I forgot to mention before that if you’re looking for a particular type of animal, you should talk to the rangers. They usually know what’s been sighted where in the last day or so.
Also, if you have extra time, consider taking a class from the Yellowstone Institute. One of the coolest birthday presents I ever received was when my wife signed me up for their four-day large predator class: three top animal experts alternating between classroom lectures and field trips. We saw a grizzly on a kill, a wolf pack hunting, interactions between predators, a bear den, and all kinds of awesome things. I’ll never forget that experience.
Thank you!
The main viewing area around Old Faithful can get REALLY crowded; people stake out their spots 20-30 minutes in advance sometimes. If you want to enjoy the show from a different and much less crowded perspective, take the short hike up to Observation Point.
When you pack for your Yellowstone adventure, don’t forget a rain shell and some warm clothes. I’ve encountered snowfall in mid-summer a couple of times.
We went in early May, I think it was, and we saw a bison giving birth at the side of the highway. :eek:
We went to see the Black Hills, too - the Crazy Horse Monument was incredible. Mount Rushmore was (to our Canadian eyes) much less impressive. We also did the side trip to see the Devil’s Tower, cause hey, why not?
We’ll definitely go back to Yellowstone (and keep in mind the hikes and hot pools and canyons mentioned here).
Wow, I didn’t see this thread. I just started on over in IMHO. Now to start re-reading this one and take notes.