2011

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October

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2010

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October

November

 

(archives)

2009

November 2011
It's been another great summer season! The Park will close to wheeled vehicles on November 7th, but will reopen to over the snow travel on December 15th. If you've never been here in the winter, it's well worth the trip! It will seem like a whole different place from what you've seen in the summer, and will give you a whole new appreciation for what the animals have to do to survive. Summer is easy living, but fortunately the animals that live here have some amazing adaptations that allow them to survive and in some cases even thrive during the winter months. Check out our Winter page for some links to companies that can take you in on skis, snowmobiles, or in a snow coach. The roads re-open to cars for the summer starting on April 20th, and even earlier for bicycles. Give us a call for planning your visit next summer, and we'll see you next year!

October 2011
We're having some really nice sunny days mixed with the first hints of winter. We've had some snow in the mountains, and lots of animals moving around as the weather reminds them of the winter to come. Fresh snow is awesome for tracking animals, and I'm often amazed at the number and diversity of tracks that can be seen in a short walk after a fresh snowfall. Need help identifying tracks? My favorite app is a better version of my favorite books: Falcon Field Guides "Scats and Tracks of North America" by former Yellowstone Park ranger and tracking guru Jim Halfpenny. It's awesome, and the "North American" version has everything the "Rocky Mountains" version does, plus much more. Great stuff, and I love that I have my track books, flower and plant guides, star charts, gps and maps, camera, and so much more in a such a small, light, easy to transport and easy to use device. My pack is much lighter and I can get out the door quicker too without having to remember which guides I'll need for the day. Thanks Mr. Steve Jobs!

September 2011
Great weather for yakin, bugling elk...I don't know if mountain weather can be any more perfect than September in this part of the world! The elk seem to agree, because it puts them in the mood for love! If you've never been here when the elk are bugling, it's an experience not to be missed. On the kayaking front, the lakes are still very warm, great for boating and swimming, and we're starting to see lots of birds coming back through on their way to warmer winter habitats. I love watching all of the raptors (birds of prey) that pass through our area in the fall, and because we're on the western flyway, we get to see most of the migrating species at some point during their journeys both in the spring and fall. We've spotted lots of Bald and Golden eagles this year, along with numerous hawks (Red Tailed, Ferruginous, Swainson's), falcons (Kestrel, Merlin, Prairie, and Peregrine), Northern Harriers, and of course our numerous resident Osprey, and owls too for the lucky few that get to see them.

August 2011
Seems like everyone is sporting a smart phone of one kind or another these days! You won't find the phone or internet capabilities all that useful while you are in Yellowstone, due to the very limited cell and internet service available in the Park. However, I've been discovering all sorts of useful apps that are really useful while exploring the area, and some that are just plain fun to play with. A few of my faves: Gaia GPS, an excellent gps app that allows downloading of seamless high resolution topo maps so that they can be used even when you're not connected. It has all of the features of a good gps, and includes the ability to load international maps as well (Europe, Canada, etc.), all included in the very reasonable price. How about our amazing night sky? I often have people from more urban areas tell me that they never realized there were so many stars until they visited Yellowstone! My favorite, super cool star chart that you'll always have with you? Star Walk...The best part? You can hold the phone up and pan around, and it'll show the sky as you see it, but with the ability to zoom, get info on stars, satellites, and planets, and speed up or slow down or even reverse time. Cool! More apps soon...

July 2011
Bear sightings (and attacks!)...After a wet June, July is providing the beautiful weather we seem to always have this time of year. The grass is lush, the elk and bison are happy, and the bears are still finding lots to eat down in the lower valleys. This means we've been seeing lots of them, but it also means that the chances of encountering one while hiking are high. Hiking in our part of the world requires paying attention to the details so that surprise encounters with any of our large and dangerous animals can be avoided. Bears, but also moose, bison, wolves, and even elk can be very dangerous if surprised or provoked. Hike with your head up, continuously observe your surroundings, pay attention to tracks, scat, and other sign in the trail, and carry pepper spray (and know how to use it!). All of this applies even when hiking short distances or near trailheads and parking areas. Yellowstone is a wild place, and it pays to remember that even though it can seem very busy and crowded with all the human activity near the roads.

June 2011
It's been a record year for precipitation and snowpack, and our rivers are cranking! Fortunately, we are on top of the world in the Yellowstone area, so it's a great place to visit and escape the heat and drought in the southern US and the flooding everywhere else downstream of us. June this year is more like May most years, which means the animal are down low with their young, providing great opportunities to see them near the roads. Our guides have been spotting bears on almost every outing so far this spring, which is a rare treat!

