YELLOWSTONE Guidebook 1940

SEASON JUNE 20 TO SEPTEMBER 12 I>Motorists: MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 15				Yellowstone NATIONAL PARK WYOMING
				GARDINER ENTRANCE TO YELLOWSTONE

THE Yellowstone National Park was created by act of Congress on March 1, 1872. It was originally rectangular in shape, 62 miles long and 54 miles wide, but an act of March 1, 1929, revised its boundaries on the east and north sides, giving it an irregular shape and adding to its acreage. An additional 6,124 acres added by Presidential proclamation on October 20, 1932, brought the area of the park to about 3,472 square miles, or approximately 2,222,000 acres.

Largest and oldest of our national parks, Yellowstone lies in the extreme northwestern corner of Wyoming, and includes in its boundaries a small portion of Idaho and Montana. The central portion is essentially a broad, elevated volcanic plateau with an average elevation of about 8,000 feet. Surrounding it on the south, east, north, and northwest are mountain ranges with peaks that rise from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the tableland.

Practically the entire region is volcanic, and the hot springs and "paint pots" present an amazing variety of colorful formations. Both the surrounding mountains and the interior plain are composed largely of material once ejected as ash and lava from depths far below the surface. Positive evidence of Yellowstone's volcanic origin is apparent in the black glass of Obsidian Cliff, the whorled and contorted breccias along the road near the top of Mount Washburn, and the brilliantly colored decomposed lava walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

THE GEYSERS

Yellowstone's geysers are celebrated the world over; for size, power, variety of action, and number the region has no competitor. Altogether, there are about 3,000 geysers and hot springs. Most of the geysers are located in 6 principal basins—the Norris, Lower, Midway, Upper, Heart Lake, and Shoshone—all lying in the west and south-central portions of the park. They exhibit a great variety of character and action. Some, like Old Faithful, Daisy, and Riverside, spout at regular intervals; others are irregular. While some burst upward with immense power, others shoot streams at angles or bubble and foam in action.

Geysers occur only where the high temperatures of the depths of the earth closely approach the surface. Much of the heat and an appreciable amount of gas and steam are added from considerable depths. Water trickling from the surface through cracks in the rocks, or water from subterranean seeps collecting in the geyser's plumbing down in the region of intense heat, becomes itself heated and forms steam which expands and forces up the cooler water that lies above it. It is then that the water at the surface begins to bubble and give off clouds of vapor, indicating that the geyser is about to play.

The tube, or plumbing, of the geyser must be crooked or constricted sufficiently to prevent easy circulation of the water. With continued heat being applied from below, the water in the bottom, of the geyser's tube expands so that the less-heated column above can no longer weigh it down; water bubbles over and relieves the pressure of the superheated water below, which suddenly flashes into steam, pushing the entire mass upward in an eruption. Then the water and the vapor rise many feet into the air and continue to play until practically all of the geyser is cleared. The water cooled and falling back to the ground, runs off or, with other water, seeps into the ground to gather as before in the geyser's depth, in a greater or less time becomes heated to the explosion point, and the geyser erupts again.

Naturally, each geyser has a different plumbing, and it follows that it has a different behavior. In the geyser basins the material making up the walls of the cracks and tubes of the geysers is of silica and strong enough to withstand the explosive action of the steam. A less strong material, such as travertine, will not withstand this explosive action and hence will not produce geysers.

OTHER HOT-WATER PHENOMENA

While the geysers of Yellowstone are largely confined to particular areas, other hot-water manifestations occur throughout the park at more widely separated points. Marvelously colored hot springs, mud volcanoes, and other strange phenomena compel attention.

In certain sections, as at Mammoth, hot water has brought to the surface quantities of white mineral deposits which build high terraces of beautifully incrusted basins, often engulfing trees of considerable size. The hot water flows over the edges of these basins.

Microscopic plants called algae grow on the edges and sides of the basins, decorating them with hues of red, pink, tan, brown, and bluish gray. Other microscopic plants known as diatoms occur singly or in colonies that cling to the sides or to the algae themselves.

