Plans

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake doesn’t have the drama of an erupting geyser, nor the force of the waterfalls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, but it holds the third position in things to see in Yellowstone by its sheer scope and majestic surroundings. It’s the second largest lake in the world at high elevation and the only one that isn’t ‘civilized’. …

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Grand Teton National Park

Few mountain ranges anywhere in the world rise more dramatically than the Grand Tetons from Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is, of course, a major destination in its own right and certainly a ‘must see’ for those going to or from Yellowstone from the south. This is some of the most photographed scenery in the country and the backdrop for …

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Must See

Every guide and visitor has their own notion of the most important things to see in and around Yellowstone National Park. In fact, you probably have your own list. Still, if you've never been to the Yellowstone region or you're not sure what you've seen before, a Must See list may be helpful. Ours is very short, just six items: Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake,  the Beartooth Highway, the Grand Tetons, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Each of them is described below.

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Old Faithful

If ever there was a ‘must see’ that falls into the category–“You have to see it at least once”–it’s Old Faithful. Sure, EVERYBODY does it (at least once), and seeing Old Faithful erupt is hardly a wilderness experience (chances are there will be a few hundred other people watching with you); but the old geyser is the most frequent and reliable …

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The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is breathtaking, and it really is made of ‘yellow stone’; but that’s not what sets this ‘must see’ apart. It’s a magnificent canyon with not one but two great waterfalls: The Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The Lower Falls (308 ft/ 94m) is the largest in the Rocky Mountains. The falls …

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Road Conditions – Winter

WINTER SEASON 2007-2008 Greater Yellowstone Region Road Map: Updated 1/3/2008 – SEE DETAILS BELOW THE MAP. WINTER ROAD CLOSURES 1. Yellowstone Park West Entrance: Closed to vehicle traffic. Snowcoach and snowmobile only. Restrictions apply. South Entrance: Closed at Flagg Ranch to vehicle traffic. Snowcoach and snowmobile only. Restrictions apply. East Entrance: Closed at Pahaska Teepee to vehicle traffic. Snowcoach and snowmobile only. Restrictions apply. Mammoth …

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Gateway City: Cody

While a major figure in American history, Buffalo Bill Cody is also a secondary figure in the history of Yellowstone National Park proper. Both are regarded as centerpieces of the original Wild West, and while there’s little evidence Cody actually spent a lot of time in the Park, some of his many entrepreneurial endeavors involved the Park in some manner. …

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Gateway Cities: Red Lodge, Cooke City

Cooke City

Cooke City postcard

The Lamar Valley is one of the least-visited parts of Yellowstone National Park, but it’s one of our favorite areas for a day trip when combined with a short jaunt to Cooke City, Montana. The Lamar Valley is one of the best places to view wildlife in the Park: grizzlies, antelope, wolves, and the ubiquitous bison can be spotted more easily there than in most of the rest of the Park, especially early in the morning. And while you’ll need to worry about hitting traffic spots clogged with animal watchers, they tend to be less frequent than those found in the rest of the Park, even at the height of tourist season.

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Outside the Park: Accommodations

The best Yellowstone National Park experience should include one or more nights actually sleeping in the Park, whether it be a stay at the Old Faithful Inn or a night sleeping under the stars at Slough Creek or Tower Fall. But unless you’ve planned ahead months in advance, you may find yourself shut out of the most desirable locales — …

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Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn

The most popular place to stay at Yellowstone National Park is Old Faithful Inn, opening in 1904. The iconic wooden facility is a symbol for the park; its pitched roof, wooden shingles, massive fireplace and huge lobby is instantly recognizable to millions of park visitors.

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