Hello - Does anybody have recommendations on...

1. What US National Parks are the best to go to in the October/November timeframe (Yosemite, Yellow Stone, etc.)

2. Organized trips to the US National Parks with a balance of moderate physical activity and an opportunity for photography

I have seen various websites that seem to have decent trips, but it's hard to tell the activity level. I plan to travel alone and am hopeful to find other folks in the 30/40 range.

Thanks for any insight you can provide...

There are National Parks all across the US. Since you mentioned Yosemite or Yellowstone are you only looking at the Western part of the country? As far as organized trips, I am not familiar with them but it would be helpful to know where you are flying into and then you could search from there. For example, flying into San Francisco, you could get a organized trip to Yosemite. Yosemite has lots of hiking areas and photography opportunities are almost endless. Yosemite would be cool in October but would be getting pretty cold by November.

Collette has a very good tour of western national parks. Check them out. You might also google 'western national parks tour' then come back with more specific questions.

We took the Collette tour which went from Scottsdale through Utah, Wyoming, a bit of SD and ended in Denver. I can answer questions for you about that one.

We were in Yosemite the first weekend in November one year - abosolutely beautiful. The waterfalls weren't really running like in the spring, but the colors on the trees really made up for that

If you're looking for a good tour company, Tauck Tours has an excellent reputation.

Hi Mr. Ster,

Oct and Nov are very good times to visit the southern Utah National Parks, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. There are many companies that do trips. Everything from the usual bus tour to smaller, specialized groups.

My cousin used to be a tour guide for a company that did groups in vans, usually quite active, younger folks, camping trips.

Many universities do special interest trips, such as geology, photography, anthropology, etc. Southern UT is paradise for these interests.

Zion and the nearby Grandstaircase-Escalante National Monument usually have prime color in mid-late Oct. The cottonwoods along the scenic drive in Zion turn little later than the others. The maples in the park turn several weeks earlier. You will be required to take the park shuttle thru the scenic drive until Oct 29. Utah 12 is one of the most beautiful roads you will ever find. Stop at Boynton Overlook about 13 miles past town of Escalante for a "sea" of yellow from all the cottonwoods in the river valley. Nearby are Anasazi ruins, rock art and a natural bridge.
Get a copy of Outdoor Photographer magazine. In the back are a number of ads offering tours. If you want to strike out on your own get a copy of Laurent Martres book Photographing the Southwest Vol 1 (2nd edition) which covers Utah. Also has volumes on Colorado, New Mexico & Arizona

Tree colors in November???????? In Yellowstone no less?

"plan to travel alone and am hopeful to find other folks in the 30/40 range."
I would not count too much on meeting people. A quick search of Yellowstone tourist numbers by month reveals most people have come and gone and are not there. Presumably home. Maybe you can suggest a tour operator attempt to put a 30/40 tour theme together. Can't hurt to ask.

Mammoth cave can be good. The underground temp is constant all year. California, Everglades, Smokies, other southerly parks but again it is the off season and many services may be reduced.

If you are going on an organized tour then consider this thought process: The tour must be responsible and tailor the itinerary to the least capable. If you desire to not be on the extreme exertion side I would not worry. Unless they advertise extreme then it would be irresponsible to do it. When I was at Mammoth cave 5 teens bought every ticket for the extreme cave trip. Therefore they were guaranteed that no person of lesser capabilities was on the tour forcing the guide to responsibly choose a easier route. They guaranteed themselves the most difficult route.

Winter (October/November in some places) is an extreme environment so I am not sure it meets your moderate physical activity criteria.

Late October and November can be grey dreary times and not my choice for photography. But opportunities are everywhere anyway.

Perhaps Florida, California, New Mexico, Arizona would be my targets if I HAD to take a trip in November. Early to mid October I'd think New England, Smokies, Rushmore/Badlands, Maybe Yellowstone but I'd be expecting more wintry grey than colorful autumn.

Thank you all - you have all given great insight!

My focus will be to stay in the Southwest Region, and to investigate university special interest trips. I will also look into the tours mentioned.

Please feel free to provide more thoughts.

