Yellowstone National Park
Personal Notes
This page contains links to our personal notes on hiking and camping within Yellowstone National Park.
We have visited Yellowstone National Park several times since a quick first visit in the late summer of 1971. We have tent camped in West Thumb and trailer "camped" at Fishing Bridge. We have visited all of the tourist sites and have hiked on several of the main trails, but we have not done any backpacking in Yellowstone.
One of the strange things about hiking in Yellowstone is that we humans are not the main predator. With the black and grizzly bears making the wilderness their home, there is always the danger of an encounter. In most areas that we hike we are encouraged to tread lightly and to be quiet as we hike; to make as little noise as possible so as not to disturb others and the natural ambiance. In Yellowstone it's just the opposite. Hikers are encouraged to make at least some noise as they walk along the trails. Some wear bells on their boot laces or carry cow bells that they clank from time to time. We generally just talked more loudly than usual and occasionally let out 
a hoot. That may or may not have worked, because we never have seen a bear while out hiking in Yellowstone.
We've learned to check with a local ranger each day prior to setting out on a hike. The rangers keep track of bear activity and can steer you away from those trails where there have been recent bear sightings. Hikers also must be wary of the buffalo and other large animals that frequent the park. Just use common sense and give any wild animal a wide birth. Enjoy them from a distance.
Note: We'll post information and details of our earlier trips to Yellowstone as time allows.
