Herd of bison durning the rut in the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is more than just our most famous national park it is greater than that. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is the last large, nearly intact ecosystem in the northern temperate zone of the Earth and is only partially located within Yellowstone National Park. The GYE encompasses some of the earth's most cherished wilderness and wildlife corridors. Roughly the size of West Virginia this special land is still predominantly wild, 20-million acres of wilderness as well as the mountain valleys that are home to communities and ranches.
All the wildlife that was here a couple of centuries ago when Lewis and Clark passed through the Northern Rockies, wolves, grizzly bears, bison are still here. It’s remote; the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, the Thorofare region, is farther from a road than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. The logical boundary of an eco-system is the migratory range of the animals that make the ecosystem their home. The GYE has animal migrations that are over a hundred miles long reaching from the mountain tops to the high desert plains where Yellowstone’s rivers wind their way out of the mountains where many of Yellowstone’s animals retreat to for the winters.
The Greater Yellowstone Resource Guide provides recreation information for Yellowstone
National Park,
and the mountain resort
gateway communities of the Greater Yellowstone region of
Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Serving the communities
of Jackson Hole, Teton Valley, Island Park, Idaho Falls,
Swan Valley, Star Valley, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone
Park, Bozeman Montana, Big Sky, Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone, Cody Wyoming, the Wind River Valley and Pinedale.
The Greater Yellowstone is the best fly-fishing destination in the lowerer 48-states
In addition to your guide for fun the Greater Yellowstone Resource Guide provides Natural resource information including information about our Wolves, Grizzly Bears, Mountain Goats, Black Bears, Mule Deer, Elk, Bison etc. We also provide information about our mountains, Lakes, Rivers, Trout Streams, National Forests and National Parks.
The Greater Yellowstone Resource Guide is a work in progress and will never be finished because our areas gifts are to plentiful and there is always something new to find.
Yellowstone National Park • Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone
National Park is the first and oldest national park
in the world. Preserved within Yellowstone are Old
Faithful Geyser and some 10,000 hot springs and geysers,
the majority of the planet's total. These geothermal
wonders are evidence of one of the world's largest
active volcanoes; its last eruption created a crater
or caldera that spans almost half of the park. An outstanding mountain wildland with
clean water and air, Yellowstone is home of the grizzly
bear and wolf, and free-ranging herds of bison and
elk. It is the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,
one of the largest intact temperate zone ecosystems
remaining on the planet. ----------------------> more about Yellowstone
Island Park ID • Island Park Idaho is In the heart
of Targhee National Forest, whether you are interested
in historical landmarks, fly fishing, hiking, camping
horseback riding, hunting,snowmobiling or just on your
way through to Yellowstone, Island Park’s natural
splendor will captivate you. Most people think of an
island as something belonging in an ocean. But deep
within the boundaries of the Targhee National Forest
lies an almost magical island that offers all of this
and more. --------------------> More about Island Park
Star Valley Wyoming • Star Valley is located 30 miles south of Jackson Hole, a
beautiful valley dotted with farms and a mountainous
topography tucked between the Salt River Range in western
Wyoming and the Webster Range of eastern Idaho. Three
national forests surround Star Valley, Bridger-Teton
National Forest, Caribou National Forest, and the Targhee
National. Star Valley Wyoming. The Snake and Greys River
inter the valley on the north side and dump into 20 mile
long Palisades Lake and the Salt River winds through
its center. Star Valley provides great access for the
outdoorsman and is home to world class hunting and fishing.
Star Valley Is a rich place to visit or live.------------------> More about Star Valley
Idaho Falls ID • On the banks of the Snake River at the foot of west
slope of the northern Rockies lies Idaho Falls Idaho
a beautiful farming, ranching, and high tech community.