May 2011

Isn't May snowy and cold in Yellowstone? Well, you never no what our spring weather will bring, but you're guaranteed that it's the best time of year for getting a good look at the wildlife that can be elusive come summer. It'll be an adventure with the weather too, so come prepared for anything from sun to snow. With no crowds and lots of animal activity near the roads, we're seeing bears and wolves frequently, along with elk, bison, moose, and lots of birds returning to nesting areas along the Western Flyway. Who can resist watching a newborn bison calf? Check out the video of them playing on some of the Forest Service lands near our home in West Yellowstone. We affectionately call these cuddly little guys "red dogs."

April
April 15th the Park begins opening its roads to cars for the summer season. With heavy snows this year, and more falling daily, plan on having good tires and chains along with the possibility of road closures. Why not leave the driving to us? Many of the Park's facilities aren't open yet, but the geyser basins are spectacular with all of the snow, and are accessible with snowshoes. We'll get you set up for a great time! Don't forget to bring your bike in late March and early April, when the roads are only open for non-motorized use - It's well worth the trip!

November 2010
The Park closes its roads to wheeled vehicles on November 8th this year. We don't offer any winter guide services, but see our Winter Page for companies we recommend. Winter is a special time here, and well worth the trip, even if you've been here in the summer. You won't believe it's the same place! Check back here in late April and May for as we begin our monthly news for the summer of 2011. The Park roads begin opening to wheeled vehicles on April 15, 2011, and bicycles only for the early part of April (and late March)-It's awesome if you're a cyclist! We are taking reservations for kayak and Yellowstone trips through the winter. Make sure you call us as soon as you know when you'll be here, and we'll get your trip reserved. See you next summer! (Image of 1950's snowplane on Firehole R courtesy NPS)

October 2010
The summer season is winding down, so it's a great time to see the sights with no crowds. The geyser basins are especially spectacular because of the cold air causing lots of condensation. They are impressive in the summer, but other-worldy when it's cold. The Park's roads begin closing for the season this month, but there's still lots to do and see. If you want to have the place to yourself, this is the time!

September 2010
Now it's the elks' turn for romance. Listen to this bull as he wards off the competition and lets his harem know what a stud he is:


Filmed by Phil Takatsuno-Yellowstone Media DVD "Wildlife of Yellowstone"
Courtesy NPS-YNP website

We've found some bulls closer to the road that can be seen and heard in the mornings and the evenings. These bulls were alsong the Madison River just inside the Park from West Yellowstone...It's considerably more impressive in person, and it's definitely an experience you won't forget!

August 2010
We're having some spectacular sunsets during our kayak tours on Hebgen Lake, and we've been enjoying the incredible beauty of Cliff lake kayaking too. Check out the amazing water in this video:

The rut is on! Yellowstone's bison have congregated in the Hayden Valley by the thousands, and it's quite a sight to see! We also seem to be having a record year for bear sightings! We've been fortunate to see both black and grizzly bears a lot more often than usual, and the cooler weather and greenery has kept them where they are easier to spot from the roads, even in later summer when they normally tend to travel to higher places.

July 2010
This month always brings us fabulous weather, and this year is no exception. We've been seeing more elk calves than usual along the Madison this year, and the little guys have been lots of fun to watch. We've also been enjoying the Bighorn Sheep on our upper loop trips, and antelope have been hanging around on the Blacktail Plateau. Kayaking has been awesome, and some folks have been taking advantage of the warmer lake temps by including a swim in their kayak outing.

June 2010
Wow! Summer's here! The weather is fabulous, and everything is up and running for another summer season in West Yellowstone. We've teemed up with Montana Whitewater Raft Company to offer another option for our trips. If you're wanting a wilder ride than you'll get with our scenic kayak tours, we'll head through the Park and explore geyser basins on our way to a whitewater raft trip down the Yellowstone River, then watch wildlife on our return to West Yellowstone. We also offer a version of this trip with a scenic raft or kayak trip. We can also get you set up for whitewater and scenic raft trips on the Gallatin and Madison rivers. Be sure to check out Music in the Parks while you're here! Our tandem kayak rental prices have been reduced this summer to get more families our having fun! We also have a rental expedition canoe now, for those who prefer a canoe for overnight trips on Yellowstone's lakes. Give us a call!

May 2010
The ice comes off of the lakes this month, and in spite of the often variable weather, it's a great time to see all of the spring wildlife activity. The water in the Madison Arm of Hebgen lake is always suprisingly warm this time of year (it flows from Yellowstone's thermal basins), and we love paddling the lake early in the month, when the ice is just coming off. Beautiful!

