Posted by Jaymes Dempsey on November 16, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Hi all!
I'm thinking about a (somewhat) last minute trip to Yellowstone this December, probably from the 23rd through New Years or so. However, now I'm considering going to Grand Teton, also...or perhaps just Grand Teton.
In your opinion, should I devote all seven days of the trip for Yellowstone? Or should I split between the two parks, going four days for Yellowstone, then four for Grand Teton? Or should I go only to Grand Teton? I'm mainly looking to shoot wildlife, but also landscapes...
I understand the weather at Yellowstone is very snowy at that time of year...one of the things I'm really looking forwards to! But is the weather so harsh that conditions are really hazardous? And is it similar at Grand Teton?
Any other tips/recommendations? Once it gets closer and I know for sure where I'm going, I'll probably post another topic on the best places in the parks to hit...
Thanks so much!
Jaymes
Posted by Max Waugh on November 16, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Jaymes, my biggest concern would be accessibility in the Tetons during winter. I'm not familiar with what your options are down there, but I know the "inner" road is not plowed, so I'm not sure how much viewing opportunities are hampered by this. I'd definitely try to learn a bit more (perhaps calling some of the outfits that guide in the Tetons in winter) to see what your options are. It's a long ways to drive around to get down there, so I'd want to be sure it's worth it.
My gut tells me Yellowstone will still offer you more opportunities, despite the fact that only the north road between Gardiner and Cooke City will be open to drivers. As you may know, to go anywhere in the interior of the park you have to either join a guided snowmobile or coach tour. This is probably worth doing at least once, though I recommend you avoid the snowmobiles, since you're riding in a line and typically can't stop for anything unless your guide stops at the front of the line. For one day coach tours, the vehicles are somewhat limited in their range due to gas. For example, if you opt for a tour out of Mammoth, you'll get a choice of either heading to Old Faithful or Hayden Valley, but not both.
They do plow that north road, but people's cars are sliding off all the time, so just remember to take it slowly. Snow tires and/or chains obviously help, but the most important thing is to drive slowly and only pull over in plowed pullouts.
By the way, I'll be there between Xmas and the New Year. I've booked a private coach tour to Hayden on the 29th with a small group, and there may be room for more if you're interested in joining us. Contact me for more details.
Max
Posted by Kent Staubus on November 17, 2011 at 9:52 AM
Those coach tour things are horrible for serious photographers. They have really ruined the Yellowstone winter experience by not allowing you to get around there on your own. It was mostly out of state people who screwed us over.
Kent in SD
Posted by Mark Seaver on November 17, 2011 at 3:23 PM
Jaymes, you probably can't do both unless you want to spend a full day driving between Gardiner and Jackson. There aren't any direct roads that are open in winter. In Yellowstone, wildlife viewing between Gardiner and Cook City can be spotty, but when you see them, they're likely to be close to the road. Most likely sightings are wolves, coyotes, bison, elk, and bighorns. You can also see of ravens and both golden and bald eagles at carcasses. There are maintained cross country ski/snowshoe trails at Mammoth and from Tower junction to Tower Falls. Skiing/snowshoeing is also possible on many of the trails that start from the north road.
Normal weather in Yellowstone is lows in single digits F (plus or minus) and highs in the 20s. However, if you get Arctic high pressure (clear & cold), the lows can drop to -30 F and daytime highs near 0.
Posted by Roger Hayden on December 14, 2011 at 1:14 AM
Expect WINTER weather in either location. Temps at that time of year truly can range from minus 30 to in the teens during the day. So, you really need to bring all the appropriate clothing.
I live in Jackson, Wy. at the south end of Grand Teton. Yes, the inner park road is closed in winter, so there's only a limited amount of road to drive in the park. You wouldn't need more than half a day to drive all of it, with stops for shooting, even less if you're shooting only in morning light.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton in winter are very far from each other, so you should choose one or the other. Yellowstone probably is your best bet. Stay in Gardiner and try driving the road across to Cook City and keep your fingers crossed. You might get lucky and see wolves. Or not. You'll probably see bison. Another option is the guided snowmobile tour or snow coach. But, as mentioned, you're trapped on the coach, and they're not necessarily going to stop when you want to and certainly not for as long as you might want to. Some photographer friends of mine got together and chartered a snow coach for a few days. If you're serious about your photography, that may be your best bet. Good luck. You'll need it.
Discussion
4 repliesI'm thinking about a (somewhat) last minute trip to Yellowstone this December, probably from the 23rd through New Years or so. However, now I'm considering going to Grand Teton, also...or perhaps just Grand Teton.
In your opinion, should I devote all seven days of the trip for Yellowstone? Or should I split between the two parks, going four days for Yellowstone, then four for Grand Teton? Or should I go only to Grand Teton? I'm mainly looking to shoot wildlife, but also landscapes...
I understand the weather at Yellowstone is very snowy at that time of year...one of the things I'm really looking forwards to! But is the weather so harsh that conditions are really hazardous? And is it similar at Grand Teton?
Any other tips/recommendations? Once it gets closer and I know for sure where I'm going, I'll probably post another topic on the best places in the parks to hit...
Thanks so much!
Jaymes
My gut tells me Yellowstone will still offer you more opportunities, despite the fact that only the north road between Gardiner and Cooke City will be open to drivers. As you may know, to go anywhere in the interior of the park you have to either join a guided snowmobile or coach tour. This is probably worth doing at least once, though I recommend you avoid the snowmobiles, since you're riding in a line and typically can't stop for anything unless your guide stops at the front of the line. For one day coach tours, the vehicles are somewhat limited in their range due to gas. For example, if you opt for a tour out of Mammoth, you'll get a choice of either heading to Old Faithful or Hayden Valley, but not both.
They do plow that north road, but people's cars are sliding off all the time, so just remember to take it slowly. Snow tires and/or chains obviously help, but the most important thing is to drive slowly and only pull over in plowed pullouts.
By the way, I'll be there between Xmas and the New Year. I've booked a private coach tour to Hayden on the 29th with a small group, and there may be room for more if you're interested in joining us. Contact me for more details.
Max
Kent in SD
Normal weather in Yellowstone is lows in single digits F (plus or minus) and highs in the 20s. However, if you get Arctic high pressure (clear & cold), the lows can drop to -30 F and daytime highs near 0.
I live in Jackson, Wy. at the south end of Grand Teton. Yes, the inner park road is closed in winter, so there's only a limited amount of road to drive in the park. You wouldn't need more than half a day to drive all of it, with stops for shooting, even less if you're shooting only in morning light.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton in winter are very far from each other, so you should choose one or the other. Yellowstone probably is your best bet. Stay in Gardiner and try driving the road across to Cook City and keep your fingers crossed. You might get lucky and see wolves. Or not. You'll probably see bison. Another option is the guided snowmobile tour or snow coach. But, as mentioned, you're trapped on the coach, and they're not necessarily going to stop when you want to and certainly not for as long as you might want to. Some photographer friends of mine got together and chartered a snow coach for a few days. If you're serious about your photography, that may be your best bet. Good luck. You'll need it.