Suggestions for mid length photo hikes for Yellowstone in mid/late September

Heading to Yellowstone for a couple of days here between the 19th and 22nd of the month and am trying to plan a couple of photographic excursions.

We plan on hitting the classics like Old Faithful and the Painted Pots but am trying to figure out some nice 2-5 mile hikes to take during the day for that time of year.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I might suggest the trail from the Yellowstone Picnic area that goes to the top of the ridge on the opposite side of river from Tower Falls. If you have four people, I would try the Pelican Valley Trail if it is open. This area doesn't open until 9:00am and you must be out by sundown, and travel in a group of four or more people. I have done seven miles round trip and it gets you out into a nice valley similar to the Hayden, but very few people. Good chance to see bears or wolves.

Another neat one is to hike behind Grand Prismatic Spring via the Fairy Fall trail. When you get behind it, use one of the social trails and climb the hill. This gives you a nice view of the Spring. Bring your widest angle lens, a tripod, a neutral density filter, and a polarizer and have a good time. This is about 2 miles round trip.

At Mammoth you can do the Beaver Ponds trail. This has a bit of an elevation change and as I recall is a loop of about 5 miles. Probably won't see any beaver, but maybe a black bear or if you are lucky a grizzly. Be careful of the elk in the area at this time of year, the bulls are pretty dangerous and cranky.

The one bad thing about this time of year is the weather. I have already had reports of snow in the area, so pack appropriately. I will be in the park most of the day on the 19th, and returning on the 23rd. Also, I cannot stress this enough, buy and carry bear spray with you. It can be found at most of the general stores in the area, if you are flying. If not stop at a Cabelas, Bass Pro, Sportsmans Warehouse, etc and get yourself some.

Have fun and if you have specific questions feel free to PM me. Tom R. and Rik are also great resources for Yellowstone and the Tetons.

Thanks for the reply!

It will just be the two of us.

Any idea on what the bear mace up yonder costs, the locals (Denver, CO) want a whopping $50.00/can. Seems pricey but maybe not?

I live and work by Old Faithful. Nice hikes in this area, but for wildlife, like elk, the Madison river is great. A number of 6x6 and 7x7 bucks out there. There is a pack of wolves out there as well, the 'Madison Pack', I have seen them in the spring and friend has seen thhem recently near the Information Center. If you go in, ask for Fred. (I am Bill at OFVEC Bookstore, ask for me if you get here)

Mammoth is great for elk this time of year, but they are mostly right in and around the center, so pics tend to have buildings.

Any questions, please feel free to ask.

BillwYellowstone wrote in post #10909288
I live and work by Old Faithful. Nice hikes in this area, but for wildlife, like elk, the Madison river is great. A number of 6x6 and 7x7 bucks out there. There is a pack of wolves out there as well, the 'Madison Pack', I have seen them in the spring and friend has seen thhem recently near the Information Center. If you go in, ask for Fred. (I am Bill at OFVEC Bookstore, ask for me if you get here)

Mammoth is great for elk this time of year, but they are mostly right in and around the center, so pics tend to have buildings.

Any questions, please feel free to ask.

Like in West Yellowstone?

That's where we are staying, we might just have to pop into the bookstore depending on how are critter finding goes, thanks!

West Yellowstone is a great little town, stop at the hardware store, say hello to Pam. Great photog. I am in the park at Old Faithful in the new Visitor Education Center, inside the bookstore there.

On the way in, keep a watch for the wolf pack along the Madison. They are there, but not often seen. There is a couple elk herds on the way in also. Near Old Faithful there is a small bison herd hanging aoround lately.

Have Fun!

Beaver Ponds near Mammoth is a good, short hike (5 miles) and typically offers good wildlife views. Bunsen Peak, also near Mammoth, is a bit more difficult but is only 2 miles to the summit. Both would be good hikes for you two to try.

Bear spray typically runs about $50/can; be sure to stock up. In the fall we all either pack dual cans or a handgun and a can. Bears have been fairly active this fall so be sure to read up on interaction protocol.

Have fun and enjoy the nice weather... the fall has been unusually nice in Yellowstone country!