Intermittent snow throughout the day, heavy flurries by late afternoon. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway opened two weeks ahead of schedule this year — a mild winter pushed the timeline. We started at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody for guide training, then ran the byway in from Cooke City.

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Open two weeks early due to the mild winter. If you have not driven this route, it is one of the most dramatic approaches to Yellowstone that exists. No crowds, full mountain views, and a road that reminds you why people make this trip.

Lamar Valley — Pebble Creek

Mountain goats on the western side of the road just past the Pebble Creek turnout coming in from Cooke City. Right at road level, completely calm. Multiple separate groups of pronghorn spread across the valley floor throughout the afternoon.

Barronett Peak — Return

On the way back, a massive boar cinnamon black bear just west of Barronett Peak. He was working the hillside steadily, grazing his spring meal. We watched for 20 minutes in heavy snow flurries. One of the better bear watches of the season so far. Cinnamon-phase black bears get mistaken for grizzlies constantly. This one was unmistakably a black bear in shape and movement, but that color stops people cold every time.

Roads in good condition throughout. Chief Joseph fully passable.

We post wildlife footage from the field on our YouTube channel — follow along for more from northeast Yellowstone this spring.

Planning a Yellowstone trip? Our private Yellowstone tours from Jackson Hole cover the northeast corridor, Lamar Valley, and the full park — with guides who know exactly where to look and when. For the full multi-park experience, the 3-day Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary is the tour most families book.