Yellowstone Update- First hand

[baraff]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

As teenager we would go up to Yellowstone from Casper just to do something

Spent many days as a youth exploring that park.

One day as a gag...
Large crowd gathered at Ole Faithful waiting.
We noticed a long T wrench for water valves so we snagged it, found a spot to stick it in the ground and then made a BIG Show of turning it just as Ole Faithful Began its eruption (it was pretty reliable back then)

Couple kids noticed us and motioned to their parnets who motioned to folks beside them.
As Ole Faithful reached it crescendo we started turning the T and 'closing' the valve.
When Ole Faithful died down we pulled the T and put it back by the small shed and walked away.
Waving as we went......

I'm sure many folks thought we controlled Ole Faithfuls geyser event.

That's hilarious!

[Tdave]

Was at the west gate by 7am today, only a couple cars in line, breezed up to Norris Geyser, only a few cars in the parking lot, felt like we had the place to ourselves for a bit.

1.5 hrs later we headed to Mammoth Hot Springs, parking lots maybe 1/3 full, then to visitor center, walk through the fort and headed back south around noon.

By then the crowds were picking up, but the roads weren’t packed or slowed by traffic. Maybe we got lucky? Seemed to be an easy day in the park considering it’s the 4th.

Happy 4th!

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Tdave

Was at the west gate by 7am today, only a couple cars in line, breezed up to Norris Geyser, only a few cars in the parking lot, felt like we had the place to ourselves for a bit.

1.5 hrs later we headed to Mammoth Hot Springs, parking lots maybe 1/3 full, then to visitor center, walk through the fort and headed back south around noon.

By then the crowds were picking up, but the roads weren’t packed or slowed by traffic. Maybe we got lucky? Seemed to be an easy day in the park considering it’s the 4th.

Happy 4th!

We went yesterday at around 9:30am, traffic was light, maybe 3 cars in each lane. We went to Canyon Village then rode over Mt. Washburn. We got stopped by a big Bison in the roadway.
On the way down we seen a mother Black bear with 2 cubs. The cubs were up in a tree. Then about 5 miles down the road, a huge Black bear in the field off the road maybe, 150 yards. Then about 2-3 miles another Black bear walking at the edge of the road, about 20 ft. off the roadway.
We got into Mammoth, and there were around 14-15 big Elk lying in the yards at the intersection.

[rfg9585]

Did north loop yesterday and as stated earlier it was not crowded. Hardly ran into any cars until we hit Mammoth Hot Springs around 11:30am; Seen plenty of Bears along the roadside along the way. Very much alone down to Norris and back to Fishing Bridge, but had to slam on brakes for a Bison bull that was doing a spin jump and hit the road right in front of me as I came around a blind spot.


Heading south side today to hit hot spots only. Yesterday was a tiring day, 10 hour ride, hike. Hope we will get to see some geysers blow.

[rfg9585]

South loop was very busy today. Too many folks to hit the Grand Prisium(sp) area, turned around and came back to camp. But Old Faithful area was pretty cool, got there early enough to get a good spot for the mid-day blow.

[hamm2018]

Alright, time to leave the area today. We are heading toward Glacier area today, will be in Deer Lodge for 4 nights then Glacier area.

When we get there, I will give updates on The Road to the Sun status and the rest of the park and area.

[2cyber71]

Originally Posted by hamm2018

Alright, time to leave the area today. We are heading toward Glacier area today, will be in Deer Lodge for 4 nights then Glacier area.

When we get there, I will give updates on The Road to the Sun status and the rest of the park and area.

Have fun up at Glacier.
It was nice to meet you here at West Yellowstone.
We are her till July 11th
The park is not busy anywhere we went so far.
Be safe!
Jim

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by 2cyber71

Have fun up at Glacier.
It was nice to meet you here at West Yellowstone.
We are her till July 11th
The park is not busy anywhere we went so far.
Be safe!
Jim

Thanks maybe we will meet up again sometime.

[Tdave]

Originally Posted by hamm2018

Alright, time to leave the area today. We are heading toward Glacier area today, will be in Deer Lodge for 4 nights then Glacier area.

When we get there, I will give updates on The Road to the Sun status and the rest of the park and area.

We’re here through Friday morning then head to Glacier, three nights at West Glacier KOA, then three nights at St. Mary KOA.

Going to Sun is closed through Logan Pass until July 13 at least, heavy snows a couple weeks ago. Our last full day is the 13th, so keeping fingers crossed they break through.

Otherwise, we have white water rafting, boat rides, and hikes planned to keep us busy.

[Tdave]

Oh, and after some early morning hikes and geyser basin sightseeing, we ventured south to Bridge Bay Marina to rent a power boat and have lunch out on the lake, motor off, drifting along Stevenson Island. Even though the West Entrance was pretty empty, things were definitely crowded “down south.” Road construction was in full swing again, too.

[D Gardiner]

With anything associated with Yellowstone, get to your main attraction as early as possible for that day. 8:15A is often too late.

We left the Madison campground heading to the W. Yellowstone airport (taking my step-onto the airport for a baseball tournament in Houston), at 7AM.

We counted over 100 cars and trucks on that short run heading into the park. Once we arrived to the park entrance stations, the cars were backed up for a 1/2mile.

We stayed in the park campgrounds, and would hit the road by 6AM, and get to the Old Faithful parking lot before 7AM. The parking lot was empty at 6:45. Had breakfast, took our showers, and watched the first eruption through the windshield. Between 8 and noon, we had seen the geyser two times, walked the pools, hit the gift and grocery shops, and had lunch. By the time the rain and hail hit, we made wheels to Grand Prismatic pool. Watched a Harry Potter film and made it back to Madison for diner.

A full day, but well worth getting up early for.

[Bobby F]

Originally Posted by D Gardiner

With anything associated with Yellowstone, get to your main attraction as early as possible for that day. 8:15A is often too late.

Do you know how late into the season it generally is when that starts to taper off? Is there a quieter time before it snows in?

[JerryP]

Are they still checking plates for even/odd access?

I've got a buddy heading to Yellowstone now....

Regards, Jerry

[Tdave]

Originally Posted by JerryP

Are they still checking plates for even/odd access?

I've got a buddy heading to Yellowstone now....

Regards, Jerry

No. Ditched that system July 2.