MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Dunraven Pass (Mt. Washburn) is closed all year for road construction on the Tower side.

Petunia in NY Loc: Queens, NYC

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I will definitely check out the links suggested and heed all the great advice shared.

I do all of my travelling alone (even internationally) because none of my friends share my hobby or even want to go to the same places. The only times I have used a tour group was when I traveled to Egypt and Morocco -- because of the language barrier and cultural differences. I am very aware of all the extra precautions and "things" I have to keep in mind that being a solo female traveler entails.

I don't foresee having anyone to go to Yellowstone with me now or in the future so I go realizing that I have to compromise. I have read enough and seen enough pictures to know that I am going to be blown away by the beauty but there are also many hazards to be aware of. I just need to know which are real and which I am exaggerating in my own mind.

For example - dark in NYC is not really dark. I was in South Dakota a few years back and I got a taste of dark and I found it unsettling and actually pretty scary. I imagine that Yellowstone must be far worse. You all just confirmed for me that my fear of that kind of dark is not irrational -- because of both the two legged and four legged animal. I guess my desire to try astrophotography is out the window. As as aside, I am pretty shocked to learn that a running car could attract animals - I never would have figured that one.

I wasn't sure if my fear of a bear encounter was justified. I read the local newspapers online and have read the stats and they all say bear attacks are few and far between as long as proper precautions are taken and besides that, the few hundred bears within the thousands of acres of land makes it unlikely that you would run into one. However, based on your personal experiences it seems that an encounter is more likely than not to happen especially since the animals have lost their fear of humans due to the recent closures.

As a poster suggested, I thought of tagging along on someone else's hiking group but I will be honest - I enjoy just walking, getting lost in my thoughts and absorbing beauty in silence - precisely why I cannot hike alone in Yellowstone. I was hoping there were some popular trails which are sufficiently crowded so that being alone wasn't such a big deal. Cross hiking off my list as well. Sigh.

It **pains** me to have to take a tour bus like someone suggested though I know it is for the best and I can justify it in my mind as a recon tool for where I want to go on my own later. (That, along with the Gyspy guide should give me some good ideas.)

You are all correct -- Yellowstone is definitely an adventure and out of my comfort zone. That being said, I will compromise where necessary to make sure that it is a safe trip. A few years back I went to Custer State Park and Windcave Natl Park in SD and the wildlife and beauty was incredible. That trip, as well as viewing the photos and reading the comments on UHH is what ignited this incredible need to go to Yellowstone. I will keep researching and refining plans for my trip thanks to all your advice. It seems that i will also have to rethink my lodging idea in light of the recent fire.

Thank you again.

obsidian

In just reading your first 2 paragraph, I already gleaned your adventurous nature, AND a city girl at that. This seems like an adventure of a lifetime for you. Being alone in your trip, into vast forested wildlife, you are going to face the danger not only to wild animals and but also to humans with convoluted thoughts. I hope you are good with martial arts. I strongly advice that you carry protective device - taser, stun gun or anything for life preservation.
I lived in NYC for 15 years and another 18 years in Manila before that and I had my share of unfortunate events but I survived. My best advice is join a photographic workshop so that you will be in a company of people with the same interest and who can be of assistance to you along the way. A few grand $$ to spare is worth much much more compared to a mishap that might befall.

We meant to be in Yellowstone in October this year but with COVID19 coming back that we might encounter during travel (Airport, Airplane where there is NO alternate seating despite what these airlines are misleading the consumers, hotel areas), it is prudent that you forego your plan this year until we get the vaccine. Again, vaccine may cause some body discomfort but it's absurd and beyond reason not to have it.

Obsidian

FuzzyDan

First, if you can, I'd postpone the trip by a week. Crowds thin noticeably in most of the parks after Labor Day. The exceptions to that are parks located near major population centers, such as Yosemite, which can be very busy all the time.

Second, if you travel alone frequently, have you considered obtaining one of the satellite tracking/messaging devices? They allow you to summon help in an emergency from anywhere you can see the sky. Initial costs are reasonable, and both short term and annual service plans are available. I travel all over the country by motorcycle, often alone, and have carried one (a SPOT device, on my person, not attached to the machine) for years, as does almost everyone I know. It's comforting to know that if you break a leg on a dirt trail somewhere, you can get help even if the nearest cell coverage is miles away. They are also great for keeping a log of your route, as they record your position at time increments set by you, which you can also share n real time with anyone by providing them with your connection information.

Other than for travel emergencies, these devices can be useful even running around locally (I live in Florida). Even if I don't get hit by a car and end up badly injured and sinking in a swamp (as happened to a bicycling neighbor), my wife can use it to keep track of me during the day. They can also be useful when meeting up with someone, as you can each track the each other's progress towards the destination. And last, most of the people I know who live in remote places, such as WY, MT, or Alaska, routinely travel with one in their car. Running out of gas or breaking down in the winter can be a life threatening event, and a satellite device is cheap insurance.

Buildrt Loc: Sarasota Fl

Please take the advice of MT Shooter. Nothing can be better than the advice of a local. Enjoy your trip, My wife and I have spent considerable time there and found nothing to be afraid of just use reasonable caution and common sense.

Ed

Walkabout08

Gloria you might look to find an outfitter for a horseback trip into Yellowstone. I spent several summers in my college days working on extended pack trips through the Yellowstone. Getting off the pavement and into the park is really the most enjoyable way to experience the park and you’ll cover more ground and feel much safer on horseback. You may be able to set up a day trip or a short 2 to 3 day overnight. You can start by calling the dude ranches in the Jackson area. September is kind of late for the outfitters though as they’re usually getting ready for fall hunting camp. Good luck with your trip and don’t let fear hold you back.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

delete..

