Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

thanks

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I made it through Teton Pass, but had no issues during the first week in October last year. Plenty moose on Gros Ventre and Moose Wilson had bear eating berries as well as a few moose. No road closures until I hit some of the passes in Yellowstone.

Ob1 Loc: Utah

I usually plan for the week around September 25 for peek colors and elk activity. Check Mike Jackson’s website, Best of the Tetons. He gives daily Teton updates and in the fall a color update. I agree with Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain, and Colter Bay that will put you in the heart of GTNP.
Brad

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

My wife and I spent a day with Mike and I highly recommend his guidance!

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

Only if the government shuts down. Bummer shut down all the parks a few years back—what a shame as I met people who spent a lifetime not seeing Yellowstone and the Tetons. I just walked around the barricades, but they were long hikes.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Some do not appreciate political rhetoric in the "Main Photography Discussion" section. Just sayin'.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

If you spent big money to fly out to the Tetons only to be shut down by Bummer, you would not have appreciated the vindictive politics of the situation either...just saying. There was no reason to shut down the parks whatsoever!!

One 80 year old lady always wanted to see Yellowstone. He shut down all the parks for the seniors. Felt so sorry for her.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

We haven't been there since 2012. We were there 4 days and 3 of those days were filled with smoke from fires burning around us. Last day it finally cleared up. If you get the chance, take the drive up to Red Rock Canyon. I think it's some where on Gros Ventre Rd. It's a beautiful drive. Good luck and have a great trip!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

In 2012, we got smoked out all the way to Salt Lake City with its smog like conditions. Could not see much of the mountains.

CRoy

We were there this past September - 3rd week. Weather was cold and a bit rainy/snowy one day. We did, however, have a couple of sunny days when the clouds broke and we could finally see the Tetons!

Stayed three nights at Jackson Lake. Outstanding views, and I got amazing sunset photos. The dining room looks out at the mountain range.

Do you have time to get to Yellowstone, too? We covered both parks in 11 days, and it was an amazing vacation.

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

i saw that view back in 1972 when I was last there;s hotels are really expensive at that time, and I want to stay the the Lodge;l will do YNP one spring

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

If you're staying in the park, learn when and how to book in well in advance to get what you want. Typically I book in May for the following year. The day the reservation booking opens up, it can be difficult to do it online and worse on the phone, if not impossible. I have stayed in most of the facilities, but opt for Gardiner, Mt due to our main interest being in the northern portion of the park and having been screwed by Xanterra, the outfit that runs the lodging/food and events in the park.

PhotosByCat Loc: Baltimore, OH

Went last fall end Sept first Oct (the week that spans them both). Color was not great and even drove further south to catch some reds but they were pretty muted already. Don't knock the snow. Got some decent shots of a young grizzly playing in the snow (was guarding a spot where hunters had left the innards). Sunrises are great as well as mountain shots during the day. Park rangers will know the best spots. Don't miss the elk bugling - it's a great sound.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Signal Mountain Lodge is another good spot in GTNP.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

Last of Sept thru 10 October is usually prime time. Last year they had a warm summer and fall and color was late--as of 7 October color had not changed in Jackson. There are several sights to see, but 3 to 4 days can be filled with several locations. Oxbow Bend, just inside Yellowstone park about 40 miles from Yellowstone, is a must. For about 7 days this location will be in peak color, and it turns color and loses its leaves well before most other locations. It took me 3 visits to get these photos, could have purchased them, but I wanted medium format camera images for large prints.

Schwabacher Landing is a great place to take shots any time of the year, but when the trees are in color, the images are far more unique. There is the standard Mormon Row cabin on Antelope Road that everyone seems to like shooting. For me I found this cabin off the beaten path, but it is nothing I would hang on the wall. I use it as background for models.

Of course there is Yellowstone Park if you have not been there.

If I ever go back, I think I will take the safari tour in the back country. They give you a 600mm lens to use with your camera (Nikon/Canon) and tour the back country for wildlife. After you have been there once, it is a pretty boring location unless you are really after a special image capture yourself. Weather ranges from rain and snow to a sunny 42 to 52 degrees. Bring rain gear for your camera and person, and don't be surprised if it rains or snows your entire stay.