A tour of these hot springs and terraces is an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the United States. Well-marked trails enable the visitor to study the formations at close range and in safety. Visitors should keep on the solid trails, as in many places the crust is thin and walking on it is extremely dangerous.

LIBERTY CAP

YELLOWSTONE LAKE

A scenic attraction of the first order, Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in North America at so great an altitude. Lying 7,731 feet above sea level, it covers 139 square miles and has a shore line of about 100 miles. Its maximum depth is 300 feet.

At the outlet of the lake is located the famous Fishing Bridge. Since the lake abounds in native or cutthroat trout, many Waltonians select this spot for fishing. About 1/4 mile east of the bridge, on the lake shore, is a beautiful museum that features the biology and geology of the region. A short distance west of Fishing Bridge, near the Lake Ranger Station, the United States fish hatchery is located.

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE

If there were no geysers or other hot water phenomena in Yellowstone National Park, the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River alone would warrant national-park status. It is the cameo of canyons, with the dominant color, particularly on a sunny day, yellow or a glaring white. Closer inspection, however, reveals a great variety of other colors. In the morning or evening or on a cloudy day, the sharply contrasting hues of the canyon, framed in the green of the surrounding forest, present an incomparable picture.

WATERFALLS

Among the most beautiful spectacles of Yellowstone are its waterfalls, most of which are located in or near the Grand Canyon. Many visitors are amazed to learn that one of these—the Lower Yellowstone Fall—is nearly twice as high as Niagara, or 308 feet. Just above is the Upper Yellowstone Fall, which drops 109 feet with a deafening roar, and a few miles to the north Tower Falls plunges over rugged boulders 132 feet in height. The lovely Crystal Falls near Canyon Junction descends 109 feet in a series of three drops. Among the other falls worthy of a visit are Lewis and Moose Falls in Lewis Canyon near the South Entrance, and Gibbon Falls, east of Madison Junction. All are easily reached by automobile.

NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

FOSSIL FORESTS

The fossil forests, which really are not as impressive as the term "forests" might imply, are spread over extensive areas in the northern part of the park. They are not readily accessible to the visitor, with the exception of one small area on a branch road, about a half mile from the main road between Tower Junction and Mammoth Hot Springs.

FAUNA AND FLORA

Yellowstone is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. An excellent and accessible field for nature study, it remains nearly as nature made it. With all wildlife under the constant protection of the National Park Service, the animals have learned that no harm will come to them. As a result visitors frequently enjoy them in their native habitat. While the motorists may not see many animals from the highway, the quiet watcher on the trails may find deer, bears, elk, and antelopes, and even mountain sheep, coyotes, moose, and bison. One of the lessons the visitor soon learns is that wild animals are fearful and dangerous only when treated as game or as enemies.

Bears are among the most numerous animals in the park. Brown, cinnamon, and black bears—all members of the same species—are common, and even the huge grizzlies are found. While apparently friendly, the bears are wild animals and should be treated as such. It is extremely dangerous and contrary to park regulations to feed, molest, touch, or tease the bears.

In the extreme eastern section of the park is a buffalo range, accessible in summer only to those using the trails. A herd is provided at Antelope Creek near Tower Falls for other visitors.

More than 200 species of birds find sanctuary in the confines of Yellowstone National Park. Eagles may be seen among the crags; wild geese and ducks are found in profusion; and many large white swans and pelicans add to the picturesqueness of Yellowstone Lake.

In Yellowstone, as nearly everywhere in the West, the majority of the trees are evergreens. Its forests include lodgepole, limber, and whitebark pine, alpine and Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper or cedar, aspen, narrowleaf cottonwood, red birch, and alder.

FISHING

Most of the streams and lakes from timber line to the lowest altitudes contain trout of one or more species and a few contain whitefish and grayling. But the more accessible waters are fished so steadily that the trout become "educated" and wary. Back in the depths of the mountain fastnesses, the fish are much less disturbed and can be caught more readily.

