I haven't had much time to post or comment for quite a while, but am looking for recommendations for good photo spots, hikes, things to do with the kids, places to stay, etc. in the areas mentioned. We'll be spending July 11th through the 24th. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Forget the Tetons and Yellowstone, and go straight to Glacier. The most phenomenal place I have ever seen in the portion of the 48 states I have visited. Get a good guide book, but a large part of the scenerey is readily accessible from the roads. Check my website for my photos from there for locations and your own interpretations to be made.
Roundtrip travel between home and GrandTeton and YNP will be 2 days, and between YNP and Glacier witll 2 days. That will leave you 10 days so I would spend 1 - 1½ days in the Tetons, and 4 days each in Yellowstone and in Glacier. For the Tetons, the standard sights are the Snake River S-bend overlook and Oxbow Bend, along with the drive along Jenny Lake. For Yellowstone, the standard sights are the Old Faithful area, Hayden Valley and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Norris Junction, Lamar Valley, and Mammoth. For Glacier, the standard sights are Lake McDonald, Glacier Gorge, St Mary's Lake, Going to the Sun Road with a day spent at the top of Logan Pass for hiking opps, and Many Glacier. Traffic in Yellowstone and Glacier can be heavy during that time.
When in Yellowstone check out Trout Lake. The traihead is in the Lamar valley and its just a short hike in. Usually in July the trout will be there along with a bunch of Otters. One of the best places to photograph otters up close and personal. The Tetons are beautiful anytime of the year I believe Don covered most of the iconic spots. Have a great trip.
I live near GTNP and YNP
GTNP ideas:
Bring your canoe and spend a day at string lake, canoe, hike, picnic
Jackson lake from one of the tour boats. Has to be the most beautiful lake in the world with the Tetons in the background.
For photography, find all Ansel Adams Grand Teton pics and take all you pictures from those locations. There are many.
YNP
Remember YNP is Americas Serengetti. Lots of wildlife to show your kids. Bring Binos!
Old Faithful is a lifetime must!
Early and late light is spectacular, everywhere. Again find photo ideas from coffee table books, find them and shoot early and late
Get out there, real early in the morning for wildlife. Remember, 3 wolf packs live and hunt along the road from Mammoth to Cook City. Be there well before sunup and you might hear them howl THEBTHRILL OF A LIFETIME!!
remember GET OUT OF BED!! very early. Stay out until dark viewing wildlife. See thermal stuff during the day.
Just my opinion. Lived in the Tetons for 30 years.
Ok
a few ideas I forgot:
YNP is full of wolf nuts! I'm one of them, look for these fine people and you'll find wolves. They can be found in the Hayden valley and the Lamar valley. They will be up very very early, listening. These people know every wolf and it's geneology, I'm not kidding. They love to share. Approach quietly when found, the wolf nuts, not the wolves. You can hear wolves during the day also so be quiet when you approach the wolf nuts.
"Forget the Tetons and Yellowstone"
Dave, my comment was tongue in cheek, but hard to catch that in print. Look at his dates for visiting. Yes, any trip to these is worth it, but they're going at the busiest time. The crowds will be at their peak. Not the best time to go, but if it's the only time you can get there Rand, by all means, go! I also agree with Don's time frame, but would allow 1 day at the beginning of the trip in Tetons, and 1 day at the return leg, and maybe only 3 in Yellowstone. Just my preference.
Discussion
8 repliesHuh?
GTNP ideas:
Bring your canoe and spend a day at string lake, canoe, hike, picnic
Jackson lake from one of the tour boats. Has to be the most beautiful lake in the world with the Tetons in the background.
For photography, find all Ansel Adams Grand Teton pics and take all you pictures from those locations. There are many.
YNP
Remember YNP is Americas Serengetti. Lots of wildlife to show your kids. Bring Binos!
Old Faithful is a lifetime must!
Early and late light is spectacular, everywhere. Again find photo ideas from coffee table books, find them and shoot early and late
Get out there, real early in the morning for wildlife. Remember, 3 wolf packs live and hunt along the road from Mammoth to Cook City. Be there well before sunup and you might hear them howl THEBTHRILL OF A LIFETIME!!
remember GET OUT OF BED!! very early. Stay out until dark viewing wildlife. See thermal stuff during the day.
Just my opinion. Lived in the Tetons for 30 years.
a few ideas I forgot:
YNP is full of wolf nuts! I'm one of them, look for these fine people and you'll find wolves. They can be found in the Hayden valley and the Lamar valley. They will be up very very early, listening. These people know every wolf and it's geneology, I'm not kidding. They love to share. Approach quietly when found, the wolf nuts, not the wolves. You can hear wolves during the day also so be quiet when you approach the wolf nuts.
Dave, my comment was tongue in cheek, but hard to catch that in print. Look at his dates for visiting. Yes, any trip to these is worth it, but they're going at the busiest time. The crowds will be at their peak. Not the best time to go, but if it's the only time you can get there Rand, by all means, go! I also agree with Don's time frame, but would allow 1 day at the beginning of the trip in Tetons, and 1 day at the return leg, and maybe only 3 in Yellowstone. Just my preference.