 40 6 - 8 4 8 - 7 9 7 1 Du b o i s 30 7 -4 5 5 - 2 5 5 6 Br i d g e r- T eton National For e s t 30 7 - 7 3 9 - 5 5 0 0 Liv i n g s t o n 40 6 - 2 2 2 - 0 8 5 0 East Yel l ow s t o n e / W apiti Val l e y 30 7 -5 8 7 - 9 5 9 5 Tar ghee National For e s t 20 8 - 6 2 4 - 3 1 5 1 West Yel l ow s t o n e 40 6 - 6 4 6 - 7 7 0 1 Id a h o Lodging only 40 6 - 6 4 6 - 9 4 8 8 Idaho Fal l s 208-523-1010 Co o k e City–Silver Gate 40 6 - 8 3 8 - 2 4 9 5 Eastern Idaho Visitor Info Center 80 0 - 6 3 4 - 3 2 4 6 Red Lodge 40 6 - 4 4 6 - 1 7 1 8 1 2 Friends of Ye l l o w s t o n e

Autumn 2001 You Can Help Preserve and Protect Ye l l o w s t o n e

n our increasingly crowded and developed world, Yel l o wstone 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 wat e r f alls, and abundant wildlife. Howe ver , Yel l o wstone exi s t s today only because generations who came before us understood its value and made its preservation a priority. Because so many visitors who love Yel l o wstone want to help ensure that it stands wild and unimpaired for our future, two separate organizations have been established. The Yel l o wstone Par k Foundation and the Yel l o wstone Association work in partnership with the National Park Service and each other to provide a means for visitors to contribute to Yel l ow 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 Yel l o wstone; 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 Yel l o wstone National Park. Yel l o wstone will exi s t to m o r r o w 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.

Yellowstone Park Yellowstone F o u n d a t i o n Association

he Yel l o wstone Park Foundation is • The Yel l o wstone Wolf Project, which Yellowstone’s partner in education Ta non-profit organization dedicated tracks and monitors the habits, habitat since 1933 exc l u s i vely to funding projects that protect, needs, and ecological impacts of pr e s e r v e, and enhance Yel l o wstone National Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s new wolf packs; Park. Shrinking federal budgets over the • A new Visitor Education Center to ublic appreciation and dedication have ensured Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s protection and preservat i o n years have created a $600–700 million replace the current visitor center at Old Pfor more than 125 years. The non-profit Yel l o wstone Association has dedicated itself to operating and infrastructure backlog for the Faithful, which is too small to accommo- fostering this critical public support through education since its founding in 1933 and, with the park. The Fou n d a t i o n ’ s mission is to raise date the more than three million people help of visitors like you, has provided funding of more than $7,800,000 to Yel l o wstone National mo n e y for important projects and programs who visit Yel l o wstone each year. Park in support of educational, historical, and scientific projects. in Yel l o wstone that otherwise would go Ho w can you help? un f u n d e d . The Yel l o wstone Park Foundation rec e i ves no funding from the National First, visit a Yel l o wstone Association educational bookstore, located in all park visitor Since January 1997 the Foundation has Park Servi c e . It relies solely on the centers. One hundred perce n t of the profit from your purchase is returned directly to raised in excess of $11.5 million to fund generous contributions of private indivi d u - Yel l o wstone to fund critical educational programs, scientific research, ranger-interpreter training, more than 50 projects for Yel l ow s t o n e , als, foundations, and corporations to help and program supplies. including the restoration of native westslope protect and preserve Yel l o wstone for our Second, become a member of the Yel l o wstone As s o c i a t i o n and provide substantial support cutthroat trout and the relocation of the en j o yment and that of future generations. Pelican Val l e y Trail out of prime grizzly to Yel l o wstone while receiving a year’s subscription to the As s o c i a t i o n ’ s informative Yel l ow s t o n e bear habitat. Current projects that the Yel l o wstone needs your help, no w more ne wsletter and to Yel l o wstone Tod a y , the official park newspaper, both published quarterly. You Foundation has committed to fund include than ever . Donors of $25 or more to the will also receive a 15% discount on purchases in Association park bookstores and a discount on ne w interpretive exhibits for the museum at Yel l o wstone Park Foundation are listed in Yel l o wstone Association Institute cl a s s e s . In appreciation for their contribution, members who Fishing Bridge, restoration of the popular Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s Honor Book at Old Fai t h f u l join in the park will also receive their choice of a large, beautiful, and reusable fabric book bag Fan Creek Trail, and efforts to conserve the for one year. Donors of $1,000 or more depicting either a grizzly bear, gray wolf, or bison. threatened lynx. re c e i ve special recognition on the Honor For more information on Association membership or activities, ask one of our helpful staff Wall for one year. Please help protect The Foundation also supports sever a l members at any park visitor center or write P.O. Box 117, Yel l o wstone National Park, WY 82190 the wildlife and wonders of the park or call 307-344-2296. You can also visit our website at ww w. Ye l l ow s t o n e A s s o c i a t i o n . o rg . important ongoing projects, including: by becoming a Friend of Yel l ow s t o n e .

