Yellowstone National Park

_____________________________________________________{_- Our Nation's First}

T'was "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of All People."

Established long ago, in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was America's first official national park. It's located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho (in three separate states, it's that huge), and it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Some Quotes from Congress about The Park's Establishment

"Be it enacted... that the tract of land... lying near the headwaters of the Yellowstone River ... is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." - the Words of the Bill

"On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill creating Yellowstone Park. Unlike Yosemite, which was being administered by the state of California, this would be a national park - the first national park in the history of the world." - from "The National Parks," by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.

"The bill reserves control over the land, and preserves the control over to the United States so that at any time when it shall appear that it will be better to devote it to any other purpose it will be perfectly within the control of the United States to do it." - an added Clause to the Bill

The Fight for Preservation vs. Commercial Interests (the Railroad Lobby)

They haven't changed their minds about it yet, but that doesn't mean people didn't try very hard to sway the opinions of the lawmakers in congress to try to take commercial advantage of the United States' first National Park.

In the late 1870's and early 1880's, a war was being waged in congress over the fate of the region we now know simply as Yellowstone. It was already deemed a national park, thanks to the hard work of Ferdinand V. Hayden and Jay Cooke, who originally convinced congress of the parks splendor and it being worth setting aside; but Senator John Ingalls, from Kansas, thought, "The best thing that the Government could do with the Yellowstone National Park is to survey it and sell it as other public lands are sold." Others did not agree with him at all.

George Bird Grinnel, a naturalist who "served [our country as] an early government [surveyor of Yellowstone]" commented: "No railroad should ever be allowed to penetrate the Yellowstone Park....The shreik of the engine and the rumble of the train would drive away the game, and the beautiful and wonderful Park would become commonplace and unattractive." - The National Parks

Grinnell was perhaps at the time the person most aware of how western expansion and commercialization was deeply and profoundly impacting nature. Habitats for wildlife and game were being destroyed all across America, but he stood up for what was right and lobbied in Washington for the Parks continued preservation. He succeeded and years later the park was expanded and funding increased under Theodore Roosevelt.

And perhaps our 26th President said it best:
"It is of the utmost importance that [Yellowstone] Park shall be kept in its present form as a great forestry preserve and a National pleasure ground, the like of which is not to be found on any other continent than ours...

So far from having this Park cut down, it should be extended, and legislation adopted which would enable the military authorities ... to punish in the most vigorous way people who trespass upon it.

The Yellowstone Park is a great park for the people, and the representatives of the people should see that it is molested in no way."

We at GettingOutside.com completely agree with this sentiment. And it is no less pertinent then than it is now! We have to continue to preserve the parklands our forefathers have set aside, and we have to do even more to begin to offset the damages and destruction we have put upon nature itself. Today, with the green revolution and the sustainability movement, we are finally beginning to (scientifically and through law) do just that!

Things to Do at Yellowstone (the list is truly endless)

One of the most popular things to do at Yellowstone is to experience Old Faithful, the most popular geyser in the world, or any one of the other hundreds of other geysers and hot springs. You can take a walk along the man-made trails that wind their way between the various thermal formations. Look at their magical colors and interesting designs. If you take a careful look at the picture at the top of the page you will see that there is a trail in the lower right hand corner where people are walking.

Listen to the tour guide describe the processes that form these hydrothermal pockets, or stop by any of the visitors centers to see a diagram of exactly how they work. (Or read up on it below.)

Hiking, camping, fishing, enjoying exhibits and films, and attending Ranger-led programs are among the many ways to experience Yellowstone. Make sure you stay on the lookout for bears and wolves, elk and buffalo in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys. People are advised to stay at least 100 feet away from bears!

