May 10 was a West Yellowstone day. In the west gate, out the same way, full loop through the interior.
Madison Valley
A bison herd was crossing the Madison River within the first mile of entering the park. No warning, no setup. Just a hundred bison doing exactly what they’ve done here for thousands of years. Beryl Spring was boiling up out of the ground just off the pavement, as dramatic as always. A pair of mountain bluebirds was working the spray zone near Gibbon Falls.
North of Norris: Grizzly
Rather than turning toward Canyon at Norris, we took a less-traveled stretch five miles north. A mother grizzly and her two three-year-old cubs were on a hillside about 150 yards off the road. Three-year-olds are typically pushed out by their mother this time of year; this could be one of their last springs together. One of the cubs spent several minutes scratching its belly on a log while we watched through the spotting scope. Got it on video.
Canyon
Grandview overlook in late morning light. The canyon walls were lit up and the falls were running full from snowmelt. Picnic lunch along the Yellowstone River with no one else around.
LeHardy Rapids
The harlequin ducks were in peak breeding plumage and active. This is a short spring window to see them in the park; males were working hard to impress. One of the better harlequin afternoons we’ve had out there.
West Thumb
Yellowstone Lake was flat and clear on the way back out. Good way to close a long day.
Planning a Yellowstone trip this spring? See our private guided tours.