Yellowstone/Grand Teton: 5 Top Photo Spots
People tend to underestimate the magnitude of these parks, a friend said. And I was forewarned.
With just two-and-a-half days to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, I was determined to shoot a good mix of wildlife and landscapes. After some research, I drew up a game-plan on how to photograph key attractions.
It was sure rewarding. Check out my top five favourite spots if you’re planning a visit!
1. Aerial View: Grand Prismatic Springs, Yellowstone
Where? Off Fairy Falls Trail, 400 feet (120m) up a steep, unmaintained mud-trail.
What? Visitors usually view Grand Prismatic Springs only from the main boardwalk, but up-close you do not enjoy a complete view of the huge spring. On a cold day, the entire area gets steamy, further obstructing the view and magnificent colours.
To get the best shot, make a trip to the Fairy Falls trail about a mile south. Hike for about half a mile and turn left onto a nondescript mud-trail on the side of a steep hill.
It takes wit, stamina and scrambling on fours over fallen logs to climb that hill, but do it and you will be rewarded by a resplendent aerial view of the entire spring.
When you are done breathing in the awesome view, zoom in to capture some abstract shots of the vibrant rims.
We sat there, mouths agape – okay, partly due to panting for me – at the breathtaking sight.
This was perhaps the best tip for our trip!
When to go? Go on a hot and sunny day. Chances are, it’s less steamy and the colours, most brilliant.
2. Wildlife Galore, Yellowstone
Where? Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley.
What? Not to be upstaged in Yellowstone is its animal kingdom. Although wildlife can be found roaming everywhere in Yellowstone, the best places to spot animals are Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
Known as the Serengeti of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley near the northeast entrance is a breathtakingly open landscape that is as attractive to wildlife as it is to visitors. Here, you may see herds of bisons and their calves, coyotes and pronghorns. Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to spot bears.
Hayden Valley, somewhere along the east-central, is another great place to spot wildlife. We were thrilled to have spotted an elusive wolf pack using the scopes of canine enthusiasts, but the wolves were too far away to be photographed with my 300mm lens.
When to go? Go in the early mornings or late evenings, when it’s cooler and wildlife are out feeding.
3. Rutting Elk, Yellowstone
Where? Mammoth Hot Springs.
What? A large herd of elk congregate at the Mammoth Hot Springs area almost year-round. Watch out for them against the backdrop of the beautiful Lower Terrace area, or simply hang around the lawns of the lodges. Rangers told us the elk seemed to prefer the fresh green grass of manicured lawns, and they knew no fear of people.
September is prime rutting season for elk, with their antlers fully grown. Listen for bulls bugling and herding their harems in the most territorial fashion. The males are extremely aggressive this season, and you may even spot bull-fights.
When to go? Fall is a spectacular time for watching wildlife here. Early mornings and late evenings are best, but elk are typically spotted throughout the day.
4. Mirror Images of Grand Tetons
Where? Schwabacher Landing & Oxbow Bend
What? Other mountains may be higher and larger, but there’s an unparalleled beauty to the ruggedness of Grand Tetons. The Grand Teton range rises steeply from the valley floor, and as if it needed more drama, the towering pinnacles have their images reflected on still waters in the foreground.
About five miles from Moose Junction along Hwy 26/89/191, we discovered a little gravel road called the Schwabacher landing. It’s not paved and your ride will be far from smooth, but drive slowly and you’ll come to part of the Snake River that proudly displays a reflection of the Cathedral group of mountains. A real prime photo opportunity!
Less off-the-beaten-path is the famous Oxbow bend, which shows off a mirror image of Mt Moran and its surrounding peaks.
When to go? Sunrise or sunset. The warm colours of the sun over the horizon simply does magic for photography.
5. Mormon Barns, Grand Tetons
Where? Off Antelope Flats Road, about 1 mile east of Hwy 26/89/191
What? The Mormon Row is one of the most picturesque, postcard-worthy area of Grand Teton National Park.
How much more rustic can the scene get with old wooden homesteads amidst open fields, set against a dazzling backdrop of the Tetons?
The farmland here was first homesteaded by Mormon settlers in the early 1900s. The buildings were left to decay till 1990s, when the cultural value was finally recognised and steps were taken for preservation. Thankfully!
