I'm thinking of driving out to Wyoming, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, for fall colors this year then dropping down into Colorado for fall colors. Currently I'm planning the trip for the last week in September and the first week of October. I'm retired so the dates are adjustable. Is this when I would likely find fall color? I'm also looking for suggestions for shooting locations in Yellowstone and the Tetons.
Thanks in advance
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 31, 2011 at 7:24 PM
I only had two mornings in the Tetons last fall Sept 23&24. Oxbow Bend was shoulder to shoulder at sunrise. Schwabacher Landing only had about 6 people at sunrise. I think the last week of Sept is generally peak for the Tetons.
Phil- I posted the same topic a couple weeks ago here. I'm heading out of Indianapolis on 9/24ish en route to Yellowstone/Tetons. Email me offline if you'd like to meet up for a shoot. I've got a couple other friends from this forum i'm meeting out there.
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on August 1, 2011 at 7:13 AM
Controlled Burns are the big problem in the Tetons. I'll keep everyone posted if they start more this year. I missed all my favorites last year because of smoke.
Posted by Lance Burch on August 1, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I read that too quick and thought it said "Controlled Bums".
Posted by Jesse Speer on August 1, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Your timing is perfect. Many places in the Tetons (like Snake River Overlook) often peak that last week in September, and some the first week in October (like Oxbow Bend) - in terms of Aspen leaves. Regardless of how long you stay in WY, you'll have plenty to shoot. Tetons is an easy place to shoot in fall. Spend your first day or two just driving all of the roads and visiting the overlooks/parking lots. You can easily spend at least a week just shooting from the road. No need to search for hidden locations. Also check out Shadow Mountain and the Gros Ventre forest roads.
I like Yellowstone's southern roadways for fall, especially the vibrant color along the Lewis River. Up north, Lamar Valley cottonwoods can also be really nice - as are the large golden meadows.
The smoke can sometimes impact the grand scenics (either negatively, or positively - with additional warm light), but you will find endless horizon-free opportunities.
Discussion
5 repliesThanks in advance
I found this to be a good source for CO when I went last fall.
http://www.mycolorado.org/fall_drives.html
I only had two mornings in the Tetons last fall Sept 23&24. Oxbow Bend was shoulder to shoulder at sunrise. Schwabacher Landing only had about 6 people at sunrise. I think the last week of Sept is generally peak for the Tetons.
I like Yellowstone's southern roadways for fall, especially the vibrant color along the Lewis River. Up north, Lamar Valley cottonwoods can also be really nice - as are the large golden meadows.
The smoke can sometimes impact the grand scenics (either negatively, or positively - with additional warm light), but you will find endless horizon-free opportunities.