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Not Your Typical Questions About Yellowstone
Jul 16, 2020 16:45:52 #
Bring bear spray. I have never used it but it has occasionally been a comfort. Black bears can frequently be scared off by banging two rocks together. Grizzlies reputedly not, but i have never been menaced by one. Tower has a good sized lot and is open enough and fairly dark for night shots. Have a great time.
Jul 16, 2020 16:49:03 #
Also, don't expect many moose in Yellowstone. Teton National Park and the Moose Wilson road has given us many good experiences. That entire area from Jackson to Cook City is one of the best places on Earth.
Jul 16, 2020 17:31:24 #
Bears do go out on the rain to eat. Otherwise no problems.
Seriously that time of the year they are fattening up for winter.
Seriously that time of the year they are fattening up for winter.
Jul 16, 2020 18:08:46 #
Reuss Griffiths
Loc: Ravenna, Ohio
Gloria, I can see from the responses that you're getting tons of advise on what to do/see at Yellowstone but I noticed that you like to research your visit in advance (part of the fun of doing it is to anticipate). I've never been to Yellowstone or that part of the country and am not likely to at my age (Old enough to wonder when "Old enough to know better" is supposed to kick in). But I have been there digitally. The following website is a live streaming camera on top of Old Faithful Lodge which streams Old Faithful and the large geyser field behind it 24/7. https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm You can watch Old Faithful erupt and some of the geysers in that basin real time. You can also watch people walking around on the trails through the geyser field. Really cool!
Which brings up my second point for you to research. The major trails at Yellowstone (and many other Nat Parks) are on Google maps. Not just the trail marked on a map but a "street view". They actually had someone hike those trails with the funny 360 degree camera on his back and record the hike. This street view hike is best done from a laptop but if you get on Google maps and enter "old faithful" it will take you to the walkway next to Old Faithful next to Old Faithful Lodge. If you click your cursor on the walkway or the trails shown then right click the mouse and a box will appear with one of the options being "what's here" If you click on that it will put you at that spot with a 360 degree view of your surroundings. You can move along any trail you like with your mouse and see what's there. I've "walked" the entire trail thru the 2-mile geyser field behind Old Faithful so I know what it looks like even though I never been there. Many of the other trails at Yellowstone are also available this way. Should you be curious, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Mount Rainier, and many other National Parks have this Google feature.
Final bit of advise. My personal philosophy for life has been "To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks" Enjoy your trip and I hope this helps in your research.
Which brings up my second point for you to research. The major trails at Yellowstone (and many other Nat Parks) are on Google maps. Not just the trail marked on a map but a "street view". They actually had someone hike those trails with the funny 360 degree camera on his back and record the hike. This street view hike is best done from a laptop but if you get on Google maps and enter "old faithful" it will take you to the walkway next to Old Faithful next to Old Faithful Lodge. If you click your cursor on the walkway or the trails shown then right click the mouse and a box will appear with one of the options being "what's here" If you click on that it will put you at that spot with a 360 degree view of your surroundings. You can move along any trail you like with your mouse and see what's there. I've "walked" the entire trail thru the 2-mile geyser field behind Old Faithful so I know what it looks like even though I never been there. Many of the other trails at Yellowstone are also available this way. Should you be curious, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Mount Rainier, and many other National Parks have this Google feature.
Final bit of advise. My personal philosophy for life has been "To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks" Enjoy your trip and I hope this helps in your research.
Jul 16, 2020 18:13:58 #
PoppieJ
Loc: North Georgia
just to address some of your questions. Early means just before daylight until mid morning. In Lamar Valley you should see plenty of Bison. If you want to see wolves then look for a crowd of people off the side of the road with spotting scopes and check out where they are looking. For astrophotography you might try some place like old faithful where you will get a good foreground element along with the stars. Also Grand Tetons might be a more interesting place for astro. Where ever you try astro I would follow some of the advice already given and stay close to the car. As for hiking I have done some and usually there are big enough crowds that you will not be by yourself. You might try the trail to the backside of Grand Prismatic Spring, or any of the other popular trails (more people equals less animals). Have a great time and be safe
Jul 16, 2020 18:35:27 #
Petunia in NY wrote:
I'm going on my first trip ever to Yellowstone / G... (show quote)
In today's environment I would fear human animals far more than all others combined.
