One of the great things about Billings is that there are things to do year-round. If you’re looking for something to do in Billings MT in winter, there are plenty of outdoor winter adventures to be had as well. Nearby Billings, you can visit Yellowstone and enjoy the park during wintertime. Check out some of the best safety tips for Yellowstone below.
Stay on the Trails
It’s essential to stay on trails for your safety. Much of the resources of the park are spent on maintaining trails and making them safe. Stepping off to nearby crumbling cliffs, deep canyons, and slippery slopes are dangerous, which is why staying on the trails is so essential.
Stay away from the animals
While everyone hopes to see animals in the park, it’s important to remember that these animals are indeed wild. The rule of thumb is to stay at least 100 yards away from black bears, wolves, and grizzly bears and at least 25 yards away from elk and bison. If you see a mom with her babies, stay even further away as they are known to become violent if they perceive you as a threat.
Don’t go hiking after dark
Since the park is an opportunity to surround yourself in nature, this includes not having electric lights to guide your way at night. For your safety, please don’t go out hiking after dark, as it can be easy to become lost.
Drink enough water
Whether you’re only planning on a short trek or an all-day hike, make sure you bring plenty of water. If you’re planning on a long hike, it might be a good idea to bring extra as a precaution. Also, make sure you stay hydrated to avoid exhaustion.
Wearing the right clothes
Even if the day starts hot, don’t let that trick you. It’s best to dress in layers as the weather can turn cold quickly, especially once the sun starts to go down.
Research the wildlife
The wildlife at one park can be very different from another, so it’s always important to do your research for a particular national park. At Yellowstone, for example, you’ll have to worry about bears, wolves, moose, and even bison.