| Yellowstone Region | |
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| State | United States of America |
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| Institutional website | |
Yellowstone Region is a region of the federal state of Montana.
To know
The Yellowstone Region, or south-central Montana, is a place of rugged beauty, with its roaring rivers and snow-capped peaks, and is considered by many to be one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth. It also includes cultural and historical cities. It is found partly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the last remaining large and nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone of the Earth. It serves as a gateway for visitors to the Yellowstone National Park and as an important migratory route for animals entering and leaving the higher areas of the park. Much of the area looks the same as when Lewis and Clark explored the area.
Territories and tourist destinations
Yellowstone Region: full screen map.Urban centers
The Yellowstone Region offers a variety of towns and villages as a welcome respite from exploring the wild and rugged areas. From the lively Bozeman with its many museums and the convenient and picturesque airport Cooke City, which isn't much more than a convenient place to dine, refuel, and maybe spend the night after exploring Yellowstone.
- 1 Big Timber - Magnificent landscapes and Western culture
- 2 Bozeman - The largest city, offering the widest variety of museums, restaurants and shops
- 3 Cooke City - At the north-east entrance of the Yellowstone National Park
- 4 Gardiner - At the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park
- 5 Livingston - The historic center is a favorite stopping point for visitors
- 6 Red Lodge - Charming town surrounded by the Custer National Forest, at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains
- 7 Three Forks - At the crossroads between Yellowstone and the Glacier National Park, known for its annual rodeo
- 8 West Yellowstone - Popular entrance with a small airport on the west side of the park
National parks
- 1 Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is a United States National Park that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first national park in the world, set aside in 1872 to preserve the vast number of geysers, hot springs and other hot spring areas, as well as to protect the incredible wildlife and rugged beauty of the area. The park contains 8,987 km2 and 3 of the 5 main entrances to the park are located in Montana at Cooke City, Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
National forests
There are two large national forests in the Yellowstone Region that help complete Yellowstone's largest ecosystem.
- 2 Custer National Forest. It stretches through southeastern Montana to the northeast of the Yellowstone National Park, the forest encompasses nearly 4,470 km², the Custer National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse forests in the northern region.
- 3 Gallatin National Forest. This 4,470 km² forest spans six mountain ranges and includes two wilderness areas designated by Congress, Absaroka-Beartooth and Lee Metcalf Wildernesses.
Wild areas
- 4 Absaroka-Beartooth. The 3,724.4 km² area is administered by the Gallatin, Custer and Shoshone National Forests and is named for its jagged peaks that resemble bear teeth and for the Native Americans who lived in the area.
- 5 Lee-Metcalf. 1,030.5 km² have protected this wilderness south of Bozeman. Bear Trap Canyon hiking access is only possible from the north end of the canyon. To reach the start of the trail, take State Highway 84 west of Bozeman. Just before the highway crosses the Madison River, and directly across from the Red Mountain Campground, a dirt road intersects the highway on the left and leads upstream on the east side of the river to the trailhead.
Montana State Parks
- 6 Cooney State Park, 86 Lake Shore Road Roberts, MT 59070. Popular 1.3 km² park with a large reservoir and five campsites with 72 spaces available around the lake every day.
- 7 Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park, Old US Hwy 10 Greycliff, MT 59033. This 0.40 km² park offers the opportunity to observe the prairie dog community in its natural environment.
- 8 Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, 6990 Buffalo Jump Road Three Forks, MT 59752 (Located on the edge of a valley created by the Madison River). This high cliff has been used by Native Americans for at least 2,000 years. The natives trampled large herds of bison off this cliff, using them for food, clothing, and shelter.
- 9 Missouri Headwaters State Park, 1585 Trident Road Three Forks, MT 59752 (Located on the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers). This is where Lewis and Clark stayed on their historic exploration of the west in 1805.
Ski areas
There are four public ski resorts in the area, each with their own unique terrain and character. Check individual websites for current conditions and prices. The mountains usually open around the middle of the end of December and stay open until April, sometimes in May. There are also options for backcountry and heli-skiing.
- Bridger BowlWorshiped locally, Bridger Bowl has operated as a non-profit community ski area since 1955. Spanning over 8km² spanning 792.48m vertically. It is located just minutes from Bozeman.
- Big Sky: Montana's largest ski resort located south of Bozeman accessible by low-cost shuttle from Bozeman twice daily in winter.
