Yellowstone & Grand Tetons in Autumn

As autumn descends on the northwest corner of Wyoming, a pensive mood lingers in the air. The large mammals sport thick, new winter coats acquired from a summer of feasting, and the leaves of aspen and cottonwood trees blaze in backlit glory. During September, wildlife reclaims many of the areas overwhelmed by the summer's tourists. The southward bird migration is in full swing and the elk are rutting—their bugling resounding from the hillsides.

Fall is a wonderful time to photograph in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The air is cool but the sun still yields its warmth. The rich greens of summer give way to vibrant rusts, yellows and browns of autumn. Traffic-jammed roads and crowded trails empty, replaced by autumnal tranquility.

In Grand Teton National Park, the majestic Snake River offers a world-famous landscape to photograph as it winds beneath the snow-dusted peaks of the Tetons. Glaciers above high, aspen-choked canyons provide an unparalleled backdrop for our images. Photogenic trumpeter swans ply the misty waters of the river as moose in full antler browse nearby.

In Yellowstone National Park we photograph both the region's unusual geothermal landscapes and special wildlife. Fumaroles, geysers, boiling paint pots, travertine terraces and colossal waterfalls provide a wealth of unique subjects. The haunting bugling of rutting elk and the rattle of antlers locked in combat can be heard from all sides. And pronghorn, preoccupied with harem defense, allow careful photography from the sidelines.

Len Rue, Jr. brings an outstanding wealth of firsthand knowledge to this exceptional photo shoot. Join him for an opportunity to discover two of America’s parks unrivaled for dramatic landscapes and magnificent wildlife in one of their most photogenic seasons.