Have America’s wilderness parks become Disneyesque? We have a great National Park Service, and National Wildlife Refuge System in this country. 
Americans by the millions visit our natural landscape treasurers annually, and enjoy what they have to offer. But, on a first and recent visit to Yellowstone, I came away not only awed by its magnificence, but also slightly troubled by the way this national treasure was presented. It is the largest and oldest national park in America. It has a long a storied history that dates back to when Lewis and Clark first passed through. But, in some respects it has become the E ride in our natural landscape. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, there are four entry points into the park. Once you pay your admission, (of which personally I think needs to be raised, but that’s for another entry), you travel along a well-kept roadway into and around the park. For those of you who like to view spectacle from a seating position, this is perfect for your first experience into Yellowstone. You never have to get out of the car to see the beauty of the place, nor do you have to get out to see the wildlife. It’s perfect and safe for that manner of visitation. You can keep that 7 Eleven Big Gulp handy to wash down those harrowing encounters with nature. It’s a totally antiseptic and safe visitation experience. Even if you stop the car to take a picture of Bambi, the U.S. National Park Service is quick to show up to protect you from the wildlife. No taking your life into your own hands if you decide to interact with the wildlife. Can’t have you dying after petting the Bison -of which a few do annually, for thinking that the big cute Bison wants you to pet them. Once in the park you’ll head for the usual tourists traps, Old Faithful, and the ice cream emporium at Yellowstone lodge. You rarely see people off the beaten path from the tourist highlights found in Yellowstone. The fact that you can easily transverse the park within the comforts of your car really takes away from the true Yellowstone experience. I’m sure Teddy Roosevelt is rolling in his grave because of all of the car traffic, and tourist souvenirs available at all of the parks’ kitschy General Stores. To really experience America’s greatest treasure you need to get out of the car and hike a few miles into the wilderness. And when you do, it will take your breath away, literally, it’s anywhere from 6200 feet to 11,000 feet up through out the park. Kidding aside, it is a spectacular place when you physically get out of your car and interact with it. Try it sometime. The reward lasts a lifetime. Just make sure to bring the bear deterrent spray, for that moment when you run into Yogi’s cousin.
Photo: Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Photo By : John Vlahakis
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