Petunia in NY Loc: Queens, NYC

I'm going on my first trip ever to Yellowstone / Grand Tetons the first 2 weeks of September and am excited beyond belief - assuming of course, that the virus doesn't ruin things. I am in the process of researching and planning my trip. I want to spend the bulk of my time in Yellowstone and I have a few preliminary questions which I haven't been able to find answers to either here or on the internet. (I have yet to start planning the Grand Tetons part of the trip - I'm sure I will have questions when I get to that part of my planning.)

Just some background - I'm a big city girl and I will be travelling alone. I will be staying outside the park (I am leaning towards right outside the Roosevelt Arch) and I will have a rental car.

Here goes: I know hiking alone is a big no-no. The ranger led hikes have been cancelled this year as far as i can tell. Do you know of any hikes that can be done alone or am I stuck with what I can see from my car? I suppose I could wait until I arrive and ask at the ranger station, but I prefer to have everything thought out in advance.

The Hayden and Lamar Valleys are prime wildlife viewing locations. Is there a best spot (i.e. mile marker) to just sit and wait or is it a matter of driving around until I see something and then stop?

Everybody says to get to the park early for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. What does "early" mean exactly? Is it 1 hour before sunrise, 2 hours, sunrise itself? I want to maximize my opportunities to see wildlife.

Since I will be alone and I have a healthy fear of bears and the nights there are far darker than what I am used to, can anyone suggest someplace where I might be able to try some astrophotography that won't be so scary and where I won't necessarily be alone? If I do end up by myself, would keeping the car headlights on keep the bears away?

Finally, don't laugh, but do bears go out in the rain? (Some websites said yes, others didn't say one way or another.) If they don't go out in the rain, I was hoping to be able to do do some hiking.

Thanks for any information you're willing to share.

Gloria

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

We were there in september, after labour day in 2006. It wasn't really packed with people although it was busy.
We stayed in the park.
The wildlife was unbelievable, even from near the roads or board walks.

We found Beaver Ponds Trail an easy walk. although I would not walk it alone (even if you just twist an ankle it may end up being lethal).
We did see a couple of other people on the trail.

https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/yell-trail-beaver-ponds.htm

In the Grand Tetons consider the Cascade Canyon trail, there were quite a few people on it.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

All in all even though you really want to go I would advise against it. At night alone is not a good idea in a place as big as Yellowstone and with as many potentially dangerous animals. Everywhere they are reporting animals are losing their fear of humans because so few humans are around. In some places they are even coming into urban areas. And yes most wild animals will go out in the rain if they have a reason - like a now rare human attracting attention.

If you absolutely must go, go to an area of reasonable darkness and find a rest stop or pull out area up a fairly barren slope or a rest stop in the middle of the desert etc. where there will be few animals and stick close to or inside your vehicle. Like set up the camera right next to it then start the timer or use a remote and get back in the vehicle. Running the engine will attract animals and leaving the lights on will negate the darkness you are seeking. If you find a rest stop or pull off with other vehicles that would be safer - but remember, some of the two legged ones are the most dangerous.

Use one of the finder maps and locate a place less remote that Yellowstone. Compared to even a fairly small town a rest stop along the interstate along some of the long cross country stretches can be amazingly dark to people who are not used to it.

I am from a small farm town in Western Kentucky and spent a lot of time on farms. I also used to be a hunter and spent two years in Vietnam - a lot of being out at night there and I would not really be comfortable in Yellowstone at night anywhere away from pavement and my vehicle. And most definitely not alone.
If you get ill, injured etc you will be alone, with no help. Are some pictures of the night sky really worth it?? Do it some other time after people are out and about and the parks are operating.

You may think I am too cautious but in the Army in my 20's we all thought we were 10 feet tall and bullet proof. We weren't, and some of us didn't come home.

folkus

Listen to Robert!!!

satorifarm Loc: Stedman, NC

Hi. I grew up near Yellowstone, in northern Wyoming. In Yellowstone Park, when you see boardwalks and/or signs telling you to walk on the boardwalks, please obey them!!! The ground might look normal but is only a thin crust in many places. Breaking through that crust can cost you your life. Also remember that the wildlife is WILD and keep your distance. Yellowstone is amazing. Outside of the park you might want to check out the Elk refuge and the Trumpeter Swans. I haven’t been to Jackson in quite a long time, so I’m just assuming those two are still there. Have fun!!

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

Listen to Robert! If you do plan on doing a day hike by yourself, make sure you leave your plans with a ranger, hotel clerk, etc so that they know where to start looking for you if you don't come back.