Earlier History of the Parkland and More On Why it Must Be Preserved

The human history of the Yellowstone region goes back more than 11,000 years. From about 11,000 years ago to the very recent past, many groups of Native Americans used the park as their homes, hunting grounds, and transportation routes. These traditional uses of Yellowstone lands continued until a little over 200 years ago when the first people of European descent found their way into the park. In 1872 a country that had not yet seen its first centennial established Yellowstone as the first national park in the world. A new concept was born and with it a new way for people to preserve and protect the best of what they had for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Some groups of Shoshone Indians, who adapted to a mountain existence, chose not to acquire the horse. These included the Sheep Eaters, or Tukudika, who used dogs to transport food, hides, and other provisions. The Sheep Eaters lived in many locations in Yellowstone. Wonder how they got by?

Fishing in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is managed to protect cultural and natural resources and outstanding scenery, and to provide for visitor use. Fishing has been a major visitor activity for well over a century. Because of this history, fishing continues to be allowed and can complement, and in some cases even enhance, the park’s primary purpose to preserve natural environments and native species.

Fisheries Science in Yellowstone

Native cutthroat trout are the most ecologically important fish of the park and the most prized, and highly regarded by visiting anglers. Several factors, mostly related to exotic species introductions, are threatening the persistence of these fish. The Yellowstone Fisheries Program strives to use best available science in addressing these threats, with a focus on direct, aggressive intervention, and welcomed assistance by visiting anglers.

Hydrothermal Features and How They Work

With half of the earth’s geothermal features, Yellowstone holds the planet’s most diverse and intact collection of geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. Its more than 300 geysers make up two thirds of all those found on earth. Combine this with more than 10,000 thermal features comprised of brilliantly colored hot springs, bubbling mudpots, and steaming fumaroles, and you have a place like no other. Geyserland, fairyland, wonderland--through the years, all have been used to describe the natural wonder and magic of this unique park that contains more geothermal features than any other place on earth.

Yellowstone’s vast collection of thermal features provides a constant reminder of the park’s recent volcanic past. Indeed, the caldera provides the setting that allows such features as Old Faithful to exist and to exist in such great concentrations.

Hot Springs and How They Work

In the high mountains surrounding the Yellowstone Plateau, water falls as snow or rain and slowly percolates through layers of porous rock, finding its way through cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust created by the ring fracturing and collapse of the caldera.

Sinking to a depth of nearly 10,000 feet, this cold water comes into contact with the hot rocks associated with the shallow magma chamber beneath the surface. As the water is heated, its temperatures rise well above the boiling point to become superheated. This superheated water, however, remains in a liquid state due to the great pressure and weight pushing down on it from overlying rock and water. The result is something akin to a giant pressure cooker, with water temperatures in excess of 400°F. (Wow! That's hot...)

The highly energized water is less dense than the colder, heavier water sinking around it. This creates convection currents that allow the lighter, more buoyant, superheated water to begin its slow, arduous journey back toward the surface through rhyolitic lava flows, following the cracks, fissures, and weak areas of the earth’s crust. Rhyolite is essential to geysers because it contains an abundance of silica, the mineral from which glass is made. As the hot water travels through this "natural plumbing system," the high temperatures dissolve some of the silica in the rhyolite, yielding a solution of silica within the water.

At the surface, these silica-laden waters form a rock called geyserite, or sinter, creating the massive geyser cones; the scalloped edges of hot springs; and the expansive, light- colored, barren landscape characteristic of geyser basins. While in solution underground, some of this silica deposits as geyserite on the walls of the plumbing system forming a pressure-tight seal, locking in the hot water and creating a system that can withstand the great pressure needed to produce a geyser.

With the rise of superheated water through this complex plumbing system, the immense pressure exerted over the water drops as it nears the surface. The heat energy, if released in a slow steady manner, gives rise to a hot spring, the most abundant and colorful thermal feature in the park. Hot springs with names like Morning Glory, Grand Prismatic, Abyss, Emerald, and Sapphire, glisten like jewels in a host of colors across the park’s harsh volcanic plain.

Geysers and How They Work

Sprinkled amid the hot springs are the rarest fountains of all, the geysers. What makes them rare and distinguishes them from hot springs is that somewhere, usually near the surface in the plumbing system of a geyser, there are one or more constrictions.

