Moose
Early May can be a iffy time for roads. According to the NPS site, "weather permitting" roads from Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge and out the East Entrance should be open to vehicles. The West Entrance should also be open at that time since it's slated to re-open around April 15th. The South Entrance doesn't open until May 13th. Also, Dunraven Pass, the road that links Tower Junction with Canyon Village doesn't open up until later in the season. Great places to hit up in the park include:
- Old Faithful
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Elk Park
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Gardiner, MT (North Entrance Town)
- Fossil Tree
- Lamar Valley
- Cooke City, MT (Just outside the NE Entrance. Some great food!
- Upper and Lower Falls
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Hayden Valley
- Yellowstone Lake
- and Cody, WY
If you were coming later in the season, I'd suggest Dunraven Pass (in the park) or the Beartooth Highway (just NE of the park, starting past Cooke City). Some excellent views on both of them.
I hope this helps!
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 [email protected]
Enjoy your park travels, in Illinois and anywhere else you go!