When to go? Sunrise is best, as the sun’s rays illuminate the side of the barns and fall on the mountains in the background.
Have fun with these tips… Hopefully, they can yield you a stunning portfolio of abstract geothermal, wildlife and landscape shots!
As always, your pictures have me mesmerized! Just amazing!! What kind of camera do you use, might I ask? I am upgrading my good ol’ trusty point and shoot to more of a professional camera and love the quality of your pics…
Super beautiful and amazing pics gal!! And how awesome is God’s creations too!!
Thanks Lee! Agree about God’s amazing creation!
Hi Cara! I use the Canon Rebel, which is pretty good starting camera. The latest model Rebel T3i or 600D (depending on which region you live in) looks good. I also carry a very good compact camera around with me, Canon S95
Yes, I vote for upgrading! Thanks for your sweet compliments 
Don’t think I saw Mt Moran n Oxbow pix earlier?!? Equally stunning la!! Sigh when shall I ever get there! ;p And ok this particular write up is def travel-blog/nat geo worthy! *wink*
Woot!
Excellent! Looks like it requires lots of stamina which both of u hv. Hee
Haha, I was huffing and puffing during the hikes!
What gorgeous photos! You have a rare talent. Beautiful work.
Thanks Christina! Your comment made my day!
Beautiful – enjoyed them all.
Um…WOW! Especially love those mirror image shots — absolutely spectacular…
I don’t know what to say (literally).. the pictures are BEAUTIFUL. how do you do it?:)
Wow! That is amazing.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos, as well as tips for great spots for shots. It’s nice to know there are others who will hike and climb instead for awesome photographs instead of staying on the main path. Adventurers unite!
Yea, I’m all for exploring off the beaten path!
It often takes prior research though!
Extraordinary photos and I really like the way you set out where, what and when info with a short description. An excellent system, many thanks
Beautiful tranquil images, makes me want to sit back and relax,
Hey, I really like your pictures. No, I have to say I love them! First of all the Pics with the mountains. They are full of freedom and when I looked at them I wanna breave the air…
)
(I hope my English isn’t too bad
Draco, your English is fine. And, yes, the mountains around Jackson Hole are very beautiful. Strong. And the air is pure. I hope you can go, yourself, sometime.
Beautiful shots! Looks like an amazing place!
God makes beautiful things! Thanks for sharing the photos. Connie
http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/
I love the landscapes, very beautiful.
Wow…that photo of Mt Moran is unbelievable!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos!
Gorgeous!
Spectacular reflections. Beautiful. Also useful tips.
WOW! great shots was just there myself wish I would have seen this first! I will be heading up to the Tetons in Spring, so excited! Great Shots!
Oh i LOVE the photos on #1 and #4….mist, rainbows, a glass mirror….such a romantic spot!
Wonderful post, your photos are so beautiful.
Your work is beautiful and inspiring!
Awesome pictures and i really enjoyed your post..
All wonderful, but the color photo of the prismatic springs is entirely new to me and really mind-blowing. WOW!
Your pictures are beautiful and inspiring.
Beautiful!! I grew up about 90 miles south of Jackson. Makes me want to go visit again!!
Okay, I’ll add these parks to my travel list. Your photos are captivating.
Love your photos – breathtaking and beautiful:) Yellowstone looks like another planet and is on my bucket list of travel places to see. Congrats on being FP & Thanks for sharing!
its great
amazing photos.. the animals, the view…nature at its best.. my favorites are the mirror image shots..
Wow, I was just in the area in August and you’re making me wish I could go back for fall AND had better photographing skills. Aren’t those bison something?
Wow! Incredible work!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Great photos! The mountain ones are so pretty. I want to go here.
I love Grand Teton NP. Great climbing and even better photo ops. Cheers!
Brilliant pictures, love the post.
wott… nice photograph,
is it dificult to bring a huge of photography gear while you must a long hike?
Haha, it helps when you have a personal ‘porter’ (aka husband in my case) to share the load!
Awesome photos! Nothing beats the national parks out west.
wow! Love the pics and love your blog. Once again wow!
You really inspire me! You take some amazing shots. What camera do you have? I’m getting a new one for Christmas and am not sure what to buy. Please comment on our new blog blisstwelve.com and let me know what type of camera you use.