- Moonlight Basin: located on the north side of Lone Mountain, which it shares with the Big Sky Resort.
- Red Lodge Mountain: area dedicated to skiing.
Private ski areas
- Yellowstone Ski and Golf Club is a private club operating in the area near Big Sky and is only open to owners and their guests.
Great rivers
The rivers in the area are world famous for blue ribbon trout fishing and water sports.
- 10 Boulder River. It begins at the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains and flows north until it merges with the Yellowstone River in the town of Big Timber.
- 11 Gallatin River. The Gallatin River offers a huge amount of water sports opportunities, including white water rafting at various skill levels. The river is also known for its scenic beauty and serenity.
- 12 Madison River. It starts in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers. From here it flows over 225km through mountainous landscapes before reaching the Missouri River near the town of Three Forks.
- 13 Stillwater River. It begins in the mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness area. The river flows for more than 30km through the wilderness before leaving the mountains and flowing into the grasslands and canyons found along the wilderness. Continue for another 72km through a mix of canyons, grasslands and forests until you meet the Yellowstone River near the city of Columbus.
- 14 Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River is the largest river that originates in the Yellowstone National Park and is in fact the longest barrier-free river in North America. Breathtaking wild beauty and a myriad of fishing and white water activities for all levels. Perhaps the most famous river in the area, most people assume it got its name from the park, but the opposite is actually true.
Hot Springs
- 1 Boiling River. Just inside the Yellowstone National Park south of Gardiner, a sign north of where the road crosses the Gardner River marks the 45th parallel of latitude. A short distance south of the sign, a parking lot on the east side of the road is used by bathers on the Boiling River, one of the very few spots in the park where visitors can soak in naturally heated water. Swimmers have to go upstream for about half a kilometer from the parking lot to the point where the path reaches the river. This spot is also marked by large clouds of vapor, especially in cold weather. Here, the outflow of hot water from Mammoth Terraces enters the Gardner River. Hot and cold water mix in the pools along the river's edge. Bathers are allowed in the river only during the day. Swimsuits are required and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. The Boiling River is closed in spring due to dangerous high water and often does not reopen until mid-summer. It tends to get very busy so try to visit very early in the morning during peak season.
- 2 Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness Center, 81123 Gallatin Rd, ☎ 1 406 522-9563. Natural hot springs that provide an alternative to heated pools, without additives. The pool area splits into a mild temperature and a smaller, warmer pool with temperatures reaching nearly 38 ° C.
- 3 Chico Hot Springs and Day Spa, 163 Chico Road - Pray, MT 59065, ☎ 1-406-333-4933. Internationally renowned spa resort, spa, restaurant and great stopping point for people visiting the area.
Other destinations
- Beartooth area - Includes Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
- Big Sky - An area south of Bozeman known for its ski resort, the Gallatin River and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park from West Yellowstone
- Corridor I-90 - The main east-west travel corridor, which includes Bozeman and Livingston
- Paradise Valley (Paradise Valley) - Sculpted by the Yellowstone River, which stretches from Yellowstone National Park and widens between Yankee Jim Canyon and Livingston. It is populated by small farms and ranches and serves as a major migration route for animals to and from the park
Speak
Although English is the primary language spoken in the area, tourists come from all over the world to see the area's natural beauty and it is common to hear dozens of languages spoken in public.
- 1 Yellowstone Association, 308 Park St - Gardiner, Mt 59030, ☎ 1-406-848-2400. Has an office in Gardiner and is a nonprofit organization that educates Yellowstone National Park visitors by offering travel planning, books, videos, and guided lessons through Yellowstone Park from their field institute. The Yellowstone Association is located in Yellowstone National Park and promotes the conservation of Yellowstone National Park through its Park Store educational libraries, book publishing, and funding provided to Yellowstone through membership and sale of educational materials to visitors to the park. That includes some foreign language materials. I am the National Park Service's Official Partner for Education in Yellowstone National Park.
How to get
By plane
Don't expect an extraordinary range of services available from the larger airports, only the basics mean short waits and not much else. Several smaller airstrips are located in the area and offer space for small private planes and some may also offer private tours. In some areas like Chico Hot Springs the road is a runway, so be prepared to pull over as planes obviously have right of way.
