The Winterkeeper: a lifetime spent protecting Yellowstone National Park

Steven Fuller is a winter caretaker who has lived at Yellowstone national park for the past 50 years.
As the cold weather approaches and the seasonal transformation begins, he hunkers down in his remote mountain cabin. But Fuller and Yellowstone face an uncertain future, with the climate crisis threatening to forever change one of North America’s last great wildernesses.
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#TheWinterkeeper #YellowstoneNationalPark #Environment #ClimateChange

[@genekied]

I worked alongside Steve in Yellowstone for 12 years and my life is much richer for it.

[@PicesChic]

Really didn’t want this one to end. I could have watched for hours.

[@rrichardson53]

Me too

[@soccerguy325]

Same! What a beautiful, if lonely, life this man must live. I wonder what ever happened to his family.

[@julierogers1155]

Same, SAME.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Totally agree

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇

[@CA-lf7jt]

This should have been at least two hours long. Imagine what he’s seen, what he’s done. I’d love much more, much, more of this.

[@imransadventures]

Totally agree.

[@pibly7784]

Yes !

[@billlundeen4983]

Yes! More please…

[@e4t662]

This man is not just the caretaker or the narrator, he's a writer. An exceptional one.

[@rjensen2586]

I clicked on this immediately because I have read his writing and seen his photography on Mountain Journal. What a beautiful human being. This video made me bawl my eyes out.

[@darcyperkins7041]

I remember reading his article in National Geographic many years ago and being fascinated. It's from 1978, I think the December issue.

[@rjensen2586]

@@darcyperkins7041 ooh thanks, imma try to find it

[@KOOLBadger]

And a photographer!❤

[@KOOLBadger]

​@@rjensen2586me too. Right now Im sitting in bed, its the middle of the night and I live in my van in San Diego. Im from Chicago and I am a healer. I stumbled on this and I feel so much better..

[@jrolibrarian]

I worked in the park for a few years in the mid-nineties and he was already a legend back then. It's very cool to see the Guardian do this piece on him.

[@gregparrott]

What a beautiful story. I hope the park service will make the exception to allow him to stay as long as he wishes. They could gradually phase in another individual to addresses the more physically demanding tasks, allow Mr. Fuller to take breaks and days off as he wishes, and for the newbie to spend time learning from the grand master.

[@rjensen2586]

I thought the same thing. And I would love to have that job, omg 🥹😭

[@gregparrott]

@@rjensen2586 In principle, I would too. But despite being an outdoor person, having snow camped in powerful storms, etc., I know that doing so for a full season, let alone 50 years is something which most people, possibly myself included, would find too arduous. You'd have to start young, already be well acclimated to hard outdoor physical activity, survival skills, and ideally, a partner willing to to do the same.

[@rjensen2586]

@@gregparrott agreed!

[@SILSAL67]

He did a previous documentary and stated that they aren't replacing him once he retires.

[@rjensen2586]

@@SILSAL67 that doesn't make any sense. Someone will still have to clear snow from the buildings after every big storm. The problem doesn't go away when he retires.

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Lovely Steven, my name is Steven as well, I am not a national park employee, but I have spent 40 years on and off living and working in and around Big Bend National Park in Texas. I felt as if you were saying exactly my thoughts about the high desert I love 1500 miles away from Yellowstone. I'm 65 yrs young. Thanks to you and the Guardian for this.

[@harley8680]

When I was in 8th grade I read about this man and his family in National Geographic. I became obsessed with learning about Wyoming. Partly because a family friend had moved to Jackson Hole. I begged my parent's all winter could we go there one day. In June of 1978, they took me to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone (and many other trips along the way)...I want to thank Steven for the article written about him all those years ago!

[@CaseyFinnerty]

Extraordinarily well done film. Deserves to be at least an hour. All of his photos were superb, but his photos of his children were so beautiful they moved me to tears. "To have children is a marker for the acceleration of our lifetime." You can't take pictures like that without a profound love of your subject.

[@SeattleRaindrop206]

👏 I agree, you worded this perfectly

[@julierogers1155]

THAT is the quote I just wrote down!

[@julierogers1155]

Remember, Steven is in some of those photos! Which probably means his wife took those photos ... in which case, she is talented as well, and loving.

[@rayjones9418]

I had the pleasure of staying in that little cabin for a few days quite a few winters ago. Mr. Fuller and I share a mutual friend, and was invited to come stay and ski a few days, and help remove snow. He is truly as humble and reflective as is shown. It was a pleasure to meet him, and enjoyed every minute of the stay. The snow needs to be removed from all the buildings after every major snow storm, or the roofs could collapse from all the weight. It snows a LOT in Yellowstone.

