The best wildflowers I've seen in Yelowstone are on the mountain that makes the high point in the park, and I saw them on the July 4th weekend a few years ago. Its in the NW corner of the park south of the Tower Falls area, but I can't remember the name off the top of my head. It was also one of the windiest places I've been in the park. In general there are quite a few flowers blooming in the park at that time, especially around the geothermal areas.
The Park isn't known for wildflowers. Mt. Washburn may be the best location as Mel suggested; Specimen Ridge is another good location. Down in the valley, the soils aren't as conducive due to the geothermal activity.
Lamar Valley for wildlife, though, you'll be dodging bison just about everywhere.
Since you've been before and know the area, are you looking for some specific type of landscape shots that you haven't been able to find? Obviously, the whole park is a cornucopia of gorgeous scenery.
I was at Yellowstone for 4th of July last year. If you get up early you will have until about 11:00 before the park gets unbearably crowded. While I saw some wildflowers (there are more in Grand Teton N.P.), no one area seemed very exceptional for flowers. As Rick said, the Lamar Valley is overflowing with wildlife and is a totally gorgeous landscape, but again best in the morning.
Just returned from Yellowstone and the Tetons. Heavy snow this year and lots of rain. There is the usual Black bears and cubs around floating island lake and Tower. Saw an unusual amount of Grizzly and cubs. Hayden Valley had several sows and cubs also saw several around fishing bridge. As Carol said the wildflowers are better in the Tetons. Also there are at least 5 grizzly hanging around Pilgrim Creek road and the Oxbow. Saw several moose around the Gros Ventre river including several calves. Also check out Dunraven Pass there are several Sows and cubs there also (just look for the crowd of lenses).
Have a great trip!
Just returned from Yellowstone and the Tetons. Heavy snow this year and lots of rain. There is the usual Black bears and cubs around floating island lake and Tower. Saw an unusual amount of Grizzly and cubs. Hayden Valley had several sows and cubs also saw several around fishing bridge. As Carol said the wildflowers are better in the Tetons. Also there are at least 5 grizzly hanging around Pilgrim Creek road and the Oxbow in GTNP. Saw several moose around the Gros Ventre river including several calves. Also check out Dunraven Pass (YNP) there are several Sows and cubs there also (just look for the crowd of lenses).
Have a great trip!
Discussion
5 repliesi'm looking for suggestions for wildflowers, landscapes and wildlife.
this is my 3rd visit to the park, so am somewhat familiar w/ the area. my previous visits were in september.
thanks in advance
nagendra
Lamar Valley for wildlife, though, you'll be dodging bison just about everywhere.
Since you've been before and know the area, are you looking for some specific type of landscape shots that you haven't been able to find? Obviously, the whole park is a cornucopia of gorgeous scenery.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!