Expanding steam bubbles generated from the rising hot water build up behind these constrictions, ultimately squeezing through the narrow passageways and forcing the water above to overflow from the geyser. The release of water at the surface prompts a sudden decline in pressure of the hotter waters at great depth, triggering a violent chain reaction of tremendous steam explosions in which the volume of rising, now boiling, water expands 1,500 times or more. This expanding body of boiling superheated water bursts into the sky as one of Yellowstone’s many famous geysers.

There are more geysers here than anywhere else on earth. Old Faithful, certainly the most famous geyser, is joined by numerous others big and small, named and unnamed. Though born of the same water and rock, what is enchanting is how differently they play in the sky. Riverside Geyser shoots at an angle across the Firehole River, often forming a rainbow in its mist. Castle erupts from a cone shaped like the ruins of some medieval fortress. Grand explodes in a series of powerful bursts, towering above the surrounding trees. Echinus spouts up and out to all sides like a fireworks display of water. And Steamboat, the largest in the world, pulsates like a massive steam engine in a rare, but remarkably memorable eruption, reaching heights of 300 to 400 feet.

Current Conditions and Updates (Last Updated Winter 2009-2010)

Limited, managed snowmobile and snowcoach travel over groomed, snow-packed park roads is permitted this season under a new temporary plan, which allows up to 318 commercially guided, Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles, and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches per day in Yellowstone.

Only commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches are allowed on groomed park roads. A current list of authorized concessioners can be found online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/wintbusn.htm.

Weather, and conditions permitting, all park roads that are open to over-snow travel will remain open for the remainder of the season, including the section of road previously closed through Gibbon Canyon during the summer road construction season.

The North Entrance and the road from Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs on to Cooke City, outside the park’s Northeast Entrance, is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year. Snow tires or chains may be required. Gasoline is available using 24-hour pay at the pump at Tower Junction.

Interior park road segments begin closing to oversnow travel on March 1. See Opening & Closing Dates for more information.

The Old Faithful Visitor Center, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, dining room, fast food, and gift shop are open. The Snow Lodge and dining room close on March 7; other facilities close on March 14.

The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, dining room, and gift shop will close on March 8. The Yellowstone General Store, clinic, campground, post office, 24 hour gasoline pumps, and the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth Hot Springs are open all year.

Entrance Fees and Acquiring Permits

The entrance fee is $25 for a private, noncommercial vehicle; $20 for each snowmobile or motorcycle; or $12 for each visitor 16 and older entering by foot, bike, ski, etc. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Remember to keep your admission receipt in order to re-enter the parks. Snowmobile operators must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license. If you're wondering why you'd need a snowmobile there see below - this ought to answer all of your questions!

Advance reservations are not needed to enter the park. Annual or Lifetime Passes are possible alternatives to the above fees.

Park Annual Pass

The $50 park annual pass provides entrance to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Pass is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Purchase your pass at one of the park’s entrances.

Interagency Annual Pass

The $80 Interagency Annual Pass provides entrance or access to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private non-commercial vehicle at most federal recreation sites across the country. Pass is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. The pass is not valid for Expanded Amenity fees such as camping or parking at Mt Rushmore. Purchase your pass at one of Yellowstone’s entrance stations or online at http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

Interagency Senior Pass

The $10 Interagency Senior Pass (62 and older) is a lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Pass is available only in-person at entrances or visitor centers.

Interagency Access Pass

Free lifetime pass available to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have been determined to be blind or permanently disabled. Pass is available only in-person at entrances or visitor centers.

The above passes replace the Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports as well as the National Parks Pass. These passes will remain valid until they expire or are lost or stolen.

Commercial Visitors

Commercial bus tours are subject to a separate fee schedule based upon the seating capacity of the bus.

Type of Vehicle, Seating Capacity, and Fees

• Sedan 1-6 passengers $25, plus $12 a person
• Van 7-15 passengers $125 (no per person fee)
• Minibus 16-25 passengers $200 (no per person fee)
• Motorcoach 26 or more passenger $300 (no per person fee)

Non-Commercial Groups (examples - boy/girl scouts, church groups, clubs)

Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 15 persons or more, will be charged $12 for each person on board.

