Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Snowshoeing
In Yellowstone and elsewhere you can generally snowshoe anywhere - the problem is get-
ting to the trailhead. Try not to mark groomed cross-country trails with your snowshoes,
though; stay a few paces from any groomed areas. You can access trails from the Mam-
moth-Cooke City road all winter, and ski shuttles run to snowbound parts of the park
from Mammoth and Old Faithful. Most resorts and hotels rent snowshoes. For more in-
formation,
Click here
.
Rangers lead snowshoe hikes from West Yellowstone's Riverside trail (BYO snow-
shoes) and Grand Teton's Discovery Center (snowshoes provided). Lone Mountain Ranch
(
Click here
)
at Big Sky has exclusive snowshoe trails.
Snowmobiling
The park service enforces a daily cap of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park, and
they must be accompanied by a commercial guide. In Grand Teton, snowmobiling is al-
lowed only on the frozen surface of Jackson Lake. A good alternative is offered by the
surrounding national forests, which still offer hundreds of miles of trails.
Snowmobile policies are under constant revision; check with the park for updates. Yel-
lowstone's snowmobile travel season runs from late December to early March. Book trips
a week or two in advance as spaces are limited. All roads except for the North Entrance
through the Northeast Entrance (open only to wheeled vehicles) are groomed for over-
snow vehicles. The road from the West Entrance to Madison to Old Faithful is shared with
cross-country skiers; ride with caution.
WINTER SAFETY
Backcountry trips require extra caution, as streams and geothermal areas can be hidden by snow. Ccarry a map
and compass when you venture off designated trails or roads. Some roads are groomed for snowmobiles and other
snow vehicles; exercise caution if you are a skier sharing the road. For weather and avalanche conditions:
»
Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast
( recorded information
307-733-2664;
www.jhavalanche.org
)
Covers Bridger-Teton National Forest.
»
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
(www. mtavalanche.com)
»
Mountain Weather
(
www.mountainweather.com
)
Jackson Hole reports and links
to other resorts with webcams at Grand Targhee.
