My Trip to South Dakota, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone! PHOTOS!! DUW

I am now back.. and here are some of my favourite photos I took.. You can see the rest here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hockada...7626808260691/

At the wolf center:

Gray Wolves:

gray wolf pair by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


wolf teeth by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


wolf reflection by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


wolf howling by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


Gray wolf by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


wolf by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr

Don't get eaten by a bear

Yellowstone is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I truly believe that place saved my life.

I highly recommend staying in the park itself. The park is quite large, and is sectioned off into several geographically different sections. We stayed in the "Lake" section when I was there in 2005 and it was so peaceful and lovely.

Highlights from my point of view:
-the fascinating hydrothermal pools (there are LOTS of these) in the southern part of the park
-the dozens upon dozens of bison that will casually walk within feet of you in the "Lake" area
-the huge elk you will see in the northern areas of the park, just massive
-all of the other animals you will see! We saw a couple of red fox in the Hayden Valley area, and when my parents went back a couple of years ago they saw a grizzly there
-There are no televisions or telephones in the cabins or rooms, and no cell phone service in most of the park which is wonderful!
-the chilly mornings sitting outside with a cup of coffee, watching the animals and enjoying the quiet

You really need to stay in the park for several days to see everything and also have time to relax. We went in the fall (late Sept early Oct) so I don't believe there were nearly as many people as in the summertime.

Congratulations on 9 years of marriage!

Take LOTS of pics...

Connie and I are hoping to get out there (Yellowstone) when we can get around to travelling.

Originally Posted by garweft

Don't get eaten by a bear

Yes, don't take (or rent) a convertible.

If you don't want to stay in Yellowstone, I suggest spending the night in Bozeman, Montana. Although there are closer locations, the price of lodging will be significantly more as you approach the park, particularly in West Yellowstone.

If you just want to do a day trip, I suggest driving southwest from Bozeman before dawn, entering the park by West Yellowstone, and doing the upper loop that will eventually take you out of the park by Mammoth Springs. That road eventually hooks up to I-90 in Livingston. Alternatively, if you're coming from South Dakota, you could stay in Livingston, but it's a much smaller town than Bozeman so your lodging and eating choices are less. The loop is about 400 miles, but I did this in a 16 hour day with plenty of time to stop, eat, and enjoy all the major sights along the way.

Be sure to stop at the Artist's Canyon. To me, that's far more spectacular than any of the hot springs simply because of it's amazing size and virtually hidden location.

Also, DO NOT APPROACH THE WILDLIFE! Bison, elk, bears, coyotes... all of them can hurt you very badly, and approaching them not only puts you in danger, but it also teaches them very bad habits. If you do stay in the park overnight, follow all of the instructions the rangers give you about bears precisely! You do not want to get into a tangle with them!

We already booked a hotel room in the west part of Yellowstone..

as well as a couple days just south of yellowstone, in a cabin just off of the lake in front of the Grand Tetons.

And I know not to go near wildlife.. sheeeeesh..

Actually last year we went to south dakota. We had gone on the wildlife loop.. and I watched people get OUT of their vehicle to feed the WILD donkeys and such... with their small children!! I just cringed... the donkeys even walked up and shoved their heads into vehicles as they tried to pass thru.. so clearly it has been going on for a long time.. which is sad. Can't really even call them wild

I never heard of the artists' canyon.. We will definitely be making a stop there if possible! thanks

A few shots from Bear Country USA in South Dakota:


bear in tree by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


bear cub by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


timber wolves by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


red fox by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr

And The Grand Tetons:


grand tetons and moon by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


grand tetons by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


grand tetons by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr

The Devils Tower:


devils tower by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


devils tower by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr

and the best part.. WILD ANIMALS!!!! Most of these we saw in Yellowstone:


chihuahuan burrowing owl by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


Eastern Meadowlark by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


prarie dogs by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


bison by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


elk by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


bison face by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


grizzly by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


grizzly 3 marked by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr


mammoth springs by Hockaday Photography, on Flickr