The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is an incredible place to live, work, play, and explore. Our staff, dispersed across the region, know this firsthand and are excited to share some of their favorite things in this new blog series, GYC Staff Picks. Each month, we’ll be sharing Greater Yellowstone favorites from all of our staff—favorite trails, books, gear, artists, places, and much more—that help GYC staff members make the most of this remarkable place.

This month, we offer recommendations of how to enjoy the last few weeks of winter weather while simultaneously looking forward to warmer months. So, we hope you are inspired to dive into a geology lesson, plan your visit to a larger-than-life art center, dream up summer hiking and foraging adventures, or venture into Yellowstone during one of the park’s most magical seasons.  

Book: Geology Underfoot in Yellowstone Country, Marc S. Hendrix

Travelers to this remarkable region are captivated by its picturesque landscapes and diverse assemblage of wildlife. As visitors, I think we tend to consider the natural world within our own temporal frame of reference – we readily notice how fires, floods, and seasonal weather changes work to effect change to the ecosystem. But Greater Yellowstone is also a product of slow-acting tectonic and climatic forces, where the scenery itself tells a story – laid out on the land – of this remarkable place.  

For those interested in learning more, I would recommend Geology Underfoot in Yellowstone Country by Marc Hendrix. It is an accessible, thorough, and well-illustrated introduction to the geologic history of Greater Yellowstone. It’s likely to change your perspective, and you’ll find yourself pulling over to inspect rocks and roadcuts in no time.  

—Kurt Imhoff, Senior Climate Conservation Associate | Lander, Wyoming

Place: Tippit Rise Art Center

Tippit Rise Art Center in Fishtail, Montana is an incredible place to appreciate art. It is on a 12,500-acre property full of hiking and biking trails leading to various sculptures and installations with the Beartooth Mountains in the distance. Classical music recitals are held throughout the summer here as well, which is the icing on the cake.

Not to mention, meadowlarks and other grassland songbirds are typically singing as you wander.  

—Blakeley Adkins, Volgenau Foundation Wildlife Conservation Associate | Livingston, Montana

Trail: Cross-Country Ski Trails in Yellowstone

I’ve found my new favorite way to explore Yellowstone – by skis! From almost any entrance of the park, you can strap on cross-country skis and take in the park and iconic features like Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Yellowstone River at a slower pace! Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife. The trails offer great opportunities for skiers, snowshoers, and hikers of all abilities, so get out there and experience Yellowstone in a whole new light. I really enjoy skiing the Tower Falls Trail – it offers incredible views of the Yellowstone River and Tower Falls. 

—London Bernier, Communications Associate | Bozeman, Montana

Recipe: Oats and Huckleberries 

One of my favorite late summer activities is to wander around in the woods and look for huckleberries. I have a couple pairs of pants that are stained purple on the rear end from afternoons of sitting in a patch of berry shrubs munching away, laughing with friends, and collecting some delicious treats for later.

Saving huckleberries once you have found them definitely requires some restraint, but it is certainly worth it when you realize, “Hey I could add some huckleberries, honey, and cinnamon to my oatmeal!” Now that is a simple, but stellar, and usually hard-earned breakfast. If searching for huckleberries is not your cup of tea, grouse whortleberries are another great oatmeal add in and can be found along many public land trails in western Montana.  

—Brooke Shifrin, Wildlife Conservation Coordinator | Bozeman, Montana

Hike: Darby Canyon Wind Cave  

A few summers ago, my family and I traveled to the Tetons to meet up with some cousins from Texas. My favorite hike of the trip was through Darby Canyon and up into Wind Cave. The hike is located near Alta, Wyoming and is roughly a six-mile roundtrip hike. It is an impressive cave and a great place to explore on a hot summer day. The hike in is lovely, as it passes through lush meadows, interesting rock outcrops, and crosses numerous streams.

Once you arrive, you have several options – you can explore the waterfall area, hike up to the mouth of the cave, or if you are feeling extra adventurous you can hike quite a way into the cave. True to its name, there is indeed a chilly wind blowing through the cave. It’s best to wear long pants, a jacket, and bring a headlamp for any cave exploration. 

—Sierra Harris, Climate Change Coordinator | Bozeman, Montana