Active Ideas for the Adventure Traveler
Wildlife watching ~
Moose, wolves, rainbow trout, big horn sheep, trumpeter swans. These
are just a sampling of the wildlife living in the West Yellowstone region.
Visitors hiking during the fall may hear the clarion bugle of an elk
as he claims his territory. In the spring, the long narrow shapes in
the sky announce the return of the sandhill cranes from their winter
habitats. Cross-country skiers may come across animal tracks such as
moose, snowshoe rabbit, or even mountain lion. The West Yellowstone
region is one of the most dynamic places on earth to discover beautiful
creatures.
Mountain biking ~
Biking throughout the Targhee and Gallatin National Forests is a great
way to discover the Yellowstone region. Riders can cover spectacular
country without noisy interruption to their surroundings. Leaving from
West Yellowstone, 18 miles of the Rendezvous Trail System lead riders
through a variety of terrain and difficulties. Certain loops are better
for the beginning rider, and others are challenging for the experienced
bike hound. If there’s still energy left, the Hebgen Lake Ranger
District can provide additional information about more great places
to ride in the Gallatin National Forest. Contact them at 406-823-6961.
Pan for gold ~
The once-bustling towns of Virginia City and Nevada City are a pleasant
drive northwest from West Yellowstone. These two ghost towns were once
populated by miners with yellow gleams in their eyes, discovering some
of the richest veins of gold beyond California. These authentic mining
camps from the 1860s gold rush era are in the restoration process and
offer ongoing historical tours. Visitors can try their luck at panning
for gold, ride the steam locomotive, or take in a melodrama by the Virginia
City Players. Definitely worth a visit!
Ski where the best ski ~
The Master’s Cross Country Ski Association, the U.S. Biathlon
Association, the U.S. Ski Team and European ski teams all agree: West
Yellowstone is ideal for cross-country skiing. Whether you’re
training for a competition or simply out to enjoy the solitude and pine-scented
winter air, the trails at West Yellowstone offer a recreational retreat
for all levels and ages. For the moderate skier or beginner, the S-Curve
Loop is a good start. For ambitious skiers, Windy Ridge will challenge
their endurance and mapping skills.
Legendary fishing ~
The legendary rivers of the Madison, Gallatin, Firehole, Yellowstone,
Henry’s Fork -- crown jewels of blue ribbon trout fishing. All
within easy driving distance from West Yellowstone, these rivers are
perfect to match the hatch for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout.
The portion of Henry’s Fork running through Harriman State Park
(a 15,000 acre conservation estate in Idaho) is fly-fishing only. You
can get to this stretch of top-rated fishing by driving southwest from
West Yellowstone on U.S. Highway 20. Bud Lilly, Pat Barnes and Bob Jacklin
have all fished here!
.
