 Ken Barrett |
Yellowstone/Teton or Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park In September, I am planning a trip to the mid-west. I plan to spend a week on vacation while on the trip. I was wondering which area is more colorful for photographing (landscaping, etc.) in mid-last September - Yellowstone & Grand Teton area or the Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park area? Any help/directions is greatly appreciated. Ken
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David A. Bliss |
Having been to all 3, I can tell you it is not an easy decision. I know RMNP very well, in fact, I was there today. It's nice living a couple hours away! RMNP has more access to high alpine tundra than the Tetons, beautiful peaks, waterfalls, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and the occasional moose. The fall colors are wonderful, with the gold aspen and the red willows. Trail ridge road is an amazing drive that takes you up to 12,000 ft. It will also be less busy than the other two, especially at that time of year. The Tetons are beautiful mountains. More jagged than the peaks in RMNP, but also less accessable. If you are a back country hiker, then you can get to some beautiful areas. If you are are a day hiker, who likes to drive most of the way, the Tetons are tougher. Yellowstone is what it is. There aren't really any mountains in Yellowstone (not like RMNP or the Tetons). There is a lot of wildlife, more than you will see just about anywhere else. Elk, moose, bison, bears (if your lucky), deer, coyotes, wolves (again, very lucky). Most of the wildlife can be found with very little effort, in fact, it will stumble over you eventually! ;-) I don't know if you are familiar with this part of the country or not. In mid to late September, you will need to be prepared for anything from warm weather to snow. Just to give you an idea, it snowed on Monarch pass here in Colorado this last week.
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Nobu Nagase |
If your interest is in landscape photography, then Rocky Mountain National Park (easy access as David mentioned). If your interest is in wildlife photography, then Yellowstone National Park. Certainly gyesers, mud pots, and wonders of geological formation are very unique part of the park. Peaks of Grand Teton can be photographed from distance if you are driving in the area, even on the way to or from Yellowstone National Park. Do note David's warning about the weather changes.
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Ken Barrett |
David, Nobi Thanks so much for your response. It is very helpful. My first choice was to do RMNP around highway 7, 14, 34 & 125 and time permitting hightway 82 & 285 area. Not sure how much ground I can cover in 7-8 days. Much will depend on the day hikes I take. You have been most helpful. Any additional info is greatly appreciated. (I will bring some warm cloths) Thanks, Ken
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