Visiting Rocky Mtn. NP, Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe: My hubby and I will be visiting these national parks in September, and I'm hoping maybe some of you might...

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

My hubby and I will be visiting these national parks in September, and I'm hoping maybe some of you might have suggestions for good photo ops at this time of year. Also, if you have any advice on areas to avoid due to weather at this time of year, I'd really appreciate anything you can share. We plan to leave from Illinois on Labor Day, with our first stop in Fort Collins, CO (our son lives there). We will also be in British Columbia (visiting more family), Seattle, Portland, Oakland area, and Salt Lake City.

Thank you for any thoughts, help, or advice you can give.
Patty

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

PattyW60 wrote:

My hubby and I will be visiting these national par... (show quote)

The only suggestion I can up with is when you go to Yosemite is to get there early. We went last year at the end of May and driving in the valley in the afternoon was like driving in mid town Manhattan. Yosemite is unbelievably beautiful and don't miss Glacier Point, the view up there is hard to describe. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain NP is breath taking as well. Do lots of hiking if you can. Its a great way to see the parks.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Autumn comes early to higher elevations in those northern states, so expect to see a good bit of "yellow." Chapel on the Rock in RMNP can be a beauty in good light. I found Mountain goats on Mt. Evans just off the parking lot. Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake is a popular Glacier spot, any time of day. In Seattle, if the mountain is "out", go! Just go! It isn't out much.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

wds0410 wrote:

The only suggestion I can up with is when you go to Yosemite is to get there early. We went last year at the end of May and driving in the valley in the afternoon was like driving in mid town Manhattan. Yosemite is unbelievably beautiful and don't miss Glacier Point, the view up there is hard to describe. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain NP is breath taking as well. Do lots of hiking if you can. Its a great way to see the parks.

Thank you! I've heard Yosemite always has a lot of daily visitors! I'm wondering if Trail Ridge Road will be closed by the time we get there, due to weather.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

cameraf4 wrote:

Autumn comes early to higher elevations in those northern states, so expect to see a good bit of "yellow." Chapel on the Rock in RMNP can be a beauty in good light. I found Mountain goats on Mt. Evans just off the parking lot. Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake is a popular Glacier spot, any time of day. In Seattle, if the mountain is "out", go! Just go! It isn't out much.

Thank you for the suggestions! I know what you mean about Mt. Rainier! I visited my aunt and uncle in Seattle, and seeing the mountain was hit or miss. We'll be visiting my brother-in-law in Seattle, so hoping for good weather and clear viewing!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

In Yellowstone, do the thermal features and Lower Falls early!

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

PattyW60 wrote:

Thank you! I've heard Yosemite always has a lot of daily visitors! I'm wondering if Trail Ridge Road will be closed by the time we get there, due to weather.

One thing I forgot to mention is we took a tour in an open tram at Yosemite that is run by the NPS which gives you a good overview of the park and also stops for photo ops. You can make reservations on line which will save you a couple of bucks if you know ahead of time when you are going to be at the park.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

DaveO wrote:

In Yellowstone, do the thermal features and Lower Falls early!

Thanks, DaveO

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

wds0410 wrote:

One thing I forgot to mention is we took a tour in an open tram at Yosemite that is run by the NPS which gives you a good overview of the park and also stops for photo ops. You can make reservations on line which will save you a couple of bucks if you know ahead of time when you are going to be at the park.

Good suggestion! Thank you!! :)

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

DaveO wrote:

In Yellowstone, do the thermal features and Lower Falls early!

Dave, nothing about topic, just wanted to say I love your signature tags. I'm there with both too.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Stardust wrote:

Dave, nothing about topic, just wanted to say I love your signature tags. I'm there with both too.

LOL! That was our first trip to Yellowstone after retiring and before I got into photography at the behest of my wife. I took those shots with her camera as were we leaving and passing Yellowstone Lake while the sun was rising. The rest, they say, is history. She is still biting her tongue.

goshawk

We go to the park every year for vacation in September, never had Trail Ridge rd closed. However old Fall River rd may close early depending on weather.

achesley Loc: SW Louisiana

I always tried to get to the gates of a national park at 1st Light to beat the rush and have the place more to yourself for awhile.

The Can Man Loc: Big Arm, Montana

I live 20 miles from Glacier. Get there first and early in the month of September. The Going to Sun Road can close early and that will make you miss the best parts of the park.

gunflint Loc: Rocky Mountain High, Colorado

PattyW60 wrote:

Thank you! I've heard Yosemite always has a lot of daily visitors! I'm wondering if Trail Ridge Road will be closed by the time we get there, due to weather.

Hi Patty, we live close to Fort Collins...in early September Trail Ridge and if lucky Old Fall River Road should still be open. It all depends on if there are snow storms to close them. You probably won't see much color in the aspens till late September and the same goes for elk bugling. Weekends are still the busiest as locals as well as travelers love fall in the Rockies!

Have a great time in the parks!!