Happy Thanksgiving!
BlissTwelvePhotography
One word: stunning!
Great list. I just hope I can make it to some of these parks someday!
thanks so much for sharing, this spot has long been on my bucket list!
Absolutely incredible shots.
Yellowstone never ceases to amaze me.
You captured it perfectly
Cheers
-Ron
http://www.;learntobeatmatch.ca
Those are some really cool shots. I like what you do with color- wish I had your eye and/ or technical skill. I would recommend driving to Cody, WY- 14/16 from the Yellowstone entrance to Cody has some truely amazing and unique scenery.
Yes we drove towards Cody to fly out – the scenery was awesome.
Aren’t rutting elks dangerous to be near? How far away were you?
We used a telephoto lens, although we were still pretty near. Rangers were around to ensure no one got too close though!
Wow! Can’t help but feel envious. How great it would be witnessing the majestic view of Mt. Moran firsthand. Truly, God’s creation at its best!
Gorgeous photos! Thanks for the inspiration — and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Are we going to keep it that way ?
lovely photos
Excellent photos and tutorial all in one! Thanks for posting this and congrats on the Fresh Pressing.
Superb! I always wanted to visit Yellowstone, but now …..you really made me thinking seriously about it!!
These photos are stunning! I’ve always wanted to go to Yellowstone, and after watching a program about it on the BBC the other day and now seeing your pictures… I have to go!
Gorgeous pictures and congrats on FP
Rubelle’s Moon
Absolutely beautiful photography, thank you for the tips too – I hope to put them in to practice, one day soon
Amazing photos. Colours look out of this world, and nice to see lots of wildlife.
The mirror images are also very poetic, and ideal subjects for folding mirror poetry.
Thanks for sharing, Marc.
I think I read somewhere that the Mormon Barn was one of the most photographed items in the U.S. I see it all the time on calendars and such.
Nice shot.
DS
Awesome
thank you
Beautiful…
Remarkable and striking photos, Nise. You’ve captured the majesty of the Creator-God. Thanks for sharing and congrats on being “Freshly Pressed”. Blessings to you and yours.
nice post and pictures.
nice blog having so many stuff to read.
follow my blog to get updates on best places to see in world and also on web technology.
follow me on mishilpatel.wordpress.com
Great shots of the picturesque landscape:))
Reblogged this on lifeline..
I love Deer.
Great Images and Post
Great pictures.
this is sixth…
http://photosbb.org/travel/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7&p=166#p166
Some amazing pics – must plan a trip there…
Stunning pictures. The vivid colours around the Grand Prismatic Springs are amazing. Almost looks unnatural. Nicely done.
Beautiful and magnificent lighting. I am so jealous of people who really know how to use a camera. Great pics!
Fantastic pictures and excellent tips. Thanks.
Stunning photos of one of my favorite places in the world.
I haven’t seen anything like that before. Very nice introduction of the place!
That second image in Grand Prismatic Springs is stunning.
I’m planning a visit to Yellowstone next year (en route to family) so thanks for some wonderful tips on what to look out for!
those pictures were all amazing, glad i saw them!
http://www.eartharoundus.wordpress.com
Yellowstone? Who knew?? Loved the photos. Makes me appreciate our landscapes a little more.
Thanks,
Dita
Wonderfull photos!
grz.
Mark Mendonck
Really great photo, such cute animals
I’ve stayed at Togwotee outside of the Grand Teton NP, it’s GORGEOUS. I was in awe as soon as we landed in Jackson Hole. The airport is inside the NP, providing a perfect panoramic view of the tetons. Amazing.
Beautiful photos
I LOVED Jackson Hole Airport! It’s my favourite airport together with Singapore’s, for very different reasons (one is rustic, one is uber efficient)
Look forward to traveling back to Yellowstone again one of our most favorite places to vacation. Thank you for sharing!
Love the tips. Wish I knew this last year. Your picture of Mt Moran caught my eye. I posted a shot from the same spot just yesterday.
Wow – only just came across your post today – what gorgeous photography. Well done! Walking over fallen logs and scrambling totally worth it! Amazing reflections in the landscapes too!
You had me at «the freshley pressed photo». Truly one of a kind!