There Are a Few Exceptions

• Anyone who is 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
• Passes may be used for entry as defined on the back of the pass.
• In many cases the driver will have been hired for transportation only and is exempt from paying the entrance fee.

The total fee charged will not exceed the equivalent commercial fee for that type vehicle.

Academic Fee Waivers

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), Public Law 108-447, provides the National Park Service statutory authority to allow "outings conducted for non-commercial educational purposes by schools or bona fide academic institutions" to obtain a waiver of park entrance fees. Commercial enterprises are not eligible for fee waivers, but school groups using a commercial vehicle for transportation only may apply for a fee waiver.

Fee Waiver Application

Yellowstone and Grand Teton participate in the Congressionally authorized Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act. Under this program, parks keep 80% of all fees collected; the remaining 20% will be deposited in a special account to be used in parks where fees are not collected. Funds generated by the fees are used to accomplish projects the parks have been unable to fund through yearly Congressional allocations. Projects include the protection of the parks' road investment through overlays, patching, chipseal, drainage, and erosion control; enhancement of accessibility for the physically challenged to park resources and buildings; increased monitoring and mitigation activities for park resources; upgrading of park campgrounds and amphitheaters; rehabilitation of park structures; and repair of failing elements in utility systems parkwide. Funded projects increase the quality of the visitor experience and enhance the protection of park resources.

Camping at Yellowstone National Park

Facilities and Contact Information

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311 or 1-866-GEYSERLAND (439-7375), or by writing: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, PO Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water & sewer (no electrical hookups), and it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers are allowed).

Please make your reservations early and/or plan to secure your campsite as early in the day as possible. Campgrounds may fill by early morning, especially during peak season (early July—late August).

It is recommended that people driving recreational vehicles over 30' make a reservation since there are a limited number of campsites over 30' available in Yellowstone. Large RV sites are located at Flagg Ranch, Fishing Bridge RV Park, West Yellowstone and Gardiner.

Campsite Availability and Reservations

Availability is first-come, first serve at the following seven campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. Campgrounds may be filled by 11 a.m.; arrive early to obtain a site. Overnight camping of any type (tent, vehicle, or RV) outside designated campgrounds is not permitted. Below a woman checks herself into a campsite at a ranger station.

Campfires

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in locations with fire rings. Special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when the danger of wildland fires is great. If you plan to light a fire in the park, please ask about current fire restrictions at the entrance station when you arrive or email our Visitor Services Office immediately prior to your visit.

Backcountry Camping and Obtaining a Permit

Yellowstone has a designated backcountry campsite system, and a Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight stays. Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night. The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip. Campfires are permitted only in established fire pits. Wood fires are not allowed in some backcountry campsites. A food storage pole is provided at most designated campsites so that food and attractants may be secured from bears. Neither hunting nor firearms are allowed in Yellowstone's backcountry.

Permits may be obtained only in person and no more than 48 hours in advance of your trip. Permits are available from most ranger stations and visitor centers. In order to obtain the best information on trail conditions, permits should be obtained from the ranger station or visitor center nearest to the area where your trip is to begin. The Backcountry Use Permit is valid only for the itinerary and dates specified. Backcountry travelers must have their permits in possession while in the backcountry.

Advance Reservations for Backcountry Campsites

Although permits must be obtained in person no more than 48 hours in advance, backcountry campsites may be reserved in advance. Requests for reservations must be submitted by mail or in person. They cannot be made over the phone or by fax. Reservations are booked on a first come, first served basis. A confirmation notice, not a permit, is given or mailed to the camper. This confirmation notice must then be converted to the actual permit not more than 48 hours in advance of the first camping date. Details are provided on the confirmation notice. The reservation fee is $ 20.00 regardless of the number of nights out or the number of people involved. The fee is not refundable. Forms for making an advance reservation are available to download online at: Backcountry Trip Planner, or by writing to:

Backcountry Office
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Or call: 307-344-2160.

Permits and Reservations Made Less Than 48 Hours in Advance

Because only a portion of the approximately 300 backcountry campsites are available for advance reservations, you may choose to wait until you arrive in the park to reserve your site(s) and obtain your permit. The $ 20.00 fee applies only to reservations made more than 48 hours in advance of the start of your trip.

