The Black Hills National Forest has a tradition extending back to its original owners, the Sioux Indians. From the plains, which were a familiar part of their nomadic life, the Sioux looked toward the dark timbered slopes with awe and respect. The dark color is not derived from soil or rock character, but is due to the thick ponderosa pine forests.
The natural beauty and resources of Black Hills National Forest make it a favorite recreational area. Picnicking, camping and hunting provide pleasures in the outdoors. During the snow months, Black Hills country comes alive with snowmobile trails traversing mile after mile of spectacular wooded scenery. The Black Hills National Forest and surrounding area are home to Wyoming's largest congregation of whitetail deer and many wild turkeys. There is also a small herd of elk in the dense timber of the hills and occasionally mule deer are seen in the heavy forests.
Since most of Yellowstone's 350 miles of roads are closed to cars from November through April, getting into the park, be it to Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin or Yellowstone Lake, is a bit more of an adventure come winter. The park itself isn't closed of course – there are still entrance fees and lodges, hotels, restaurants, bars and gift shops are open – it's just that the only ways to get inside are by ski, snowshoe, snowcoach or snowmobile. read more
The terraces are made of variously colored travertine, a form of calcium carbonate, which has been dissolved from the limestone beneath the ground and carried to the surface by rising springs of hot water. read more