Ye s , make me a Friend of Yellowstone National Pa r k ! I want to help preserve Yellowstone Contributor Supporter Guardian Steward Other through education. $25 $50 $100 $1,000 YES!

Enclosed is a tax-deductible gift of To receive all the benefits of membership, visit any park visitor center or complete and mail this form with your dues to: The Ye l l owstone Association, P.O. Box 117, Ye l l owstone National Park, WY 82190. Name Address N a m e A d d r e s s City State Zip C i t y S t a t e Z i p

Phone ( ) E-mail Annual dues: A s s o c i a t e ...... $ 3 0 Pa t ro n ...... $ 2 5 0 Charge to: MC Visa C o n t r i bu 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. M a ke checks payable to The Ye l l owstone A s s o c i a t i o n . The Yellowstone 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 ove r Bozeman, MT 59715 406-586-6303 Card # Expiration Date or visit our website at www. y p f . o rg S i g n a t u r e P N P S e rvices in the Pa r k 1 3

Autumn 2001 x Comprehensive Medical Care in a Wilderness Setting... Yellowstone Park Medical Serv i c e s

el l o wstone Park Medical Services Division of West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming, has La k e Clinic, Pharmacy, & Hospital Old Faithful Clinic Yof fered medical care to Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s visitors, employees, and residents since 1980. May 21–September 15 May 11–October 14 At the Mammoth Clinic, a board-certified physician provides year-round health care to the Em e rg e n c y Room: 24-hour service Hours: 8:30 AM –5 PM Yel l o wstone Park community. Experienced registered nurses and office staff complete the Clinic hours: 8:30 AM –8:30 PM , daily Phone: 307-545-7325 team, offering courteous, professional family and emerge n c y medical care. Phone: 307-242-7241 In the summer, the operation grows to meet the needs of the park’s increased number of visitors and the employees who serve them. Outpatient services are provided at Lake Hospital Mammoth Clinic • Board Certified phys i c i a n s and Old Faithful Clinic as well as at Mammoth Clinic. Open year-r o u n d • Prompt personal, fam i l y , and La k e Hospital is also an acute-care facility with ten inpatient beds, clinical laboratory, Hours: 8:30 AM –1 PM ; 2 PM –5 PM , em e rg e n c y medical care ph a r m a c y, radiology, and 24-hour ambulance and emerge n c y services. The staff is assembled Mo n d a y – F r i d a y • For emergencies, dial 911 from highly qualified, experienced professionals from across the country. Phone: 307-344-7965 For information on employment for the 2002 season (both professional and nonprofessional positions are available), send a resume to: Yel l o wstone Park Medical Services, 707 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414 or call 800-654-9447, ext. 462. Yellowstone Park Medical Serv i c e s A division of West Park Hospital— C o d y, W y o m i n g We’re there when you need us! Please don’t feed this coyote—or other animals. It harms them and is against the law.

