Winter Wonderland in Yellowstone: Lakes, Mountains, and Snow

We flew from San Francisco to Salt Lake City and then drove to the small town near Yellowstone. The streets were lined with cozy shops glowing with orange lights, reflecting the snow under the street lamps, making it feel like stepping into a Danish fairy tale! Our five-day, four-night itinerary was packed and fulfilling: 1️⃣ On the first day, we woke up early to join a bus animal tour. Honestly, the experience was mediocre as we stayed on the bus the whole time, only stopping briefly when animals were spotted. Those with poor eyesight, like us, barely caught a glimpse before the animals disappeared. 2️⃣ The second day was the highlight with snowmobiling, unanimously considered the best part of the trip! Our guide was super cool, leading us at high speeds and allowing plenty of time to enjoy the snowy scenery. Winter in Yellowstone is breathtaking, with snow covering rugged ridges, icy treetops, and rushing rivers, creating an indescribable awe. The minus 20-degree wind biting our faces was chilling yet exhilarating! Before setting off, the guide lent me his face mask to prevent frostbite, but unfortunately, I forgot to tip him in the rush at the end. 3️⃣ The third day involved another animal-watching activity, but this time it was a private tour with just us and an elderly couple. This tour was far superior to the first day. The driver and guide were extremely knowledgeable about animals, sharing insights into their habits and Yellowstone's ecosystem. The equipment for viewing animals was top-notch, allowing us to see distant creatures clearly, a blessing for those with poor eyesight. In the afternoon, we took a horse-drawn carriage to see herds of deer, with staff providing explanations, though we couldn't get off to avoid scaring them. 4️⃣ On the last day, we visited the much-anticipated Yellowstone hot springs. The various springs steaming in the snow created a fairyland-like atmosphere. It's said that the colors of the springs are even more vibrant in summer. Regarding accommodation, we stayed in a cozy cabin in West Yellowstone, conveniently located for dining and shopping, and even had a thrilling experience. Winter travel in Yellowstone requires early starts, with most activities beginning at 6 AM since it gets dark around 5 PM. Before leaving, we browsed the souvenir shops in town, which were delightful, featuring Western retro-style animal leather goods, furniture, clothing, and bags, all with a great texture. I fell in love with a rattlesnake cowboy hat but worried about customs confiscating it, so I left it behind, still longing for it. I definitely plan to return! I absolutely love winter in Yellowstone! #Yellowstone #YellowstoneTravelGuide #USATravel #WinterInYellowstone #Travel #InternationalTravel #WinterTravelPlans #YellowstoneNationalPark #Yellowstone #StudentTravel