Yellowstone National Park in the summer is spectacular but in the winter it becomes a landscape that is really out of this world. With good, cold weather clothing and snow boots, exploring outside can be comfortable and fun. Temperatures will climb into the 20s on a sunny day. To venture further, cross country skis and snowshoes are available to rent at the lodge.Īlthough the temperature can get extremely cold, there are days when the sun shines and everything becomes brilliant and clear. Old Faithful, Castle, Riverside Geysers and others can be walked to. The geyser basins often have snow packed trails that can simply be walked on with care.
#The frigid jackal free#
Trails leading to some of the hot springs are free of snow because of the heated ground. Unless there is a raging snowstorm, there are plenty of outdoor activities. It’s like taking a winter safari.Īnd snow coaches aren’t the only way to experience Yellowstone in the winter.
#The frigid jackal drivers#
Drivers will make unscheduled stops along the way at photo opportunities.
They provide a rougher ride with less room for seating than the modified SUVs but they are more fun to ride in.īoth kinds of snow coaches have roof hatches that open up and allow passengers to take photos out over the top. These historic snow cats were used years ago in Yellowstone and are still maintained and used to transport visitors around the park. Inside the cabin, passenger seats arranged in a semicircle facing in.
#The frigid jackal driver#
Under the body in the front are two skis that the driver can turn left and right. The vehicle has two tracks underneath to support and propel it over the snow. Almost anyone, at any age who can pass through the sliding side door can make the trip.īombardiers are the other way to travel. Visitors sit in comfortable seats with seat belts and a heated cabin. The wide tracks support its weight while traveling over snow. In fact it looks like an extra long SUV but there are four tracks where the wheels should be. Two types of enclosed and heated snow coaches are allowed to enter Yellowstone National Park. Such is a trip into Yellowstone in the winter.Īll these adventures and animal sightings can be done in a snow coach. Finally in the vastness the low, unmistakable sound of a wolf howling and from the opposite direction the shorter, higher pitch of howling coyotes. Shortly after being spotted they disappear behind a low hill but the excitement of seeing them lingers. Here is another icon of the American West making an amazing comeback. Only in Yellowstone are wolves being consistently seen. Using binoculars, they are confirmed to be a pack of wolves. Later in the afternoon several animals are seen in the distance, following each other single file with the lead animal breaking trail in the snow. Then it explodes into a giant arching leap diving face first into the deep snow successfully rising up with something furry in its jaws. It stops and freezes, cocking its head, ears pointed straight ahead. Then another animal is spotted in a field. Then farther along there is a flash of red as a fox dashes across the snowy trail. Others trek through in the deep snow of the mountain valleys.
Some are found near hot springs where warmth and exposed grass can be found. With snow and ice sticking to their brown coats, winter survival is obviously a daunting task. Here is an icon of the American West, slowly moving their massive heads from side to side, pushing the snow away to reach the grass below. The excitement mounts as they move closer and can be recognized as bison. Then in the distance there are small brown spots slowly appearing out of the steam and snow. Numerous tracks are seen in long, meandering lines leaving evidence that this land, even in winter, is home to many animals. Valleys, with snowy peaks rising in the distance, are covered with a deep blanket of snow. The trees, covered with snow and ice, look like tall, ghosts. Noise from the steam vents and the geysers is amplified by the frigid air. The scenery is out of this world with huge clouds of steam rising above the hot spring and geyser basins. Visitors of all ages and physical conditions can explore Yellowstone in the winter – and stay warm and comfortable. It seems that only the young, hardy and foolish would consider venturing into such an unforgiving climate. At 7,000 feet there can be subzero temperatures, blizzards creating deep snow and bone chilling wind. Yellowstone National Park winters are harsh.