ROADS AND TRAILS

The main road system of Yellowstone is roughly in the form of a figure 8. The Grand Loop Highway, as it is called, includes some 145 miles of improved roads. Connecting the Grand Loop with the park entrances are about 100 miles of approach roads, while other subsidiary roads leading to interesting features bring the grand total to approximately 300 miles within the park.

Probably the most scenic section of the "loop" is that northward from the canyon to Tower Falls and on to Mammoth Hot Springs. The crossing of Dunraven Pass or the ascent of Mount Washburn are events which will long be remembered. A few miles above Tower Falls, where the road again approaches the canyon of the Yellowstone River, are scenic spots of rare beauty. The river's gorge at this point, the falls of Tower Creek, and the palisades of basaltic rock far above the foaming Yellowstone are unusually picturesque.

An extensive system of trails is available for those desiring to visit the more remote and wilder sections of the park. Among them is the Howard Eaton Trail, which follows closely the Grand Loop Highway, touching those places of interest visited by vehicle travel, yet sufficiently distant from the road at most other points to avoid contact with travelers on the road. Complete information regarding branch trails may be secured at the various ranger stations throughout the park.

PARK SEASON

The main season, during which the park utilities are operated, is from June 20 to September 12. September 9 is the last day on which the 2-1/2-day tour may be started. Between the time the roads are cleared of snow (usually May 1-June 1) and June 20, and between September 13 and October 15, limited accommodations of an informal character are available for motorists. Campgrounds may be used, and some of the general stores, gasoline stations, and picture shops are kept open. Yellowstone is growing rapidly in popularity as a winter sports area, but accommodations during the winter are found only at points outside the park. Sixty miles of road from the north entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower Junction to the northeast entrance and Cooke are open the year around to motorists and can be reached in winter only by way of the north entrance.

GUIDE MAP OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
(click on image for PDF version)

ADMINISTRATION

Headquarters of Yellowstone National Park are at Mammoth Hot Springs, 5 miles from the northern gateway. Here are the executive offices of the park administration and of the public utilities that operate in the park under Government regulation and supervision.

The officer of the National Park Service in immediate charge is Superintendent Edmund B. Rogers, whose address is Yellowstone Park, Wyo. All comments regarding service in the park should be addressed to him. Offenders charged with violations of the rules and regulations are tried at headquarters by the United States commissioner.

INTERPRETATIVE SERVICE

Ranger naturalists conduct parties at Mammoth, Norris Geyser Basin, Madison Junction, Old Faithful, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and Camp Roosevelt. Nature walks are conducted each day and campfire talks are given each evening at most of these points. There is no charge for these services.

Museums, in which official information bureaus and interesting exhibits are maintained, have been established at Mammoth, Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Madison Junction, and Fishing Bridge.

A field exhibit near Obsidian Cliff explains that great mountain of volcanic glass, and other roadside exhibits, interpreting local features of interest to the visitor, are located near Willow Park, Nymph Lake, Tuff Cliff, and Firehole Canyon.

FISHING BRIDGE

FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS

There are about 15 improved campgrounds supplied with water, sanitary facilities, and cooking grates. Between 25 and 30 smaller sites are scattered throughout the park for persons who wish to get away from the main points of concentration. Wood gathered for fuel should be taken from dead or fallen trees. Visitors are requested to keep the campgrounds clean, to burn combustible rubbish, and to place all other garbage and refuse in available garbage cans.

HOW TO REACH THE PARK

BY AUTOMOBILE.—Yellowstone may be reached from all major points via improved United States highways. Automobile associations, tourist bureaus, chambers of commerce, and leading gasoline stations throughout the country can furnish reliable information and maps. Inquiry should be made enroute concerning road conditions.

BY RAILROAD.—The Northern Pacific Ry. serves the park on the north at Gardiner, Mont., also at Red Lodge, Mont, 73 miles from the northeast entrance. The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific R. R. serves the Gallatin Gateway approach.

