Yellowstone
Yellowstone prepares for fall
Published
9 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersYELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The sight of steam rising up from the ground in the chilly morning hours; the sound of bulging elk in the crisp evening air; and the feel of fleece against your skin as you dress for a day hike – all herald the end of summer and the beginning of fall, which comes early to Yellowstone National Park.
In response to the change in weather and subsequent lower visitation, park facilities and services begin to wind down for the season. Autumn is a special time of year to visit the park, but be sure to check conditions before you start your trip, pack appropriately, and remember to keep your safety in mind at all times.
The park’s wildlife is also getting ready for the change in seasons. Some of the large animals begin migrating, others stock up on extra food to pack on weight before winter, and elk begin their fall rut. In many areas of Yellowstone– especially around Mammoth Hot Springs – the bull elk will soon be vying for female attention by bugling and sparring with other males. Bulls are much more aggressive this time of year and can be a threat to both people and property.
Elk damage several vehicles every year, and on occasion charge and injure visitors. A dedicated group of park staff and volunteers patrol the Mammoth Hot Springs area when elk are present, attempting to keep the animals and visitors a safe distance apart. However, it’s important that people do their part as well: Park regulations require visitors to stay a minimum of 25 yards – the length of two school buses – away from elk, moose, deer, bison, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Yellowstone National Park is bear country. In the fall, grizzly and black bears usually move to higher elevations to feed on whitebark pine seeds, consuming the calories they need to sustain themselves during winter hibernation. But bears may still be encountered along roads or hiking trails throughout the park.
When hiking or backpacking, remember to travel in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, and be alert for bears. All hikers should carry bear spray where it’s readily accessible – not inside a pack – and know how to use it.
Bear spray is highly successful at stopping aggressive bears and it’s sold at retail shops throughout Yellowstone, as well as in many stores in the surrounding communities. New this year, bear spray is available for rent at Canyon Village in a kiosk near the Canyon Visitor Education Center through late September.
Park regulations require people to stay a minimum of 100 yards – the length of a football field – away from bears and wolves at all times. If you see a bear along the road, park on the shoulder and stay in your vehicle to watch the animal. Use your binoculars, telescope or telephoto lens to get a closer look rather than approaching the bear.
In addition to the change in animal behavior, fall also brings changes in the weather and you should come prepared for a wide range of conditions. Days gradually get shorter and temperatures drop rapidly once the sun goes down, often falling below freezing overnight.
At this time of year, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of layers, including insulating items as well as both sun and rain protection. Stop at a visitor center or ranger station for the latest updates on trail conditions and park regulations, and remember that you must obtain overnight backcountry permits if you plan to backpack.
As campgrounds and lodges begin to close for the season, those remaining open fill up early. Most park roads and visitor services remain open through September, but visit nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit for the latest information. Updated road information is also available 24 hours a day by calling (307) 344-2117.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd