Timing Your Visit To Parks At The Right Time Of The Year
by professional photographer Kevin McNeal
Visiting parks is always an adventure at any time of the year. The key to visiting these parks is to go at the right time of the year when the crowds are absent, landscape is most colorful, and the wildlife is out in plain sight. In the following article, I will highlight some of the best times to visit these parks and what the benefits are to each one. I have also listed some alternatives and please remember this article is just an opinion and may not reflect anything you would favor.
Winter: Yellowstone and the Tetons
Of all the places to visit in the winter this would seem like the least attractive in terms of temperatures. But the parks proximity to each other and the transformation into a winter wonderland make this a must see. There are tours that run at Yellowstone to transport photographers around in snow cats that work with photographers to shoot wildlife such as bison in sub zero temperatures. The park is also easily accessible and offers many trails to snowshoe or cross country ski without too much fear of running into people. Nearby are the Tetons with unforgettable views of mountain peaks from many different areas accessible by cross-country trails. The sunrises are amazing in the winter and the addition of snow and ice in the foreground really make images from here memorable. Do not forget to make a stop at the Snake River Overlook.
Alternatives:
Eastern Sierras:
Great views of the mountains can be seen from the lower valleys such as the towns of Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Bishop. Windy rivers, stark trees, and snow-laden fields provide stunning foregrounds for the backdrop of snow peaks such as Mount Whitney. Do not forget to visit the Alabama Hills for some interesting juxtaposition between the rocks and snow. This is also a great time to make a stop at Death Valley.
The temperatures are cool enough to hike around and the absence of tourists make for an easier time shooting the dunes in terms of footprints.
Maui, Hawaii
Don’t like the cold weather and all the snow that comes with winter. Then you need to get yourself to the island of Maui. There is no better time of the year to visit this tropical place. One of the most impressive places I have seen to shoot a variety of nature landscapes.
The west coast has endless photogenic beaches and warm weather for days. The east coast is the opposite and gets lots of rain and therefore has one of the most stunning tropical rainforests I have ever seen with waterfalls at every turn. If either does not interest you then there is always the Haleakala National Park’s Crater with one of the better sunrises you will see you in your lifetime. Anyway, you look at there is something for everyone on this island.
Spring: Wildflowers of Southern California
Spring is always a time of growth and this means the emergence of wildflowers and colorful flora. Although, there are many places to visit there are a few standouts. I begin this wildflower tour down south in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where the wildflowers start in early March with possibly the most diverse set of flowers that can be seen for miles in any direction. The colors are vivid, the desert landscape unique, and a chance to see wildflowers that cannot be seen anywhere else. From here the growth of spring moves north as the next wildflower stop has to be Tehachapi Mountains. More specifically the Antelope Valley for its wild display of poppies.
If the timing is right the best display of any wildflowers in my opinion has to be here. The opportunities to shoot different types of photography are encouraged and there is never the same shot twice . Nearby are the Gorman Hills and adjacent hillsides that are less popular but equally impressive in terms of color. Just make sure to call ahead before visiting as times of peak can vary drastically. As well there are many wildflower websites that have daily updates to inform photographers of what is blooming and where. As spring progresses wildflower growth moves north toward the Bay region.
Alternatives:
Tulips fields in Skagit Valley, Washington
Every year in April, rows of different colored tulips grow and offer photographers many perspectives to shoot from a variety of different areas.
Waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon
Every spring in late April the waterfalls make their presence known and surrounding foliage turns to a vibrant green. Also, there are many hiking trails that offer glimpses of some amazing forest scenes that make you feel like you stepped into a different world.
Summer: Mount Rainier National Park
Summer might not be the best time to visit anywhere if you do not like crowds, as most scenic areas are over crowded during the summer months. But this is the time of year to see some of the most stunning mountain scenery. In early August, wildflower fields bloom in front of the majestic Mount Rainier in sub-alpine slopes. All types of wildflowers from Indian paintbrush, lupine, tiger lilies, and daisies bloom during the month of August. Along with the wildflowers there are many waterfalls, cascades, streams, and creeks that complement the mountain. When the weather is right and the skies open, Mount Rainer stands in all its glory in front of you. This unforgettable scene can be best scene from Reflection Lake; a must see on any stop to Mount Rainier National Park.
Alternative:
North Cascades National Park can be a great place to lose oneself and avoid the huge crowds of people. They are many chances to escape and get off trail. A host of activities exist including a variety of climbing trails. Up in the higher elevations there are many opportunities to see wildflowers with the Cascades as a backdrop.
Fall: Denali National Park
Personally I do not think there is a better place to visit in the fall season then Denali National Park. The park in fall has many reasons, which make it a fantastic place to visit. Firstly, the flora is second to none in terms of color and vibrancy. Along the tundra, blankets of red cover the valleys beneath the infamous Mount McKinley. If you travel to the end of the park accessible only by a park bus, you will arrive at Wonder Lake. This is where I believe the best views of Mount McKinley are, with the reflection seen in Wonder Lake.
Another great reason to visit the park in fall is for the wildlife that are abundant along the roads. In one trip it is possible to see grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and even foxes, all in a days travel. Having the wildlife out and about among the red tundra is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen. As well, this is the time of year when you are most likely to see the mountain without the obstruction of clouds. The combination of all these events makes it a yearly return not to be missed.
Alternative: Aspen, Colorado
Anywhere in Colorado is a great time to be photographing in the fall season but for me in particular it is Aspen. Aspen is a great central spot to set up as home base when exploring Colorado. Maroon Bells is one of the most famous places to see in Colorado. Known for its spectacular color and reflection of the mountain peak this must see location is one to not miss. Be forewarned this place has lots of visitors. Just traveling in and around the area you will witness bright yellow aspen trees showcasing themselves no matter where you look.
There are many more places I would highly recommend seeing but for me personally the recommended places in this article had something special about them that made them more memorable.
