Given the both the popularity and storied histories of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, it comes as no surprise that there are a wealth of books, maps and guides to choose from. The following will lead you straight to some of the best.
History Lessons
Besides the actual time spent hiking, touring, talking and fishing in and around the parks, the best part of researching my travel guide was dipping into the great assortment of books on the history – both natural and human – of the region. Here are a few of my favorites.
The Yellowstone Story : A History of Our First National Park, by Aubrey L. Haines
The definitive Yellowstone history, Haines’ incredibly detailed chronicle is broken into two large volumes. A must read for the Yellowstone completist, though perhaps too in-depth for many casual readers.
Journal of a Trapper: In the Rocky Mountains Between 1834 and 1843, by Osborne Russell
An unheralded Rocky Mountain classic chronicling the final years of the Mountain Man lifestyle. Russell spent years trapping beaver and hunting in the Yellowstone region, and his prosaic day-to-day travel accounts are enlivened by tales of hardship, run-ins with natives, and the author’s own inspired reflections on the landscape around him.
Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park, by Lee Whittlesey
A potent reminder that wilderness demands attention and respect, or else. Best for the learning about the more startling deaths in Yellowstone, including poisonous fumes and boiling hot springs.
The Discovery of Yellowstone Park; Journal of the Washburn Expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole Rivers in the Year 1870, by Nathaniel Pitt Langford
A very readable journal chronicling the 1870 Washburn Expedition, by the man who later became the first superintendent of Yellowstone. The entries detailing the 40-days spent exploring the region capture the expedition’s awe and disbelief upon crossing paths with the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Lake, and Old Faithful.
Rising from the Plains, by John McPhee
Those who can’t tell their Pleistocene Age from their Miocene Age will still enjoy this landmark work. Following renowned Rocky mountain geologist and former Jackson resident David Love (1913–2002) across Wyoming, McPhee weaves their discussions on the region’s incredible array of geology together with the fascinating history of Love’s frontier family.”
A lucid look at the weird and wonderful geology of the Greater Yellowstone region. The book also includes wonderful color photos and ends with a handy tour of both parks.
Wildlife and wildflowers
National Audubon Society Regional Guide to the Rocky Mountain States
A great field guide to the Rockies, covering everything from lichens and wildflowers, spiders and beetles, to feral horses and mule deer. There’s also an appendix detailing parks and preserves, constellations, and sections on the topography and geology, ecology, and weather patterns of the region.
Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild, by James C. Halfpenny
A short but first-class overview of wolves in Yellowstone, both for the chapters on subjects ranging from hunting and reproduction to tips on wolf spotting, and for the dozens of eye-catching color photos throughout.
Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds, by Bernd Heinrich
An eye-opening, readable book that’ll have you looking at ravens in a whole new light. From Yellowstone to the Artic to his home in Maine, famed biologist Heinrich gives plenty of insight onto his study of ravens, detailing everything from their relationship with wolves to how they care for their young.
Mark of the Grizzly: True Stories of Recent Bear Attacks and the Hard Lessons Learned, by Scott McMillion
While grizzly attacks are fairly uncommon, this book documents eighteen that took place between 1977 and 1997, several of them in and around Yellowstone. Well written and more intriguing than you might think.
Decade of the Wolf: Returning the Wild to Yellowstone, by Douglas W. Smith
An insider’s account of the successful return of wolves, with focus on the responsibilities of local biologists and volunteers, along with the wolves themselves – including several outstanding “portrait” chapters on specific animals.
Late-night reading
Late-night reading in Yellowstone means 8pm for most tired-out visitors, but each of these books makes for a great tent or cabin companion.
Walking Down the Wild: A Journey Through the Yellowstone Rockies, by Gary Ferguson
Ferguson’s account of summer spent completing a giant 500-mile loop hike from his home in southwestern Montana, south towards Jackson and back. Other worthwhile reads by Feruson include Hawks Rest and The Great Divide.
A River Runs through It, by Norman Maclean
Ok, so while the movie was filmed nearby (the Gallatin River in Big Sky north of Yellowstone), the action within the novel takes place mainly around the Blackfoot River in western Montana far to the north. Still, Maclean’s lyrical masterwork is essential reading for anyone with an interest in fly-fishing or, broader yet, Rocky Mountain literature.
Where Rivers Change Direction, by Mark Spragg
A raw memoir by novelist Mark Spragg, who grew up tending to both horses and dudes on the Crossed Sabers Ranch just east of Yellowstone en route to Cody. One of the finest, most candid looks at the tough life of a cowboy in rural Wyoming.
Last of the Great Scouts, by Helen Cody Wetmore
A loving biography of William Cody, written by his younger sister, in which the heroic Buffalo Bill never loses a race nor misses a shot. Historically suspect it may be, but it’s still a rollicking read of the multi-tasking showman’s life.