I have next week off (starting Wednesday), and I'm thinking about heading to the Tetons or to Moab. Anyone have a recommendation about which might be better at this time of year?
I know the mountains here in Colorado have tons of snow still in the high country of the Front Range. If you don't like hiking in snow (and I don't know how much they have up there in the Tetons), you may want to go to Moab instead. Arches is a great place to study for 3 or 4 days. Be sure to visit Fisher Rock if you go to Moab.
If you don't plan to do a whole lot of hiking, I wouldn't worry about snow in the Tetons. If you plan to hike up into the mountains, there may be snow, but I'm not sure. You definitely won't have to worry about snow at the iconic vistas near the main park roads.
Personally - the Tetons, and slip up to Yellowstone for a day if you like an extra dose of wildlife. The Tetons aren't so busy this time of year, and if you're not planning on hiking into the mountains, snow won't be an issue; some low-lying wildflowers will be coming out.
Utah was a zoo last week, and I can't imagine it will be getting any better for the Memorial Day weekend.
I have friends who live in Jackson and they advise that the snow this year was dismal. Many of the creeks are already dry. You are likely to get further into the mountains now than you normally would at this time of year.
Moab is crazy busy this time of year. The big annual art show is the Memorial Day weekend and that usually draws a sizable crowd, many of whom are photographers who shoot sunrise and sunset before and after the show.
Yellowstone in May is great...lots of baby buffalo...and though not all campgrounds are open...there are still some to stay in. Less people there this time of year. The Tetons will be snowy and some of trails are probably still melting....so if you hike be sure to have water proof boots. Also, the trees may just be starting to get leaves. Moab in May is great also...so much cooler.
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Utah was a zoo last week, and I can't imagine it will be getting any better for the Memorial Day weekend.
Moab is crazy busy this time of year. The big annual art show is the Memorial Day weekend and that usually draws a sizable crowd, many of whom are photographers who shoot sunrise and sunset before and after the show.
I'd head to the Tetons, if I were you.
Yellowstone in May is great...lots of baby buffalo...and though not all campgrounds are open...there are still some to stay in. Less people there this time of year. The Tetons will be snowy and some of trails are probably still melting....so if you hike be sure to have water proof boots. Also, the trees may just be starting to get leaves. Moab in May is great also...so much cooler.
Have fun,
Cynthia Spence
www.geolightphoto.com