As a gateway community to Yellowstone and Grand Teton
National parks and a hub for the best wild trout fishing
in the lower 48 states Idaho Falls is also a great recreational
community. ------------------------> More about Idaho Falls
Swan Valley Idaho • Swan Valley, Irwin and Palisades are the communities
that comprise the scenic valley that nestle along the
banks of the South Fork of the Snake River below Palisades
Dam, collectively known as Swan Valley, one of the premier
tail water dry-fly fisheries in North America. With the
Big Hole Range to the north, the Caribou Mountains to
the south and the Palisades Range to the east, splendid
panoramas abound and year-round outdoor activities are
a magnet for sportsmen and adventurers. The surrounding
mountains provide some of the best hunting, horseback
riding, hiking, mountain biking etc. to be found anywhere.---------------------> More about Swan Valley
Grand Teton National Park • Established in 1929, Grand
Teton National Park emerged from a complicated and
controversial series of events. The park first consisted
of the mountain range and several glacial lakes. Later
the valley floor was protected as Jackson Hole National
Monument. The two areas were combined in 1950............... Today the park encompasses
nearly 310,000 acres and protects the Teton Range,
Jackson Hole (mountain valley), a 50-mile portion of
the Snake River, seven morainal lakes, over 100 backcountry
and alpine lakes, and a wide range of wildlife and
plant species............... The park is also rich in
a cultural history that includes seven eras of human
history: early peoples (paleo-indians), Native Americans
(modern tribes), fur trappers, homesteaders, ranchers/farmers,
conservationists, and recreationalists. Climbing, hiking
and backpacking, camping, fishing, wildlife and bird
watching, horseback riding, boating on Jackson and
Jenny Lakes, rafting on the Snake River, bicycling,
and photography are all common activities in the area.
About 4 million visitors enjoy the park each year,
most visit between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.---------------> More about Grand Teton National Park
Wind River Valley, WY • The Wind River Valley a is where ancient geology meets today’s adventurer, where an adventurous day of moving cattle from horseback, can be followed by an evening of fine dining and fine art. Wide expanses of country enrich the senses, from sage on the morning air, or the cry of an eagle, to the sight of majestic snow-covered mountain peaks. The vivid landscape is rich with the juxtaposition of a festival of the color, sounds, and sights of breathtaking wonder. The Red Desert’s Badlands stand starkly against the stark contrast of the magnificent Absaroka and Wind River mountains that serrate the skyline in the background. The deep curve of the Wind River Valley is shaped by the snowcapped Wind River Range to the West and the Absaroka and Owl Creek ranges on the east, forming a cottonwood-lined bottom that many consider one of the most beautiful areas in Wyoming. --------> More about the Wind River Valley
Pinedale Wyoming • Pinedale is located on the eastern flank of the Greater Yellowstone Eco-system and is home to more than 100,000 big game animals including Continental America's longest big game migration route and a crucial link to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem The largest publicly-owned big game winter range in the GYE The largest mule deer herd in U.S. and one of the west's last best sage grouse habitats. Deer and antelope outnumber residents by ten to one and are commonly seen year-round. Elk, mule deer, antelope, wolves, moose, grizzly and black bear, and many other wildlife species call Sublette County home. The Upper Green River Valley is also a world-class fishery – Life Is Good! ------------------------> More about Pinedale
West Yellowstone Montana • West Yellowstone, Montana is the western gateway to the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. West Yellowstone nurtures the charm of small western town snuggled into a spectacular Rocky Mountain setting. West Yellowstone is the perfect vacation destination for the nature lover and outdoorsman. West Yellowstone has a wonderful sense of history and prides itself on the way they have taken care of Yellowstone Park visitors since Yellowstone Parks founding n 1872. With all that experience, West Yellowstone has the lodging, restaurants, and services to show its guests a real good time.---------------> More about West Yellowstone
Cody Wyoming • The past is always present in Cody Wyoming. This part of Wyoming represents the last of the true West. Cody is what America was; a place cowboy culture survives the retro heartbeat of the west.The high plains to mountains vista is spectacular, the land is wild, the people are genuinely friendly and the opportunities for outdoor adventure, recreation, education, and entertainment are as large and varied as the Wyoming skies.----------------> More about Cody