[@dexterbanham6700]

Do you know if he is able to remain in that cabin whilst enjoying his retirement? I imagine he could convince all sorts of people to come stay for a few days and help with some of the work. Oh and do you know if there is a longer documentary somewhere? I've always loved the beauty of winter and could watch it for hours.

[@SeattleRaindrop206]

Wow! So lucky. I would love to experience that, all of it. 🩵

[@casitacindy461]

we had the pleasure of working a season with steve in canyon in the maintenance department. he is exactly what you see here. an incredible man who has lived an incredible life.

[@AlexF-wo8ku]

I had the pleasure of working the summer season at the Canyon Lodge dining hall with this wondrous man! He was always courteous and delight to be around!

[@christopherdesantis9876]

I am a winter caretaker in Atlantic City Wy. My story is much like yours. If ever a time comes to pass on your knowledge and stay in your home feel free to reach out. I am in love with winter and the wilderness as you are. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@NorthernAttitudePOV]

After spending two years in the northern Maine wilderness building our cabin, I think being Yellowstone Winterkeeper just makes sense. When he said he loves people but loves solitude, I knew exactly what he meant. I am a people person. However, my soul yearns and only thrives in the wilderness. Surrounded by nature is where I am truly never lonely. I am only ever really lonely in a crowded room. I will be keeping an eye out to see if this position opens up. Thanks for the story. I really enjoyed it.

[@connectingthedots100]

🤔 Might be the American go getter mentality, but this last remark feels slightly tactless and superfluous to me.

[@NorthernAttitudePOV]

@@connectingthedots100 why?

[@1kwhalley]

@@connectingthedots100 Na, just a person looking for a dream "job". Life, actually ;) Clearly, the short bio beforehand shows that...

[@radhikajujjavarapu6971]

@NorthernAltitude You resonate with me so much!!

[@shannamayhall]

That was absolutely gorgeous. He’s just….wonderful. And the heart-rending guitar in the background. This is perfect. Thank you.

[@thesavannalady]

Gosh. This is such an exceptional film. Steven Fuller diffuses calm. I would love to watch more from him; like others have said, I could watch this for hours. I am hoping that a producer watches this and decides to make a documentary with Steven Fuller on whatever Steven Fuller chooses.

[@thesavannalady]

Also, Emma and Skye are two very lucky people to have had that childhood.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

This felt far too short! Wish he would have been able to expand on some of his thoughts. Like some of the specific threats affecting Yellowstone, some of the human impacts, also wanted to know more about his family, why they left and what they’re up to after a childhood like that one. So many questions, this was lovely. The thought about him retiring and having to leave was heartbreaking though. So bittersweet

[@rjensen2586]

Go read his writing. :)

[@rrichardson53]

Yes- I wanted to know more…..

[@r8chlletters]

You can find him on Mountain Journal

[@connectingthedots100]

Aw ❤. I'm helping out in a national park for half a year over winter. I feel him.

[@nick28476]

Super Steve! What an incredible guy. 50 years living there and he still marvels at all of its nuances and surprises.

[@doberman1ism]

Majestic and ultimately beautiful. One does not need to practice yoga or transcendental meditation. This Yellowstone is the ultimate journey.

[@mocamp766]

The Tao of Living personified: What an incredibly beautiful story - both in content & photography. He is an inspiring example of what it means to live in harmony with all that is. Thank you for making this film possible.

[@davidchandler7234]

I arrived in Yellowstone at the end of April 1977. I started my employment at Old Faithful Inn early that year. During my orientation there was a side comment mentioning that there was a guy who stayed over the winter to keep the snow from getting too heavy on the roofs. I thought to myself, what a wonderful job. That was you, and that was me.

[@olivierhacking]

Thank you for this beautiful mini documentary. Curious what happened with the family?

[@carlosnavarrete4194]

I’m wondering the same thing… beautiful family

[@Booboonancy]

Wow, I dare say this was therapeutic. I grew up in Canada and while I always absolutely loved winter and all the “trimmings”, I realize I still didn’t appreciate it fully enough. I’ve now lived abroad for almost 25 years and this makes me want to go home. There’s something magical about walking on a cold snowy trail. The silence. The wonderful smell of the cold air. Of course, it’s also a perfect excuse for a hearty soup at the end of the day.

[@mazymonroe8749]

Heart-warming documentation of one of nature's wonders, narrated by a national treasure❣️ I was fortunate to visit Yellowstone in winter and there is nothing quite like it. Best thing of all, NO crowds❣️

[@danhassler6585]

What a truly magnificent short film. Every aspect of this was expertly put together. It tells such an extraordinary story of Steven Fuller, and his narration couldn't be more perfect.

