Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons

Planning a trip to these three parks this summer. Was hoping some of you could recommend places to see and photograph. I haven't been to Yellowstone or the Tetons since the Pleistocene and I've never been to Glacier.

So what should I absolutely not miss? Any ideas for sunrise/sunset?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Phillip,

I am also looking at a trip that way - likely early summer.

While I have not been up there, I might recommend checking out Rodney Lough Jr's new book "Stand Here". He has numerous photos from that region - not just the National Parks but other scenics. No doubt there are other photo books, but he has a gallery in Vegas so thats a quick go-to for me.

Dean Sauskojus has an e-book for Yellowstone that may give you some ideas.
Yellowstone Photo-Guide

Dean's Yellowstone e-book is exceptional. Well worth the money. For Glacier and the Tetons I highly recommend the Photograph America newsletters.

The 'Dirt Cheap Photo Guide to Grand Teton Nat'l. Park' may be a worthwhile investment. A 67 page free sample is available there, too.

Phillip, I've been thinking about a return trip to Glacier this year ... maybe we ought to get together. I want to hike out to the Triple Falls at Logan Pass, but that's not a safe trip for a lone person (with the bears around). The best images of Triple Falls look west in the sunset and twilight.

In Glacier, the main areas of interest are the McDonald Lake area, the St. Mary Lake area, the Swiftcurrent Lake area, and of course the Going to the Sun Road.

Howard hit the biggies you must not miss in Glacier. Glacier is the most beautiful park in the lower 48 imo. Absolutely love the place! Don't miss Avalanche Gorge on the west side between McDonald Lake and Going to the Sun Road. Good shooting!

There's a good chance I could run into you over the summer Phillip! Planning on doing an almost identical trip. I've been through Yellowstone a few years back and a couple hours in the Tetons, and most excited about glacier. In Yellowstone I was mostly trying to photograph wildlife. Only was able to get a handful of landscape images in, but am hoping to switch things around on the next visit. For landscapes in Yellowstone, it's hard not to go to the thermal areas and get something bad, especially with good light and longer exposures. I know there are quite a bit of waterfalls and streams that are very nice to shoot especially out in Hayden Valley. Hopefully I can get some good info on Glacier as well, although I know most of the areas I would like to check out already. All of the ebooks some have mentioned are great ideas. I would also suggest going to yellowstone.net and looking into their forums, they have some VERY knowledgeable people that can give you great info on all three parks.

Heh,,, if we could all coordinate our calendars, there may the makings of a RMNP meet.

What is there to see between Glacier and Yellowstone??

Can someone provide directions to Triple Falls from Logan Pass in Glacier?

If i were going to any of those parks in summer, all I can say is GO DEEP! Like multiple days into the backcountry. Otherwise, bring a machete to fend off the other photogs

Crowds really pick up around July 4 weekend. Keep an eye on when GTS road is scheduled to open; it's often mid June or later depending on snow. And many trails in GTNP and GNP may still be closed through mid June. Things are a lot more brown and you probably won't have much if any snow on the peaks by August. I have camped in each of those parks in late June in years when the winter snow was not particularly deep and found it to be good for landscapes and wildlife. But if it was a snowy winter or late spring snows that might be too early.

Access to triple falls is dubious at best. You won't find it on a map and the last time I attempted to track it down while in Glacier all the trails to the area were closed. Things to see and shoot between Yellowstone and Glacier? If you would not mind a couple of shots I took between the parks I would be happy to share. There IS INDEED some wonderful sights between the two.
About Glacier Park. The best! Mornings are best. Holidays are insane, avoid them. Logan Pass, get there early and leave early if you can. Sunset on St Mary Lake has some great potential. I shoot Lake McDonald a lot. Often overlooked. I like it best at sunup. Avalanche Gorge is also best in the morning to avoid crowds.Avalanche can be shot clear up till 9-10:00 AM.

Here's a good map for the Tetons, although I agree with Stan, when I go there next it will be a backpacking trip to get away from the insane crowds https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214547260878152234840.00044da3353a7ec8bc1ff&msa=0

I live just outside the East Gate to Yellowstone and spend a majority of the summer in the park, beginning as soon as the East Gate opens in early May (weather permitting). I would be more than willing to accompany anyone or just answer questions. Contact me!

Thanks for all the info/advice so far! Great stuff!! Still planning and considering options and dates.

Anyone done any photography along the Beartooth HWY??

Hey Phillip, Beartooth Pass is awesome. I would say it is very similar to the Trail Ridge Road that passes through RMNP. All tundra driving once on top at around 10,000 feet or more. Rick Dunn has some nice pics of the area and I have on my site the Twin Lakes shot from Beartooth Pass. I also have a shot from Beartooth Pass in my NPN gallery called Mosquito Moonset. You won't be disappointed with the Beartooth highway. If you have any specific questions shoot me an e-mail. I'll try and answer them.

Thanks guys for plugging my eBook "The Ultimate Photo Guide to Yellowstone National Park". It's been well received.

What do you do in grizzly bear country to alert bears of your presence? Do you carry pepper spray? Bear bells? I've read that bells really don't work and may actually cause the bear to investigate the noise further (not good!). The spray has to go into the eyes/nose of the bear and you should fire within 30ft of the bear. I would rather not get that close to a grizzly!

I've never hiked in grizzly country but I do hike often in black bear habitat. Had a momma charge me this past summer while inspecting a construction site that was out in the boonies. Stood my ground and she backed off but watched me as I slowly backed away and back to my car. That really gets your heart pumpin'!!

Just wondering if you have any advice for hiking in grizzly country. Thanks.

Pepper Spray, always carry a can or two and have it handy, not stowed away in your backpack. The last guy that got killed in Yellowstone by a Grizzly a couple of years ago left his bear spray in the car. Seems you have a pretty good grasp of what to do. I've lived and hiked in Grizzly bear country all my life and have yet to have a confrontation with a Griz. I know where to find them though if you want to get close. Just don't ask me to go with you .