Baby bison are everywhere (we call them "red dogs"), and they're as loveable as newborn lambs...except you can't get too close, 'cause mama weighs 800lbs+, and is keeping a close eye on her newborn. Makes for great photos and movies with a good lens, though. Be sure to be in West Yellowstone this summer for WYSEF's summer mountain bike biathlon races (they even have a beginner's orientation and rifles you can use), Saturday, June 26th. Call (406) 599-4465 for more info, or check here: http://www.rendezvousskitrails.com/biathlon

April 2010
Come celebrate National Parks Week from April 17th-25th when the Park has free admission for all visitors! There will also be hundreds of family-friendly events held throughout the Park on Saturday, April 24th for National Junior Ranger Day. Yellowstone begins to open for autos on April 16th. The West entrance to Mammoth and Old Faithful will open first, with other roads to follow as they are cleared. Check here for road opening dates.

If yo can't wait, bring your bike for some of the best touring anywhere...Some of the roads in Yellowstone are open from mid-March until April 16th for bicycles and other non-motorized uses. There's nothing like it! Dunraven Pass over Mt Washburn will also be open for a week, car free, in mid-May. Call FreeHeel & Wheel to rent a bike or to get more info.

It's also a good time to make reservations for the summer guiding season! We start to fill up our summer dates this time of year, so let us know when you want to be here so we can be sure to save you a spot!

March 2010
The bluebirds are back! As we get later in the month and the days get longer, many migratory birds are returning to the area. It's always a treat to see the variety of species that arrive for the summer or pass through en-route to more northerly climes. Grizzly bears have also begun leaving their dens (at the first of the month this year!), and tracks have been seen both in the Park and around West Yellowstone. Time for bear-spray while skiing! The Park is closed to oversnow travel as of March 15th for the winter season.

Come check out the 31st annual Rendezvous ski race! March 6th, 2010. Fun for the whole family, including a kids festival on Sunday the 7th! These three mountain men are prepping the black powder canon for the start of the races...

February 2010
The winter is feeling a lot like our usual spring weather, with relatively warm days and lots of blue skies. It looks like we are in a drought pattern again, which means we can expect some forest fires this summer. It's making for great nordic skiing conditions, however, and the Rendezvous trails and touring trails around West Yellowstone have been fabulous!

With so little snow (relatively speaking), this is turning out to be an easier winter for the elk and bison, because it's easier to find food, move around to new feeding areas, and to escape predators. Of course, the shallower snow makes it harder for the wolves to catch the big ungulates, so these low snow years can make it harder for them to stay fed. The bears won't be as well insulated in their dens, and we may see them out and about earlier if we don't get much more snow in the next month or two.

January 2010
Earthquakes! We have had a "swarm" of quakes over the last couple of weeks, beginning on January 17th. As of today (the 28th), there have been 1497 quakes with 12 of at least magnitude 3 and one of magnitude 3.8! The 3+ quakes can be felt, and West Yellowstone is only about 10 miles from the epicenter of many of these quakes. No worries though, this is a normal thing for Yellowstone. It happened last January too, and we average about 7-8 minor quakes per day in our area. Check the Yellowstone Park press releases for more info.

December 2009
The Yellowstone winter season opened for over the snow travel on December 15th. The nordic skiing is shaping up well in West Yellowstone, and we've had some beautiful blue sky days this month, the kind that are like nowhere else. With a combination of cold, clear, clean air, high elevation, magical cloud formations, soft winter light, and a backdrop of mountain scenery and geyser basins, sometimes it's hard to believe we're on the same planet as everyone else...

November 2009
The Park is closed for auto travel this month (except for the north entrance, which is plowed), but weather permitting, you can ride a bike or ski from the West entrance. West Yellowstone host a Fall Festival ski week every year during Thanksgiving, and we'll have everything from Olympic qualifying nordic ski races to film festivals, ski demos, and indoor expo, and fun events for the whole family (including a chance to shoot a biathlon rifle, and try out biathlon skiing, for free!).

October 2009
Come enjoy Yellowstone in the Fall! It's the last month where you can get in using your own vehicle before it reopens again to the general public in the spring. The Park will close for the winter on November 2cnd, but will be open for guided, oversnow (snowcoaches & snowmobiles) winter travel beginning on December 15th. This is one of my favorite months to see the Park, because there aren't many visitors and the changing season, elk in rut, and fall colors make for a special experience. Bring your winter clothes and winter tires/chains, because it can be cold, but it's more than worth the trouble.

September 2009
Ahh, the Fall! Hard to beat around here! Crowds are starting to thin, animals are becoming more active, the biting bugs are gone, the fishing's great, and the weather is fabulous! The elk are in rut and the bison are just winding down from their mating season. Sunsets are getting more colorful, the water's still warm, so join us for a kayak or Yellowstone tour!

August 2009
The bison are in rut! Come and watch these 2000+ pound (900+ kg) Goliath's battle it out for first choice of mates. Most of the activity takes place in the Park's big valleys where it's easy to watch from the road. There is generally a lull in visitation when kids head back to school toward the end of August, so make plans to take advantage of that if you can. The water is warm and the kayaking (and swimming) is really sweet now, and as the days begin to shorten, the sunsets get even more spectacular! Join us for a sunset kayak tour or a day in Yellowstone enjoying the animals and geysers!

