Moose
The regions North of the Yukon River, all the way to the Arctic, are the worst for mosquitos in general. The worst time of year to go is in July, however you are likely to encounter them as soon temperatures remain above freezing for a couple of weeks.
You can bring repellant, but the stuff that repels the best is bad for your skin and clothes, and will contain a measured amount of deet. Since I personally prefer to not to crop dust myself, you can purchase netting to go around your hat or head, and maintain long sleeves and pants throughout the day.
If you still get bit, don't scratch!
Moose and Elk are members of the cervidae family which also include whitetail deer, reindeer and mule deer. Male deer, elk and moose, and virtually all deer species (the chinese water deer and female reindeer are the exceptions) grow and shed new antlers each year. In this they differ from permanently horned animals such as the pronghorn, which are in the same order as deer and may bear a superficial resemblance.
There are beautiful roads throughout the park where road surfaces are smooth smooth, winding, with gorgeous canyons and cliffs all around you. The popular part of the park, where most of the favored scenic spots are located, is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
If you finish Zion Canyon and you are looking for more, try out the Kolob Terrace Road. You will see fewer park visitors, cars, and the western side of the park- all to youself! This road is much less frequented than Zion Canyon, and worth a good foray. There will be a few steep climbs on this side; but where you go up, you will also come down!
There is not any mountain biking in the park. If you wish to mountain bike in Utah, the area outside of Moab that is not National Park land will allow mountain biking, and is famous for it. I know of no National Parks that allow mountain bikes off-road.
Rangers usually work 40 hours a week with frequent overtime and
weekend work in the summer when the use of the parks increases. Kate and Bridget ride a moose, no kidding! Who cares if it is stuffed, it's still a moose!! They are hanging out in West Yellowstone at a place called Big Sky Rides.
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Many people use bear bells to alert them of their presence while hiking.
There are a lot of things you can do to stay safe while hiking in bear country. We've posted a short animated video that should help!
If in country where bears are known to be active, wear small bells on your shoelaces to make a small but nooticable noise as you walk. Bears are easily startled and this will allow them to know of your presence. Or if with others talk softly on the trail to let them know you are there. Look for bears grazing, yes, grazing on grasses,brrys and leaves along the trail. They have but each summer to fatten up for the long hard winter whether they hibernate or stay active thru the cold months.
I you happen to come between a bear and its cub(s) , back away slowly, don't run. Talk to the bears quietly and move away.
The USGS administers the Golden Eagle Pass, and will have a complete list of where they are sold. You can go online and order one at www.parkpass.net, or get in touch with USGS ordering line directly at 888-275-8747, ext. 1, or email them at fedrecpass@usgs.gov
Enjoy your park travels, in Illinois and anywhere else you go!
Yellowstone is in the process of reconstructing its roads and you will likely encounter delays and nighttime closures. Below is a listing of most of the construction which may change. Please call (307) 344-2117 for the latest information on conditions affecting roads within the park. Expect Road Improvement Projects on Many of the Major Travel Routes to Yellowstone Park Entrances from Montana and Wyoming. These include pavement preservation projects. Each lasts 2–4 weeks; expect 30 minute delays & pilot vehicles
- Mammoth Hot Springs Area: Late August through end of October
- Canyon Village Area: South Rim Drive, to start shortly after Labor Day
- Canyon to Fishing Bridge Junction, mid July
- Canyon to Norris Junction, late July.
- South Entrance Road: Lewis Lake to South Entrance, mid to end of July.
Norris–Madison: Gibbon Canyon
April 16–Aug. 31, 2010
Open: 8 am–10 pm: Expect 30-minute delays, except holiday weekends Closed 10 pm–8 am, except holiday weekends.
East Entrance Road: Sylvan Pass
June 1 - November 8, 2010
Open: up to 30-minute delays are possible, except holidays Northeast Entrance Road (Lamar Bridge) Autumn 2010. Expect 30 minute delays, except holidays.
Beartooth Highway (US 212): Clay Butte Lookout Over Beartooth to Montana State
Line For construction updates on this highway only, call 888-285-4636 for information. Milepost 25–43.1 (state line): June 1 to July 31
Expect 30-minute delays, except holidays
Motorcyclists are advised to use EXTREME CAUTION on loose gravel in areas of construction.
If you are visiting the winter, remember that some park areas, entrances and roads are not accessible year-round! From early November through late April, all roads south through the park are closed to wheeled vehicles, including the road to Old Faithful Geyser. During the winter season only two roads are plowed:
- between the North Entrance and Cooke City, MT
- from Mammoth Hot Springs to the parking area at the Upper Terraces