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

quote [For example - dark in NYC is not really dark. I was in South Dakota a few years back and I got a taste of dark and I found it unsettling and actually pretty scary. I imagine that Yellowstone must be far worse. You all just confirmed for me that my fear of that kind of dark is not irrational -- because of both the two legged and four legged animal. I guess my desire to try astrophotography is out the window. As as aside, I am pretty shocked to learn that a running car could attract animals - I never would have figured that one.]

If you can go during a full or near full moon period the dark will far less dark...

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am in agreement with the gentleman that has suggested that you postpone this trip. It is indeed dangerous for one person only to venture at night in the park. The pandemic on the other hand is not under control yet and at least in my part of the country I do not see much cooperation among people to wear a mask or keep the so called "social distance." Been outdoors in a park does not mean a person is free of infection or been contaminated.

Stay safe.

Jagnut07 Loc: South Carolina

If you do go hiking try to find an older slower couple to go with. First they will likely be safer to be with. Second, if you do encounter a bear then you can outrun them. 😋

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

Very true...no need to out the bear, just your companions...Wait, that's not right!!

ceh1024 Loc: Lutz, FL

Depending on your age and physical condition Remember Yellowstone is over a mile in altitude. If you are close to sea level person you may have a big surprise if you try to run. Generally people are not acclimated to the height and it could possibly be a problem. Most don't think about that issue.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Couple of things from having been there. First, when taking an animal photo DO NOT try to get closer. When driving in the park, you'll come across people pulled off by the side of the road, a sure opportunity of animal viewing. Check to see if there are any photowalks available. You are in for a treat, Yellowstone is my favorite of the 15 parks we've visited. They dont call it the American Serengeti for nothing.

Photocraig

Gloria, I grew up I Astoria. I was a self sufficient kid who travelled the subways alone since age 8. I was also big for my age, but that was 1952. The skills that I needed to show my parents and an especially street smart uncle was that I had TOTOAL situational awareness. I knew what was there in all directions, 360 degrees, always. I suggest that if you made it to the Bus Stop or Train with carfare and lunch intact over the years, you're street smart. Coming West and spending time in the Wilderness with my family--2 boys especially, showed me that that street smarts easily translated to Trail Smarts, after educating myself on Wildlife habits.

HOWEVER, Showing up at Yellowstone an a certain day in September--2 months from now, and expecting to be knowledgeable on the habits of Grizzly bears, Brown Bears--yup they're different and act different, wolves, big cats and venomous snakes is a tall order, unless you're a veteran hiker in the Adirondacks (not the Catskills).

Here's my suggestion. Start NOW re-planning your trip to include a Photo Workshop. MT Shooter used to run them back when it was his business. A group outing with a reputable Photographer and Guide )NOTE THE AND is a good way to go. If you can't verify a trip, PM MT SHOOTER he's a good guy and will likely respond.

You are a wise woman, which I expect of a Homie. You've asked her right questions. But there is a significant difference in the sheer scale of a Western outing than an Eastern outing. Everything is bigger: Distances driven. Distances hiked. Elevation and steepness of the mountains. There is no such thing as a level hike in the Rockies, Wasatch or Sierra. It is constant up and down. Trails once off the beaten path often have obstacles of LARGE fallen trees, and fancy footwork around multi level "steps." I did a mild hiking trip, guided, and ere was a significant difference between the fitness levels at altitude between the Western folks and the Eastern folks. Your walking training needs to start now--right now. And, Footwear is critical. There are a number of good middle weight boots available today. Find an Outdoor store and try some on. NOW! Then wear them on you--starting at 3 miles, then 5 miles and then 10 mile hikes to build yourself up and break your boots in. Today's boots are easier. See Vasque, Merrill and Asolo are good brands. Prepare to spend $200 plus for the boots. And as we said in Queens: Cheap at TWICE the price.

All in all, I suggest a group situation. Also Jackson and the Tetons are great as well, but are also rugged, Huge and steep.

I think it is time between now and next week to find a workshop or group hiking tour for 2020 if there are any. OR re-boot--and plan for 2021. Mr & Mrs. Google are your friends. Perhaps you can find a local hiking, or outdoor photography club. Or perhaps one of the colleges are planning a trip. Seek and you will find. But like the the others, I advise against a solo trip for, as the old guys said, a "tenderfoot" male or female. Check out Rocky Mountain School of Photography, or Santa Fe Workshops. I attended Santa Fe, and the "faculty" was made up of 2 Nat'l Geo photographers of note, a MAJOR Fashion and Beauty Photographer, a famous--legendary dance photographer, and a well known travel Husband and wife travel photography and writing team. Your best answer might be an off campus workshop in their catalogs, check 'em out. It was teh best Photo experience I ever had.

And the biggest payoff here is buying the best boots you can afford and getting ready for hikes that will make the stairs in a skyscraper look like a treat. Also, figure what photo gear works for you, and carry it on your training hikes. You'll get some good photos and also figure what works and doesn't. And you'll figure out how to access your gear to not miss something. The wrong camera bag while not quite the physical issue as boots, can destroy your enjoyment. Think backpack or sling, I like my sling, but for an all day outing, I'd take a backpack. In the West, you can't carry too much water--really--and energy snacks and lunch are Vital. See Lowe Pro and Think Tank. ALL Weather.

I hope you find a great group to join. Your street smarts turned into trail smarts will gave you photo opportunities making t'other folks will wonder if they were on the same trip. Best of luck

Sincere encouraging best of luck.
C

johnsonsjourneys

Please be safe! And have fun, it is a beautiful place! We were at the north part last month, stayed in Gardiner ( which just had a large fire yesterday 😔).