The West Entrance of Yellowstone is reached by the Union Pacific R. R., a branch of which also leads to Victor, Idaho, connecting with the Teton Pass Highway south of Grand Teton National Park. The East Entrance is served by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. to Cody, Wyo.

During the park season round-trip excursion tickets at reduced rates are sold at practically all railroad stations and ticket offices in the United States and Canada.

In connection with railway tickets to Gardiner, Bozeman, Red Lodge, Gallatin Gateway, West Yellowstone, and Cody, standard 2-1/2-day tours of Yellowstone are sold at all railroad ticket offices, where full information may be obtained. The basic rate for these tours, including bus transportation and hotel accommodations in the park is $36; with lodge accommodations, $33.50. These rates do not provide for single rooms or room with bath.

The National Park Service, however, recommends to the traveling public that stop-overs of as long duration as practicable be planned at points within the park; that Yellowstone National Park be regarded not alone as a region which may be glimpsed on a hurried trip of a few days but also as a vacation playground of boundless opportunities for rest and recreation.

BY BUS.—The Burlington Transportation Co., a subsidiary of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R., serves Cody, Wyo.; the Union Pacific Stages, Inc., a subsidiary of the Union Pacific R. R., operates to West Yellowstone, Mont.; and the Northland Greyhound Lines serves Livingston and Bozeman, Mont. From Cody, West Yellowstone, and Bozeman bus passengers use the busses of the Yellowstone Park Co. for their park trip, while from Livingston the trip can be made by train or bus to Gardiner, Mont., the north entrance, at which point the busses of the Yellowstone Park Co. are available. For further information regarding bus trips to and through the park, address the Yellowstone Park Co., Yellowstone Park, Wyo.

BY AIRPLANE.—Joint service of the United Air Lines and the Western Air Express to the West Yellowstone Airport makes the park only a few hours distant from all parts of the United States. Northwest Air Lines planes connect at Butte, Mont., with Western Air Express planes to West Yellowstone, while Northwest service to Billings, Mont., connects with the Cheyenne-Billings route of Wyoming Air Service.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND EXPENSES

HOTELS.—The Mammoth Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Inn, and Canyon Hotel, operated by the Yellowstone Park Co., will be open during the 1940 season from June 20 to September 12. These are first class hotels with the charm of a wilderness setting, and the prices are comparable with those prevailing in metropolitan hotels of the same type. Rates range from $2.75 per day, without meals, for 1 person in a room without bath, to $9 per day for 1 person in a room with bath, meals included. Single meals are: breakfast, $1.25; lunch and dinner, $1.50 each.

In connection with the Mammoth Springs Hotel, there are comfortable cabins, some of which have hot and cold running water. Others are also equipped with shower and toilet. The rates for these cabins range from $1.75, single, for cabin with running cold water, to $3.50, single, for cabin with shower and toilet.

LODGES.—Lodges are maintained at Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Canyon, and Camp Roosevelt by the Yellowstone Park Co.; $1.50 a day each for 2 or more in a cabin, with children up to 8 years old, half rates.

CABINS AND CAFETERIAS.—Cabins are available at rates ranging from $1 a night for 1 person to $2.25 for 4 persons. They are equipped with the necessary furniture but do not include bedding, linens, or cooking utensils. These items may be rented at reasonable prices if one does not have all his camping equipment. The rate for a fully equipped cabin is $1.75 a night for 1 person; 2 or more in a cabin, $1.50 each. There are cafeterias at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Fishing Bridge, West Thumb, and Canyon automobile camps; cabin accommodations and meals at Camp Roosevelt.

It is advisable to request reservations in advance for hotel, lodge, and cabin accommodations by writing to the Yellowstone Park Co., Yellowstone Park, Wyo.

