A couple of days ago we took are last ride (for this visit at least) into Yellowstone National Park. We had decided with Paul and Paula that we wanted to go into the park in the evening with the hope of seeing the elusive wildlife. So, we went into West Yellowstone at 5:30 p.m. and had dinner. Paul drove us all in his truck into Yellowstone which was fantastic and it gave me a chance to really look around.
You can drive for miles and miles in Yellowstone and see nothing but Lodgepole Pine trees, streams and rivers.
We came across this bull bison lumbering up the middle of the road.
A little further down the road we encountered another Bison bull walking the other way down the road.
As we continued our two hour drive towards Lamar Valley in the park, the sun began to sink below the horizon making our spotting efforts too difficult. But, not before we came across a herd of bison crossing the road.
We finally left the park around 11:30 disappointed that we had not seen a grizzly, moose, wolf or elk.
Okay, I know you didn't ask, but I'll tell ya anyway. My opinion of Yellowstone N.P. is that it was a bit of let down. Joyce and I both think we enjoyed Grand Teton N.P. more than Yellowstone. Yellowstone is so vast that you have to drive great distances to see the park. However, the biggest let down was the lack of visible wildlife. Obviously not the fault of the park! Although the landscape is beautiful, much of it is forested thus making it hard to see as you drive. In the Grand Tetons the roads aren't as crowded by the pines and there's always the majestic mountains to view. The biggest themes in Yellowstone N.P. seem to be the geothermal pools, paint pots, geysers and water falls. Pretty, but not my thing. Now had we had better luck finding and viewing wildlife, I know my opinion would be different. Having said that, if you get a chance to visit Yellowstone, be sure and do it!
Tomorrow we are moving on to Missoula Montana and eventually Glacier N.P.
Yes there are times when yellowstone doesn't offer many animals... during August & September they go higher in the hills for food. May through July is about the best time to see them. However I am surprised you didn't see any Elk. They are usually off the sides of the roads in the woods or near water.
ReplyDeleteHave fun & Travel safe
Donna
Just found your blog. We are also full timers. We loved Yellowstone, but I have to say that the vast driving distances and the heavy traffic does take away from the enjoyment. Our last visit in Sept 2010, we stayed in West yellows, so it was at least a short drive each day to the gate.
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