At the turn of the 20th century, administrators, concessioners, and tourists relied on horses for transportation. Fears of allowing fast and noisy automobiles on the same roads led park administrators to prohibit cars in Yellowstone. However, mounting public pressure during the early 1900s culminated in the opening of the park to automobile traffic in the summer of 1915. Early driving in the park proved chaotic. Yellowstone’s dirt roads were functional enough for slow moving wagons, but wreaked havoc on early cars. In 1919, stores began offering gasoline and car repair services at Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Lake, and the Upper Geyser Basin, making car travel more convenient and accessible. A year later, more than half of the 80,000 visitors traveled into the park by private automobile. Cars had revolutionized the Yellowstone visiting experience.
Visitor numbers plummeted during the Great Depression, as fewer people were able afford the transportation, lodging, and entrance fees that came with a trip to Yellowstone. Visitors who were able to make the trip often opted for short trips and camping to save money. In 1941, the U.S. officially entered World War II, and visitation dropped even further, with supply rationing making tourism difficult. With the war effort drawing young men into the military and women into the workforce, fewer people had time for recreation. Tourism in Yellowstone boomed following World War II, as families were reunited and able to spend more time together. Traveling in private automobiles continued to be the most popular way to visit the park. Families visited places of interest, using maps to set their own pace and itinerary.
With rising visitation through the 1950s and 60s, inappropriate interactions with wildlife increased. People frequently stopped to feed potentially dangerous black bears on the roadway. “Food-conditioned” bears became comfortable approaching cars in anticipation of a treat, resulting in bear-related traffic jams, injuries, and property damage. Feeding bears increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior to obtain human food, which may result in euthanasia to prevent attacks on humans. In 1970, the NPS banned feeding wildlife. The National Park Service’s mission today is to leave wildlife wild, intervening as little as possible within the park. However, animals sometimes take advantage of roads as an easy, clear path to travel the park just as humans do. “Animal jams” continue to be part of the park experience. In the summer, some park rangers manage these jams to ensure people and animals remain safe.
Visitor numbers plummeted during the Great Depression, as fewer people were able afford the transportation, lodging, and entrance fees that came with a trip to Yellowstone. Visitors who were able to make the trip often opted for short trips and camping to save money. In 1941, the U.S. officially entered World War II, and visitation dropped even further, with supply rationing making tourism difficult. With the war effort drawing young men into the military and women into the workforce, fewer people had time for recreation. Tourism in Yellowstone boomed following World War II, as families were reunited and able to spend more time together. Traveling in private automobiles continued to be the most popular way to visit the park. Families visited places of interest, using maps to set their own pace and itinerary.
With rising visitation through the 1950s and 60s, inappropriate interactions with wildlife increased. People frequently stopped to feed potentially dangerous black bears on the roadway. “Food-conditioned” bears became comfortable approaching cars in anticipation of a treat, resulting in bear-related traffic jams, injuries, and property damage. Feeding bears increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior to obtain human food, which may result in euthanasia to prevent attacks on humans. In 1970, the NPS banned feeding wildlife. The National Park Service’s mission today is to leave wildlife wild, intervening as little as possible within the park. However, animals sometimes take advantage of roads as an easy, clear path to travel the park just as humans do. “Animal jams” continue to be part of the park experience. In the summer, some park rangers manage these jams to ensure people and animals remain safe.
-
First automobile to enter YellowstoneYellowstone National Park, YELL 41272
-
Stagecoach and Tour Bus Traffic JamYellowstone National Park, YELL 40337
-
Modern Dog Comfort in Yellowstone NPYellowstone National Park, YELL 127495
-
Yellowstone Canyon and Great Fall, WYLibrary of Congress, LC-USZ62-126295
-
Marion Dyer Travel Diary ExcerptYellowstone National Park, YELL 134154
-
National Parks Highway PamphletYellowstone National Park, YELL 16677
-
Women near Sheepeater CliffsYellowstone National Park, YELL 129338
-
License to Operate Motor VehicleYellowstone National Park, YELL 68354
-
Your Pleasure Map of Yellowstone NPYellowstone National Park, YELL 18670
-
Snow Coach passing bison on south rimNational Park Service photograph
-
Mother bear & her cubs hold up trafficYellowstone National Park, YELL 199328
-
Hold-Up Bear at Yellowstone NP PostcardYellowstone National Park, YELL 142438
Last updated: June 10, 2024