Cellular One G r aphic removed for faster loading CellularOne is proud to offer service in Yel l ow s t o n e ! Bozeman, MT 585-7524 • Livingston, MT 222-1800 • Cody, WY 527-7700

Hamilton Stores—Oldest Park Concessioner

he 1872 Act that set the park aside “for five years he acquired store concessions at Tthe benefit and enjoyment of the people, La k e and Fishing Bridge, and he built fil l i n g and the protection of the natural and scenic stations at each location. This was the start treasures therein” also granted leases for the of what was to become the oldest, privat e l y various concessioners who served the public. owned family concession in the National erving the traveling public since 1915, For the first decade of the park’s offic i a l Park system, serving the traveling public for Hamilton Stores, Inc., offers a wide existence, no lease to sell general store mer- more than 75 years. S chandise was issued. Then, in 1882, Henry Hamilton Stores invites you to visit its variety of merchandise, including Yel l ow s t o n e E. Klamer applied for and received permits locations during the summer season for a bit so u v enirs, gifts, film and photo supplies, to provide fresh meat to camps and hotels, to of that history—most especially, the original pasture and slaughter beef cattle, operate a so u v enir T-shirts and sweatshirts, winter 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 accessories, groceries, and food, including Old Faithful area of the park. hot and cold beverages, beer, and liquor. upper store at Old Faithful and the Fishing In 1915, a year after the Klamer General Bridge General Store also convey rustic Store was purchased by Charles As h wo r t h charm. The newest store, Grant Vil l a g e Hamilton, horse transportation in Yel l o w- General Store, was built and decorated with Mammoth General Store is open year-round to serve the traveling public stone reached its zenith. Three thousand the crafts of many Montana artisans. Th e and, for your convenience, is an authorized UPS shipping agent. “h a y b urners” pulled Yel l o wstone wag o n s , general store at Mammoth Hot Springs, open coaches, surreys, freight wagons, and— ye a r -round, can also be seen in historic grandest of all—double-decker 26-passenger photos from around the turn-of-the-century Tallyhos or stagecoaches. Howe ver , autos with horse-drawn stagecoaches and people were allowed into the park for the first time in period dress in front of the store. that year, and Charles Hamilton quickly spotted the tire marks in the dirt. In the next 1 4 S e rvices in the Pa r k

A u t u m n 2 0 0 1

D i s c over New “ Tr a i l s ”

This summer, you can hike to your heart’s “T rails” package includes: content with a brand new “Trails Th r o u g h • Expert instruction by Institute naturalist There’s no better way to discover Yellowstone Yel l o wstone” package, the latest result of the • Four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel National Park’s splendor than with our “Trails partnership between Yel l o wstone National in room with private bath Through Yellowstone” package. Designed to educate Park Lodges and the Yel l o wstone As s o c i a t i o n • Four breakfasts and lunches per person as well as fascinate, this 4-day excursion is led Institute. This was inspired by the popularity • In-park transportation by 15-passenger van by a Yellowstone Association Institute naturalist of the “Experience Yel l o wstone” packages • Optional evening programs and takes you beyond mere sightseeing to show you the depth of fered in the winter. of Yellowstone’s magnificence. From wildlife watching in Package rates: Lamar Valley, to an interpretive tour of the Old Faithful Join a Yel l o wstone Association Institute natu- • Double Occupancy: $509.00 per person plus area, to day hikes in Yellowstone’s back country and Grand ralist for four days of hiking, wildlife viewi n g , ta x Canyon, you’ll discover first-hand why this place is unlike and discovery in the wor l d ’ s first national • Single Occupancy: $689.00 per person plus any other. Yellowstone. Don’t just see it, experience it. park. Popular winter “Wonderland” instructor, ta x Na n c y Procter, will lead tours each week from Special “Shoulder Season” rates for weeks of May 6 through October 4. Comfortable May 6, 13, 20, 27, and September 23, 30: accommodations and excellent meals will be • Double Occupancy: $447.00 per person plus pr o vided at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. ta x This is an active program with daily hikes . • Single Occupancy: $565.00 per person plus Let the memories begin. Packages begin each week on Sunday with an ta x

evening orientation with Nancy. Monday (Ye l l o wstone Association members receive *V alid 5/6/01 through 10/4/01. Sunday through Thursday, based on availability, includes room with brings wildlife watching in Lamar Val l e y (can $10 discount upon check-in. For even lowe r bath. Rate is per person, double occupancy. Tax not included.

you spot a wolf?); Tuesday features an inter- rates, inquire about a room without privat e “T rails through Yellowstone” package starts at $509.00* and includes four nights stay, breakfasts pr e t i ve tour of the Old Faithful area; on ba t h . ) and lunches, in-park transportation, and evening programs. Visit www.Tr a v e l Y ellowstone.com or call us at 307.344.5566 for more information and other “Experience Yellowstone” packages. Wednesday take a day hike in Yel l ow s t o n e ’ s Visit www.Tr a vel Ye l l o wstone.com for more spectacular backcountry; and then Th u r s d a y information, or call 307-344-5566 to reserve Amfac is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. go for short interpretive hikes in the Canyo n your Trails Through Yel l o wstone package. area and explore Hayden Val l e y.

