The speed limit is 25 mph and outfitters who earn and pay for the right to shuttle guests lose their permit if they speed. Strict rules apply for extended, unplanned stops along the way, however, slowing way down, appeared to be within the rules. Of course, if any animals (like bison) are on the road, they get the right of way.

The landscape, other than the thermal pools and land surrounding them, is blanketed in white snow. Within minutes, we saw trumpeter swans, the heaviest living bird native in North America, cruising the Firehole River with their teenage cygnets. They appeared content in the near freezing water and took no notice of us. A mile down the road, a solitary bull bison took his sweet time ambling along the road. We also saw a bison nursing herd heading toward thermal pools hoping to graze on patches of green grass.

Swaney is a “year rounder” which means he lives here full-time and knows the best places along the route to spot wild life. He told us to get ready for a “polaroid moment”and look at the large fallen log on the far river bank. He eased off the accelerator and we had time to take a quick photo of an intensely focused bobcat (the size of a mountain lion!) who was perched and ready to pounce. Once Swaney put his foot back on the gas pedal the cat quickly moved into the woods.

Yellowstone has Teeth