Yellowstone National Park in the Winter — a summary
A summary that does not do the experience justice
January 2014
In January 2014, I spent four days in Yellowstone National Park, and without exaggeration, it was a trip of a lifetime. It is one of those trips and experiences that is hard to describe in words — which is not very convenient when trying to write about it.
Thinking back about the trip, what has stuck with me, besides the stunning views, was the peace. If you visit Yellowstone in the summer, it is full of tourists, noise, cars, and pollution. But in the winter, it is all quiet, white and clean.
The trip’s highlight had to be the day spent snowshoeing around the Upper Geyser Basin — it was magical. Standing and watching Old Faithful erupt with so few people was incredible.
The low point of the trip, besides the drive out, was the Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel and the food served in the restaurant. Not great.
I would have liked to have seen more wildlife on the trip, but who could blame the animals for not wanting to come out in the awful weather? I did get to see an elk, some bison, a bald eagle, two wolves and an otter. And when you list it like that, it doesn’t seem too bad.
Would I go into Yellowstone in the winter again? Yes, absolutely. Would I make the same trip? Maybe not. If I go again, I would pick one of the wildlife trips and look for a trip with more snowshoeing (or even cross-country skiing) and less snow coach time.
Overall, a truly memorable and remarkable trip.
A big thanks to our snow coach driver and our guide, Amy, who made the trip unforgettable.
