Yellowstone had been on my calendar long before Levon was born.
In fact, the day he was born, I made a decision.
One day, this little puppy was going to Yellowstone with me.
For the past six months, Levon and Rhonda have been my faithful companions. Wherever I go searching for wildlife, they come with me. They know the routine. When I'm photographing, they wait patiently. When I'm done, it's their turn to get out, stretch their legs, and explore.
When I started planning this trip, I planned it with Levon in mind.
Not because Yellowstone is easy with a dog.
Actually, it's quite the opposite.
Why I Brought Levon to Yellowstone
Many people have asked me why I brought Levon.
The answer is simple.
I wanted company.
Yellowstone is a massive place. There are endless roads, long days, and hours spent searching for wildlife. While I love being out in nature, having Levon by my side made the journey feel less lonely.
He helped me feel safe.
He kept me grounded.
He gave me someone to share the adventure with.
When you spend a week driving through bear country before sunrise and coming back to the hotel right after sunset, having a companion sitting next to you makes a difference.
Even if that companion has four legs and spends most of the day with his nose pressed against the window or taking little naps.
The Challenges of Bringing a Dog to Yellowstone
If you're thinking about visiting Yellowstone with a dog, it's important to know that dogs are very restricted inside the park.
They are only allowed in developed areas, parking lots, campgrounds, and pullouts. They cannot go on trails, which means every stop requires planning.
There were moments when I worried.
I worried about leaving Levon in the truck while I photographed wildlife. I always made sure he had water, cracked the windows, and never stayed far away. Whenever I knew I would be spending extra time somewhere, I walked him first and then again when I returned.
His well-being was always on my mind.
The restrictions definitely made the trip more challenging, but they also forced me to slow down and think through every stop.
Early Mornings Are Easier With a Puppy
Most mornings started between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.
That's early.
Some mornings I was tired before the day even started.
Not Levon.
The moment he heard the alarm, he went from zero to one hundred percent.
His tail started wagging. His eyes lit up. He was instantly ready for adventure.
Meanwhile, I was still trying to wake up.
When you're getting ready to leave before sunrise, having that kind of enthusiasm beside you is contagious.
He kept me going.
His excitement reminded me that every day held the possibility of seeing something incredible.
Experiencing Yellowstone Through a Dog's Eyes
One of my favorite parts of the trip was watching Levon experience Yellowstone.
Every time we stopped at an empty parking lot or pullout, his nose immediately went to work.
I was looking for wildlife.
He was looking for smells.
Both of us were exploring Yellowstone in our own way.
Because dogs aren't allowed on trails, we spent a lot of time walking around parking lots, visitor centers, and developed areas. It may not sound exciting, but Levon didn't seem to mind. Our favorite place was the visitor center closer to the west entrance, they have a nice wooden area in between the restrooms and the museum. Where Levon's nose got to explore.
Every stop was a new adventure.
Every smell was worth investigating.
His little nose got to experience Yellowstone just as much as my camera did.
A Bison Encounter We Will Never Forget
One of my favorite moments happened when a massive bison walked incredibly close to the truck.
I had given the animal plenty of space and was watching carefully.
Still, when that giant animal started moving toward us, my heart rate increased.
Levon noticed it too.
His eyes got huge.
He sat quietly and watched every step. Pushing his chest forward.
The bison passed so close that it left both of us in awe.
When it was over, I pulled into the next turnout and gave Levon a hug.
I think we were both relieved.
I was incredibly proud of him.
He never barked.
He simply watched one of Yellowstone's most iconic animals walk by.
More Than a Wildlife Photography Trip
Throughout the week, I photographed grizzly bears, black bears, bison, bald eagles, ravens, ospreys, harlequin ducks, and countless other animals.
The wildlife was everything I had hoped for.
But when I look back on the trip, some of my favorite memories have nothing to do with photographs.
I remember the long drives.
I remember the early mornings.
I remember sharing snacks at pullouts.
I remember hearing Levon stir whenever we stopped to photograph wildlife.
I remember having someone I trusted beside me through every mile of the journey.
Those are the moments that stay with me.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Yellowstone With a Dog
Yellowstone exceeded every expectation I had.
The wildlife was incredible.
The landscapes were breathtaking.
The adventure was unforgettable.
But sharing it with Levon made it even better.
God gave me more than wildlife during that trip.
He gave me a companion.
Someone to share the miles with.
Someone to keep me company on the quiet roads.
Someone whose excitement made every morning easier.
Every time I look at the photographs from Yellowstone, I'll remember the bears, the bison, and the eagles.
But I'll also remember the puppy who sat beside me through it all.
And honestly, I wouldn't have wanted to experience Yellowstone any other way.
Follow Along on the Journey
We made a YouTube video about this Yellowstone adventure, and I'd love for you to come along for the ride. In the video, you'll see the wildlife, the landscapes, and some of the moments Levon and I shared during our week in the park.
If you enjoy these stories and photographs and would like to help support my dream of sharing God's creation through photography, here are a few ways you can help:
-
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
-
Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
-
Visit our online store and bring a piece of Wyoming wildlife into your home.
-
Buy us a coffee to help support future photography adventures and wildlife stories.
Every follow, subscription, purchase, and cup of coffee helps us continue exploring, photographing, and sharing the incredible world God has created.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means more than you know.