Yellowstone To d a y is produced by the Division of Interpretation, National I M P O RTANT PHONE NUMBERS Park Service, Ye l l owstone National Park, in cooperation with the Ye l l ow s t o n e Association and park concessioners. E M E R G E N C Y: 9 1 1 L o d g i n g , d i n i n g , c a m p i n g , activities: 307-344-7311 or TDD 307-344-5395 Montana Power C o m p a ny Park Information: 307-344-7381

YPSS Celebrates Yellowstone Explorers Ye l l owstone Park Service Stat i o n s of Ye s t e ryear and To d a y

In the 1850s, late spring snows thwarted the mo r e probably beds of lignite, similar to those ef forts of Captain William F. Raynolds of the on Powder River, which are known to be in a Corps of Topographical Engineers to cross the state of ignition. Bridger also insisted that Yel l o wstone Plateau. Lamenting his circum- immediately west [north] of the point at Yel l o wstone Park Service Stations has been serving Yel l o wstone stances, Capt. Raynolds wrote: wh i c h we made our final effort to penetrat e visitors since 1947. We offer quality petroleum products at seven service stations We were compelled to content ourselves with this singular valley, there is a stream of located throughout Yel l o wstone. See page 15 for dates of listening to marvelous tales of burning plains, co n s i d e r able size, which divides and flows down either side of the watershed, thus dis- operation for YPSS stations. immense lakes, and boiling springs without being able to verify these wonders. I know of cha r ging its waters into both the Atlantic Tires • Batteries • Automobile Ac c e s s o r i e s but two white men who claim to have visited and Pac i f ic oceans. Having seen this phenom- this part of the Yellowstone valley— Ja m e s enon on a small scale in the highlands of LP Gas is available at Fishing Bridge and Grant Vil l a g e . Br i d g er and Robert Meldrum. The narr at i v e s Ma i n e , where a rivulet discha r ges a portion Towing and repair services are available at Old Faithful, Grant Village, of both of these men are very rem a r k a b l e , of its waters into the Atlantic and the rem a i n - Fishing Bridge, and Canyo n . and Bridger in one of his recitals describes an der into the St. Lawren c e , I am prep a r ed to immense boiling spring that is the very concede that Bridger ’ s “Two Ocean River” Conoco, Master Card, Visa, Discover , and American Express credit counterpart of the geys e r s of Iceland. . . . may be a verity. cards are accepted. I have little doubt that he spoke of what he We trust your exploration of Yel l o wstone will had actually seen. The burning plains satisfy your desire to see and experience all of described by these men may be volcanic, or the things Capt. Raynolds only heard about. 1 5 L o d g i n g , F o o d , G a s , A c t i v i t i e s

