yellowstone & grand teton in autumn - backcountry journeys€¦ · our pdf trip packets are...

Backcountry Journeys – Yellowstone & Grand Teton in Autumn 1

Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | [email protected] | www.backcountryjourneys.com

Yellowstone & Grand Teton in Autumn

“There is a delight in the hardy life of the open. There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the

natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. Conservation means

development as much as it does protection.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

Pricing, Dates & Booking

For current pricing, trip dates

& online reservations please

see our website.

Trip Packets

Our PDF Trip Packets are being

updated all the time. Ensure you

have the most recent version by

clicking here.

Last Published: April 9, 2020

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.backcountryjourneys.com/

http://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/yellowstone-grand-teton-autumn/

http://backcountryjourneys.com/photography-tours-workshops/yellowstone-grand-teton-autumn/

http://backcountryjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Yellowstone-and-Grand-Teton-in-Autumn.pdf



Trip Overview

As the leaves begin to change and the air temperatures drop below

freezing at night – the greater Yellowstone Region comes to life in a

kaleidoscope of colors. Join us for an incredible eight-day lodge-based

photography tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

during the Autumn months. Crowds are gone at this point, many

species of wildlife become very active as they move from the

surrounding mountains into Yellowstone’s lower Northern Range and

Teton Valley. This is really a great time to photograph the adjoining

National Parks.

Each day we will arise early to seek out wildlife such as Wolves, Bears,

Bighorn sheep, Bison, Moose & Elk. We have spent years exploring the

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and our professional instructors will

show you some of the best and lesser known spots to photograph

wildlife as well as breathtaking landscapes.

We will explore the better-known spots such as Old Faithful, Oxbow

Bend and Artists Point as well as some lesser known locales that are off

the beaten path. Did I mention the tourists are mostly gone this time of

year!? Fall is such a wonderful time in the Northern Rockies – there is a

chilly bite to the morning air when the hot steam from Thermal

Features appears more evident and the autumn colors begin to brighten

the landscape with their foliage. Days are typically still warm although





there is usually a good mix of storm activity which can make for

excellent photography conditions.

Join us this year for a Photography Tour of Yellowstone & Grand Teton

in the Autumn months!

Highlights

• Two of America’s most iconic National Parks in one trip!

• Photograph newborn wildlife

• Bears, Coyotes, Moose, Elk, Bald Eagles & possibly Wolves

• Photograph iconic spots such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic &

the Tetons

• Cozy lodges

• Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro





Noteworthy Travel Logistics

• This trip begins & ends in Bozeman, Montana.

Hilton Garden Inn*

Address: 2023 Commerce Way, Bozeman, MT 59715

Phone: (406) 582-9900

*Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be substituted.

If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please contact us.

• You can arrive at any time on Day One of the tour as long as you

arrive in time for the 5pm orientation meeting that evening.

• When you arrive in Bozeman just call the Hilton Garden Inn (406)

582-9900. If you are using their complementary airport

transportation please contact them at least 24 hours before your

arrival to arrange your shuttle pickup, the shuttle is available

between 7 am and 11 pm.

• We should be back in Bozeman around 12pm on the last day of the

tour.





Itinerary Please note: We offer both a “standard” and “hiker” version of this trip

for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits

you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521.

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day One (Travel Day)(D)

“Standard” Itinerary, and “Hiker” Itinerary

Arrive in Bozeman, Montana by 5pm for a trip orientation as well as a

fantastic meet and greet dinner. We’ll go over camera gear and

itinerary. Our hotel has a complimentary airport shuttle.

Day Two (B,L,D)

“Hiker” Itinerary: Hiking mileage 5.4 miles minimal elevation gain

This morning we will make our way down through Mammoth Hot

Springs en route to a hike to Lone Star Geyser. Along the way we will

search for wildlife. Lone Star Geyser is one of the most unique features

in Yellowstone and has spectacular, fairly predictable eruptions.

“Standard” Itinerary This morning we will explore Mammoth Hot Springs and search for

wildlife along Yellowstone’s Northern Range. There are ample

opportunities for fantastic wildlife and landscape images along the

Gibbon River and the in upper Geyser Basins.

This evening we will photograph Geyser Hill where (time permitting)

we will walk the boardwalk and attempt to catch a lesser known geyser

eruption. We will visit the historic Old Faithful Lodge as well as the

famous Old Faithful Geyser itself.