[@BruceMarlier]

This was beautifully shot and edited. The beauty of winter and snow was captured very well. Loved everything about this short film, really.

[@b.visconti1765]

Please come back with another video would love to see it in the summertime ❤️🙏

[@soniatriana9091]

Steven Fuller’s dialogue was very moving & yet extremely melancholy because we know & sense the serious, unsettling, & drastic changes he’s unfortunately witnessed during his incredibly unique tenure as a Steward in Yellow Stone National Park! I loved the natural beauty, the photos of his daughters, the amazing animals!! But I instantly felt extreme sadness & anger when I saw all the large snowmobile procession - it really became emotional at this point! I cannot even imagine what Steven must feel in his gut & soul, as he seeing & all the other intrusive behaviors & sense of “entitlement” he must encounter & endure! 🙏🙏 I hope he writes & creates several large, beautiful Coffee Table Photo Books of all his slides!! What a valuable historical record he possesses & hopefully shares with us ordinary people & especially with Scholars, who will undoubtedly be looking at all his notes, slides, reports, etc! 👏🏻👏🏻 Steven, thank you for being the “right person” at the right place all these years!!

[@jamielivingston2566]

I've been to Yellowstone quite a bit - always in summer. I expect most can not take that much solitude....but I can see it and it obviously had such a profound impact on him. Nice of him to share it.

[@askarindarto664]

Heartwarming story.

[@Tim_Stephens]

What a fabulous life! Hopefully, they can work him into staying and just telling the 'story' of the park. What a National Treasure this man and his life's work is!

[@robind.2290]

Amazing! I do hope this man is honored for his long years of service and I look forward to perhaps a book in the future?? This is such a brief glimpse into a life that many could only dream of!

[@adamrosen6049]

I would take that job in a heartbeat. He is a poet.

[@foursite]

Would love to hear what his wife and children actually say about him…he skipped that part too quickly.

[@Ftybr57]

Well, you can tell by the way he speaks he’s in charge probably of everything and everyone it’s all about him and his desires

[@wendyscott8425]

@@Ftybr57 Agreed. His children must be grown and gone by now, but what happened to his wife? I suppose it's none of my business, but he did talk about her and showed her pictures.

[@darcyperkins7041]

​​@@Ftybr57You figured out his entire personality from a video about HIM!?😅😅😂😂😢 Congratulations!😂😂😢😢😅

[@macdaddyp8437]

@@darcyperkins7041 It was a general comment; a hypothesis of sorts. The fact that you chose to use copious amounts of emojies, could possible say something about your personality.

[@lucialily9870]

I am wondering where his wife is now?

[@richardwagner3317]

What an amazing story of a person who has lived a most perfect life. Wish we could have heard more stories from his family. Wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Thanks for haring this with the world. Would love to see his photos of the park.

[@tanyah.9131]

Just beautiful. I remember going to Yellowstone when I was 7, in 1982. What an amazing life for his family.. I wonder where they are now.

[@pacificnorthwestgirl2725]

Wonderful to see the winter landscape in Yellowstone. Thank you, Guardian, for this delightful video. Steven Fuller did a wonderful job narrating and showing the work he does to take care of the park.

[@minnaspinna2070]

Please give us more. I cried at the beauty. I cried for his way of life.

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

What an amazing story! We visited Yellowstone a few years ago and only got a glimpse of it. We can only imagine the kind of life you could have if you call it home.

[@mozdickson]

Thanks for sharing Yellowstone with us all Steve, and your beautiful family. All the best from New Zealand.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Really well done. What a place, what a wonderful man! Watching the snow cut reminds me of my dad building an igloo for us as kids…great memory. Thank you

[@tistoude]

As a former Yellowstone employee, Steve is an absolute legend. I am blessed to have one of his prints on my wall. Sun Pillar Tree.

[@janelightning73]

Thanks for protecting our Yellowstone, Steven

[@sherrylhov3863]

More of this, please! I'd like more detail, more specifics, more photos, more of his profound insights and more about his family.

[@annakonda6727]

I'm not saying I could do what he has but oh, how I envy where and how he lives. This is by far the best thing I have seen in a while- makes worth slogging through all the dreck youtube recommends to catch a slice of perfection like this❤

[@azmrl]

The Buffalo Field Campaign is an awesome accompaniment to this man's life

[@a1ananda]

cool guy! i wonder what happened to his family. He never said specifically. Except that they grew up.

[@broakland2]

What a beautiful soul, so blessed to have him caretaking our beautiful national parks. I hope someone with his depth will steps into the job when he retires.

