Departed Gardiner, MT 8:30 AM. Active blizzard at departure, alternating between heavy snow and clearing throughout the day. Snow is falling in Cooke City, but not sticking to the road. Periodic blizzards through to West Yellowstone. This was the first day of a 4-day custom private tour.

Gardiner to Mammoth

Elk strung out along both sides of the road from the north entrance gate all the way into Mammoth. Multiple scattered herds grazing the flats. A few pronghorn mixed in through this stretch.

Tower Junction to Lamar Valley

Ruddy Ducks on the kettle ponds at 9:15 AM; good numbers given the conditions. Nursing bison herds working the Glacial Boulder Field just before Lamar Valley opens up. Two bull moose on the north side of the road just before Fish Lake; both feeding, unbothered by the snow.

Lamar Valley

Pronghorn scattered throughout the valley floor. A male black bear on the south bank of Lamar Canyon sleeping, visible from the road. An active osprey nest in Lamar Canyon with the female on eggs. Male grizzly between Lamar Canyon and the Slough Creek outhouses on the south side, foraging for roots in the snow.

Road and Weather Conditions

Roads clear throughout despite persistent blizzard conditions. Expect slow-changing weather if you are heading out this week. Layers and patience are required. Spring in Yellowstone.

Heading into the park soon? See our private Yellowstone tours from Jackson Hole.