Wow. Amazing. Just amazing.
amazing photographs! keep up the great work
Stunning photos – especially of the mountains!
Wow, Nise, those pic’s are very NICE (nice en scene?) and recognizable. My wife and me were there, at exactly those spots, almost exactly two years ago. What is time?
Beautiful, more than that indeed.
And wonderful photo’s!
All the best from the Netherlands!
Thanks! Isn’t it nice to visit places virtually again?
Mahalo (thank you) for sharing your knowledge as well as your photos. The barn picture really moved me.
Nice nature images indeed!
Ive been there when i was a kid, absolutely stunning!
Beautiful photographs!!!
Those Pictures ARE Beautiful. It’s amazing with the every day ho hum, that if we open our eyes and explore, we’ll see such beauty.
Thanks so much for sharing
kk
Those are absolutely spectacular photos!
Any details on photo specifications – f stops / speeds / focal length etc. I’ve just spent 3 months on a speedy tour around as much of the U.S as i could fit in with a few days around the tetons and Mormon Row. Sadly I got carried away with the poloriser and wide angle and lack the background that finishes your photo.
Amazing photos!
really enjoyed my visit to the park….right here. thanks.
thats very beautifull place
amazing phtoos! Love the rims of the springs – I have never seen anything like that!
Being from Wyoming and currently shooting a film there, I found this very interesting! Great job!
If you dream to have holiday and vacation around the world these places should count to be in your one destination to visit and explore it , the wonderful places with the beautiful pictures of you.
Thank to amaze and surprize for all…………
Let move and explore the world , don’t forget to bring your world to share.
Beautiful pictures. I especially liked the one of the wolf!
My Mother has a tree planted for her somewhere in Yellow Stone. I haven’t had a chance to go see it but it’s on my list, and I hope it’s as beautiful as these pictures!
Ricky
http://www.TheWandererFL.com
http://www.CardinalPlaylists.com
amazing
Woaw !
Your pics brought back memories of past vacations. Thanks.
What a wonderful world!!!
Thanks for sharing the pictures. They are stunning. You mentioned about what time of the day to go but what time of the year should I go, do you know. I was there just this June and it wasn’t a good time. Thanks again for the insight.
Those mirror images are so beautiful. Love the symmetry and the rainbow colours! I have always, always wanted to visit Yellowstone!
What lovely photos! I grew up in Jackson Hole. Every spring we trailed our cattle up across the flats, past the Schwabacher ranch, down over Cunningham hill, past the Cunningham cabin site and on to our summer range.
The barn you photographed on Mormon Row originally belonged to one of my grandfather’s cousins – I’m not sure which barn you snapped, whether it was John’s or T.A.’s. The angle looks more like T.A.’s barn but I didn’t remember corral logs still being at his site. Either way, both barns are lovely – a tribute to the hardworking pioneers who settled Jackson Hole. I’m so glad they are now on the historic register.
Thank you for sharing your talents and those lovely photographs with the world.
Sounds fantastic!
The barns were quite breathtaking, set against the mountains.
Been to Colorado…this is definitely next on my list of western travels.
Great pics. They make me want to go climbing. I’ve always wanted to to the Glen Exum route on the grand.
Speechless!
Very nice. I have been wanting to take my kids here. My mom just spent some time there this last year. Maybe we will put this on the plans for this next summer.
Mr X.
http://www.QuitThe925.com
Brings out the dreamer and the hiker in me just to peruse your photos. Havne’t been to Yellowstone for many years so this was a treat. The shot of the “vibrant rims” is spendid!
Wow, these are some amazing pictures. I have never ventured through those areas, but I look forward to it at some point. Cheers!
Wow. Beautiful photos. There is an extreme amount bison out there?
Beautiful photos. I’m also enjoying reading your many tasty looking recipes!
Beautiful photos.
I have been hitchhiking through the Jackson, Wyoming area for several years now. There is a buffalo herd that usually hangs out just south of Moran Junction. Of course, everybody knows about the big elk herd that stays just north of Jackson for the winter. Once I was staying with some friends in Jackson and there was this moose casually sitting in the neighbor’s backyard. I was walking near Snow King (just north of downtown Jackson) and a juvenile black bear was running away from me. A lot of wildlife in the area.