Red Lodge Montana • Red Lodge, Montana is one of several gateways to Yellowstone Park however, it is the only gateway that has the beautiful Beartooth Highway as the gate. Come and experience true western hospitality in this quaint, historic, mountain town. Today, Red Lodge is still a working agricultural town. Thanks in no small part to the town's preservation of and appreciation for its colorful past, it's also a fascinating destination where history is not so much a thing of the past as it is a vibrant part of the present...............Red Lodge features beautiful ranch lands, flowing rivers, spring creeks, and abundant wildlife. Mule deer enjoy the open range and grasslands available to them in outside Red Lodge, Yellowstone elk come down from the mountain tops to spend the winters, grizzly bears often visit to provide a thrill or a scare, moose are also abundant and wolves wander in and out of the valley.----------------> More about Red Lodge
Paradise Valley Montana • This gem on the northern border of Yellowstone received It's named “Paradise Valley” for good reason, this premier Montana vacation spot has perfect summers and mild winters with spectacular views of the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges under the famed Montana "big sky." The close proximity to Yellowstone Park; the Beartooth Highway and many other natural wonders make Paradise Valley the perfect place to vacation. Besides having the Legendary fly-fishing River “The Yellowstone” flowing through its center, world class Spring Creeks; private lakes and other fishing streams draw anglers from around the world. World class big game hunting, whitewater rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing and photography, hiking, camping and horseback riding are just a few of the unlimited recreational opportunities available here in Paradise Valley. Many fine Bed and Breakfasts, cabins and guest ranches provide lots of options for fine lodging.----------------> More about Paradise Valley
Big Sky Montana• The Mountain Village of Big Sky is blessed with amazing beauty compliments of the Gallatin Mountain Range and more activities than a mere mortal could ever dream of doing. During summer you can fly-fish, hike, bike, raft, horseback ride, golf, camp, watch wildlife or simply relax and enjoy the scenery while trying to figure out how to do it all. Winter provides for some of the best downhill skiing in America; offering a combined 5600 acres of pure adventure. Nordic skiing, dog-sledding, trips to Yellowstone and moonlit sleigh ride dinners complete the winter experience. ----------------------------> More about Big Sky Montana
Greater Yellowstone News
Will This Law Eliminate NPS Film Permits?
Attention videographers;
Those who would like to send a message to their elected representatives in the House and the Senate can now visit the Democracy IO link below, which provides a quick, painless method by which you can find and message your reps in a matter of seconds. Just go to the link below, as well as the Google Doc linked below that, copy the FLREA Letter to Reps in Google Docs, then paste that into the comment section in the Democracy IO link. This takes less than two minutes, and you'll rest well, knowing that you took action to affect change for the benefit of future generations of our people. Democracy.io: https://democracy.io/#!/
Backpacking The Thorofare in Yellowstone – The Most Remote Place in the US Lower 48 ~
The logistics of planning a backpacking trip in Yellowstone are a bit tricky but manageable. The biggest challenge is the lack of commercial airline service in Wyoming. Cody, West Yellowstone, and Jackson Hole airports are all extremely expensive, offer few options, and almost always require a connection. Rental car availability and price can also be a challenge in those markets. I have opted for Salt Lake City for all my Yellowstone trips as the logistics, aside from a long drive, are easier to manage at a fraction of the price. ........ Rest of the story
Fire is good;
Yellowstone has long been shaped by fire and not just the cool, creeping ground fires often described as "good" for grass production. The natural history of fire in the park includes large-scale conflagrations sweeping across the park's vast volcanic plateaus. Most Americans steeped in Smokey the Bear's "Only you can prevent forest fires!" mantra, the very thought that forest fires might have a positive side seemed preposterous. We all learned this as children and it is damned hard to change, as our indoctrination to this policy was total. ...... Learn More
A forest reborn
The Greater Yellowstone Bald Eagle:
Bald Eagles are again a common site along the rivers and lakes of the Greater Yellowstone Region, and they always bring a thrill to Yellowstone visitors when they set their eyes on one of these magnificent birds. The thrill of seeing our national bird soar above never fails to awe a spectator........ read more
Is social media ruining our nature excursions?
Social media, the curse and blessing of the twenty-first century. A focus on the evolution of the problem inflicted on nature, ways of to mitigate how it affects our beautiful places, our wildlife, our experience. Dichotomies and conundrums to ponder. Since the advent of the digital photography and its ease of use and economy after initial investment, America and the world have hit the road and the road comes back to us on our social media. .................... rest of article Addendum, this is getting worse than ever.
