I’ve spent the past couple of days in Yellowstone. Despite all the dire predictions, I have to say my experience was excellent. Let me explain what I saw and the reality (not the drama) of how visitors handled social distancing. 

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No, not many people wore masks. But jumping to the conclusion that people weren’t respectful or careful is incorrect. I saw people momentarily covering their faces with scarves or coats during the one or two seconds we passed closer than six feet on the boardwalks. I also saw family groups maintain six feet of distance between them and other family groups. This distancing didn’t show at Old Faithful if you looked at them from the side where zoom lenses compress space. But from behind, it was evident people were taking care of themselves and others.

I did notice, though, that those wearing masks were not as conscious of the six feet of distance. Interesting how people’s perceptions can be so different.

What the park service is doing

This sign greeted me everywhere I went in the park. Recreate responsibly. Stay on the boardwalks. Maintain six feet distance. If you can’t maintain six feet distance, wear a mask. Cover your cough. Don’t touch your face. People were doing this – even in a small wildlife jam. I think this will work. If people want to watch Old Faithful with a crowd, they may want to bring a mask, scarf, or other face covering.

The NPS work done shows how much they are thinking about the details. The east gate was to open at noon. When I arrived there around 11:30, the gate was open, and there was no line. I asked about this and learned Supt. Sholly decided to open a bit early so there wouldn’t be a huge rush and would keep crowding down.

Some of the areas normally popular with tour groups were one way only. While I was a bit disappointed at West Thumb to find access to the center boardwalk was closed, but this happens from time to time anyway. Happy to have some access.

And are these benches farther apart than I remember? It seems that might be the case.

Problems encountered

I only saw one tour group that was not respectful of others, but pretty much everyone steered clear of them. Other than that, the typical beginning-of-the-season problems showed themselves. A few people walked off the boardwalk. Dogs accompanied owners on the boardwalks despite the signage saying dogs are not allowed. That usually happens until the seasonal staff starts roving. The law enforcement officers were even out there occasionally – mainly to get the dogs off the boardwalks.

Who was there

I played “count the license plates” and found people from all over the country. On the boardwalks, while the dominant language heard was English, I did listen to what sounded like Russian, Scandinavian of some sort, and Chinese. I imagine these are people who are working here, visiting here, getting stuck, or living here. But I found it interesting to still find international flavor there.

The people who came for the opening of Yellowstone this year are not the ones that feel uncomfortable. I think this is why there were fewer masks seen than some would expect. But being careful does not mean one must be fearful.

In Conclusion

I was pleased to have access to the park again and more delighted to see people heeding all of the advice the Park Service is giving. I will be heading into Yellowstone as my schedule allows, but for now, I have field notes to type up as journal entries, photos to process, and future blog posts to write.

Be Outside • Take Notes