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

There are plenty of opportunities there to see wildlife without hiking. And, yes, bears go out in the rain. And, yes, bears can be a problem if they are acclimated to people (not as bad now as it was in the 60's) or have cubs nearby. The risk is small but still exists, so be careful and aware of your surroundings if you are off the road.
Although I never attempted it there I would assume the astrophotography conditions would be very good. Others on the forum could address this issue better than I.
And, lastly, most wildlife are most active early and late in the day. So early morning and late afternoon boost your odds of encounters.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

Wow! Going from Queens to Yellowstone is quite a change in environment. Looking for some adventure is nice but I agree with what has already been said about caution. Bears are animals of routine, both on a daily basis as well as time of year. The only time they really sleep is in the winter when they hibernate. The rest of the year at night, they "cat nap". Keen sense of smell and hearing. In the fall they are out and about as much as possible eating anything to get fat for the winter. How aggressive they may be depends on how hungry they are and their personal circumstance, like a mother with cubs. They generally will try to avoid people. I've included a web address that was prepared by people at Yellowstone. It has some good advice.

www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org/education/bear-awareness-hiking-camping/

As far as astrophotography, you don't need to go to Yellowstone. Just find a dark area away from the city. It's city glow that causes problems.

Drip Dry McFleye

I suppose you could try this: My wife and I (in our 70's) were embarking on a hike in Glacier N.P. when a young woman approached and asked if we would mind if she kind of tagged along. She said she was from Kentucky, travelling alone and was uncomfortable being alone on the trail. We told her she was welcome and enjoyed the conversation that followed. It must be said that you would need to use good judgement in something like this.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have lived by Yellowstone all my life, been there thousands of times in all months of the year and in all conditions. Both all alone as well as leading photo seminars. Twice in the last week! Do NOT be afraid to go alone, it's often the best way to see the park because of no distractions. But you need to be fully aware of the risks and hazards.
This year is unusual due to all the closures and social restrictions, but nothing that cannot be overcome. Staying in Gardiner is a good choice but just yesterday they had a terrible fire that burned down half of the historic downtown area.
Feel free to ask me any specific questions you may have about your visit as I would be happy to help you out with your trip.
(My wife was from Queens and was always amazed everytime I took her to Yellowstone)

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

If you live in Queens (dependent on area) Yellowstone will just be a "walk in the park".

Seriously, I have little to add others haven't covered but if you go be prepared to be awed. And be aware that is late enough to have snow at the higher elevations of Yellowstone (it is 8-10,000 ft above sea level).Two years ago we ran into it in last week of August.

BTW, I travel extensively (50 states & 52 countries so far) and yours is one of the most intelligent travel questions I have seen posted on UHH. Don't forget to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Gloria, you are excited about the trip of a lifetime. And properly you should be. HOWEVER, your trip is a fantasy, and a most dangerous one at least. The enormity of Yellowstone is deceptive. The multiple geysers can be scary. The wildlife can be lethal. City girls rarely experience anything even close to what you are going to find. You are the classic patron for the open-air tour buses. Find one now and book a seat for at least 2-3 days. Rangers will tell you that you can see about 1% of the park from the roadways. You might not see that much trying to outrun a bear. Bear sightings are huge events, and for very good reasons. Since you will be a party of one hiking is out of the question. By taking the bus you will get the "BIG" picture without the hassle of driving. After 2 days you will be able to decide what you want to re-visit in your car. September usually marks the end of the season. Crowds are smaller, supplies become scarce so food stocks disappear in some eating spots. How early is early? Before sunrise will put you among the first to arrive, even at "Old Faithful." I admire your tenacity but urge caution. Study park maps. Search Webb sites to get better ideas of viewing points. The park appears much different at dawn that dusk. Only tourists shun the rain. There is NO cell phone coverage in Yellowstone (some of the Inns have it for sale). Could be the trip of a life-time, enjoy it as such. Have fun!

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Not Yellowstone, but ...
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-surprising-source-of-ansel-adams-signature-style?utm_source=pocket-newtab

bleirer

Jackson Wyoming just issued a mask requirement, so be prepared.

As to bears, it's better to hike in a group or stay close to a group on well traveled trails. You can buy bear spray at any store or visitor center, or you can rent it at canyon visitor center. I've never had to use it but i like knowing it is there.

bleirer

Fine cell phone coverage in the Mt. Washburn parking area. Plenty of people go by themselves, there is nothing to be afraid of.