wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

My family of four will go to the Yellow Stone National Park this early October, this is the first time for me there. I would like to get some advice from those who had been there. We are planning driving our self instead joining the tour group, this will give us more option and freedom, of course, photography is main goal for us. One thing I am concerning is the safety travelling in the Park driving alone.
Please feel free to give me your opinion! Thank you!

Djedi

Watch out for Yogi bear! I hear he's on a rampage since he found out his cartoons are not shown much anymore.

Anyway, if you keep your wits about you and don't do anything silly, you shouldn't have any problems.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

There is absolutely no problems driving through Yellow Stone park by yourself or with family. Just be aware of wildlife, as they have bears, buffalo, and elk, among other wildlife. Respect your distance and be aware of your surroundings and everything will be fine. If you have children, make sure they are aware of respecting the wildlife. Sometimes children are accustomed to petting zoos and will try to get close to an animal to pet it, not a good idea. When my wife and I were there a few years back, a family let their children run up to a herd of elk and it almost became a disaster. Drive slowly through the park and you will be able to observe the wildlife. If you see a few cars parked on the side of the road, be prepared to stop, they are usually viewing some sort of wildlife. If the buffalo are in the road, DO NOT honk, you will spook them and they may turn and head butt your vehicle.
If you are taking a road trip as opposed to flying and renting a car when you get there, be sure to drive through South Dakota for Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Have a fun and safe trip.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

ppage Loc: Pittsburg, (San Francisco area)

Behave around the animals. Don't do all the usual touristy idiotic behavior:
Buffalo and Grizzlies are much faster than people give them credit for. Keep plenty of distance and always have an exit route in mind you can use to run to your car. Stress this to your entire family. 50 yards if you are close to your car,100-150 yards if the car is not close. These animals can close that distance in a wink. A moose can stomp you right quick too. Leave any injured or sick animals alone and report it to the park. Last year a bison calf had to be destroyed because some idiots, put the calf it their SUV thinking it was lost and later on the herd would not take it back. Don't stop your car in the middle of traffic to take photos. Animals always have the right of way, just wait for them to amble off the road. Be careful with food. Bears can out smell dogs. Don't put the bear's life at risk because of your food. There are four or five separate "Countries" in Yellowstone with unique features and Biospheres. Driving on your own is fine. Watch your step in geyser country. I suppose you are fond of your feet and would rather not have them burned off. October should be a wonderful time to go. A lot less bugs (tourists) Take a super telephoto for wildlife, a shorter lens for landscape panoramas, a tripod, a polarizer. Multiple cards and upload them to your laptop nightly. Leave the cards alone.

CanonNoMore Loc: NW MT

Be aware most accommodations in the park start shutting down in late September. Also road maintenance ends on October 1st so roads could close at anytime for the season due to snow.
October and November are "mid season" months for the transition from summer to winter seasons. Just be aware the you may need outside the park facilities for many of your needs and having reservations before you arrive is a very wise choice.
Have a great trip.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Follow the information on your entry flyers for safety and you should encounter no surprises. Bear spray for hikers is usually a good idea. Do you already have a park pass? What are your plans for accommodations and how long are you visiting the park?

Bill Munny Loc: Aurora, Colorado

ppage is right on target. Remember that you are near the rut time and also the animals are collecting the last of their fat or food supply and can be VERY cranky. If within 50 yrds of a critter stay in your car and be quiet, take pics out the windows. As for the landscape, 10% of the park is seen by 90% of the visitors. Get out and walk,... a lot. Early morning is a great time for river pics. You are going at a time when you could get into some snow storms, so take appropriate clothes and boots.

Enjoy the lack of people and be safe.

AZ Dog Loc: Peoria, AZ

A good telephoto lens is a must, preferably a zoom. This is so you can get a shot of that eagle or the buffalo or elk or any other wildlife SAFELY. The park speed limit is 35 MPH and less in populated areas. Always be alert for that stupid driver ahead of you who stops suddenly because he saw something. Do enjoy the vast wilderness in many areas. If you are over 55, do get the Senior pass that will get you in to all federal parks forever for one price. The last time I was at Yellowstone, I got it for $10. Best bet for accomidations is West Yellowstone, Montana. Have fun.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Thank you so much for your advice, we will fly there and rent a car, we have already booked in the Lodge.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

We will be there for several days, my daughter and her friend are setting up and organizing the whole trip. We have already booked in the Lodge. I believe they will do what's needed to be done. The only concern I have is the safety, that's why I bring this up to get your opinion from your experience. Thank you very much!

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Thank you very much! I'm over 72 already! I will bring what ever i have, a long prime and a zoom, and a binoculars.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

We have been told it may have snow at that time of year while we made a booking to the Lodge, we will prepare for that. Thank you very much!

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Great advice, I will keep in mind! Thank you !

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

If you are a senior citizen, you may get a lifetime pass for $10.00 good for all national parks, if you do not already have one.