BOATS.—Speedboats, launches, row-boats, and fishing tackle may be rented from the Yellowstone Park Co. Launches, including the use of fishing tackle, cost $3.50 an hour. Half-hour speedboat trips on Yellowstone Lake are made for $1 a person. A rod, reel, and landing net may be rented for 50 cents a day. A boat trip, including fishing and fish fry at Stevenson Island, is a popular feature.

SADDLE HORSES AND GUIDES.—There is no better way to see the park than on horseback over some of the 900-odd miles of trails. An unlimited number of specially scheduled trips are available. Among them are excursions from Canyon Hotel to Cascade Lake and to the famous Seven-Mile Fishing Hole, down in the canyon of the Yellowstone River, and from Old Faithful Inn to Lone Star Geyser. Trips may be made for as low as $2. Horses may be rented at 75 cents an hour; $2.50 for a half day; and $3.50 for a full day of 8 hours. Guide service is available for $1 an hour; $3 a half day; and $5 for a full day.

TRANSPORTATION.—The Yellowstone Park Co. maintains bus and special car service for transportation to and from all park entrances, park tours, side trips, and Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone. Inquire at any concentration point in the park for rates and schedules.

SWIMMING POOLS.—Swimming pools, using natural hot water from the hot springs and geysers, are located at Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful.

This booklet is issued once a year and rates mentioned herein may have changed slightly since issuance, but the latest rates approved by the Secretary of the Interior are on file with the superintendent and park operator.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

POST OFFICE.—Visitors contemplating trips to the park should have their mail addressed care of General Delivery, Yellowstone Park, Wyo., the main post office, located at Mammoth Hot Springs. Those arriving by train and stopping at the hotels or lodges should have their mail sent care of the Yellowstone Park Co., Yellowstone Park, Wyo., with the name of the hotel or lodge at which they expect to call for it.

There are also 6 substations, located at Old Faithful, Thumb, Lake, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and Tower Falls to which daily service is operated from the main post office between June 12 and October 1.

Mail should not be addressed to park entrances, as they are not in the park, but should be sent to the nearest park office at point of entrance. For instance, visitors coming by the west entrance should have their mail addressed care of General Delivery, Old Faithful Postal Station, Yellowstone Park, Wyo.

TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE SERVICE.—Telegrams may be sent from hotels or lodges to any part of the World. Park visitors should use Yellowstone Park, Wyo., as their telegraphic address and should inquire for messages at the telegraph office in the Mammoth Springs Hotel. Lists of undelivered telegrams are posted daily at hotels, lodges, loop ranger stations, stores, and information offices. Telephone service is available to any part of the world to which Bell System lines connect.

MEDICAL SERVICE.—A well-equipped hospital, with physicians, surgeon, and trained nurses, is located at Mammoth Hot Springs. Trained nurses are also stationed in each hotel and lodge, and physicians on the hospital staff attend patients at any place in the park upon call. In case of accident or illness requiring the attention of a physician or nurse, this medical service may be summoned by telephone from hotels, lodges, or ranger stations.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICE.—Haynes (Inc.), address, Yellowstone Park, Wyo., in summer, and 341 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, Minn., at any season, maintains picture shops at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, Canyon and Tower Falls, and stands in various hotels and lodges for sale of photographs in all sizes and styles, as well as handpainted enlargements, lantern slides, motion pictures, souvenir post cards, photographic supplies, and guide books. Laboratories in the park are maintained for developing, printing, and enlarging photographs.

GENERAL STORES AND NEWSSTANDS.—General stores are located at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, West Thumb, Lake, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, Tower Falls, and Camp Roosevelt.

In all of the general stores, in addition to complete lines of groceries, clothing, and campers' supplies, are carried curios, souvenirs, tobacco, smokers' supplies, etc. Stores are open before and after the park season to serve motorists, weather permitting.

In all the hotels and lodges there are newsstands at which curios, souvenirs, newspapers, magazines, tobacco, smokers' supplies, etc., are also available.

