Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
would permit an opportunity for deeper exploration—perhaps a hike—and a leisurely exit
from the park.
If time won't permit even one night in the park, it is still well worth driving through,
just to get a sense of this magnificent and tremendously diverse place. Consider choosing
one feature and pursuing it. To give yourself the best chance of seeing wolves, traveling
between the north and northeast entrances is an excellent route during non-summer months.
Geothermal aficionados will have no shortage of choices for seeing the park's impressive
features, but to swim in them, try the
Boiling River,
a stretch of the Gardner River near
Mammoth, which is swimmable year-round except during spring runoff. The
Firehole
River
also offers excellent summer swimming not far from Old Faithful. Landlubbers
might prefer a short hike into a less-famous geyser like
Lone Star,
just a few flat miles
from Old Faithful.
The best advice is this: Get off the road, get out of your car, be smart, and come prepared
to give yourself the opportunity to see and understand what makes Yellowstone America's
first wonderland.
The best resource to familiarize yourself with the park and to help plan your trip is the
Na-
tional Park Service
(307/344-7381,
www.nps.gov/yell
). On the website, click on the link
titled Plan Your Visit. The site also posts information about the different
Ranger Programs
being offered, including educational lectures and hikes. Admission to the park is $25 per
vehicle for seven days, $20 for snowmobiles or motorcycles, and $12 for hikers and bicyc-
lists. In 2013, entrance fees to the park were waived on 11 days, including January 21, April
22-26 to celebrate National Park Week, August 25 for the National Park Service birthday,
September 28 for National Public Lands Day, and November 9-11 for the Veterans holiday
weekend. Check the Yellowstone website before you travel to see if there are any fee-free
days on the horizon. The park is open year-round, but during the winter cars can only access
the park through the north and northeast entrances.
Xanterra Parks and Resorts
(307/344-7901,
www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com
)
is the official concessionaire of Yellowstone,
and all reservations for lodging, dining, and special activities in the park can be made
through them.
