The world’s first national park – and America’s second largest – offers winter visitors unparalleled beauty. It is an entirely different experience, and park, than during the summer months. Gone are the crowds, cars and lines.
They are replaced by a thick, white blanket of glittering powder snow, which contrasts with azure blue skies. Steam from the geysers, hot springs, mudpots and other thermals highlight features not seen during warmer weather. Bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife are more visible against the white snow covering trees, rocks and meadows.
A great way to see Yellowstone in winter is by snowcoach, cross-country skis, snowshoes or snowmobile. Winter lodging is available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins.
I'm a fan of any and every type of camping, be it car camping with plush sleeping pads and down pillows or in a forest service cabin with a wood-burning stove. But, for me, the undisputed king of camping is backpacking: hiking into the wilderness with all the necessities for surviving the next night, or two, or three, on my back. Little else in life feels as good as finding the perfect spot for the night and settling in. read more
Beginning in 1876, stagecoaches following the 300-mile Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Road carried passengers from Cheyenne to the gold fields in the Black Hills of South Dakota. read more
