Wyoming · Hiking

Fire is a Fundamental Force

Fire is a Fundamental ForcePhoto: bgwashburn — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Fire is a Fundamental Force open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't name Fire is a Fundamental Force, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: NPS · Yellowstone National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

"Fire is a Fundamental Force" is a thematic hike in Yellowstone National Park, managed by the National Park Service in Wyoming. It is a short stop rather than a route with a set distance or climb, and it sits among several other short trails, including Trembling Aspens, Wolf Tracks and What's Blooming, all within about a tenth of a mile. The hike is a way to learn about fire's role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Fires are a natural part of the ecosystem, and many plants have adapted to or even depend on them. Fire promotes habitat diversity by clearing the forest overstory and allowing different plant communities to take root. It also speeds the release of nutrients from wood and forest litter and hastens the weathering of soil minerals. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mammoth show July highs around 81°F with lows near 48°F, and snow is common from November through April. That station sits about 730 feet lower than this spot, so temperatures here run cooler. A fee is charged for the visit.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Fire is a Fundamental Force

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 12°

      11 wet · 9 snow

    2. Feb

      34° / 12°

      11 wet · 9 snow

    3. Mar

      42° / 19°

      11 wet · 7 snow

    4. Apr

      50° / 26°

      11 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      60° / 35°

      13 wet · 2 snow

    6. Jun

      69° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 48°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 47°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      69° / 39°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    10. Oct

      54° / 29°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      39° / 19°

      10 wet · 7 snow

    12. Dec

      30° / 12°

      12 wet · 10 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yellowstone Park Mammoth, WY, 6.5 mi away at 6,195 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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