Last February, as I had done in February 2018 and 2019, I once again drove from Vancouver to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. As in my previous trips my first night was in Spokane, Washington and the second night in Bozeman, Montana … I planned shorter mileage days to allow for any delays due to winter weather but I had no problems this year.
This year I was registered for the Yellowstone Park Lodges/Yellowstone Forever Winter Wolf Discovery package which included a four night stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel … I also added one night to allow for further explorations on my own. The Winter Wolf Discovery package Program Highlights for 2019 were:
- This package includes most meals, lodging, transportation, and instruction by a Yellowstone Forever naturalist guide
- 3 full days of wildlife watching along Yellowstone’s northern range
- Snowshoeing in wildlife habitat in search of tracks and sign
- Exciting facilitated discussions about Yellowstone’s wild wolf populations to include behavior, biology, ecology, and management issues
- Superior quality scopes and binoculars for wildlife viewing
Everything about the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel … staff/newly renovated rooms/dining options/lounge was great and we did find wolves plus other wildlife. Below is a small selection of the photos I took during my trip. Some photos were taken with a Pentax K-3 digital camera and others with iPhone XsMax. This year’s weather included a lot more snow than last year which provides challenges for taking photos.
I had planned to return to Yellowstone again in February 2021 but unfortunately due to the covid pandemic I have had to cancel that trip. But I now do hope to return in February 2022 …. Winter in Yellowstone is a magical peaceful time … I highly recommend you plan a visit if you can.
Rick Horne 
I have such fond memories of Yellowstone from when we visited about five years ago. It looks beautiful covered in a blanket of snow. And seems like you had some amazing wildlife encounters! That’s too bad that you won’t be able to go this February.
Going in the Winter is such a different experience then going in other seasons. Much quieter, most roads closed to car traffic and wildlife easier to spot.
Nice post, Rick!
My wife and I intend to visit Yellowstone someday soon. Coronavirus is jamming our plans! Thanks for the pics! Looks as-advertised to be an epic exploration trip.
I highly recommend a trip to Yellowstone … either in Spring/Summer/Fall or the Winter … a completely different experience in the Winter.