Out of my Comfort Zone: Snowmobiling

Uneasy rider

As we donned our snowmobile gear early this morning, my stomach was tied in knots. A dozen other folks in matching outfits met us in the lobby, and one of them cracked, “This seemed like a good idea in the brochure.” 

Within minutes, after a short driving lesson by our guide Rick, we climbed on our Yamaha “sleds” and lurched out of the hotel parking lot. We started out slow, in strict formation. I sat behind Bob, relieved to be the passenger. And as we drove along snowy roads lined with lodgepole pines, I loosened my grip on my grab bars and unclenched my teeth  (among other things).

Intermittent snow showers and temps in the 20s brought home the reality that winter is not quite over here, and as we came upon Yellowstone Lake, I was amazed to see a vast frozen expanse. This is a big lake (20 by 14 miles) and I’d never seen so much frozen water.

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Lower Falls drops 308 feet, and it was definitely not frozen! Next to the plunging falls, Rick pointed out river otter slides that drop into the river below. What a ride that must be!

Lower Falls, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

By the time we stopped for our sack lunches at Canyon Village, we were full-fledged members of a badass, nature-lovin’ snowmobile gang. We followed our fearless leader Rick through gorgeous snow-filled valleys, lodgepole forests, and geothermal basins. As we rode through Hayden Valley, next to the Yellowstone River, Rick motioned us to stop. There, not far from the road, was a lone fox, nose down, hunting — and completely unconcerned by our presence. Breathtaking.

Fox are making a comeback in Yellowstone, thanks to the wolves.
Wolves prey on coyotes, the foxes main predator.

Aside from the fox and a few bison, we didn’t see much wildlife today. But we covered a lot of territory on our sleds and I loved leaning back and taking in the incredible scenery. It was nearing dark as we arrived at the Mammoth Hotel, and our gang was road-weary but in high spirits after our 100-mile ride. Tomorrow looms large in our minds, as we’re heading to Lamar Valley, where the wolves live.