I'm going on vacation in mid July to Wyoming. We're only able to spend 3 days in the Jackson Hole/Yellowstone area and I'm looking for suggestions on places to go (there won't be any time to waste!) - I would like to focus mostly on scenic mountain vistas and birds, but don't have any idea what birds are even out there! I live in NH, so it will be quite different. I'm hoping to just "bump into" the other wildlife in the area and not go searching for bears or wolves!
For mountain vistas, stay in the Jackson area (I think they voted to drop the 'Hole' from their name within the past year...). You can search this forum for some recent threads on the area (look for 'Tetons').
Since you've only got three days, you won't be stalking the birds patiently I'm guessing. There's a wildlife refuge on the outskirts of Jackson that has some nice wetlands; standard duck population (you probably won't find much unique about it) and possibly Trumpeter Swans. Other than that, your best bet for birds is probably to take them as they come.
You will probably "bump into" (hopefully not literally) Moose if you take some mornings or evenings near Jackson Lake Lodge or Oxbow Bend (or anywhere along that general stretch of road...); also probably Deer and Bison, possibly Pronghorn, and maybe Elk depending on where you roam in the valley. Bears and Wolves are more a Yellowstone phenomenon.
If you do take some time in Yellowstone, the lake has some possibilities for waterfowl. Drive up to Lamar Valley, keeping a lookout for animals all the way (they're usually detectable by the long line of stopped traffic...). Yellowstone is big. It takes multiple hours to just drive through it. If you've got interest in specific geological formations or other scenery, plan ahead so as not to waste your time.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 27, 2007 at 10:52 PM
I agree with Les. There are Bald Eagles, White Pelicans and Swans in Yellowstone. Not sure what other birds you could find there. Its not really known for birding. I'd probably focus on Tetons too with only 3 days, though you could hit some of the hot spots in Yellowstone too. Yellowstone is a big park.
Speed limits in YS are typically 35 mph so yes drive times between major points are extended.
John
Posted by Mike Krehbiel on June 28, 2007 at 10:04 AM
I just returned from a week in Yellowstone. It is huge as mentioned above and 3 days won't be anywhere close to enough time. For birds in Yellowstone, you should check the Fishing Bridge area. I don't know if they'll still be there in July but there are pelicans and there were some common loons in the area. We also saw Harlequin Ducks at the LeHardy rapids but I was told they would be leaving soon. I did photograph a dipper and pelican there also. Otherwise I didn't see a lot of birds. The birds of prey were less visible at this time of year than other times I've been there. Good luck and have fun.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Pat,
I also just got back from Yellowstone and the Tetons. If you only have three days I would try to focus in one area such as the Tetons. Otherwise you may spend your entire time driving, although for site seeing that wouldn't be bad.
If you want to do some serious photography plan on waking up every morning at 4:00 AM to be on location and setup for sunrise. I got to Schwabachers Landing at 5:00 AM a couple mornings. One of the mornings there was a whole Nikon class already there. This is not to say you can't get photos the rest of the day. In fact I found the light and clouds to be great throughout the day on our trip. But July is warmer so it will depend on storm activity or lack there of. You just don't want to miss great morning light because you slept in.
Discussion
6 repliesIdeas will be appreciated!
For mountain vistas, stay in the Jackson area (I think they voted to drop the 'Hole' from their name within the past year...). You can search this forum for some recent threads on the area (look for 'Tetons').
Since you've only got three days, you won't be stalking the birds patiently I'm guessing. There's a wildlife refuge on the outskirts of Jackson that has some nice wetlands; standard duck population (you probably won't find much unique about it) and possibly Trumpeter Swans. Other than that, your best bet for birds is probably to take them as they come.
You will probably "bump into" (hopefully not literally) Moose if you take some mornings or evenings near Jackson Lake Lodge or Oxbow Bend (or anywhere along that general stretch of road...); also probably Deer and Bison, possibly Pronghorn, and maybe Elk depending on where you roam in the valley. Bears and Wolves are more a Yellowstone phenomenon.
If you do take some time in Yellowstone, the lake has some possibilities for waterfowl. Drive up to Lamar Valley, keeping a lookout for animals all the way (they're usually detectable by the long line of stopped traffic...). Yellowstone is big. It takes multiple hours to just drive through it. If you've got interest in specific geological formations or other scenery, plan ahead so as not to waste your time.
John
I also just got back from Yellowstone and the Tetons. If you only have three days I would try to focus in one area such as the Tetons. Otherwise you may spend your entire time driving, although for site seeing that wouldn't be bad.
If you want to do some serious photography plan on waking up every morning at 4:00 AM to be on location and setup for sunrise. I got to Schwabachers Landing at 5:00 AM a couple mornings. One of the mornings there was a whole Nikon class already there. This is not to say you can't get photos the rest of the day. In fact I found the light and clouds to be great throughout the day on our trip. But July is warmer so it will depend on storm activity or lack there of. You just don't want to miss great morning light because you slept in.
Lastly if there is any way to get an extra day than do it. You won't regret it. Check out this map as well:
http://www.wyofoto.com/Teton_Photo_Map.htm