Leland22 Loc: Texas

A fellow photographer and I (age 66 -70 but in good shape for our age) are planning an "after Labor Day" trip to the Beartooth Range and also stopping at the Wind River Range. Since we are doing this strictly for photography, are there suggestions for must do day hikes and must see/do photo opportunities. I know it can be touch and go for then weather but, if not cooperative, we'll always find something to photograph. We stay flexible. This has been on my bucket list for years. Thanks in advance.

Dossile

There are multiple pull outs along the Beartooth Pass and a short hike at the top before heading back down. Great vistas. Take a tripod. We watched a bear climb a ridge on the other side of the valley with binoculars which was fun. Only a speck so no pictures. As for real hikes, I can’t answer, we were in transit to Little Big Horn. It is a spectacular drive. Think about heading briefly into the Lamar valley in Yellowstone. It is one of the best areas for wildlife.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Sinks Canyon near Lander can be photogenic.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Hope you realize the Beartooth might be in limbo (closed) the day you arrive. Three years ago I spent the night in Laurel, MT, about 40 miles away.. The next morning when we were eating breakfast we we were told the Beartooth was closed, but expected to open sometime that morning. When we arrived at Red lodge the Pass was open and we proceeded. You may find snow in various depths but it will be there. Island Lake and Beartooth Lake might be accessable by foot, but plan on needing hiking gear. Charts say the Beartooth will take about 3 hrs. to cross, but there are reasons to take more time if you are photographing lots of scenery. Cooke City is very unique, very remote, and full of great people (not many but still great). Do not be in a hurry when you go up the switchbacks, go 1/2 mile and make a U-turn, repeat. There are lookouts as you ascend and MT. has and observation post at about 10,000'. WY does not use guard rails along roads, but the scenery might take your mind off that fact. ©Friends of the Beartooth All-American Road | P O Box 983 | Red Lodge, MT 59068 | info@beartoothhighway.com | 406-446-1718 Site Design by YES Resources This site has a very good map of the Beartooth Highway. Enjoy your trip, but pace yourselves. The increase in altitude can cause some folks to experience breathing difficulties, expect 6,000 to 8,000 feet in altitude increases. The air get cold and thin, plan accordingly. The scenery will not disappoint.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Drove through there two days ago. Gorgeous! But the haze was such that nothing was photogenic.

SonyBug

Yes, a lot of smoke from the western fires. It does not take much to ruin visibility.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Haze from western fires is affecting the Tetons and Yellowstone to the west, also. As to snow, our trips in early to mid September are always at risk for early snow. Chased out of Beartooth area by snow in mid-June one year while camping with my folks. But, OTOH, we always take the chance so we can avoid some of the summer crowds.

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

As for the Wind River range, there are several very good day hikes (4-6) miles at the northern end of the range near Togwotee Pass and just east of Dubois. Stop at the Shoshone National Forest ranger station in Dubois for advice and good maps of the region. We were there last week and saw some of the most amazing wildflower displays ever. The walks are fairly flat but some at altitudes of near 9,000', so acclamation is essential.

In the heart of the winds, most of the best hikes are in the 12-18 mile range and require overnight stays.

Much of the shooting in the Beartooths will be from pull-off along the highway and the forest service campgrounds. As mentioned, the highway will close with the first significant snow - usually mid to late September.

rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

Check the weather forecasts! There has already been snow in Wyoming this year.

rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

How close to the gulf of M do you live? Elevation? Hiking at extreme elevation, in the snow, in the Beartooth mountains, with a load of photo gear might be more than you barganed for. Be ready to drive, stop and shoot.

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Thanks to all. We're flexible since we are leaving the wives at home. :>)

joelmaes

I have hiked and photographed both the Beartooth Wilderness and The Windriver country over the past 30 years. Both are best explored by backpacking but a few good day hikes are available. The Beartooth Highway is beautiful and also offers some decent photography at pullouts. My Windriver experience is limited to multiple day backpack trips and so I'm not a knowledgeable source for day hikes in that country. However, there are a number of good day hikes in The Beartooth Wilderness. An excellent resource is Bill Schneider's Hiking the Beartooths - a Falcon Press edition. There are excellent quad maps available as well. I wouldn't worry about snow if your trip is in July,August or early September . Much of the Beartooth Plateau is at and over 10,000 feet in elevation so give yourself time to acclimate. Easy day hikes include Mystic Lake,Lady of the Lake, Glacier Lake,Braodwater Lake,Slough Lake,Elk Lake,Becker Lake, Beauty Lake and Kersey Lake. Tougher day trips but with good photo opportunities : Silver Run Plateau(17 miles),Beartooth High Lakes(8.5 miles),Martin Lake (12.5 miles). I'm 66 years old and in good physical condition. Even with a full pack of camera gear, lunch and emergency gear these hikes are very doable but the tougher day trips are really best done as overnighters.. Don't worry about bears. Although it's wise to carry bear spray, I have yet to see a bear in this wilderness in over 30 years of backcountry travel. They're in the neighborhood but few if any conflicts have occurred.Hope this helps.

griffj98

Been to the Wind River Range both back packing and elk hunting a number of times. Great place for a camera. I recommend you check with Mule Shoe Outfitters of Pinedale. Justin and Sandy run the outfit plus Kendall Valley Lodge near the northern end of the
Range. The lodge has rooms and a café and bar with great views from the porch. They have a good website so check them out online. They are good for free advice and info and are third generation for Wyoming.
Regards, James Griffith

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Thanks-very helpful

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Thanks-will be staying in Pinedale.