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Yellowstone Astrophotography Adventure — 2 Nights (Aug 13–14, 2026)

$895.00

Two late-summer nights in hydrothermal country timed for the new-moon window (Aug 12–13) and the Perseids peak—dark, crisp skies with occasional meteor streaks over rivers, geyser basins, and lodgepole silhouettes. Evenings begin with warm alpenglow on the Madison and Gibbon river corridors, then blue hour at safe, boardwalk-accessible features where steam catches twilight color. After astronomical dark, we’ll work sky plates over clean foregrounds—travertine terraces, dead-snag “cathedrals,” and reflective pools—then finish at first light with mist on the Firehole and grand scenery from Hayden/Yellowstone Lake. Nights are cool, air is typically stable, and wildlife activity is high—expect mood and texture.

Two late-summer nights in hydrothermal country timed for the new-moon window (Aug 12–13) and the Perseids peak—dark, crisp skies with occasional meteor streaks over rivers, geyser basins, and lodgepole silhouettes. Evenings begin with warm alpenglow on the Madison and Gibbon river corridors, then blue hour at safe, boardwalk-accessible features where steam catches twilight color. After astronomical dark, we’ll work sky plates over clean foregrounds—travertine terraces, dead-snag “cathedrals,” and reflective pools—then finish at first light with mist on the Firehole and grand scenery from Hayden/Yellowstone Lake. Nights are cool, air is typically stable, and wildlife activity is high—expect mood and texture.

Difficulty & pace

  • Easy–Moderate. Multiple 0.5–2 mile round-trip walks on boardwalks and paved paths, plus short dirt approaches to riverside bends; total elevation per session ~50–200 ft. Nights run 3–4 hours with breaks. Elevation 6,200–7,800 ft—expect a gentler pace uphill.

Weather & safety

  • Nights can be 40–50°F with breeze; bring layers, gloves, and a light shell.

  • Geothermal hazards: we remain on signed trails/boardwalks; no off-boardwalk night travel. Steam drifts with wind—protect gear from condensate; wipe lenses often.

  • Wildlife: bison, elk, bear are active; we maintain legal distances, carry bear spray, and avoid river meadows in the dark if animals are present.

  • Air quality/steam: if wind shifts or steam overwhelms a composition, we pivot to alternate angles or higher, drier overlooks.

Vehicles & roads

  • Primary sites are paved-access; some lots close at night—our plan respects posted hours/closures. No rough-road travel.

Logistics

  • Base area: Gardiner or West Yellowstone (both give efficient loops to Mammoth/Firehole corridors).

  • Meet times: ~6:00 pm (evening field) and ~12:30 am (astro block), adjusted to cloud cover and wildlife activity.

  • Services & comms: Good services in gateway towns; spotty reception in-park—download offline maps and carry paper backups.

  • Permits & rules: We follow NPS regulations; participants are responsible for any additional permits required for commercial crews. No drones.