61jhawk Loc: Tarrant County, Texas

My wife and I will be going to Yellowstone in September. We are both very senior citizens. I have limited mobility. We will be in a large SUV. I will have a Nikon D7100 and a D500 with me along with an assortment a lenses ranging from a 50mm prime to a 150mmx600mm zoom, a tripod, a monopod and a sand bag. We will staying in Wapita for four nights. I can walk for about a half mile before my knees give out. I need suggestions for good photo ops given all these conditions. Many thanks for your good suggestions.

asymptotic_maybe Loc: Southern California

I would make the Biscuit Basin and Grand Prismatic Springs do not miss places…spectacular mineral colors and pretty easy access for quite a bit of it. Since you are staying on the opposite side of the park, a closer day might be the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Much of it is visible from roadside and/or close to parking areas.

A visit to the Ol’ Faithful Inn is worth the time…maybe lunch there one day…largest Log building in the world, they say. (Photo ops of the actual geyser are few, but you can see it after lunch, or before)

Don’t know if you are driving from Texas or not, but if you can you should definitely visit the Grand Tetons on your way in or out of Yellowstone. A place like Horseshoe Bend on the Snake river is easy access and a great view of the mountains.

However you do it that place is amazing…enjoy!

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone


The Tetons at Horseshoe Bend

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Crowds in September thin considerably. Tour buses are very common. Food in the Park's restaurants may be scarce as the season is ending. Your limit of 1/2 mile is a huge problem. Seeing the Prismatic Spring requires a very long walk, well in excess of 1/2 mile. The size of the park makes seeing it troublesome, especially when one is limited in mobility. Rangers will tell you that only 1% of the park can be seen from the roads. Even the geyser basin requires long walks to see things. You may be very disappointed that walking is at such a premium. Internet allows you to look at maps of the park, by doing so you can see it's size and layout. You can also find individual parking for designated features, and it usually involves long walks. Sorry to paint such a gloomy picture but the immense size may be very problematic for you. You might try the tour bus operators and see how close they can get you to sites. We saw many of them during our stay and they tended towards older, less mobile sight-seers. Best of luck, the place is well worth your efforts. You may learn to really dislike bison, but keep a safe distance.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

You're in great shape. I'm only 64 and my back and leg give out needing a rest every 50 feet or so. 1/2 mile, only in my dream these days. I'm working at getting set up with a power and manual wheel chairs so I don't have to shoot from the car seat.

61jhawk Loc: Tarrant County, Texas

Thanks for the comments and the pictures. Yes, the Grand Tetons are on our list for on the way back to Texas as is a stop in Manitou Springs.

61jhawk Loc: Tarrant County, Texas

I wasn't very clear about my mobility. I go a 1/2 mile and then rest a while and then go on for another 1/2 mile or so..

bleirer

There is plenty to see and do on the road and at pullouts and within 1/4 Mile of the parking areas. To just drive the main figure 8 loop is about 200+ miles.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

" A place like Horseshoe Bend on the Snake river is easy access and a great view of the mountains."

In case anyone is searching for more info, the poster meant to write Oxbow Bend.

repleo Loc: Boston

If you can carry all of that gear for a 1/2 mile at a time you are doing pretty good - better than I could. If you can’t carry it all why bring it. You are probably not going to walk a couple of miles to see what gear you need and then walk back to get it.
Post pics when you get back.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

There are broad boardwalks into some of the beautiful hot springs. But if you can't walk that far, do not fret - everywhere you turn in Yellowstone is something spectacular - either thermal features or wildlife - and that includes along the roadways.

knessr

Yes, as Horseshoe Bend is in Arizona.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

There is lots to see, and close parking near much of it in both Yellowstone and Glacier. Last time we went to Yellowstone was in September. Still people, but not so many, and plenty of places to eat.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

My husband has MS and can’t do distances at all. When we went to Yellowstone, he had a transport chair and a walker. I think you’ll find Yellowstone very accommodating. As you are somewhat ambulatory, I would strongly recommend the photo tour in the original yellow Yellowstone “buses” which are more like elaborate station wagons. Not physically taxing. The concierge at the Wapiti can help set it up for you.

jimdandy

View the Grand Prismatic during the warmest part of the day. There will be less steam and better viewing. Everywhere there are boardwalks. A few have steps involved. Handicapped parking is available at all stops. Enjoy this beautiful park. Always be on the lookout for wildlife. It appears when you least expect it.