Day Three (B,L,D)

“Hiker” Itinerary: Hiking mileage: 4-7 miles, 200 ft elevation gain

Our morning shoot will be at Grand Prismatic and the Midway Geyser

Basin. We’ll have an opportunity to photograph several different

geothermal areas including Black Sand Basin and the Fountain Paint

Pots. Today we will do a hike out to an impressive Geyser Field and a

beautiful mountain waterfall. This evening we will explore the Firehole

and Madison River areas looking for wildlife.

“Standard” Itinerary: Total walking about 1.5 miles in short stints

along boardwalks.

Our morning shoot will be at Grand Prismatic and the Midway Geyser

Basin. We’ll have an opportunity to photograph several different

geothermal areas including Black Sand Basin and the Fountain Paint

Pots. This evening we will explore the Firehole and Madison River

areas looking for wildlife.

Day Four (B,L,D)

“Hiker” Itinerary: Hiking mileage: 1-3 miles, 300 feet elevation gain

This morning we will rise early in search of wildlife then visit the

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We will photograph Yellowstone’s

lower falls from many angles. There are several shorts hikes that we

can attempt in the canyon area. On our way to the Tetons we will

explore Hayden Valley for wildlife viewing and then make our way past

Lake Yellowstone.

This evening we will setup for some dramating back-lighting and the

sun sets behind the Teton Range! After dark we will settle into our

accommodations and go out for a fantastic dinner in Jackson Hole!

Standard” Itinerary:

This morning we will rise early in search of wildlife then visit the

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We will explore Hayden Valley for





wildlife viewing and then make our way to Grand Teton National Park

for our evening shoot.

This evening we will setup for some dramating back-lighting and the

sun sets behind the Teton Range! After dark we will settle into our

accommodations and go out for a fantastic dinner in Jackson Hole!

Day Five (B,D)

“Standard” Itinerary, and “Hiker” Itinerary

This morning we will arise early as we set out to photograph the Teton

Range before sunrise at one of the iconic locations. Later we’ll grab

breakfast in town and then cruise for wildlife.

We’ll take a midday break to rest and go over photos and then head

back into Grand Teton National Park for more wildlife and mountain

photography this evening.

Day Six (B,L,D)

“Hiker” Itinerary: Hiking mileage: 2-4 miles, minimal elevation gain

We’ll arise early again to photograph the Tetons from another location

before heading back to our lodge, grabbing a quick breakfast and then

making the drive up through Grand Teton National Park back towards

Yellowstone. We’ll hike one of the geyser basins en-route and then settle

in to our accommodations in Gardiner, Montana for the evening.

This evening we’ll have a great dinner in town and then head out for

wildlife photography along the Blacktail Plateau.

“Standard” Itinerary:

We’ll arise early again to photograph the Tetons from another location

before heading back to our lodge, grabbing a quick breakfast and then





making the drive up through Grand Teton National Park towards

Yellowstone.

This evening we’ll have a great dinner in town and then head out for

wildlife photography along the Blacktail Plateau.

Day Seven (B,D)

“Standard” Itinerary

This morning we will arise early as we set out to photograph wildlife

along the Blacktail Plateau and in Lamar Valley before sunrise at one

of the iconic locations. We’ll spend the day exploring the “American

Serengeti” as we look for Wolves, Bison, Coyote, Big Horn Sheep,

Pronghorn & more.

We’ll take a midday break to go over our images and get some rest and

then once the light is good again we’ll head right back out! Today is a

wildlife bonanza!

“Hiker” Itinerary This morning we will arise early as we set out to photograph wildlife

along the Blacktail Plateau and in Lamar Valley before sunrise at one

of the iconic locations. We’ll spend the day exploring the “American

Serengeti” as we look for Wolves, Bison, Coyote, Big Horn Sheep,

Pronghorn & more.

Our hike today will take us up towards Tower Falls on Dunraven Pass

which is closed in early spring. This is a great place to view and

photograph Black Bears as well as other wildlife including Owls,

Bighorn Sheep etc.

We’ll take a midday break to go over our images and get some rest and

then once the light is good again we’ll head right back out! Today is a

wildlife bonanza!





Day Eight (B)

We will do one more morning wildlife shoot through Lamar Valley

before saying good-bye. We will be back in Bozeman, MT by 12pm for

flights home. After the trip we can deliver you right to the airport if you

want!

Please note: The exact sequence of the itineraries on all

photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions.

The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at

the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries

can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods,

forest fires, national park closures, road closures and more. Due to

the nature of wildlife and nature photography we do not guarantee

any specific sightings or specific compositions regarding wildlife or

natural phenomena.





