YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a great place to visit any time of year. Whether you enjoy wildlife watching or outdoor recreation, you will find something fun to do in and around Yellowstone National Park.
WHEN TO VISIT
There are so many great things to see and do. So when should you stay at Silver Willows?
SPRING
The snow is beginning to thaw as the park recovers from a long winter. Yellowstone’s spring is perhaps the best season for wildlife viewing. By mid-April, more roads in the park begin to open up. Bison start to drop their calves and bears emerge from a long winter’s nap. Wolf and bear activity is plentiful from April into June, as predators come down to the lowlands to seek out prey that has either died or been weakened by the difficult winter conditions. The weather can be fickle, with snow possible well into June, but there’s also plenty of sun and excellent wildlife viewing!
SUMMER
It begins to warm up and it becomes much easier to explore the park away from the road. There are many hiking opportunities in Yellowstone National Park, and there are plenty of spots to do a little fishing as well. Mid-June to mid-July is trout spawning season, which means increased activity from predators, including river otters and American white pelicans.
AUTUMN
Crowds have diminished, temperatures have cooled and Yellowstone takes on a golden hue. One of the autumn highlights for wildlife watchers is the elk rut. The sound of a bugling bull elk is unforgettable, as is the clash of antlers as they challenge each other for breeding rights.
WINTER
A time of peace and quiet in the park, with great wolf watching opportunities along the Northern Range and the Lamar Valley. Silver Willows is one of the best places to stay for quick access to the Lamar. There’s a lot going on outside the park, too. The Silver Gate/Cooke City area is one of the nation’s hotbeds for backcountry snowmobiling, and there are lots of opportunities to snowshoe and cross country ski, too.
WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS
Many visitors come to Yellowstone National Park for its bountiful wildlife (there’s a reason the nearby Lamar Valley is called “the Serengeti of North America”). Though animals are plentiful, they’re not always easy to find. Use some of these suggestions to improve your chances of seeing more of the area’s diverse wildlife.
WAKE UP EARLY, STAY OUT LATE
Animals are typically more active in the early hours of the morning and later in the afternoon. This is especially true in summer, when temperatures soar during the middle of the day. Even if you’re not a morning person, it is worth hopping in the car at dawn (bring breakfast with you!) to go exploring. Save the visits to geysers and other landmarks for the middle of the day when things have quieted down. You’re also more likely to avoid tourist crowds by getting an early start.
DRIVE AROUND, ASK AROUND
You cover more ground in your vehicle than an animal will on its feet (or wings). Therefore, you have a better chance of seeing wildlife when you hit the road to explore rather than staking out a single spot for hours at a time. If you spot people watching something, don’t be afraid to park your car safely and see what’s going on. You may get more than just a cool wildlife sighting. You could learn something about the wildlife and the park, hear news about other sightings, and even make a friend.
GO NORTH...AND EAST
The best area of the park for wildlife is usually the northeast quadrant from Mammoth over to Roosevelt and the Lamar Valley, and down to Hayden Valley and the Lake area. Silver Willows is right outside the northeast entrance of the park, putting you close to the action.
STUDY THE WILDLIFE MAP
Silver Willows co-owner Max Waugh is a professional photographer. Max leads photo tours in Yellowstone and has published a wildlife map and guide for the park. Ask about the map and guide at the Stop the Car Trading Post in Silver Gate.
RESPECT THE WILDLIFE
It’s important to not only let the animals roam freely without harassment but to also keep yourself and others (including the animals) safe. Wild animals can be dangerous, and not just the bears. Injuries occur due to run-ins with bison, moose, elk, deer, and more. Remember that the park enforces a 25 yard limit for most park wildlife, 100 yards for bears and wolves. Even outside the park—including at Silver Willows, where large animals are frequently seen—it is best to follow these guidelines.
YELLOWSTONE RESOURCES
Is this your first trip to Yellowstone National Park? Or your thirtieth? There’s always somewhere new to explore or new things to see, and we want you to make the most of your time.
Max Waugh, Silver Willows Cabins co-owner and professional photographer, has spent more than 20 years photographing Yellowstone wildlife and guiding tours in the park. He is happy to assist our guests with questions about planning the best itineraries, local hikes, and places to see wildlife.
Contact us for help planning your next trip to the park!
