Today is #NPSBirthday! The driver of the motorcycle, Horace Albright, was Yellowstone’s first NPS Superintendent. The passenger, and Albright’s boss, Stephen Mather, was the first Director of the National Park Service. They took over 35 park units in 1916. Now there are 431!

(Heads Up!) WARNING: Stay away from bull elk in Yellowstone, especially during fall mating season. You are responsible for your own safety! More info: go.nps.gov/240827

(News Release) Tourism to Yellowstone National Park contributes $828 million to local economy; Report shows visitor spending supports 8,560 jobs in nearby communities. Learn more: nps.gov/yell/learn/new…

(News Release Update) Madison, Gibbon rivers in Yellowstone National Park now open to fishing. Firehole River opens with partial restrictions. View a map and learn more about the closures: ow.ly/1waU50T9eTM

As August turns to September, it’s not only the elk that are entering their rut. So are pronghorn antelope. Their rut is one of the best times of year to witness the incredible speed of North America’s fastest animal, as one male chases off another. Don’t blink—you might miss it!

Update: The West Entrance Road is open for alternating one-lane vehicle traffic. Both lanes of the road will reopen by the end of the day.

In Yellowstone September is the beginning of the season of golden, autumn, light. Even the sagebrush gets in on the act with its oft-overlooked (unless you have allergies🤧) pale yellow-gold flowers that bloom this time of year. Enjoy it now just like this white crowned sparrow.

Recently, the timing of natural events, like leaves changing color, has reversed. In spring, things begin at lower elevations and work their way upward. The opposite happens in the fall. Right now, head upwards if you’re a fan of fall. Stick to the valleys if you savor summer!