“Hitchhiking Stories”
http://tim-shey.blogspot.com/p/hitchhiking-stories.html
“Outside the Box”
http://www.digihitch.com/article2020.html
“Reckless Faith”
http://www.digihitch.com/article2024.html
Beautiful!
Outrageous! I want to save this post for my trip there…which I am bumping up on the calendar!
What a wonderful way to travel around the world than by watching what is right here on WordPress. Especially for those of us who are home-bound and can’t even get out and around our own scenic country side. Yep! We are scenic – Corpus Christi Texas, The Sparkling City by the Sea!
simply amazing shots a real treat for eyes. I also suggest you to add some pictures of ladakh in India. Its a beautiful place.
Gorgeous shots!
Wow, cool. I’ll save this page as my travel guide if I decide to visit Yellowstone or Grand Teton. Great photography
great pics
what amazing photographs… would love to get to some of those locations one day !!
GORGEOUS!
Beautiful Photos! =)
love the grand Tetons…looks like you painted it!
Great tips. Thanks!
Fantastic pics.I live in the Colorado mountains where elk are in my yard almost daily. They are more than welcome but sometimes the tourists make a nuisance of themselves in my yard too. Great post.
Some of my favorite places. Nice Thanksgiving present! Thanks
Incredible!
the colours of the landscapes are quite vibrant – great in Black and White I am sure.
Ray
http://photomuserh.wordpress.com/
amazing photo’s, well done
Mind boggling. Nature is awesome.
Love the 2nd one. Just beautiful
Breath taking & magical. I can certainly use those tips.
Great shots!! This is the best part of blogs, here you get to see places which you might never ever be able to visit. Keep sharing
Such amazing pictures! Hopefully I can get a chance to go there one day
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! Love your first two shots. Great composition and framing. I love the sense of space and what you’ve decided to keep in and out of the shot. Nice
Goodness gracious!!!! I loove the shots of the rim!! The colours are amazing!!! I can never get to see those beautiful natural landscapes and admire with awe!! Gotta visit this place someday! Really would love to! Thanks for sharing! awesomeness!
amazing photo’s,
wonderful way to travel around the world.Nice !! I lovin it !
Great……. I very like….
photo very good.
Stunning photos! . . . Thank you for sharing your tips on how to find some extraordinary photo spots!
http://arabianmusings.wordpress.com/
Wow ! What a beautiful place…. Beautiful photos… Its breathtaking !!
Wow, these pictures are amazing!
very nice pictures
There are some stunning photos there. I took the one used in my blog,though I don’t do as much photography now and this is only part of the image.
Thanks for the tips! I’ve always found Tetons/Yellowstone difficult to shoot, and so your recommendations are a God send! Congrats on the Freshly Pressed status.
Great shots. It’s hard to go wrong in Yellowstone, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but these are spectacular.
Lovely photos. Makes me want to get on a plane and fly over there! Thanks for the info on locations. Tom
Incredible photos
. I’m completely mesmerized! I’ll have to add Yellowstone / Grand Teton to my bucket list!
-P
Awesome post, congrats on fresh pressed! I may have to mention in my blog just so I can find it when i finally get to go someday!
nice photos ! lovely !
beautiful pic
Beautiful pictures! Now I am even more tempted to head out to Yellowstone! .
Thanks very much all – I’m humbled by your kind words and encouragements.
- Nise en Scène
Wow! You have very beautiful national parks out there! Your pictures make me crazier than ever to visit those. Ever since I watched Ken Burn’s documentary on National Parks, I have been dying to see those. Thank you for sharing! Keep up with the good work.
all photos are beautiful! but my favorite is the second <3
The portrait of the Elk is incredible, I want to reach out and touch them!
love the second picture!!!
I really LOVE those shots on the mountain range!
super!!!
breathtaking views! Thanks for sharing
so going back there and try out those shots! Thanks
Thanks for the tips. It looks like a cool place to visit, as I always imagined. The color photo of the springs is excellent. Nice bold color.
Thank you for the tips! The beautiful photos are inspiring me to get out and explore!
Brilliant.
gorgeous photos and great tips!
Great stuff! Really like what you are doing. Just beautiful, what equipment are you using? Check out beautiful photography and video from Sydney and Down Under
http://playgroundpics.com/
Great pictures!