Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gulfed by a herd of bison while driving in your car, coming across them on your bike
is an entirely different scenario. Still, if you are cautious and respectful, being on
your bike can allow you to feel somewhat less like an intruder and more like a res-
ident. You can fall into sync with the flow of the rivers, the movement of the breeze,
and the calls of the animals. It is truly a remarkable way to experience the park.
With that said: Respect, restraint, and absolute caution are of vital importance to
your safety and the well-being of the animals. Keep a good distance from all wild-
life—25 yards from ungulates and 100 yards from predators. Remember that bison
can run at speeds topping 30 mph, and they can jump a six-foot fence. Harbor no
illusions about your immunity from an attack. The fact that you have approached si-
lently allows for more of a startle factor for the animals and increases the likelihood
of a conflict. Wear a helmet, and dress in layers: Yellowstone in spring can go from
blue skies to blizzard conditions in a staggeringly short period of time. Be prepared
for anything, and understand that there are no services in the park at this time. Enjoy
this spectacularly unique opportunity to enjoy the park up close. For specific inform-
ation about road openings, call 307/344-2109.
Another amazing way to see the park is on a guided snow coach tour. There are nu-
merous providers, but
Yellowstone Alpen Guides
(555 Yellowstone Ave., 406/646-9591 or
800/858-3502,
www.yellowstoneguides.com
, from $115 adults, $105 seniors, $95 children
under 16) offers classic 10-passenger Bombardiers, a fantastic array of tours, and some of
the best naturalist guides anywhere. Snow coach tours can be combined with some cross-
country skiing in the park.
In the summer months there are more than 2,000 hotel rooms to be found in West and
about 1,300 when the snow covers the ground. There are also guest ranches, bed-and-
breakfasts, and cabin rentals to be found.
Yellowstone Tour & Travel
(800/221-1151,
www.yellowstone-travel.com
)
is a full-service travel agency in West Yellowstone that can
book everything from accommodations and tours to complete packages.
Just seven blocks from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the pet-friendly
Pine Shadows Motel & Condos
(229 N. Hayden St., 406/646-7541 or 800/624-5291,
www.pineshadowsmotel.com
,
$59-220) is open year-round and has a selection of motel
rooms and newly built, spacious condos, all of which are clean and comfortable. As is
