The world’s first national park – and America’s second largest – offers winter visitors unparalleled beauty. It is an entirely different experience, and park, than during the summer months. Gone are the crowds, cars and lines.
They are replaced by a thick, white blanket of glittering powder snow, which contrasts with azure blue skies. Steam from the geysers, hot springs, mudpots and other thermals highlight features not seen during warmer weather. Bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife are more visible against the white snow covering trees, rocks and meadows.
A great way to see Yellowstone in winter is by snowcoach, cross-country skis, snowshoes or snowmobile. Winter lodging is available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins.
Some of the Earth's oldest rocks, and some of Wyoming's most challenging whitewater, can be found just south of Thermopolis in the Wind River Canyon, chiseled by time and gushing water through the Owl Creek Mountains. read more
The foothills of the Laramie Mountains, separating Cheyenne and Laramie, form the setting for Curt Gowdy State Park. read more