At 10 a.m. Monday, a steady stream of cars, pickups and campers started the trek from Yellowstone National Park's east entrance to the park's southern loop.
Yellowstone, the nation's first national park, was also among the first in the National Park System to welcome visitors back following the coronavius shutdown.
For those making the drive, the east entrance is about 40 miles east of Cody, Wyo. Visiting Yellowstone today is pretty much a day trip. Although you can get to Old Faithful and Canyon, the only way out is to turn around and come back, or head south to Jackson Hole.
Yes, even in the midst of a pandemic, the lure of Yellowstone shines thru, bringing people from across the nation and the world to see one of America's greatest treasures.
If you're coming to Yellowstone, be prepared. Only the two Wyoming entrances are open, and no hotels or no restaurants. Face coverings are advised for the park's high visitation areas, and there's a limit to the the number of people allowed in visitor centers.
Public restrooms can be hard to fine, but most are open, complete with hand sanitizers.
It's only half open - but even Yellowstone at 50 percent is well worth the trip.