- 2 Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (IATA: BZN) (16 km east of Bozeman). The airport has daily flights year round to Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oakland, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle. There are also seasonal flights to Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland (OR) and San Francisco. Taxis on call and shuttles are available for hotel transfers.
- 3 Billings-Logan International Airport (IATA: BIL), 1901 Terminal Cir, ☎ 1 406-247-8609, @[email protected]. Billings-Logan International Airport is the main airport in eastern Montana and the busiest in the state. Silver Airways uses it as a hub for domestic flights in Montana and is also served by Allegiant, Alaska / Horizon, Delta, Frontier, Skywest and United. Denver, Salt Lake City is Minneapolis they are the largest hubs they serve Billings.
- 4 West Yellowstone (IATA: WYS). Delta (Skywest) flies for West Yellowstone three times a day during the summer.
By car
There was a brief period where Montana experimented with removing its speed limits to help cope with long distances between cities. This proved too risky as drivers unfamiliar with the area were taking unnecessary risks. The good news is that it's nearly impossible to find an area that doesn't offer breathtaking views of incredible natural beauty, including the Beartooth Highway, the section of US Highway 212 between Red Lodge and Cooke City. The National Scenic Byways All-American Road traces a series of steep zigzags and hairpin bends along the Montana-Wyoming border to the 3,337m high Beartooth Pass which has been dubbed "America's Most Beautiful Trip" by the late correspondent of CBS Charles Kuralt.
- I-90 connects Billings with Bozeman, Livingston, Butte, Missoula and theIdaho.
- I-89 runs north through south Livingston until the Yellowstone National Park.
- Highway 212 starts from Cooke City and from Yellowstone National Park then connecting to I-90 and a Billings through the 310 a Laurel.
- US Route 191 starts at West Yellowstone through the Big Sky Resort area to finish at Bozeman.
On foot
The Continental Divide Trail is a 4,989 km long national scenic trail that starts from Mexico and comes in Canada. Follows the continental watershed of the Americas along the Rocky Mountains and passes through five states of the United States; the Montana, L'Idaho, the Wyoming, the Colorado and the New Mexico.
How to get around
By car
It can be very long between cities in the area, so make sure you are aware of the fuel level and weather conditions before traveling. Main roads can also be dangerous due to animals on the road, so use extreme caution at night. Car rentals are available near major airports for those not driving in the area. The road between Gardiner and Cooke City is the only road open to cars during the winter.
By bus
Xanterra Resorts offers bus tours inside the park during the summer season. The Grand Loop Tour departs from Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel to visit the entire park in one day. During the winter season, snowmobile tours are organized from various locations. Call 1-307-344-7311 for information or reservations.
By bike
Go cycling in the area can be a very rewarding experience, but due to the large distances between the cities and the expansive mountain terrain additional planning is required to ensure that accommodation is available every night. Yellowstone National Park reserves a number of campgrounds for cyclists, but during the busy summer season it's probably best to book sites in advance wherever possible.
What see
Although Yellowstone Region is known as the northern gateway to Yellowstone and Gardiner National Park, this is the only entrance to the park that is accessible by road all year round. There are many other wilderness areas locally, including the Gallatin National Forest which offers many similar hiking and backpacking experiences that are available in Yellowstone but without all the crowds.
Wildlife observation
The greater Yellowstone ecosystem is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. Sixty-seven different mammals live here, including grizzly bears and black bears. The gray wolves were restored in 1995. The wolf and lynx, which require large expanses of undisturbed habitat, are also found in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Seven native ungulate species live here: elk, mule deer, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer. Non-native mountain goats have colonized some areas and numerous small mammals are found throughout the area. The Paradise Valley south of Livingston is a major migratory route for animals that come and go seasonally to the higher elevations of Yellowstone National Park.
Bird watching
Records of bird sightings have been preserved in Yellowstone National Park since its establishment in 1872; these records document 330 bird species to date, of which around 148 species nest in the park. The variation in elevation and the wide range of habitat types found within the park contribute to the relatively high diversity of the region.
Museums and cultural centers
- 15 Computer Museum (American Computer Museum), 2023 Stadium Dr, Suite 1-A, Bozeman, Montana, ☎ 1 406 582-1288.
