Sylvan Pass (Wyoming) facts for kids
Sylvan Pass is a high mountain road in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. It's like a special gateway that lets you enter the park from the east side. This pass is a part of the beautiful Absaroka Range mountains.
Quick facts for kids Sylvan Pass |
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Sylvan Lake on Sylvan Pass
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| Elevation | 8,524 ft (2,598 m) |
| Location | Park County, Wyoming, United States |
| Range | Absaroka Range |
| Coordinates | 44°27.9′N 110°7.7′W / 44.4650°N 110.1283°W |
Contents
Discovering Sylvan Pass
Sylvan Pass is a mountain pass located in the Absaroka Range within Yellowstone National Park. It sits high up at 8,524 feet (about 2,598 meters) above sea level. Think of a mountain pass as a low point or a "doorway" between mountains. It makes it easier for people to travel through a mountain range.
What's in a Name?
The name "Sylvan Pass" comes from a nearby lake called Sylvan Lake. The word "Sylvan" has an old history! It comes from a Latin word that means "god of the woods" or "forest." So, the name reminds us of the beautiful forests and nature around the pass.
How Was Sylvan Pass Formed?
This pass was created by something called "frost action." This happens when water gets into cracks in rocks. When the water freezes, it expands and pushes the rocks apart. Over a very long time, this process breaks down the rocks, helping to form the pass we see today.
Your Gateway to Yellowstone
Sylvan Pass is super important because it's the only way to get into or out of Yellowstone National Park from the east side. If you're coming from that direction, you'll definitely travel over Sylvan Pass to explore the park's wonders.
Winter Fun and Safety
For a long time, the road through Sylvan Pass was closed during the winter. But now, it's open all year round! This means visitors can enjoy the park even when it's covered in snow.
Traveling in Winter
During winter, you can't drive your regular car through the pass. Instead, you can use special vehicles like snowmobiles or snow coaches. Many people also enjoy cross-country skiing here. It's a great way to see Yellowstone's winter beauty.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Keeping the pass open and safe in winter is a big job! There's a lot of snow, and sometimes there's a risk of avalanches (when a lot of snow slides down a mountain). Park staff work hard to control avalanches and keep the road clear. It costs a lot of money, over $200,000 in some years, to make sure everyone can travel safely through the pass during winter.
Building the Road
The original road through Sylvan Pass was designed by a man named Captain Hiram Chittenden. He was an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers. His work helped create the path that millions of visitors use today to experience Yellowstone National Park.
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Sylvan Pass Loop, East Side, 1921
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1st automobile over pass, 1914
