The winter season at the world’s first national park has begun, and thanks to recent snowstorms, anyone dreaming of a white Christmas should be able to find it at Yellowstone. This time of year can be especially peaceful — at least if you manage to steer clear of the snowmobiles that roar through this national park (and nearby Grand Teton National Park). more

On a hot summer day last week, a group of forest scientists and managers hiked up a cool Idaho mountain ridge to look at trees in trouble. Whitebark pines are hardy, gnarly and long-lived trees at high elevations across the Pacific Crest, western Canada and the Northern Rockies of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. While these trees have long withstood wind, snows and freezing temperatures for millennium, on slopes from 5,000 to over 12,000 feet — today, a combination of conditions puts the species at risk. more

Listen up everyone. We’re about to explore some beautiful but seriously rugged territory. Before we get out of the Virtual OmniBUS here in Idaho, I must stress that you follow today’s guide, John McCarthy, VERY closely. We’re going to hike through the Owyhee Canyonlands. Do not leave John’s sight. When we get back, let’s all take a moment to post comments that convey what we would like to say to Congress about the need to pass the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. more