August: Mon-Sun 10: 00-16: 00; September-July: Tue-Sun 12: 00-16: 00. Educational and slightly quirky, if you have even a passing interest in computers or computing, this should be a must see. Highlighting everything from abacus to laptops and video game systems, the computer museum is dedicated to the evolution of computer technology. - 16 Carbon County Historical Society Museum (Carbon County Historical Society Museum), 224 N. Broadway, Red Lodge Montana, ☎ 1 406-446-3667. Red Lodge Folk Historical Museum.
- 17 Crazy Mountain Museum, 2 South Frontage Rd, ☎ 1 406 932-5126. The Crazy Mountain Museum is a historical museum with exhibits reflecting the history of Sweet Grass County and the surrounding area.
- 18 Bozeman Children's Museum (Children's Museum of Bozeman), 202 S Willson Ave Bozeman, Montana, ☎ 1 406 522-9087.
$ 5. Free admission on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm. Mon-Thu and Sat: 10: 00-17: 00; Fri 10: 00-20: 00. Ideal for children from toddlers through to later elementary schools, the Children's Museum emphasizes hands-on activities, learning and play. Don't be surprised if you start having as much fun as your little ones. - 19 Emerson Center of Arts and Culture (Emerson Center for Arts and Culture), 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman, Montana, ☎ 1 406 587-9797, @[email protected]. The cultural hub of southwestern Montana. The Art and Culture Center has many ongoing programs and annual events, as well as a full range of special offers such as art exhibits, lectures, concerts, and more. Be sure to check the website for events taking place during your visit. The Emerson Center is located in a former school building (1918) listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also home to the Jessie Wilber gallery, which has been twice voted the best gallery in Bozemen by residents.
- 20 Livingston Railway History Museum (Livingston Depot Center), 200 W Park St Livingston, Mt 59047, ☎ 1 406 222-2300. The Railroad History Museum offers historical exhibits and cultural programs to benefit Park County residents and visitors from around the world.
- 21 Rocky Mountain Museum (Museum of the Rockies), 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, Montana, ☎ 1 406 994-3466. The museum is a resource that documents the changes that the Rockies have undergone. The museum also has a mission to preserve the Rockies' unique place in American history and travel west. With over 300,000 artifacts, this museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated mecca of natural history and anthropology. known for its extensive collection of fossils curated by world-renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, who also served as technical advisor for all three Jurassic Park films.
- 22 Museum of the Pioneers (The Pioneer Museum), 317 W Main St, Bozeman, Montana (It is located in the former county jail building, itself recognized as a historic structure.), ☎ 1 406 522-8122. $ 5 adults, children 12 and younger free. Admission to the Research Center is free. Summer: Mon-Sat 10 am-5pm; Winter: Tue-Sat: 11: 00-16: 00. Run by the Gallatin Historical Society, the Pioneer Museum tells the story of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
- 23 Yellowstone Gateway Museum, 118 W. Chinook St., Livingston Montana, ☎ 1 406 222-4184, @[email protected]. Park County and Yellowstone National Park History Museum.
August: Mon-Sun 10: 00-16: 00; September-July: Tue-Sun 12: 00-16: 00. Educational and slightly quirky, if you have even a passing interest in computers or computing, this should be a must see. Highlighting everything from abacus to laptops and video game systems, the computer museum is dedicated to the evolution of computer technology.
$ 5. Free admission on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm. Rodeo
The Yellowstone Region is home to cowboys, and rodeos here are a natural extension of local pride. Cowboys are commonplace in the area and although they are more likely to ride a four-wheel drive ATV these days than a horse, rodeos are a great time to get together and show off their skills and compete with other riders.
- 24 Roundup Ranch Rodeo by Bozeman, Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Anderson Outdoor Arena. In July. The events held at this rodeo depict the actual jobs the cowboys working today can do on the ranch.
- 25 Roundup Rodeo, Park County Fairgrounds, Livingston, ☎ 1 406 222-3199. 2-4 July. Here takes place part of the "Gateway Rodeos", the others are held at the same time Cody, in Wyoming it's at Red Lodge, in Montana.
- 26 Rodeo and Three Forks Parade (The Three Forks Rodeo and Parade). In July. The Rodeo and Three Forks Parade offer two nights of true rodeo action in a small town. There is music, food, bull and horse rides, crafts, a parade in the hometown.