Trip Details

Physical Requirements

All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability

to hike/walk with camera equipment and essential hiking gear. For

example, tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters

person), snacks, and extra layers (if necessary). The weight of your pack

largely depends on what gear you choose to bring on each hike.

Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and 20 lbs. For those serious

photography buffs packs could reach 35 lbs! But remember the choice is

yours

Solely for the “Hiker” Itinerary of our tour participants must also be

able to hike several miles each day between 2 and 8 miles per day for

several days in a row. These hikes will be on some trails with uneven

and occasionally steep terrain.

Group Size

We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the

guide/instructor.

Accommodation

We will be staying in West Yellowstone as well as in the quaint

mountain towns of Cooke City, Montana and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Trip length

8 days

Mileage

“Hiker” Itinerary: Approximately 10-18 miles for the duration of the

trip.

“Standard” Itinerary: approximately 3 miles along boardwalks and

sidewalks for the duration of the trip.

Pack Weight

15-30lbs





Fitness Level

Hiker” Itinerary: Moderate hikes from 3-7 miles per day on uneven,

and occasionally steep terrain.

“Standard” Itinerary: Approximately 3 miles along boardwalks and

sidewalks for the duration of the trip.

Meeting Time and Place

5pm on Day One in the lobby of our arrival hotel

Trip Conclusion

Bozeman, Montana at approximately 12 pm. We can either drop you off

directly at the airport or anywhere in Bozeman.

Price/Start Dates

Yellowstone and Grand Teton in Autumn

Meals

Most meals are included during the trip dates and we typically eat

at handpicked local restaurants. We often eat snacks and prepare lunch

on the trail. We typically return for a late breakfast, or eat breakfast on

the road during photography trips as we are often out early to capture

the morning light. There will be one evening with dinner on your own.

Weather

Expect warm pleasant days with cold mornings and nights. The

weather can prove unpredictable in the Northern Rockies and can

change on a moment’s notice. Remember some of the best photographs

are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is

no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices –

please plan accordingly! Make sure you are prepared for rain and snow!

General Links to Weather Conditions: Teton National Park Weather

Conditions and Old Faithful Yellowstone National Park Weather

Conditions



Yellowstone%20and%20Grand%20Teton%20in%20Autumn

Teton%20National%20Park%20Weather%20Concitions

Teton%20National%20Park%20Weather%20Concitions

Old%20Faithful%20Yellowstone%20National%20Park%20Weather%20COnditions

Old%20Faithful%20Yellowstone%20National%20Park%20Weather%20COnditions



We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip

departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.

Price Includes

Most meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip

dates: from the evening of Day One through the morning of Day Eight,

professional photography instruction, park entrance fees, medically

certified wilderness guide, & gratuities for service personnel such as

drivers, pilots, captains as well as hotel & restaurant staff.

Price Does Not Include

Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip

dates, one meal on your own, souvenirs & trip leader gratuities

(industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience)





Conditioning for Photography Trips (For the “hiker”

itinerary only)

“Hiker” Itinerary: We will be hiking between 3-5 miles per day

typically. The better shape you’re in, the more you will enjoy the trip.

Even if you are very athletic, I recommend walking as often as possible

with 15-20 pounds in your backpack, wearing the boots you plan to hike

in. You can alternate this with other cardiovascular & strength

routines. Balance is critical on rough ground. Whatever you can do to

improve your balance will pay big dividends.

Always consult your physician before commencing with a workout

program.

Training by Hiking

The absolute best way to train is by doing the activity you are training

for. If you live where there are trails with

1. Uneven, rocky surfaces

2. Steep terrain

3. And where you can hike several miles

Begin by training with a light backpack and hike at least 3 times/week.

The most difficult part of hiking for most beginners is the terrain with

uneven footing, the next is the steepness or incline of a particular trail

or hike, then the distance. Unless you are already in very good shape it

is best to start training at least 3 months before your trip. If where you

live there are no hills, or steep uneven trails your next best bet would

be walking stairs; for example, hiking up and down stairs will work

muscles used in both uphill and downhill hiking activities. Find a

building with many stories, or a stadium with many steps for your

training ground. Make sure all the while that you use the boots you

plan to bring on the tour during your training.

