I'm going to be there 5/31 - 6/7 and was wondering about current conditions. Are there any areas where wildflowers are blooming or is it still too early? Any suggestions for places in these parks for wildlife or landscapes?
Richard
Check out http://forums.yellowstone.net/
You can find up to date info in the photography and trip report forums.
The activity has really picked up these past two weeks or so.
A great bunch of people who will gladly answer more specific questions. Many will post in the evenings when they get done with the day's activity.
It has been warm this past week and the snow has melted in most places but in other areas (like Hayden Valley) there is still a lot of snow. Dunraven pass just open on Friday.
After going there only twice (and only in fall) I think it's better to stay in one location or another.
Although on the map, and by car, you can get between Jackson and Yellowstone relatively easily, to get the most from these locations, you really need time to thoroughly explore each place independently. This means spending full days in a relatively small area - you won't regret it.
If I was to go to the area again, during the time you specified--and for photography specifically--I would stick to Jackson Hole only. There is more than enough to shoot there...
Hopefully Jesse will chime in; he's our new resident expert in those parts.
Richard,
I was up in YNP last wknd; it was my first spring trip. I've gone the last 2 falls. I mainly went for wildlife this time versus landscapes. I do not recall seeing any wildflowers coming up but I'll be honest my eyes were mostly looking for bears and wolves. I'm a Y Netter myself and I highly recommend the site Leo mentioned, great bunch of people and lots of great info. I would agree with Nat and stay mostly in the GTNP area if you are mainly going for wildflowers. I would think they'd start to come up first down there as it's lower in altitude compared to YNP.
I was in the Tetons all last week. The aspens popped green while I was there, and the snow is melting fast (at least on the lower reaches). I didn't see any flowers, at least along the foothills of the peaks.
I have done a lot of shooting both places and I would endorse heartily the recommendation to choose either location and concentrate on it. Both are obviously spectacular. This is a wonderful time for wildlife photography in and around the Lamar and Hayden Valleys, as well as the Tower Junction area and Swan Flats in YNP. There are also some beautiful scenics in those valleys and along the rivers. GTNP also offers wonderful images although my shooting there has been more often in the fall and winter. For wildlife, you should choose YNP. For scenics its probably GTNP but its close, and probably dependent on what type of scenics is your thing. Have fun!
Discussion
5 repliesThanks in advance.
Check out http://forums.yellowstone.net/
You can find up to date info in the photography and trip report forums.
The activity has really picked up these past two weeks or so.
A great bunch of people who will gladly answer more specific questions. Many will post in the evenings when they get done with the day's activity.
It has been warm this past week and the snow has melted in most places but in other areas (like Hayden Valley) there is still a lot of snow. Dunraven pass just open on Friday.
Good luck and look forward to your photos.
Leo
Although on the map, and by car, you can get between Jackson and Yellowstone relatively easily, to get the most from these locations, you really need time to thoroughly explore each place independently. This means spending full days in a relatively small area - you won't regret it.
If I was to go to the area again, during the time you specified--and for photography specifically--I would stick to Jackson Hole only. There is more than enough to shoot there...
Hopefully Jesse will chime in; he's our new resident expert in those parts.
I was up in YNP last wknd; it was my first spring trip. I've gone the last 2 falls. I mainly went for wildlife this time versus landscapes. I do not recall seeing any wildflowers coming up but I'll be honest my eyes were mostly looking for bears and wolves. I'm a Y Netter myself and I highly recommend the site Leo mentioned, great bunch of people and lots of great info. I would agree with Nat and stay mostly in the GTNP area if you are mainly going for wildflowers. I would think they'd start to come up first down there as it's lower in altitude compared to YNP.