So what if the Rockies have been turned into an icebox by a cold front that has dropped the temperature at Old Faithful to a brisk 5 below. Spring is only a few months off, and if you want to land a lodging bargain at Yellowstone now is the time to act.
    "Early Bird Specials" at four of the park's lodges feature rates as low as $49 per night. Here's the breakdown of the deals:
    * Old Faithful Snow Lodge, May  4-10, $129 (lodge room)
    * Grant Village, May 25 - May 31, $99 (hotel room)
    * Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, May 4-10, $49 (room with a shared bathroom); $79 (hotel room); $199 (suite)
    * Lake Yellowstone Hotel, May 18-24, $129 (backside hotel room)
    As you can see, these specials are only for a limited time and you have to book your reservation by April 1 to take advantage of them.
    Of course, you're gambling on the weather. Spring in Yellowstone can feature gorgeous warm days and cold nights....or blizzards. And you probably won't do much hiking, as trails will either be covered with snow or muddy. But in general the park is uncrowded, the wildlife is easily visible, and most of the geysers, hot springs and other thermal features are accessible.
     To book a room, call the reservations desk at 307-344-7311 or 866-439-7375. Or visit Travel Yellowstone. And don't be bashful about visiting the web site throughout the year, as unadvertised specials arise from time to time.