I just spent 10 hours in a car sightseeing in Yellowstone, which is kind of like the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness if it was run by Disneyland.
Many things at Yellowstone lived up to the billing. There's some drop-dead, spectacular scenery and an impressive amount of wildlife, from buffalo to badgers, but whoa, it's also like a trip to the Nature Mall the day after Thanksgiving.
My idea of an outdoor adventure doesn't include traffic jams, fleets of rental motorhomes, nearly as many Harleys as at Sturgis, and crowds that looked like Western Idaho Fair on opening night.
Then there was the driving. I knew better than to try and take it all in a single day, but we became the typical drive-by tourists. If I want to blame someone for the crowding and the traffic, I was definitely a part of the problem, not the solution.
But since it was my first day ever in the park, I felt compelled to see as much as possible. And I did. I have the headache and the photos to prove it.
Next time I will know better. I will go straight to Lamar Valley and stare at the buffalo. I discovered I have an unquenchable fascination for the big, hairy bison. They're such a unique animal, and seeing them roaming free in their native habitat was a wonderful experience. I could have sat for hours and watched them, and someday, I might.
But not in August. It's too crowded for my tastes.
It makes me appreciate Idaho's backcountry. You have to search a little harder for the wildlife, but the country is no less spectacular, and the chances for solitude are a lot higher.
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not enough sleep?
Speaking of bison, Outdoors blogger says, "Their such a unique animal..."
OUCH!!! That gives ME a headache!
(-;
My best-ever visit to Yellowstone was in mid-May, many years ago. The roads had been open for less than a week. There was still a LOT of snow, particularly up high and in the shady spots. And the place was practically devoid of visitors.
Love the place
I have been there in May,July and September. September was the best as there was not alot of people there and July was stupid crazy with people, of course some could not drive their big RV's worth beans.
Yellowstone! by foreignoregonian, grade 6, Central Elementary
We fed the bears there
then they declared,
"Supersize me"!
The End
Yellowstone in early 1960's
I remember the bears mugging cars for food. It is an amazing place, but I don't think I would like to see what it has become.
The Stone
Roger, you made the worse mistake possible- summer time in Yellowstone. Are you new!?!
I recommend May or Sept/October. October for the bugling bulls in Mammoth area and fighting bison, and May for the bison calf (if you really love bison), and other baby animals. Really, to stand close to a royal bull bugling for the babes, and with no intention of stalking/shooting him is quite an experience. I can't decide if fall or spring is better, but I do know the summer is the krapper for the Stone.
And while the buffalo are special, I think the real treat of the Stone is the geographical features. You can see animals in a zoo or just about anywhere in Idaho with a little effort, but no where else is there geo features like Yellowstone all in one close area. Morning Glory on a cool fall morning with no one around.... or try seeing Old Faithful at midnight with a full moon.
Plus before and after main season you get discounts on lodging.
An 'outdoorsman' like you touting the favors of federal wilderness areas ought to be making a bee line for the Yellowstone backcounty. IF you must go in August go to the backcounty and seek out the geographical sights on the roads less traveled. and you might get some quality griz time, yo!
I'm surprised Zimo, didn't advise you better, "Stay off the roads in June/July/August". Try again this fall the weekend before Idaho elk season.
I knew better
It's a family thing. I didn't set the dates, and frankly, I avoid National Parks for the exact reasons I encountered.
But Yellowstone is still a special place, and I understand the draw. If there's a next time, it will be in the fall, and I will make a bee line for the backcountry.
Roger
Fall
"If" there's a next time.... this is no place for negative thinking. It's so wonderful, you MUST give it another shot. Imagine seeing your bison bull buddies banging head, dirt flying, and fighting each other all in the name of gettin 'some'. And watching the elk rut... Make me wanna make a reservation!
But in the Fall the crowds are gone, and road touring is actually pleasant. And it's too cold for my pimpin but in the fall to stay in a tent.
Let's review-
Spring and Fall- roads and lodges.
Summer- backcountry and bear spray.
Winter,,, leave that cold weather camping for crazy Zimo.
BTW Gardiner @ the north entrance is the best & economical stay. But the park lodges are an must do experience at least once. And I have to through a shout out to the Buy Idaho motto of staying IN West Yellowstone.
Vacations
Sounds like udapimp is wishing he was an an outdoor writer. Roger we all know what a die hard outdoors man you are and have reading your stories for years (even the toned down ones you do for the Statesman). I think it was good for you to do a story where you see what the "normal" people have to put up with when they go on a family vacation. We too have been in July/August and though it's not preferred, but with kids and summer vacation it is the time we have to go. Just think at least you weren't at Disney World. See ya in the outdoors. And keep up the good work we love reading it up here.