AboutJohn Expertise My greatest passion in the natural world is Yellowstone National Park. I have been going there regularly since I was 2 (that was in 1953). I make a minimum of two trips a year there, and have visited in both the summer and winter. My area of real joy is studying and observing the geysers, primarily in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful. I belong to a group called GOSA (the Geyser Observation and Study Association) which has around 300 members. I have also acquired a passion for park history, much of it`s geology, I marvel every year at the wonderful canyon and experience such peace on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. I do love this park and if I can help make a families time there more fun and a greater learning experience I would love to do that.
Experience I am a founding member of both the Committee to Preserve Our Yellowstone Heritage, a group committed to preserving habitat and affordable accomodations, and I am a charter member of The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). This added to my years of study and enjoyment give me a valuable base from which to share what I have learned over the years.
Expert: John Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: 1st Visit to Grand Teton & Yellowstone
Question Hi John,
I have lower back problems so we have been putting off making vacation plans. We have always wanted to visit GT & YS so decided at the last minute to make the trip September 9 - September 16, 2008. We are flying into Jackson Hole and are staying at the Alpenhof Lodge for 7 nights. We plan to do day trips to GT & YS for 6 days using our hotel as a home base. We realize that this is not the easiest way to see the area, but there are trade offs going at the last minute (so to speak). Photography is our hobby and plays an important role in our travel; however, because of my back we can't do a lot of hiking. We would be very appreciative if you could suggest an itinarary to maximize our visit.
Thank you very much in advance!
Barry & Carol
Answer Hi Barry and Carol:
My first suggestion would be to see if either Colter Bay or Flagg Ranch have any room. Jackson hole is about 90 miles from the first major feature in Yellowstone. You will spend a lot of time driving and potentially miss some great morning or evening photo opportunities because you have a long drive back to your room. The two places I recommended are much closer to the action in both parks.
I belive early morning in Teton makes for the best photos...ponds are still, morning fog enhances the lighting, and animals are more likely to be out and about. My favorite spots are Jenny Lake area, the Oxbow near Moran Junction (great for reflections) and the view from Jackson Lake Lodge. Moose are common, keep your eyes open.
Yellowstone must sees would be West Thumb Geyser Basin..great pools and the setting is wonderful; Artist Point, Lookout Point and the brink of the Upper Falls at the Canyon are short hikes with great views; Tower Falls is good too. Look for bears and Mtn Sheep on Dunraven Pass. between Canyon and Tower. Lamar Valley has the best wolf viewing chances; Hayden Valley for buffalo and grizzlies; elk are common in Gibbon Meadows or around Old Faithful; moose east of Fishing Bridge. Mammoth Hot Springs has great limestone terraces with great photo opps. Norris Geyser Basin requires some walking but it is fairly level to get to a nice overlook. Lower Geyser Basin has great mudpots and requires some walking. Great Fountain Geyser is on the Firehole Lake Loop drive and is predicted. You can park right next to it...an awesome place for sunset photos even if it is not erupting. Fountain Flats drive can get you up close and personal with bison. If you have some energy, the mile round trip walk through Biscuit Basin is fun...Sapphire Pool and Jewel Geyser (erupts every 5-8 minutes) make for a nice walk as is Blacksands Basin. Old Faithful is in the Upper Geyser Basin. If you park in the Lodge Parking Lot (not the Inn) you will have a short walk to the visitor center and they will have OF eruption time predicted. A walk to Castle Geyser from the Lower Store and Gas Station will give you a nice view of the back part of the Upper Basin. Castle is predictable and a beautiful geyser to watch. If you can take another 1/2 mile over to Grand Geyser...it is worth the wait..it goes about every 8 hours.
I would recommend buying YELLOWSTONE TREASURES by Chapple...it is a wonderful road guide to all of Yellowstone with more details on the places I have mentioned. Have a great trip.
John
