I had visited Yellowstone National Park as a kid and always looked forward to returning. I was especially eager to do so in the wintertime to experience the park in a different season and with some reprieve from the huge thwarts of tourists. I happened upon an opportunity to visit Montana again as part of a Collective Quarterly Photography Showcase and I jumped on the opportunity to return to this region and explore it in it’s wintery state.

EXPERIENCE

I arrived into Bozeman late and got an early start the next morning to Yellowstone. One arriving to the North Entrance (the only one that was open this time of the year) I entered the park and drove to the North road to the Lamar Basin where I was able to see bison, antelope, deer, elk and several birds. I was also able to visit Mammoth Hot Springs which were quiet and covered with a dusting of snow. This was a great place for a lonesome hike. Seeing steam and snow move in unison was really special and the highlight of my day exploring the park. I also spotted a big horned sheep which made up for having no grizzly sightings.

Because so much of the park was closed as I hit the park between the winter and spring seasons, I look forward to coming back soon and revisiting some of the park’s more famous locations such as The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful Geyser.

Next trip I’d also like to carve out more time to explore Livingston and Bozeman more thoroughly while in the area.

STAY

The first night in Bozeman I had a quick stay at the Ramada Inn. All the hotels in town are equally dismal seeming, if traveling with kids, the waterslide seemed to be a hit at this one. I was also rather impressed with the elaborate spread out for the included continental breakfast. While this place will not impress, it does the trick and serves as a suitable accommodation before or after a flight.

For the remainder of the trip I stayed at Chico Hot Springs Hotel and Spa in Pray, Montana about an hour outside of Yellowstone. This place is more like a resort, with a saloon, several restaurants, a coffee house, horseback riding, dog sledding and hiking trails all on site. The photography workshop I was in Montana to attend was hosted here and it worked out perfectly as an all-inclusive resort week. The hot springs are very pool-like and there is a nice mix of local people and tourists there to enjoy it.

EAT

I had a great breakfast at Jam! In Bozeman. They have an awesome selection of healthy minded and indulgent items that are worth checking out. After a day of hiking in Yellowstone, I grabbed a pizza in the nearby town but otherwise stuck to my meals that were included at Chico Hot Springs. The food here was pretty great, particularly the breakfast buffet which really something for everyone.