New Fall Images from Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

October 18, 2023  |  Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

For numerous nature photographers, including ourselves, autumn often beckons us to the vibrant landscapes of Colorado. The state unfurls a grand tapestry of golden aspen set against craggy mountain backdrops, presenting a spectacle that's hard to rival. Beyond the sheer visual allure, it's a rendezvous of sorts—a chance to mingle, reminisce with old friends, and forge fresh connections. The tantalizing aroma of pizzas from Colorado Boy or the flavorful tacos at Gnar make the experience all the more memorable.

But, if I'm being candid, the magic began to wane for us. The routine, albeit scenic, became too familiar, and the throngs of photographers started weighing on our spirits. We craved a departure, a trip that would rekindle our artistic flames.

That's when we decided to pivot—bypassing our usual Colorado pilgrimage for the allure of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I had ventured to the Tetons during a past autumn many years ago, but back then, my lens was chiefly trained on the icons with fall colors such as Oxbow Bend. This time, however, I was on a mission to shift my perspective, zooming in on the nuances and intricacies of the landscape.

Our initial stop was Yellowstone. Here, autumn doesn't parade in vibrant hues; it's more subtle. The dropping mercury gives birth to a world shrouded in mist and mystery. Steam rises, fog envelopes, and the park transforms into a canvas of ethereal beauty.

Yellowstone Fall

Lone Plume

Lone Plume

Tranquil Echoes

Tranquil Echoes

Whispered Veil

Whispered Veil

Earthen Exhale

Earthen Exhale

Whispers of the Earth

Whispers of the Earth

Thermal Tapestry

Thermal Tapestry

Morning's Mystique

Morning's Mystique

Terra's Transcendence

Terra's Transcendence

Misty Embrace

Misty Embrace

Serenity's Shores

Serenity's Shores

Ephemeral Ethos

Ephemeral Ethos

Enchanted Forest

Enchanted Forest

Grand Tetons Fall

Post-Yellowstone, our journey steered us towards the Tetons—landscapes renowned for their jaw-dropping, theatrical peaks. Yet, if you browse my images, you'll find an absence of these towering giants. Not out of oversight, but design. The Tetons harbor a quieter, under-appreciated charm, a beauty I had previously, and regrettably, skimmed past.

This time, I sidestepped the iconic vistas that magnetize most. Instead, I wandered off the beaten paths, delved into uncharted territories, and rambled along lesser-known dirt roads. The discoveries? A treasure trove of captivating subjects that many overlook. With a fresh spectrum of hues at my fingertips, my creative juices flowed anew, rejuvenated and invigorated.

Autumn Mosaic

Autumn Mosaic

Golden Flux

Golden Flux

Lone Luminary

Lone Luminary

Glowing Embrace

Glowing Embrace

Golden Sentinel

Golden Sentinel

Woodland Waltz

Woodland Waltz

Aspen Serenade

Aspen Serenade

Crimson Contrast

Crimson Contrast

Nature's Spectrum

Nature's Spectrum

Rippled Reality

Rippled Reality

A Whisper of Fall

A Whisper of Fall

Golden Veil

Golden Veil

Autumn Ballet

Autumn Ballet

Golden Sentinels

Golden Sentinels

Embers of Autumn

Embers of Autumn

Harmonic Hues

Harmonic Hues

Delicate Fall

Delicate Fall

The Guardian of Autumn

The Guardian of Autumn

Echoes of Fire, Whispers of Life

Echoes of Fire, Whispers of Life

Darkness Meets Light

Darkness Meets Light

Whispers in the Mist

Whispers in the Mist

New Drone Perspectives

In a surprising twist for those who know my penchant for intimate landscapes, I genuinely still relish capturing the grandeur of vast scenes – just not from the all-too-familiar vantage points. That's where my recently acquired drone comes into play. It's opened up fresh and exhilarating perspectives. Combing through Google Earth, I pinpointed some captivating locales near the Grand Tetons that truly piqued my interest. The challenge? Ensuring I stayed within legal flying zones amidst the sprawl of National Park territories and wilderness areas. But the rewards? Absolutely breathtaking.

Nature's Cathedral

Nature's Cathedral

Realm of Giants

Realm of Giants

While capturing grand vistas with the drone is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, what truly gets my heart racing is this: crafting intimate landscapes from fresh, aerial vantage points. Sometimes, all it takes is a minor shift in perspective—a slight elevation—and the scene transforms dramatically. It's this magic that led to my favorite shot from the entire trip.

Forest Whispers

Forest Whispers

Posted in Trip Reports and tagged yellowstone, tetons, fall, drone.