Autumn 2001 Bridge Bay St o re s Old Fa i t h f u l St o re s Grant Village Ministore (general store, light meals, snacks, & Lo d g i n g Bridge Bay Marina Store (general store, light meals, snacks, fast foods): May 11–October 2 Old Faithful Inn—Rooms: May 11–October 14 & fast foods): June 1–September 16 Grant Village General Store (general store, light meals, Old Faithful Snow Lodge—Rooms and cabins: snacks, & fast foods): May 26–September 25 May 4–October 14 Other Servi c e s Grant Village Gift Shop: May 25–September 30 Old Faithful Lodge—Cabins: May 18–Sept. 16 Bridge Bay Marina—Dock rental: May 25–September 16 Scenicruiser excursions: June 2–September 16 Se r vice Stations Food Servi c e s Outboards, guide boats: June 15–September 9 ***Grant Village Service Station: May 18–September 29 *Old Faithful Inn Dining Room: May 11–October 14 Grant Village Repair Service: May 25–September 3 Old Faithful Inn, Pony Express Snack Shop: Wr e c k er service: May 25–September 24. Ma y 11 – O c t o b e r 13 C a ny o n Grant Village LP Gas Plant: May 25–September 29 Lo d g i n g Old Faithful Snow Lodge Restaurant: May 4–October 14 Ca n yon Lodge—Rooms, cabins: June 1–September 16 Other Servi c e s Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Geyser Grill Fast Foo d : Grant Village Camper Services—Showers and laundry: May 18–November 4 Food Servi c e s June 21–September 30 Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria: May 18–September 15 Ca n yon Lodge Dining Room: June 1–September 16 Old Faithful Lodge Snack Shops: May 18–September 23 Ca n yon Lodge Cafeteria: June 1–August 27 Lake Ye l l o w s t o n e St o re s Ca n yon Picnic Shop—(light meals, snacks, & fast foods): June 1–September 15 Lo d g i n g Old Faithful Inn Gift Shop: May 11–October 14 La k e Yel l o wstone Hotel—Rooms, cabins: May 18–October 8 Old Faithful Snow Lodge Gift Shop: May 4–November 4 St o re s La k e Lodge—Cabins: June 10–September 16 Old Faithful Lodge Gift Shop: May 18–Sept. 30 ** C a n yon Nature Store (light meals, snacks, fast foods, photo **Old Faithful Photo Shop (light meals, snacks, fast foods, shop, gifts, & souvenirs): April 27–October 21 Food Servi c e s photo shop, gifts, & souvenirs): April 20–October 21 Ca n yon General Store (light meals, snacks, & fast foods): * Lake Yel l o wstone Hotel Dining Room: May 18–October 8 Old Faithful Basin Lower Store (general store, light meals, May 19–September 26 La k e Lodge Cafeteria: June 10–September 16 snacks, & fast foods): May 4–October 14 Ca n yon Lodge Gift Shop: June 1–September 16 La k e Yel l o wstone Hotel Deli: May 18–October 7 Old Faithful Basin Upper Store (general store, light meals, snacks, & fast foods): May 11–October 3 Se r vice Stations Stores ** * C a n yon Village: April 27–November 4 La k e General Store (general store, light meals, snacks, & fas t Se r vice Stations Ca n yon Repair Service: May 25–September 3 foods): May 18–October 7 ***Old Faithful, Lower Service Station: April 20–Nov. 4 Wr e c k er service: April 27–November 4 La k e Yel l o wstone Hotel Gift Shop: May 18–October 8 Old Faithful, Upper Service Station: May 25–August 20 La k e Lodge Gift Shop: June 10–September 16 Old Faithful Repair Service: May 25–August 20 Other Servi c e s Wr e c k er service: April 20–November 4 Ca n yon Village Camper Services—Showers and laundry: Other Servi c e s June 1–September 9 La k e Hospital, Clinic, and Pharmacy: May 21–September 15; Other Servi c e s Ca n yon Lodge—Trail rides: June 23–September 1 30 7 - 2 4 2 - 7 2 4 1 Old Faithful Clinic: May 11–October 14; 307-545-7325 La k e Lodge—Laundry: June 10–September 16 Old Faithful Lodge—Showers: May 18–September 16 Fishing Bridge Old Faithful Snow Lodge—Public Laundry: May 4–Oct. 14 St o re s Mammoth Hot Springs Fishing Bridge RV Park Gift Shop: May 18–September 23 Lo d g i n g R o o s e v e l t / To w e r **Fishing Bridge General Store (general store, light meals, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—Rooms and cabins: Lo d g i n g snacks, & fast foods): May 12–September 19 Ma y 4–October 8 Ro o s e velt Lodge—Cabins: June 8–September 3 Se r vice Stations Food Servi c e s Food Servi c e s ***Fishing Bridge Service Station: May 11–September 19 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room: May 4– O c t . 8 Ro o s e velt Lodge Dining Room: June 8–September 3 Fishing Bridge Repair Service: May 25–September 3 Mammoth Terrace Grill: May 4–October 14 Ro o s e velt Lodge Dinner Cookout: June 9–September 2 Wr e c k er service: May 25–September 3 St o re s St o re s Fishing Bridge LP Gas Plant: May 25–September 19 Mammoth General Store (general store, light meals, snacks, & Ro o s e velt Store (general store, light meals, snacks, & fas t Other Servi c e s fast foods): Open year-r o u n d foods): June 8–September 2 Fishing Bridge RV Par k — S h o wers and laundry: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Gift Shop: May 4–October 8 Ro o s e velt Lodge Gift Shop: June 8–September 3 Ma y 18–September 23 Tower Fall Store (general store, light meals, snacks, & fas t Se r vice Stations foods): May 25–September 23 ***Mammoth Hot Springs Service Station: May 9–Oct. 8 Grant Vi l l a g e Se r vice Stations Lo d g i n g Other Servi c e s Tower Junction Service Station: June 8–September 3 Grant Village—Rooms: May 25–September 30 Mammoth Hot Springs—Trail rides: May 19–September 16 Mammoth Clinic—Open year-round; five days a week; Other Servi c e s Food Servi c e s 8: 3 0 AM –5 PM , closed 1–2 PM ; 30 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 9 6 5 Trail rides: June 8–September 2 *Grant Village Restaurant: May 25–September 30 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—Showers: May 4–Oct. 8 Stagecoach Rides: June 8–September 2 La k e House at Grant: May 25–September 23 Ro o s e velt Lodge—Showers: June 8–Sept. 3