I have traveled all over the world, and realized there is so much to see in the US...

Hello All - I found the following trip, and would like to hear if this seems feasible. Any feedback would be extremely helpful!!! The cost is the same range as all other trips I have seen ~$2200. Thanks in advance!

Santa Fe
Courtyard by Marriott
Day 1
Fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you on the transfer to Santa Fe. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Santa Fe. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2
Settled by a Spanish conquistador nearly 400 years ago, Santa Fe is now an exuberant blend of Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences. Today, a local guide leads a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit landmarks including the Cross of the Martyrs, Loretto Chapel and Saint Francis Cathedral. With a free afternoon to explore, you might wish to visit the Museum of Fine Arts or browse through Santa Fe’s galleries and boutiques. (B)


Mesa Verde
Far View Lodge
Day 3
Cross the Colorado border and stop in Durango, an authentic Old West mining town. Then visit Mesa Verde National Park, where you’ll view the 800-year-old cliff dwellings built in to the canyon walls. (B, D)


Kayenta
Hampton Inn Monument Valley
Day 4
Your day begins with a guided tour of Mesa Verde, led by an expert local guide who regales you with stories of this historical region. Continue on to Monument Valley on the border of Arizona and Utah. Part of the Navajo Reservation, the park contains a collection of monoliths and spires. Later, arrive in Kayenta, Arizona, where you’ll spend the night. (B)


Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Day 5
Reach the Grand Canyon, perhaps America’s most astounding natural wonder. One mile below the rim runs the Colorado River, while the rocky canyon sides reflect millions of years of geological evolution in their striated patterns. Begin your exploration with this afternoon’s visit to the South Rim. (B, D)

Day 6
With a full free day to explore the Grand Canyon, you might choose to walk along the rim or hike down to a plateau. Alternatively, soar over the canyon and take in breathtaking views on an optional helicopter ride. (B)


Zion
Best Western Zion Park Inn
Day 7
Pass by Lake Powell, a favorite southwestern vacation destination, on your way to Zion. During your visit to Zion National Park—including a tram ride—discover why the Mormon settlers of the 19th century named it after their heavenly city. Zion is famous for its dramatically eroded sedimentary rocks, whose yellow and orange hues create magnificent vistas contrasted with the thick green foliage along the riverbanks. (B)


Salt Lake City
Best Western Salt Lake Plaza C
Day 8
Your journey through Utah continues with today’s visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive pink sandstone, which forms awe-inspiring arches, spires, steps and bridges across the landscape. Tour the park by bus and by foot for up-close views of this fascinating phenomenon. Arrive later in Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and host city of the 2002 Winter Olympics. (B)


Jackson
Elk Country Inn
Day 9
Cross into Wyoming and visit Grand Teton National Park, often referred to as the “younger Yellowstone” because of its shorter geological history. The Grand Teton rises 13,770 feet above sea level, while 12 other Teton peaks extend beyond 12,000 feet. Then reach Jackson, a colorful resort town popular with skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. (B)

Day 10
Today’s destination is Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. See the park’s famous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Wildlife within the park includes grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. You’ll have the entire day to experience the park’s awe-inspiring views and terrain. (B)

Day 11
Spend a free day in Jackson. Peruse the shops and restaurants or opt for our unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the hills and mountains of the American West. Join your fellow travelers tonight for an included farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 12
Depart for home. (B)

It's fine, as long as you realize that it's basically a "sampler" and certainly will not provide an in-depth experience. However, hopefully, it will inspire to you to return for some in-depth explorations.

MrSter-When I was looking at the first part of this trip, it looked good. But then it just kept going and going. It just seems like you are barely going to have time to see anything except when you have the extra days in Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon and Jackson Hole. The thing is you don't really need a whole free day in the Grand Canyon although it would probably be nice to rest at this point. And then they rush you through Bryce, Zion and even Yellowstone.

