Mission Escape to Nature
Sporting the area ~
Is there anything you can’t accomplish in outdoor West Yellowstone?
Not much!
During the warm months of May through October, a whirlwind of outdoor activities is possible in the West Yellowstone region. Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and canoeing (to name just a few) are a fun way to experience summer. Whether you’re exploring Yellowstone National Park, fishing at Hebgen Lake or hiking up to Horse Butte Observation, adventure is waiting to be discovered. The Gallatin National Forest maintains 37 campgrounds, 3,000 miles of trails (1,800 motorized; 1,200 non-motorized), three ski areas and nine boat launches. More than 25 annual recreation events are held in the area, such as the Pine Needle Stampede, the annual World Snowmobile Expo and the Rendezvous Ski Race.
The ecosystem ~
The Gallatin National Forest surrounding West Yellowstone is 1.8 million
acres of wildlands. Vital to the Yellowstone ecosystem, this dense forest
is home to ongoing conservation efforts such as management of quality
fish habitat, and extensive studies of bald eagles and mountain sheep.
The local community is committed to a healthy and pollutant-free environment. It is important for the people who earn their living in West Yellowstone because their welfare depends upon the environment, which the tourism industry supports. Many businesses have participated in various environmental assessments. Visiting snowmobilers are asked to abide by a no-idle zone at the park gate and rental operators have assumed responsibility for significantly cleaner fuels.
Natural wonders ~
A rare majestic bird has a special place of residence near West Yellowstone
at the Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Set aside in 1935,
the refuge is one of the most important habitats for the trumpeter swan.
It is not uncommon to see them nesting or out swimming with their young.
Non-motorized boating, fishing, camping and hiking give visitors the
best chance of exploring this reserve in its most natural state. The
incredible scenery on the way to Red Rocks (33 miles west of West Yellowstone)
is enhanced in the fall by splendid foliage colors as aspen trees blaze
to reds, oranges and yellows.
A nature diary ~
Families spending time in the greater Yellowstone area will forever
carry with them memories of nature at its finest workmanship. Whether
it was the moose calf, the roar of a mighty waterfall or the burping,
slurpy pots of mud that stuck in their minds, one thing is certain:
most visitors come away with an experience unlike any other vacation.
Parents can create a nature expedition for their kids. Navigate a path
from Hebgen Lake to Yellowstone Lake and record everything heard, seen,
smelt and touched. The recorded items in the notebook or "diary"
can serve as discussion points with U.S. forest rangers, park rangers
or tour guides. A mountain biking trip along Kid’s Loop of the
Rendezvous Trail can teach young riders what gear to pack, the necessities
of ample water and energy, or how weather patterns change dramatically.
A vacation to West Yellowstone during fall, winter or spring will mean
less crowds. Families escaping the beat of their regular routine vacations
during these shoulder seasons will find West Yellowstone to be a rewarding
atmosphere packed full of exciting, adventure-filled moments.