[@jonathanhawk7129]

One of the best lives you could have had on this broken world

[@michalmuransky8857]

Beautiful

[@tonysgirl66]

His family photos brought tears to my eyes. So moving 🥲

[@vittorioforato9729]

OMG, what a journey ... thank you Steven .

[@thomast5677]

Beautiful ... love to see more of this type of work and journey, well done!

[@jeffseng6385]

This was very touching. I especially enjoyed the pictures of his children having so much fun.

[@hbendzulla8213]

I felt,great inner piece in my body. It was so beautiful to listen and watch the scenery of Yellowstone Park. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@suesherratt5479]

Beautiful, heart wrenching and inspiring.

[@mikeschmidt3826]

What happened to his family?

[@uwcb1]

This is beautiful, thank you.

[@lorisharpe]

Thank you sir for your love and devotion

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

HEROES do exist. Thankfully enough,they do not wear capes&or underwear over their trousers. They are real HUMAN BEINGS like you & me.

[@lawrenceadams1649]

So Beautiful, In so many ways , Thank you so much for posting

[@joherrington9756]

What a wonderful story of a life! Thank you for sharing it (and those beautiful photos).

[@sjferguson]

What an absolutely extraordinary life. Beautiful ❤️

[@andreamicheleo]

Wow, what a stunning video. Did not want it to end. Thank you for sharing.

[@marketads1]

Stunning. Thank you.

[@FreeSpirit1962]

Please do a sequel/continuation piece! I so loved this. It was cathartic and very interesting. Thank you.

[@tonya2646]

So very blessed.

[@kirinkopalan8842]

Best wishes for this truly amazing human being

[@lugoyvonne]

Beautiful home. Beautiful pictures. Beautiful perspective

[@rebeccaelle135]

love this. love his devotion and romance with the Interior.

[@waltergerlach1059]

Beautiful story, documentary. What a life well lived, what happened to his family?

[@re_developed]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful man’s story

[@Flyfishtherockies]

Such a fantastic segment, thank you for sharing.❤

[@taylordstories]

This is exactly what I needed today

[@Taskerofpuppets]

Beautiful. Absolutely, beautiful!

[@bemlar]

Memories. Epically beautiful 🙏

[@MilaAzukiSonoIo]

Peaceful, insightful , just Amazing !

[@Obie88]

We need a 2hr documentary about this guy. His story is magnificent!

[@andrearenee7845]

I love this. Earth watcher's work is never completed, is it? Yellowstone is changing, yes. And, but there are folks with a heart like yours that keeps it strong, and breathing free. Breathtaking life... Thank you... 😇🥰

[@hamsterecology]

Beautiful 😢

[@Luckyboy_raju]

Amazing contribution to conservation, thank you sir

[@wildfirevixen]

The Winterkeeper is a beautiful poet and storyteller.

[@thejerkyshack8040]

This guy is a spectacular photographer. His slides were a joy to see.

[@g2bold174]

That really was marvelous. Thank you.

[@Guitargate]

So, so cool. Going to big sky this winter with my kids. We want to go to Yellowstone for the day, if possible. So beautiful.

[@evaguo1]

thank you, the guardian and mr. fuller. i love yellowstone.

[@lauracerva9716]

This was awesome. Thank you

[@george.6556]

Absolutely Stunning!

[@carolynmvc]

I remember the National Geographic article about you in Yellowstone with your wife and girls. It had a profound effect on me. I kept the issue for years, and then found it again at least 20 years later at a book fair. And kept it again. I had two daughters also, and always wondered what it would have been like to have lived the life that you have lived.

[@Rburg00]

Beautiful! ❄️

[@ksweet696]

OMG. What a wonderful, wonderful story and lesson we all need to learn.

[@John-bk1ek]

It's great that a person can share this know there's a group that enjoys this

[@KundianDiary]

at first I thought this is an ancient hermit living in wilderness movie... but then he riding a snowbike.. then pull out a DSLR and goosh, his photography are amazing. He is an artist camouflage into this paradise. a dream for every photographer.

[@Dandelion--]

Love this - thank you

[@jasonschlesinger2149]

Phenomenal piece, and a phenomenal person! Please do a longer video on this gentleman!

[@asimally9468]

AWESOME STORY ... WISH I LIVE IN THERE .. THE GUY IS FULL OF WISDOM ...

[@southerne5575]

What amazing man. Not only his photos. His words.

[@debbieneel8344]

Thank you for what you have done,pray that the one to follow you is as caring.

[@robloxian743]

I grew up near Yellowstone, and was in the park at least monthly on average. Mr Fuller has my dream job, and I am so glad he has the same sort of respect and concern for the impact we have on it. I wish him many more years in that beautiful place.