Where to Get Your Permit

During the summer season (June - August), permits are available 7 days a week between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Bechler Ranger Station
• Canyon Visitor Center
• Grant Village Visitor Center
• Bridge Bay Ranger Station
• Mammoth Visitor Center
• Old Faithful Ranger Station
• South Entrance Ranger Station
• Tower Ranger Station
• West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center

In addition, permits may sometimes be obtained from rangers on duty at the East Entrance. However, these rangers have other duties and may not be available to provide assistance at all times.

During the spring, fall, and winter seasons, ranger stations and visitor centers do not have set hours. To obtain a Backcountry Use Permit during these seasons, check the office hours posted at the nearest ranger station or visitor center.

Several commercial businesses are permitted to offer guided overnight (Backpacking) trips into Yellowstone's backcountry. These businesses would obtain the Backcountry Use Permits for trips that they provide.

Safety in Bear Country

Hiking and camping restrictions are occasionally in effect as a result of bear activity. Never camp in an area that has obvious evidence of bear activity such as digging, tracks, or scat. Odors attract bears, so avoid carrying or cooking odorous foods. Keep a clean camp; do not cook or store food in your tent. All food, garbage, or other odorous items used for preparing or cooking food must be secured from bears. Most backcountry campsites have food poles from which all food, cooking gear, and scented articles must be suspended when not being used. Treat all odorous products such as soap, deodorant, or other toiletries in the same manner as food. Do not leave packs containing food unattended, even for a few minutes. Allowing a bear to obtain human food even once often results in the bear becoming aggressive about obtaining such food in the future. Aggressive bears present a threat to human safety and eventually must be destroyed or removed from the park. Please obey the law and do not allow bears or other wildlife to obtain human food.

Sleep a minimum of 100 yards (91 meters) from where you hang, cook, and eat your food. Keep your sleeping gear clean and free of food odor. Don't sleep in the same clothes worn while cooking and eating; hang clothing worn while cooking and eating in plastic bags.

Considering bears' highly developed sense of smell, it may seem logical that they could be attracted to odors associated with menstruation. Studies on this subject are few and inconclusive. If a woman chooses to hike or camp in bear country during menstruation, a basic precaution should be to wear internal tampons, not external pads. Used tampons should be double-bagged in a zip-lock type bag and stored the same as garbage.

If you are involved in a conflict with a bear, regardless of how minor, report it to a park ranger as soon as possible. Another's safety may depend on it. Exceptional combinations of food, shelter, and space draw grizzlies to some parts of Yellowstone more than others. In these Bear Management Areas, human access is restricted to reduce impacts on the bears and their habitat. Ask at ranger stations or visitor centers for more information.

How to minimize the dangers associated with a bear encounter.

• Handling Refuse Properly

All refuse must be carried out of the backcountry. Human waste must be buried 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 centimeters) below the ground and a minimum of 100 feet (30 meters) from a watercourse. Waste water should be disposed of at least 100 feet (30 meters) from a watercourse or campsite. Do not pollute lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams by washing yourself, clothing, or dishes in them.

General Safety Concerns

Should you drink the water? Intestinal infections from drinking untreated water are increasingly common. Waters may be polluted by animal and/or human wastes. When possible, carry a supply of water from a domestic source. If you drink water from lakes and streams, bring it to a boil to reduce the chance of infection.

Don't take chances in backcountry thermal areas. Scalding water underlies thin, breakable crusts; pools are near or above boiling temperatures. Each year, visitors traveling off trail have been seriously burned, and people have died from the scalding water. No swimming or bathing is allowed in thermal pools.

Removing, defacing or destroying any plant, animal, or mineral is prohibited. Leave historical and archeological items in place.