What to do
Ranch holidays
Although the OTO Guest Ranch near Gardiner hasn't been in business for over 50 years, it can nevertheless claim to be the first Dude Ranch anywhere as the whole concept of Guest Ranches was developed in the Yellowstone Region. A Yellowstone Region ranch vacation is the epitome of the Western experience. Some work on ranches where guests participate in livestock broadcasts and carry out daily chores. Others offer a completely different experience, with less manpower and more camping glamor. A range of activities are offered, including horseback riding for people of all abilities, fishing trips, archery, grilling, swimming, hiking and square dancing.
to fish
World famous area for fishing, suppliers can be found in most cities and many rural areas. Ask local fishing shops and check river conditions online. June is high water month due to the melting of snow at higher altitudes and this can make rivers treacherous and muddy water causing difficulties in catching fish.
- 4 Parks Fly Shop, 202 S 2nd St Gardiner, Mt 59030, ☎ 1 406 848-7314. Established in 1953, they only sell fishing rods and useful equipment here within 80km of Gardiner, local guide service, focused only on the Yellowstone National Park and on the Yellowstone River's Blue Ribbon system outside the park.
- 5 Dan Bailey Fly Shop, 209 W Park St Livingston, Mt 59047, ☎ 1 406 222-1673. Established in 1938, they offer a full line of rod fishing tackle, tools and accessories for tying the fish hook here and also have a section of used rods.
Kayaking and rafting
Most cities along major rivers will have a variety of rafting providers who can provide a safe trip along the river. Gardiner offers a particularly wide range of services for the Class III rapids of the Yellowstone rivers.
- 6 Yellowstone Rafting Company, 11 2nd St. Gardiner, Montana, ☎ 1-800-858-7781. Founded in 1978, the Yellowstone Raft Company pioneered rafting on the Yellowstone River and is the only company fully licensed by both the National Park Service and the National Forest Service to travel the Yellowstone River.
- Montana Whitewater Raft Company (The Gallatin River office is located at mile 64 (km 103) on Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky. North of West Yellowstone, the park's west entrance.), ☎ 1-800-799-4465. They offer trips on the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers.
Excursions
The Yellowstone Region offers some of the best wilderness hiking and backpacking in the United States. Check with your local forest service offices for the details and condition of the trail before exiting and perhaps most importantly remember to report to them if you see anything noteworthy. For example, a new kill of moose on the trail could mean that a bear is nearby. You need to know the 10 basics needed for all country camping and that cell phones are not one of them, cell phones often don't work in rural mountainous areas. Topographic maps are also available at local camping and fishing stores.
Regional forestry offices
- Bozeman District - 3710 Fallon St., Suite C Bozeman, MT 59718.1 406 522-2520
- Gardiner District - P.O. Box 5; 805 Scott St. Gardiner, MT 59030. 1 406 848-7375
- Hebgen Lake District - P.O. Box 520 West Yellowstone, MT 59758.1 406 823-6961
- Yellowstone District - P.O. Box 1130; 225 Big Timber Loop Rd. Big Timber, MT 59011-1130. 1 406 932-5155
- Yellowstone District - 5242 Hwy 89 South Livingston, MT 59047. 1 406 222-2520
Horseback riding
It's hard to imagine a more appropriate place for horseback riding than the Yellowstone Region. Even just for an afternoon of horseback riding on a high mountain prairie or a week-long camping adventure deep in the Montana wilderness, the Yellowstone Region offers plenty of opportunities for horseback riding. Various national forest trails are designated for horses and outfitters and ranches that cater to tourists can be found throughout the region.
Night clubs
Although Montana isn't known for its sophisticated variety of drinks, there are some excellent regional micro breweries and bars that hold a big part of the local culture. Small towns are also known for having several bars available and often serve as a community hub for the latest fishing news and reports. See individual city pages for specific listings.
Regional breweries
- Bozeman Brewing Company. It is a local brewer with a fine selection of seasonal and standard craft beers.
- 1 Neptune's Brewery, 119 N L St Livingston, MT 59047, ☎ 1 406 222-7837. Another great local brewery to watch out for.
At the table
Yellowstone Region is the place for cattle and meat is on the menu. Look for restaurants that offer game such as moose and trout, but beef and buffalo are commonly raised in the area, it's not the easiest area to find vegetarian options, but they mostly exist in larger cities and tourist areas. See individual city listings for particular food recommendations.
Regional food
Look for these locally produced foods.
- Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery - Local bread made from locally grown wheat.
- Wilcoxson's Ice Cream - Made in Montana ice cream founded in 1912. Available in many local restaurants and uses different local flavors.
Where stay
Campsites
The campsites within the Yellowstone National Park they are wonderful but often crowded and booked during the high season. A nice alternative are some of the many state campsites located near the park. Here is a list with their mileage from the various park entrances.
- Yellowstone North Entrance near Gardiner
- Eagle Creek: 3 km
- Timber Camp: 14 km
- Bear Creek: 8.7 mi
- Canyon: 25 km
- Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone near Cooke City
- Colter: 11 km
- Soda Butte: 9 km
- Chief Joseph: 8.7 mi
- West entrance to Yellowstone near West Yellowstone
- Baker's Hole - 4 km
- Rainbow Point - 10 miles / 16 km
- Lonesomehurst: 19 km
- Cherry Creek: 22 km
- Spring Creek: 28 km
- Cabin Creek: 35 km
- Beaver Creek: 38 km
- Red Cliff: 56 km
Safety
Visiting the Yellowstone Region is a safe and rewarding experience if you follow common sense. Unfortunately this is not always the case, so please take the following guidelines to heart.
Streets
During the winter, the smaller secondary roads are often completely closed and even the highway can be closed quickly when the weather turns bad. Check the weather conditions and the state of the roads before leaving and traveling with emergency supplies. Unpaved roads are typically impassable for more than half of the year.
Wildlife
Although many animals in the area are used to seeing humans, the wildlife is still wild and should not be fed or disturbed. Stay at least 100m from bears and 25m from all other potentially aggressive animals! No matter how docile they seem or not, almost any large animal can attack, and every year dozens of visitors are injured because they haven't kept adequate distance. These animals are large, wild and potentially dangerous, so give them their space. Be especially cautious when traveling at night as animals (especially deer) are known to roam the roads.
Weather
The weather can change quickly and at short notice. A hot, sunny summer day can quickly become cold, rainy, or even snowy. Hypothermia can be a concern. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions by bringing appropriate clothing with you. Lightning strikes can injure and kill people in the area, so watch the sky and take cover in a building if you hear thunder.
Hiking and camping
There is no reason to fear the mountains, as long as you approach them with due respect and preparation. Like anywhere else, recklessness and lack of foresight can get you into trouble, especially in the vast Montana hinterland.
- Altitude sickness - Can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, even fainting, and pulmonary edema. Give your body a few days to adjust to high altitudes before going full throttle with your hiking or skiing.
- Dehydration - When engaging in strenuous outdoor activities, be sure to replenish fluids as you go. You may lose moisture through your mouth, nose and sweat, but not be fully aware of the dry mountain air. All of this can cause dizziness, intense thirst, and increased heart and respiratory rates.
- Giardia - Drinking untreated water from regional streams is not a good idea due to the presence of the Giardia parasites, but tap water is not a problem.
- Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold can cause confusion, slow heart rate, lethargy and even death. Dress warmly in non-cotton clothing to allow sweat to drain away from your body and evaporate. Otherwise, it could completely cool you down later in the day when temperatures drop.
- Freezing - During periods of intense cold, your circulatory system draws all of your warm blood into your body's core to protect your vital organs. This makes your extremities such as ears, fingers and nose particularly vulnerable. Wear a face mask, insulated gloves, and other heavy gear on the worst winter days. It's cold if you sit and stop on those lifts!
- Sunburn - Wear sunscreen, even if the day is cloudy. Montana's high elevation means you have less protection from the sun's powerful ultraviolet rays. This can be aggravated when skiing or snowboarding, when the rays are reflected off the snow and hit the lower jaw. Don't forget to wear protective goggles or sunglasses with UV protection.
- Learn the 10 essentials when hiking, as cell phones will not always work in many rural areas and may not be related to an emergency situation. The 10 elements are: navigation, hydration and nutrition, pocket knife, sunscreen, insulation, fire, portable torches and / or lanterns, first aid, shelter and whistle.
Crime
Finally, with so many people visiting the area every year, petty crime is something to be vigilant against. Lock your car doors and exercise reasonable precautions with valuables, especially when you leave your vehicle at the start of the trail or wherever you may be away from your vehicle for any length of time.
Around
The Yellowstone National Park it is located to the south.