Click on photo to purchace
Study: More elk killed by cougars than by wolves in Idaho:More elk are being killed by cougars than by wolves in Idaho, a study by the state Department of Fish and Game has found.The study found that wolves accounted for 32% of adult female elk deaths and 28% of elk calf deaths, while cougars accounted for 35% of adult female elk deaths and 45% of elk calf deaths. The study also found ............ rest of story
Return of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout by Kelsey Dayton
The water in Atlantic Creek in the remote Thorofare region of Yellowstone National Park was clear. So clear that Dave Sweet could see the fish before he even cast. They were everywhere: dozens of beautiful trout with distinctive red slashes under their jaws. Sweet had journeyed for two days on horseback to the major spawning tributaries of Yellowstone Lake for those fish. Over the next few days he and his daughter would see thousands of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and catch some as long as 25 inches. But just as exciting were the younger, smaller fish. They, Sweet realized, mark a turning point in a battle to save a species..................... Rest Of Story
Huge Yellowstone Cutthroat trout
The Resort Town Curse by Daryl L. Hunter
In 1962 as a child my family went through Carmel California, and after my exclaimation how beautiful the place was, my mother explained to me that it was against the law to cut down a tree in the town and it was so beautiful. I wondered why every town didn't do that. A few years later my hometown, San Luis Obispo, did enact all kinds of restricted zoning like Carmel's as a part of an urban renewal plan, and now I couldn't afford to move back there if I wanted to. This town is now populated with what they call "Grey Gold", rich retired people that ran up the property values so high that native born could no longer afford to live there. I have lived in many resort towns since, and I have noticed a trend. I am attracted to them when they are still little, quaint and undiscovered, but it usually isn't long before word spreads about the next great place. .............. Rest of story
A Protective Firewall For Grizzlies By Daryl L. Hunter
The delisting of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear is imminent and this we should celebrate (''''dancing''''). Now that our happy dance is complete, we must ensure the grizzlies' recovery is permanent. To ensure "continuity of achievement," the grizzlies need a firewall to protect the success of this achievement from human foible.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee was formed in 1983 to help ensure recovery of viable grizzly bear populations and their habitat in the lower 48 states through interagency coordination of policy, planning, management, and research. Many people have been working on this recovery for decades, for some; it has been most of their career. I can understand why the delisting of the grizzly before their retirement is their goal. A metaphorical gold watch if you will.
Many will argue differently,................. Rest of Article
Grizzly 399 and her quadruplets doing their part in Grizzly Recovery in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The Grand Teton Photo and Field Guide is an encapsulation of the flora, fauna, and photography of Jackson Hole Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park. Also included are thumbnails of the history and geology of the valley. This book is for all visitors with a desire to seek out wildlife, photograph the landscape, or merely learn about the history, geology, and lay of the land of Grand Teton National Park. The author provides general overviews including hot links with more in-depth descriptions of subjects of individual interest.
In the “Lay of the Land” section, includes the obvious highlights along the loop through Grand Teton Park. Hot links to side roads will give you more in-depth description of side roads and feeder roads and their highlights. Also included are descriptions of all two-rut roads that are legal to travel on in Grand Teton Park. GPS links to Google Maps are provided throughout.
As a field guide, profiles of most of animals and birds in the area are described. Jackson Hole is full of wildlife but there are places where animals are, and there are places where they are not. It is a waste of time to scrutinize a landscape devoid of what you are looking for, so this guide narrows options down to the hot spots. I provide maps of the likeliest places to find the popular critters of Grand Teton National Park. I also touch on trees, shrubs, and wildflowers with minimal explanations.
Huge Bull Moose, dwarfed by the giant peaks of hte Grand Tetons.
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The grandeur of Grand Teton Park has made it one of the most photographed places in the world. The opportunity to harness multiple juxtapositional elements has drawn photographers for over a century since William Henry Jackson took the first photos here in 1878. Grand Teton Park’s plethora of famous vistas are profiled as well as many which are less clichéd that can bring new perspectives of a well-documented landscape. Grand Tetons’ iconic landscape photo opportunities are described in detail; however, they barely scratch the surface of opportunities as it takes a photographer with an artist’s eye to unveil as they follow their own intuition and vision. The author who shies away from clichéd landscapes provides a chapter of his favorite places that aren’t landscape clichés.
In the photography section the author includes chapters on composition, exposure basics, when to shoot and why. Daryl has summarized what he teaches in his, half day, Grand Teton workshops in a simple concise way.
If you are only in Grand Teton Park for a day there is a chapter called the “Portfolio Packer Morning Trip,” that does just that, all the icons and several favorite places in a five our blitz. But it is better to spend more time and dig deep into the embarrassment of riches of Grand Teton National Park................. More Info
