The Celebration of 150 Years
A Wonder Through the Off-Season
Written and Photography by Gayle M. Irwin
Yellowstone National Park
Thanks to record crowds, Montana and Wyoming residents often overlook Yellowstone National Park as a recreational destination. Despite its reputation of beauty, the crowded roadways, campsites, and concession areas are reason enough to avoid the worldwide attraction. However, given its proximity, the park is the perfect place to enjoy during the off season and there’s time now before tourists swarm the sites.
Known as “Wonderland” for its geysers, geothermal features, abundant and varied wildlife species, colorful wildflowers, clear waterways, cascading falls, and so much more, Yellowstone was the first designated national park in the country. On March 1, 1872, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Park Protection Act, which notes that Yellowstone is “dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people…”
People travel from around the world to visit this wonderous place. For the past two decades, more than one million people have visited annually with summers often breaking tourist records.
To enjoy less crowded overlooks, trails, boardwalks, campgrounds, roads, and wildlife observations, spring, autumn, and winter offer a quieter Yellowstone experience with far fewer visitors. From wildflowers and newborn animals in spring to majestic autumn colors and crystalline trees in winter, these ‘off-season’ months display a magnificent tapestry.
Spring brings colorful wildflowers covering hillsides, plains, and forests. Although the most abundant flowers showcase in June and July as temperatures warm, a vast array of plants can be observed during earlier months. Throughout April and May, visitors may see spring beauties, often the first to show, as well as shooting stars, phlox, glacier lilies, pasqueflowers, and bitterroot, which is Montana’s state flower. Bluebells, asters, yellow violets, monkey flowers, and purple larkspur also bloom early.
Numerous types of birds can be observed, and heard, in Yellowstone in the spring. Sandhill cranes return in pairs to nest in the park, and the fortunate visitor may see these tall, lanky, red-crowned birds dance and prance in courtship prior to nesting. Flashes of iridescent blue may capture the eye as mountain bluebirds return from wintering grounds. Other species, such as the American white pelican, mountain chickadee, and the gray jay can be found in the park as well. Osprey nest near the park’s streams, rivers, and lakes, while the western meadowlark, the state bird of Wyoming and Montana, trill amid Yellowstone’s sagebrush and grassland areas.
Additional sightings include young animals, such as bison, elk, and pronghorn, which are born during early to late spring. More rare observations include grizzly bears with cubs and red foxes with their kits.
In addition to nature watching and photography, other spring activities available to Yellowstone visitors include geyser gazing, star gazing, hiking, and fishing.
By mid-September, a new atmosphere overtakes Yellowstone. Crisp air and animal instinct push wildlife toward migration and mating. Bull elk bugle as thermals steam and geysers erupt. Waterfowl and other birds gather and begin embarking on journeys to warmer, southern climates. Bison and elk begin their annual trek to lower elevations for the winter, and black and grizzly bears forage for food to sustain them during hibernation. Pine squirrels, marmots, and other small wildlife species scamper among trees and logs, seeking pinecones and plants to store for the upcoming winter.
Sounds seem more intense during autumn. Geese honk from nearby rivers. Bison snort and bellow, and the cooler temperature makes their breath generate puffs like small smoke signals. The bugles between bull elk echo across the landscape as they challenge one another for a harem of females.
Autumn also wakens vibrant colors. Willows and other plants darken, their ruddy and chocolate branches devoid of leaves highlighting river and stream beds. Cattails along ponds appear to melt, releasing white, feather-like fluff which drifts on the breeze to eventually release seeds that plant more cattails. The golden leaves of aspen trees shimmer in the breeze, and the yellow hues sparkle on green conifer hillsides. Wispy white haze from the geyser basins lingers over the Madison River and other bodies of water.
Fall also offers splendid nature and wildlife observation and photography opportunities. Amid the varying vivid colors, especially around waterways, and the movement of animals, avid nature watchers and photographers will experience glorious moments during autumn.
Long after the crowds have gone, parts of Yellowstone remain open. The road between Gardner and Cooke City, Montana, open during the winter, allows visitors to observe wildlife in the Lamar Valley, such as bison, elk, coyotes, and wolves.
Winter visitation through other park entrances, including the western gate at West Yellowstone, Montana, happens via snowmobile, snow coach services, cross-country skis, and snowshoes. These opportunities usually begin the week of or before Christmas, depending on snowpack.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other activities for winter visitors. These more tranquil modes of transportation allow for exploration of the snow-covered, crystalline forests and provide ample opportunity for refreshment and reflection.
Nature and wildlife photography provide a unique look at the park during the frigid months as many waterways freeze and hoarfrost appears on the shrubs and trees. Hot thermal features such as geysers and springs keep basins void of snow and their seepage of warm water into Yellowstone rivers keep some waterways flowing amid the frigid winter temperatures.
No matter the season of the year, Yellowstone National Park offers a special splendor unmatched by other places. Yet, the off-season times of spring, autumn, and winter provide a less-crowded experience and a matchless marvel of the natural resources within this unique place, established 150 years ago. Visit Yellowstone National Park – the Wonderland of the world.
“People travel from around the world to visit this wonderous place. For the past two decades, more than one million people have visited annually with summers often breaking tourist records. ”