Next to increase your cardiovascular fitness you will probably need to

implement some cross training, and additional cardio activities into

your training unless you live and train at high altitude already. The





average elevation in Yellowstone is 7,000 Feet!! That is higher than the

mile-high city of Denver, Colorado which is closer to 5,000 feet to put it

in perspective. Cardiovascular fitness, as well as proper pre-hydration

shortly before your trip, drink at least two liters per day as least 3 days

before your trip starts!

Additional Training activities include:

• Bike or walk to commute to work or run errands, carry your work

supplies in a backpack if you are walking. Make time for an afternoon

or morning bike ride. This will help increase your cardiovascular fitness

as well as increase strength and endurance in your legs.

• Join a gym to utilize their classes or equipment. Many gyms have

stair climbers, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. All of which

will help with your cardiovascular fitness.

• Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular

fitness and is easy on the joints.

• Yoga and/or Pilates classes are the best way to increase your

flexibility and stability, both of which are very important for hiking on

uneven terrain with weight on your back.

• Jogging or running can be great for cardiovascular fitness, however be

careful implementing this activity into your training unless you are

already a runner, or jogger. Running without proper supplemental

training can cause injuries.

Lodging & Meals

Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours include most meals, lodging

from day 1 through the morning of the last day of the tour, ground -

transportation while on the tour, National Park entrance fees, guide

fees and other items essential to a successful trip – meaning that once

your there all you will have to focus on is your photography. We can

accommodate most special diets so please let us know if you have any

dietary restrictions.





Gear List

This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read

through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give us a call.

Your clothing should be a system of layers that you add and subtract

according to the weather and temperature. A good pair of good synthetic

“Smartwool” type socks under sturdy boots works well. Clothing should

be light-weight nylon pants (maybe base-layers), a polypro shirt and

either a sunhat or warm hat depending on the weather. As weather

conditions change add insulating and waterproof layers to your base

setup. Don’t bring any cotton clothing. Cotton is not a good insulator

and once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. Absolutely no jeans!

Photo & Field Gear Please Note: This following is the packing list for the “Standard” and

the “Hiker” Itinerary. If an item specifically pertains only to the Hiker

Itinerary, it will be followed by the words “Hiker” Itinerary. If an item

pertains only to the Standard Itinerary, it will be followed by the words:

“Standard” Itinerary. All other items pertain to both trips.

Recommended Camera Gear: • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.) • Telephoto Lenses (ranging from 100-600mm approximately)

• Wide-angle Lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom) • Normal Lenses (ranging from approximately 35mm to 100mm)

• Sturdy but lightweight Tripod (must be able to carry this for hikes) • Memory Cards

• Batteries & Chargers

• Filters such as a circular polarizer and neutral density are a must.

• Lens cleaning pen & cloth

• Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera

& hiking gear and have a rain cover)

• Camera Rain Sleeve





Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear: • Back-Up Camera Body

• 1.4x tele converter

• Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed (for

personal use in hotels for downloading images while on tour)

• External Hard Drives

• Bean bag

• Remote Shutter Trigger

• Camera’s Instruction Manual

Suggested Field Gear & Clothing: • Personal Field Clothing (think layers)

• Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket

• Long pants, or convertible hiking pants, one pair of leggings or

lightweight trousers to block sun and give warmth at night

• Warm Hat & Gloves (This is a Must!)

• Down Jacket (My favorite piece of gear in Yellowstone!)

• “Softshell” Jacket lightly insulated windproof/breathable jacket for

layering and protection from wind

• Long Underwear (synthetic top & bottom)

• Shorts & T-Shirts for on the trail during warmer months

• Hiking Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.)

• Brimmed Sun Hat

• Sunglasses

• Sturdy Hiking Boots “Hiker” Itinerary

• Good walking or tennis shoes “Standard” Itinerary

• Casual wear, for your evenings off the trail

• Water Bottle or Hydration System (2 liters)

• Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket

• Rain Pants

• Headlamp

• Gaiters (optional) “Hiker” Itinerary

• Shooting Gloves

• Pocket knife (optional) “Hiker” Itinerary

• Binoculars (optional) • Trekking poles (optional) “Hiker” Itinerary

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray





• Knee pads (for low-angle shooting)

• Personal toiletries, medication etc.

• Money, for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience) and for any

personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic

beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc.

This is a general list. Please Call with any questions!

Note on Packing for the tour:

Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing. Each evening you will be briefed on which lenses, filters, etc. you will need to carry the following day on the scheduled tour or hike.



yellowstone & grand teton in autumn - backcountry journeys€¦ · our pdf trip packets are...

Documents