elberko

I've spent numerous weeks hiking in Acadia NP over the years...I think I will need a different plan in Yellowstone.

It looks like lodging in the park offers neither fridges or ice machines. So keeping a sandwich cool while out and about isn't an option. And stopping for lunch on the trail probably isn't a good idea because of bears.

Wondering how others have dealt with this.

Nelson

We are staying in Yellowstone in a couple of weeks (Roosevelt and Lake). I had assumed that the general stores near the lodging would have ice.

Hopefully someone will confirm.

Also, we are thinking of getting a small block of dry ice to put in our cooler when we leave home.

elberko

I'll be at Lake the first week of Sept.

Nelson

We'll be there last week of August. I'll be sure to leave some ice if the general stores carry it!

elberko

Great, thanks!

WhereAreWe

There are gas stations and general stores in the park. I don't think you'll have a problem finding ice.

If you have a camelback or similar, fill the water reservoir with ice and cold water, then pack the sandwich next to it. That should keep it cold for awhile. Otherwise, insulate the sandwich as best as you can by surrounding it with your extra clothes and keeping it in the middle of your backpack. The closer it is to the exterior the quicker it will warm up to ambient temps.

I don't see a problem stopping to eat while hiking. I wouldn't eat in heavy brush, an area with obvious bear activity or somewhere with poor sightlines. People stop and eat along the trail or backcountry all the time and don't have issues.

John

I have hiked often in Glacier Park, have lunch on the trails, and have had no problem with bears. Be sure to carry out what you carry in. Don't think I'd cook bacon though

elberko

Thanks for the reassurance, WAW.
Since I've never hiked in a bear area, I wasn't sure.

Nelson

How about a large bowl or raspberries drizzled with honey?

StantonHyde

I have hiked and backpacked all over Yellowstone--have actually never seen a bear in the backcountry. Don't bring something particularly smelly--no sardines?? But otherwise, not an issue.

We carry a cooler and get ice at the general store. You just have to carry your food for the day in it and snacks if you are driving around.

If you want to buy more sandwich meats and cheeses to have on hand, then keep the cooler in your room or in the back of the car--just put something over it. The bears are not as problematic as I hear the Yosemite bears are. I have never had my car broken into by a bear in Yellowstone.

Carry bear spray. Even more important--I always carry a sheep bell--e.g. a small cowbell. That alerts the bears that someone is coming. This is more reliable than talking constantly--I would rather not talk while I am hiking (especially if it is uphill).

xcountry

The problem with bells is that you risk being viciously attacked by other hikers. They seem to drive some hikers to distraction.

We will be seeing grizzlies in BC in a couple of weeks. We will have bear spray and will sing Celine Dion songs.

John

Bear spray is a definite MUST have. Know how to USE bear spray!! Attend a Ranger led class on the use of spray. Bells are dinner bells for bears. Talk loud, sing, argue, clap hands in blind areas etc. let em know your coming and you'll be fine.

Patty

Some lodges do have fridges. Our room at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge had a fridge. They also had ice machines.

Patty

Bear spray rentals are available at Canyon if you decide not to buy (you can't take it back on the plane) https://www.bearaware.com/

jayne1973

Never had a a problem finding an ice machines at the lodgings. Can't remember if any of them had fridges.

StantonHyde

Bells are in no way dinner bells for bears. Talking means the same thing--people. And bears don't want to see you any more than you want to see them. Seriously have spent 40 years in Yellowstone and other back country areas with a bell and never had a bear issue. (even worked at Old Faithful for a summer)

Singing Celine Dion songs...well, yes that would drive all living creatures away in droves