July 2009
Warm weather, blue skies, perfect! Join us for a kayaking trip or a private van & walking tour in Yellowstone. Our Yellowstone tour rates have been discounted for the summer of 2009 and are unbeatable for families and those looking for an extraordinary (and private-you'll have the guide and the van to yourself) trip! We'll update July as soon as I can get a few more minutes at the computer, but I suggest getting here and having the time of your life, as soon as possible!

June 2009
Although it's been a cool and wet start to summer, we've had some beautiful weather for traveling through Yellowstone, with no mosquitoes and nice temps for hiking. the animals are also more active throughout the day with the cooler temps, and we're seeing lots of both grizzly and black bears in the Park.

We had a great turnout for our annual West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation kayaking adventure! The trip took place on Quake Lake, which is a magnificent mountain lake formed by a landslide that dammed the Madison River Canyon during the 1959 magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Our guided morning trips from Kirkwood marina also explore the fault scarp and submerged buildings that still remain, and you'll learn about all the crazy stuff that happened during and after the quake too!

May 2009
Spring is in the air! Winter is slowly but surely loosening its grip on the mountains of Montana. The skiing is still great (believe it or not!), but so is the wildlife watching. The animals are making preparations for making the most of the coming summer, what with babes on the way and all.

The bison were late in calving this year, at least in our neck of the Yellowstone woods, presumably due to the late snow. Bison cows have the amazing capability of prolonging the term of a pregnancy when late spring snow and cold could threaten the survival of a calf. If only cattlemen could be so lucky with their cows! Spring blizzards usually mean having calves in the truck, the garage, the house...wherever they can be kept warm and alive until the weather improves.

This is my favorite time of year here, with all of the animal activity and the rapidly changing weather. It is the time of year when the whole place seems to be alive, with something happenning everywhere you look. The light is incredible too, and I get some of my best photographs in the spring.

Kayaking this time of year on Hebgen lake is pure magic. Most days, there is no one else on the lake (except all of the migrating birds, including eagles, osprey, swans, along with bison, elk, coyote and fox, wolves, bears, and more...), partly because it's not accessible from most of the marinas this time of year, partly due to the lack of crowds, and partly due to the ice that is still on parts to the lake...Awesome!

April 2009
Lots of grizzly activity now; finding tracks almost every time I am out walking or skiing. We have had wolves visiting too, four animals, likely from the Cougar Creek pack. They killed an elk cow just down the road from our house on Horse Butte, and have been seen several times in the Hebgen basin this month.

More birds are returning every day...Mountain Bluebirds, Osprey and Bald Eagles, all sorts of waterfowl, pelicans, gulls... Some that'll stay and some that are just passing through as they make their way north for the summer. This area is one of the major migratory pathways for many species of birds, so we get to see most of those that travel this continent at least a couple of times a year. It's a great time to ski or snowshoe along the river drainages, because that's where all the action is!

And The Lamar Valley Van Trip...Wow, like being in Yellowstone 100 years ago...Lots more animals than people, always something exciting happenning, things moving everywherere you look!

Bicycle touring in the Park has been really nice too! It's only open to non-motorized travel from around the third week in March to the summer opening date (April 17th this year). It's a great way to see the Park in the spring, as long as you don't mind the bison traffic...

March 2009
3/19 - First Griz tracks I've seen this year! The bear traveled around the Deja View loop of the Rendezvous ski trails, so heads-up skiers!

Skiing and snowshoeing conditions are primo, best yet this year for backcountry downhill skiing. The snowpack has finally stabilized so that steeper terrain can be explored for those so inclined.

The touring is superb too, particularly in our basin. The Park closed to over snow motorized travel on March 8th, but is still open for skiing/snowshoeing, and will open to bicycle and foot travel later in the month. The rivers and parts of Hebgen lake are starting to open up, and bird activity is increasing on the open water.

February 2009
There's nothing like West Yellowstone in winter! and February is arguably the best month of winter, particularly for over the snow traveling.

Days are getting longer, but the snow is still cold and soft. Great touring and turning to be had, and the relatively warmer air temps make for comfortable conditions. The snow is deep, everything is buried under many layers of snow, the landscape is looks magnificent covered under a sparkling white blanket of snow, and it's possible to travel anywhere with everything covered and frozen. So much easier than getting around in the mountains in the summer!

January 2009
The daylight isn't long-lived, but it's spectacular. Soft, beautiful light, magical skies and unforgettable sunsets. The best time of year for moonlight skiing and snowshoeing too, because the moon is bright and the skiing right six o'clock at night! Nothing quite like a geyser eruption on a cold clear winters day...