Directions to Yellowstone National Park

North Entrance - Near the gateway community of Gardiner, MT, the North Entrance is the only park entrance open to wheeled vehicles all year. November through April, the North Entrance provides the only access to Cooke City, MT. US Highway 212 east of Cooke City is closed to wheeled vehicles November through April. The road from Mammoth to Norris is open to wheeled vehicles from the third Friday in April through the first Sunday in November, and to tracked oversnow vehicles usually from the third Monday in December to the Monday of the first full week in March. Closest airline service is Bozeman, MT.

West Entrance - Adjacent to the town of West Yellowstone, MT, the West Entrance is open to wheeled vehicles from the third Friday in April through the first Sunday in November, and to tracked oversnow vehicles from the third Monday in December o the Monday of the second full week in March. Closest airline service is West Yellowstone, MT, Bozeman, MT, Idaho Falls, ID, and Salt Lake City, UT.

South & East Entrances - Open to wheeled vehicles from the second Friday of May through the first Sunday in November, and to tracked oversnow vehicles from the third Monday in December to the Monday of the second full week in March. Limited services are available near the South and East Entrances. Closest airline service to the South Entrance is Jackson, WY and Cody, WY to the East Entrance.

Northeast Entrance - Near the gateway communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, MT, this entrance is open year around for wheeled vehicle access to Cooke City through Gardiner, MT and the North Entrance. Opening dates for roads east of Cooke City vary from year to year, depending on the weather. The Beartooth Highway is open from late May/early June (weather dependent) to mid October. Storms occasionally temporarily close the Beartooth Highway during this "open" period.

Note: It would be a good idea to check out the NPS website for Yellowstone and look at their Operating Hours and Seasons page before trying to get to the park. You can also call one of the park offices.

Airline and Bus Transportation

Commercial airlines serve the following airports near Yellowstone National Park all year: Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID. The West Yellowstone, MT airport is serviced from June to early September from Salt Lake City, UT.

Bus service from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191 is available all year. Bus service directly from Idaho to West Yellowstone is limited to the summer months. Commercial transportation from Bozeman, MT to Gardiner, MT is available during the winter and summer seasons. Commercial transportation to the park from Cody and Jackson, WY is available during the summer season. Contact local Chambers of Commerce for specific carriers and schedules.

Train service is not available to Yellowstone National Park. The nearest train depots are in southeast Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah and northern Montana. Contact Amtrak for specific schedules.

Road Opening and Closing Dates

You Heard it Here: Some park areas, entrances and roads are not open year-round!

Winter:

Yellowstone National Park opened interior park roads for motorized oversnow travel for the 2009-2010 winter season, December 15. More…

Only two park roads are plowed in the winter and remain open for wheeled-vehicle use

• the road between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance at Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana.
• From Mammoth Hot Springs to the parking area at the Upper Terraces (approximatedly 1/2 mi. of road)

They are maintained only during daylight hours and may close during severe storms. Expect snowpack, ice, frost heaves, drifts. Mud/Snow tires or tire chains may be required and are recommended always. Speed limit for all vehicles is 45 mph (73 kph), or lower where posted—such as from North Entrance to Mammoth. Do not stop on the road or block traffic when viewing wildlife or scenery. Use pullouts. Trails and overlooks may be snow-covered, icy, and dangerous. Obey all trail closures. Walk cautiously at all times and watch your children.

Oversnow travel ends in March. Roads close at 9 PM on the days listed:

• March 1, 2010—East Entrance to Lake Butte (Sylvan Pass.)
• March 7: Mammoth to Norris
• March 9: Madison to Norris to Canyon
• March 14: Canyon to Fishing Bridge
• March 15, 2010—All other groomed roads in the park are closed.

Refer to Winter Daily Weather Reports for information about temperatures, snowfall, road conditions and Sylvan Pass.

Only commercially guided oversnow vehicles are allowed on other park roads. Best Available Technology snowmobiles are required, and there is a daily limit on snowmobile and snowcoach entries. Off-road use of snowmobiles and snowcoaches is prohibited. The park is open for oversnow vehicle travel from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (the East Entrance opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m.). For more information, go to Winter Activities and Winter Use Planning.

As was written back in 1872 in the Helena Herald, "It will be," and still is today, "a park worthy of the great republic." - The National Parks

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