AUTOMOBILE SUPPLIES.—The Yellowstone Park Co. and the general stores throughout the park are authorized to sell gasoline and oil, and the company and filling stations carry a stock of automobile accessories, tires, etc. The company also maintains garages and repair shops at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Fishing Bridge Auto Camp, Canyon, and Tower Falls.

FUEL.—Woodyards are operated on the cash-and-carry basis by the Yellowstone Park Co. in all large automobile campgrounds, at which bundles of sawed and split wood of convenient size are obtainable at prices approved by the Department of the Interior.

OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER IN ERUPTION

THE GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

A few miles south of Yellowstone lies the Grand Teton National Park embracing the most scenic portion of the Teton Range of Wyoming. The superlative mountain scenery of the Grand Teton region is entirely different from the unusual features of Yellowstone National Park, and visitors should include that area in their trip to Yellowstone.

PUBLICATIONS

Publications dealing with Yellowstone National Park's history, animal life, trees, flowers, birds, fish, geology, fossil forests, geysers, rangers, etc., as well as maps, are on sale at the Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Fishing Bridge Museums and at the various Haynes picture shops. Mail orders can be filled by writing to Haynes, Inc., Yellowstone Park, Wyo., or the Yellowstone Library and Museum Association, Yellowstone Park, Wyo.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
[Briefed]

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY of rules and regulations is intended as a guide for all park visitors. Complete regulations may be seen at the superintendent's office and ranger stations.

PRESERVATION OF NATURAL FEATURES AND CURIOSITIES.—It is forbidden to injure or write upon the formations, throw objects into the springs or steam vents, or to disturb or carry off any of the mineral deposits, specimens, natural curiosities, etc., within the park. Destruction, injury, or disturbance of the trees, flowers, birds, or animals is prohibited.

CAMPS.—Developed camping sites are available in all sections. Wood for fuel should be taken from dead or fallen trees. Camping limited to 30 days in any one area.

FIRES.—The park's greatest peril. Kindle them only in designated campgrounds and never near or on the roots of trees, dead wood, moss, dry leaves, forest mold, or other vegetable refuse. Campfires should not be left unattended. Before leaving they should be extinguished with water to the last spark. Don't take chances—make sure your fire is out. All fires away from designated camps are prohibited, except up on written permission from a park ranger.

BEARS.—It is unlawful and extremely dangerous to feed, molest, tease, or touch bears. If you photograph or approach them closely, you do so at your own risk and peril. To avoid damage from bears, food should never be left in automobiles or tents unattended.

DOGS AND CATS.—Dogs and cats are permitted to be taken through the park but they must be kept crated or on leash at all times within the park boundaries.

HUNTING.—Hunting within the park boundaries is prohibited. Firearms and trapping devices of all kinds must be declared and sealed at the park entrance.

FISHING.—The limit of catch per day by each person fishing and the limit of fish in possession at any one time by any one person shall be 15 pounds of fish (dressed weight with heads and tails intact), plus one fish, not to exceed a total of 10 fish, except in certain waters which are further limited and posted. Use or possession of salmon eggs, or other fish eggs, either fresh or preserved, or live minnows, chubs or other bait fish, the digging of worms, and the canning or curing of fish are prohibited.

SADDLE HORSE, PACK TRAINS, ETC.—Saddle horse, pack trains, and horse-drawn vehicles have right-of-way over motor-propelled vehicles at all times. All vehicles must be equipped for night travel.

LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES.—Lost and found articles should be reported to the nearest ranger station.

PARK RANGERS.—Ranger stations are located at all main points of interest, and rangers are stationed throughout the entire park to serve you.

AUTOMOBILES.—Cars must be equipped with good brakes, horns, and lights. Careful driving is required at all times. Obey traffic rules and regulations. Speed limit signs are posted. Secure automobile permit; fee $3. House trailer and motorcycle fee, $1.

ACCIDENTS.—All accidents should be reported as soon as possible to the nearest ranger station.

The Government assumes no responsibility for accidents occurring in the park.

DON'T HURRY THROUGH THE
PARK—ENJOY IT LEISURELY.