Sleeping out even in a car would not be wise.
All that said be aware of your surroundings, watch animal actions and if even slightly agitated move on.
You have chosen well and above all have fun.
I take special precautions when camping but they are mine and would rather not share in an open public forum.
Jul 16, 2020 20:31:34 #
I suggest rubbing yourself in bacon fat and hiking. It generally works out well. Bears and mountain lions are unfamiliar with pigs, so they just lick you if they come upon you.
Joking aside, I'm Colorado born and raised...spent some time in the mountains and later did quite a bit of hiking in the mountains. I live in cougar country now. I have a healthy respect for animals that can eat me, gore me, sting me or bite me. I do not fear them, but I do respect them. Been to Yellowstone a few times. First, never hike alone. The possibility of falling, injuring yourself, etc. is there. Grizzly is an entirely different bear than the black bear. They are king of all animals in North America. You come across adead elk and you can be assured that a griz will be coming to eat it. They generally avoid people, but when they don't, or you mistakenly walk between mom and cubs, the game is on. The old joke is that the difference between black bear and brown (grizzly) bear scat is that grizzly scat often has bear bells in it and smells like pepper spray. Black bears only have berries in their scat. Moose can be quite belligerent. If you do hike, do it in a group. I carry bear spray at all times. If you do see a bear, be thankful. They are magnificent animals. Just keep your distance and you should be fine.
We set up tours via the Yellowstone National Park Association...which were excellent. Focused on animals one day and geological stuff the next.
Follow all signs...do not get off trail, lest you might fall into a hot boiling mud hole or some such thing. The geological aspect of Yellowstone is amazing. Stay away from bison which will attack. Bring a long and a wide lens.
As an aside, cell phones may work. But I ALWAYS have my Garmin inReach which can communicate to an SOS center. I take it everywhere I hike, or travel.
Joking aside, I'm Colorado born and raised...spent some time in the mountains and later did quite a bit of hiking in the mountains. I live in cougar country now. I have a healthy respect for animals that can eat me, gore me, sting me or bite me. I do not fear them, but I do respect them. Been to Yellowstone a few times. First, never hike alone. The possibility of falling, injuring yourself, etc. is there. Grizzly is an entirely different bear than the black bear. They are king of all animals in North America. You come across adead elk and you can be assured that a griz will be coming to eat it. They generally avoid people, but when they don't, or you mistakenly walk between mom and cubs, the game is on. The old joke is that the difference between black bear and brown (grizzly) bear scat is that grizzly scat often has bear bells in it and smells like pepper spray. Black bears only have berries in their scat. Moose can be quite belligerent. If you do hike, do it in a group. I carry bear spray at all times. If you do see a bear, be thankful. They are magnificent animals. Just keep your distance and you should be fine.
We set up tours via the Yellowstone National Park Association...which were excellent. Focused on animals one day and geological stuff the next.
Follow all signs...do not get off trail, lest you might fall into a hot boiling mud hole or some such thing. The geological aspect of Yellowstone is amazing. Stay away from bison which will attack. Bring a long and a wide lens.
As an aside, cell phones may work. But I ALWAYS have my Garmin inReach which can communicate to an SOS center. I take it everywhere I hike, or travel.
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Jul 16, 2020 20:40:03 #
You'll want to be in the Lamar Valley by sunrise or shortly after, which means you'll be starting out in the dark. Morning and late-afternoon/evening are best for wildlife. It's quicker to access the Lamar Valley from Cooke City. So one approach would be to go through the valley in the afternoon and spend one night in Cooke City and then get up early a do the valley again in the morning on your way back. Watch for cars and tour vans that have stopped, because there is probably wildlife there. Stop at designated pull-offs and try your own luck. Take good binoculars. Remember that the most dangerous animals in the park are the Bison. They're not big cows, and people get in trouble thinking they are. There are many short trails and board walks in the geyser basins and points of interest. In the Tetons, you might want to consider a rafting trip on the Snake River. It's really a pleasant drift with many excellent photo ops. If you're interested let me know. I think I can find the name of the outfitter. Another, amazing place is the National Wildlife Museum across the road from the Elk Reserve. Absolutely gorgeous art. Great for a bad weather day or for a few hours of spare time. Jackson is a neat town to wander around. Thomas Mangelsen's home gallery is there and worth a stop to browse even if no intention on buying. There's the iconic places to view the Tetons, but also other spots off the beaten track, you might want to research or ask about. Anyway, no matter what you're able to fit in, it will be an outstanding trip!