* Dinner reservations required. Inquire at any lodging front Automatic Banking C a m p g r o u n d s desk or dining room host stand. 24-hour cash available at the Fishing Bridge General Store, See page 6 for camping information; call for reservations or ** These locations offer one hour film processing. Grant Village General Store, Lake Yel l o wstone Hotel, plan to select sites early. ** * Diesel fuel is available at these stations. Mammoth General Store, Mammoth Hotel, Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful Upper Store, Canyo n Motorcoach To u r s General Store, and Canyon Lodge. CIRRUS and PLUS auto- Circle of Fire—Departs from Lake Yel l o wstone Hotel, Fishing matic network machines will be in service for cash anyt i m e Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay Campground, Canyon Lodge R e s e rva t i o n s during the lodging fa c i l i t i e s ’s e a s o n s . Was h b urn Expedition—Departs from Lake Yel l o wstone Hotel, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay Campground, Canyo n Medical Serv i c e s Lo d g e CALL Yellowstone National Park Lodges, Mammoth Clinic—Open year-round; five days a week, Yel l o wstone in a Day—Departs from Gardiner, MT and 307-344-7311 or TDD 307-344-5395, for lodging, 8: 3 0 AM –5 PM , closed 1–2 PM ; 30 7 - 3 4 4 - 7 9 6 5 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Old Faithful Clinic—May 11–Oct. 14; 8:30 AM –5 PM ; Hayden Val l e y Twilight Tour—Departs from Canyo n d i n i n g ,c a m p i n g , and activity reservat i o n s . 30 7 - 5 4 5 - 7 3 2 5 You can also make reservations at any lodging La k e Hospital, Clinic, and Pharmacy— B a c k c o u n t ry To u r s May 21–September 15; daily, 8:30 AM –8:30 PM ; front desk or activities desk. June–September: write to Yel l o wstone National Park, WY 30 7 - 2 4 2 - 7 2 4 1 82190 or call the National Park Service, 307-344-7381, for a list of certified outfit t e r s . Yellowstone Roads and Fa c i l i t i e s Park Information: 307-344-7381 TDD: 307-344-2386 Emergency: dial 911

Road Closed ROA D CL O S E D Madison to Norris on August 27 for the rest of the year DUE TO BRIDGE CONSTRUC T I O N

This map shows roads/facilities; see the previous page for dates of operation. For a more detailed map , Visitor center or i n formation station Gasoline/ fuel L o d g i n g and more wildlife and area i n f o r m at i o n , General store M a r i n a Te l e p h o n e s consult the Ye l l ow s t o n e Official Map & Guide. Food serv i c e Clinic or hospital C a m p g ro u n d

Full Services (includes lodging, food service, store, rest rooms, phone) R e s t ro o m s Camping: hard-sided units only

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