luloral

My husband and I are taking a great vacation (we don't get many as retirees) the first week of October. I am so hooked on scenery and wildlife I will be in my photography glory. The last time we were there was 1975. Can anyone suggest their favorite wildlife hot spot? I adore moose, elk, eagles and bears, but love all of it. We aren't able to hike much, but I am able to go farther than he is. Of course I will be packing bear spray and a whistle. I also can't wait to do the "iconic" Mormon barns. Suggestions are appreciated.

lathropski Loc: Boise, ID

Absolutely check out the National Elk Refuge just outside of Jackson. Plenty of elk and usually bison. Also, just above it, the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Beautiful!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You will likely miss most of Glacier Park as it is shut down by the end of September most years. October is very late in the year to visit the area but at least there won't be any tourist traffic to contend with.

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

Hayden Valley Yellowstone
http://www.creativephotosbymichael.com/Nature/Wildlife/Yellowstone-National-Park/23960583_DFm4Xn#!i=1944473656&k=k6s3mXJ

Makaipi Loc: Lexington, South Carolina

Back in '69-'70, when my wife and I lived I that area, we liked to go to the Lodge in Yellowstone in April.they had small cabins there. The elk used to lay there right in front of the door way. Jacksonhole was a neat camp ground, not much there at that time , but the gophers were everywhere! When we walked on the trail, the ranger advised beating on a can with a stick so that we wouldn't surprise any grizzlies. Panned for gold in a couple of streams. With a hub cap! Don't know if you are allowed that today. Glacier Park was neat. Drive up the sun hi way I think they called it to get pictures of glaciers. This was in July! It was hot but the glaciers were still there. hen there is the lake. A beautiful lake. Lake Mc Donald. The fishing was fantastic! Rainbows, German Browns, dollyVardens, cutthroat, Brookies! You name it! All kinds of wild life! Elk, deer , moose, coyotes, wolves! It was a zoo, literally! Black and Brown bear, Grizzlies, eagles! There is a small town just south of the park called Essex, Montana. You should visit. And also the Capitol of the Blackfoot Sioux Nation east of that in Browning, MT. hope that gave you a few ideas. Take care.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The elk migrate down from the high country into Jackson Hole around early October. Ask around about narrow areas that they migrate through, and you should be able to get some great elk shots. Many years ago in early October I was on a raft trip and a herd of about 80 elk swam across the river right in front of us! It was awesome!

Hayden Valley - often lots of bison.

Makaipi Loc: Lexington, South Carolina

There is a little town called Thermopolis in Wyoming that is ort of a small Yellowstone. It was neat! Anybody ever hear of it or go there?

ArtStudio

Yes, if you go take your swim suit as there are mineral hot springs to soak your body in. People who have body aches and sore joints love it.

we have been through the area a couple times.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

I agree. If you can do the second or third week of September you'll have better luck. October is perfect over in the Smoky Mountains but late in that area.

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

It is a spectacular place. October is a dicey month in the parks because all of the campgrounds and most or all lodging in the parks are closed. The fall colors will be spectacular. Depending upon snow conditions, some of the Yellowstone passes may be closed. It is great because the tourists are gone.

The elk will have started their migration to the National Elk Refuge here in Jackson but they won't be in the thousands that are here in December. The Pronghorn will have migrated south by then. The moose will be everywhere around Jackson and GTNP but hard to find in Yellowstone. Bison, bear, big horn sheep, and deer will be plentiful. Trumpeters and some large birds will be here but many will have migrated.

I would recommend that you contact one of us in the Teton Photography Group just before you come or while you are here. Our members will know every animal hangout and can provide you with a wealth of information about the area: www.TetonPhotographyGroup.org.

It is photographer's heaven in the area and different every month of the year.

wildconc2001 Loc: Chicagoland

As has been stated, mid Sept is best, at least, for scenery and color. In early October the Elk are migrating and in Teton Park can almost always be seen in the early mornings between the South Jenny Lake entrance and the town of Moose. That is on the inner loop of the park just north of the Moose entrance.
Depending on weather and the migration, you can drive into the elk refuge and even take a trip on a wagon and photograph to your hearts content. Not sure of when the tours begin, Oct. might be too early. Have a grewat time.

luloral

Thank you for all the great information. September is not an option as we are not able to go then. Tickets have been bought. It was October or never. Things being closed doesn't bother us. Less traffic is good. We love the cold but snow does have me worried. We will have to play it by ear. We have been to Banff twice in years past and we did get snow there in Sept once. It was gorgeous and brief thank goodness. It can be scary on those roads! I sure do appreciate all the information. Thanks everyone.

bdo Loc: Colorado

Thermopolis has (or maybe used to have; I haven't been there in quite a while) one of the all-time great bargains in hot springs.

They have a municipal hot pool in among several commercial hotels. When I went there, it cost me something like 35 cents for a locker, a towel and twenty minutes of soaking. The twenty minutes was strictly enforced, but at 104 deg (F) I was ready to get out.

I just looked it up. It is a state park in Thermopolis.

http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=9

State Bath House
There is no fee for using the Bath House; however, there is a nominal charge for rental of towels and swimsuits. The hot mineral water is maintained at 104 degrees Fahrenheit to provide the safest healing water possible. Attendants are available to assist you with your needs. The Bath House hours are: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays noon to 5:30 p.m. The Bath House is closed on holidays during the winter and open on holidays during the summer, noon to 5:30.

Highly recommended...