If you had the week of 9/14-9/20 or 9/28-10/4 to visit Estes Park and Yellowstone, which would you choose? I'm thinking 3 days in Estes and 4 in Yellowstone and the Tetons.
In 2006 I went to CO 9/23-9/30 and it was very nice, though most of TR was closed. I did love the snowcapped peaks though. I'd love for some snow on the mountains, but I don't want all the roads closed either.
What would you do?
(...and I'm in the midst of arguing with American Airlines over my canceled tickets from last year. I booked 7/13/07 and canceled end of August/beginning of September due to a family emergency. I was told I had to BOOK by 7/13/08...now they say I have to travel by 7/13/08!!! Nothing is ever easy...)
To be on the safe side, I might opt for the earlier week. We've gotten snow when visiting in Yellowstone as early as 9/1 and the later you go, the greater the chance for wild weather.
Since it takes a day to drive from Estes Park to Yellowstone/Grand Teton NP and you have a week to do the visit, I'd pick one or the other and forget trying to squeeze both in. One full week would barely scratch the surface in Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs.
Doug, thanks for posting. I'm actually looking at a Friday-Sunday...like 9/12-9/21. I'll be traveling with my mother (age 66) and we won't be doing any real hiking, because she's just not able to go great distances. I'm more interested in YS than Tetons. Is it about 9 hours to YS? Do you still thinks it's impossible?
Jennifer, If you haven't been to the Tetons before I would not pass them up especially if you like to shoot scenics. I'm sure your Mom would like Jackson also. YNP is only an hour from the Tetons and you could do both. If your not hiking a week in RMNP could get boring unless you like to compete with crowds of people viewing Elk. If you can I would book right into Jackson Wyoming. Several airlines provide connections through Denver and Salt Lake.
The Fall in the Tetons/YNP area is becoming very popular. I would make sure I booked reservations ahead. If you have any questions on where to photograph in these areas I'd be glad to help.
I agree that passing up the Tetons would be a mistake. There's actually better scenery there than in Yellowstone, in my opinion. Whet you might do is base yourself in the Tetons - shooting there at sunrise and sunset - then drive into YS mid-day to take in the geothermal areas. Of course, the wildlife opportunities are terrific in both parks (early am and late pm).
Regards, Ken
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 7, 2008 at 12:18 AM
If you are wanting fall color in Yellowstone, I would do that part before Estes Park. Fall comes early in the Tetons. You should still get good color for RMNP in the later part of the week.
Thank you all again. I'm happy to say after going around with AA I've used my credit to book my trip for September 13 - September 21. Now to book lodging! I'll probably be checking back with more questions in the new few weeks.
Discussion
8 repliesIf you had the week of 9/14-9/20 or 9/28-10/4 to visit Estes Park and Yellowstone, which would you choose? I'm thinking 3 days in Estes and 4 in Yellowstone and the Tetons.
In 2006 I went to CO 9/23-9/30 and it was very nice, though most of TR was closed. I did love the snowcapped peaks though. I'd love for some snow on the mountains, but I don't want all the roads closed either.
What would you do?
(...and I'm in the midst of arguing with American Airlines over my canceled tickets from last year. I booked 7/13/07 and canceled end of August/beginning of September due to a family emergency. I was told I had to BOOK by 7/13/08...now they say I have to travel by 7/13/08!!! Nothing is ever easy...)
Thank you in advance!
To be on the safe side, I might opt for the earlier week. We've gotten snow when visiting in Yellowstone as early as 9/1 and the later you go, the greater the chance for wild weather.
Same holds true for Colorado's high country.
Doug, thanks for posting. I'm actually looking at a Friday-Sunday...like 9/12-9/21. I'll be traveling with my mother (age 66) and we won't be doing any real hiking, because she's just not able to go great distances. I'm more interested in YS than Tetons. Is it about 9 hours to YS? Do you still thinks it's impossible?
The Fall in the Tetons/YNP area is becoming very popular. I would make sure I booked reservations ahead. If you have any questions on where to photograph in these areas I'd be glad to help.
I agree that passing up the Tetons would be a mistake. There's actually better scenery there than in Yellowstone, in my opinion. Whet you might do is base yourself in the Tetons - shooting there at sunrise and sunset - then drive into YS mid-day to take in the geothermal areas. Of course, the wildlife opportunities are terrific in both parks (early am and late pm).
Regards, Ken
Jack
Thanks again for your help!