I was curious about the miles so did a quick mapquest. In 11 days you cover approx 1400 miles. Also you have really long driving days so can't imagine you'd have much time to spend sightseeing. For example, Day 3 to Durango is around 240 miles, Day 7 Grand Canyon to Zion is 280 miles (is that right?) Day 8 Zion to Salt Lake City is 310 miles and Day 9 Salt Lake to Jackson Hole is 282 miles. That means on those days you will in the bus for at least 5 hours. You probably leave very early and get in late but it just doesn't seem like much time to see anything.

If this is the only time you will be coming out West and your only goal is to SEE the parks, then I guess this could work. Otherwise I would look for a tour that spends a little more time in a location and less time driving. For example just doing a search for Zion and Grand Canyon, the first thing that came up was a Caravan Tour to just Arizona and Utah. They spend some time in Sedona along with the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce. This tour is for 8 days just for that area. I am not suggesting this tour just using it as a comparision.

I am sure others who have more knowledge about Utah, Wyoming will chime in. It's just such a shame to go so fast. In Durango, CO there is a narrow gauge railroad that goes up to Silverton, CO. I did that years ago and its something I will never forget. Those are the kind of things you will miss by covering all these miles.

Consider Bandalier National Monument in the Santa Fe area. It is beautiful. http://www.nps.gov/band/

I prefer a slower pace too - distances are long and so a tour like this doesn't allow for much time to actually be in the parks. That much time on a bus day after day would drive me nuts. But on the otherhand, the vast majority of tours that I have looked at are like this, so I guess that is the trade off if you want to have a guided tour.

HiMr. Ster,

If you will be satisfied with LESS than a 1/2 a day at each national park, then I guess this will do it.

You jump off the bus, ooh ah, take a picture and that's about it.

You could do a MUCH better trip, on your own at your your pace, for less 1/2 the price!

Once again, thank you. That trip is definitely too much. I am looking at a trip with all of the feedback - I am considering one of the two following trips. I plan to add some extra time on the end...


NUMBER ONE
Join Terra Trek as we bicycle through the old Southwest. Journey with us through riparian forests that stretch into high desert, along majestic rivers and across gorges. River raft at the base of the Rio Grande, hike to the ancient ruins and cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Indians, witness the influence of Spanish, Mexican and Native cultures through the architecture of homes, churches, galleries, shops and people local to this historic region. As each evening begins you will enjoy tranquil sunsets, indulge in exquisite cuisine and relax at the most luxurious inns New Mexico has to offer.


NUMBER TWO
Hike the Southwest's Premier National Parks

Showcasing the mystical and stunning landscape of Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon, this tour delves into a world of awesome natural amphitheaters, soaring rock sculptures, and tinted canyons full of juniper, aspen and pine. Discover the beautiful work of centuries of wind, water, and ice. We're sure this magnificently diverse display of natural grandeur will create an impression to last a lifetime.

Day 1 Red Canyon-Bryce Canyon. From St. George we shuttle to Red Canyon for a hike through wind-sculpted bluffs and red rock formations. Prior to dinner we take another short hike below the rim of Bryce Canyon to soak up the late afternoon glow of the surrounding hoodoos and canyon walls.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon-Grand Canyon. A morning hike on the Fairyland trail in Bryce Canyon winds among radiant spires and soaring pinnacles. Then it's off to the serene North Rim of the Grand Canyon to walk to scenic Bright Angel viewpoint where we witness the setting sun illuminating the vast chasm.

Days 3-4 Grand Canyon. Two days of Grand Canyon exploration are spent hiking to hidden overlooks and descending into the canyon depths. Only one out of ten of the canyon's visitors experience the tranquility of the North Rim, making it an ideal spot to explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Days 5-6 Zion. Two days to soak up Zion's multi-hued cliffs, massive stone monoliths, and numerous trails. Enjoy the unparalleled view at Angels Landing, take a hike to the tranquil Emerald Pools and wade through the Virgin River Narrows before returning to St. George.

If you're set on a tour, either of those last two sound good - but you will freeze your hiney off if you go river rafting in October or November!

Lee Ann

Also sounds like the last tour is going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon not the South. So make sure that's what you want to see. Also the North Rim has much colder weather than the South Rim. It might be OK in Oct don't know about Nov.