Jul 16, 2020 21:10:27 #
The comment about your Menses is up to date, hope you are going inbetween.
Also leave your prefumes and and other scented item in your car!
Also leave your prefumes and and other scented item in your car!
Jul 16, 2020 21:28:32 #
Gloria
Don't go alone. Wait until next year and book a room in the park. Canyon Lodge is the most centrally located lodge in the park. You must book 10-12 months in advance in order to make sure you get a room. They book up fast. Most people do not drive around the park at night. There are NO street lights or lighting of any kind except in the Lodge areas. You do not want to wonder around the Lodge areas at night either. The risk is high. Do not hike alone anywhere, ever. Maybe next year they will have ranger lead hikes.
Driving at night in the park is scary and you must drive very carefully, animals wonder on to the roads all the time.
Don't go alone. Wait until next year and book a room in the park. Canyon Lodge is the most centrally located lodge in the park. You must book 10-12 months in advance in order to make sure you get a room. They book up fast. Most people do not drive around the park at night. There are NO street lights or lighting of any kind except in the Lodge areas. You do not want to wonder around the Lodge areas at night either. The risk is high. Do not hike alone anywhere, ever. Maybe next year they will have ranger lead hikes.
Driving at night in the park is scary and you must drive very carefully, animals wonder on to the roads all the time.
Jul 16, 2020 22:40:51 #
Dress warmly. Snow is not unusual there in September. Also, in the Tetons most of your photo opportunities are morning shots since the Teton valley is east of the mountain range. Happy shooting (pictures, that is.) KJN
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Jul 16, 2020 22:49:35 #
Petunia in NY wrote:
I'm going on my first trip ever to Yellowstone / G... (show quote)
A bear goes out whenever it darn well wants to. 'Weather' or not.
Rain will probably not reach the skin.
Look at that coat.
And importantly, the social distancing with a bear is waaaay more than six feet. Keep that in mind. And a mask for protection,HAH.😊
Enjoy your trip.
Bill
Jul 16, 2020 23:25:52 #
tjw47
Loc: Michigan
We were in Yellowstone the same time you will be there a few years ago. It snowed 5 inches of snow the night before we got there. Bring warm clothes!
Jul 17, 2020 10:06:51 #
Petunia in NY wrote:
I'm going on my first trip ever to Yellowstone / G... (show quote)
Gloria,
Don't let the alarmists "spook" you out of going. Just use common sense and you will be fine. Take plenty of image storage and have a great time. Wildlife photography is not what it was 10-15 years ago due to the prescense of wolves, but being this will be your first trip you should have a "ball".
Jul 17, 2020 10:55:54 #
ok, I previously mentioned a bit about grizzlies and hiking alone. But Yellowstone is a great place, perfectly safe unless you are a complete moron or there is some sort of odd ball thing that happens. You could also live in New York and happen upon a riot or what ever...which is more likely? I would gladly visit by myself, tour around during the day, get up early and take photos at golden hour, walk along the boardwalks, etc. People are so alarmist, I wonder if they ever go outside at all. They've already died, they just don't know it . I dont like the idea of walking on trails in the back country by myself in griz territory. That and keep a relative distance from bison and you're good to go. Driving at dark is NOT scary because you are going slow. Use caution. Getting to and from the park, if you are staying outside the park, you need to exercise caution because of deer on the road, but is almost everywhere in the back country (a few weeks ago narrowly missed a deer whilst on the freeway.75 mph.) But for heaven's sake, people act like you're headed it into the Great Planes back in the 1800s on your wagon or something. Go have fun and live.
Oh, and the most dangerous animal in Yellowstone or the Tetons are other people. Like anywhere in the world.
Oh, and the most dangerous animal in Yellowstone or the Tetons are other people. Like anywhere in the world.
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