YELLOWSTONE

Yellowstone National Park spans three states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, and is one of the most iconic natural destinations in the United States. Founded as early as 1872, it is not only the oldest national park in the U.S. but also the largest. It is renowned worldwide for its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems, featuring everything from towering mountains and rushing waterfalls to volcanic phenomena like geysers and hot springs.

The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, attracting many nature enthusiasts. Among the most impressive animals are the black bear and the larger grizzly bear. In Lamar Valley, visitors have a good chance of spotting wolves. Elk, especially active during their rutting season in September, can often be seen in other parts of the park. Additionally, pronghorn antelope and massive herds of bison — which play a central role in the park’s ecosystem — can also be encountered.

Yellowstone truly offers an exceptional experience for nature lovers, with its stunning blend of wildlife, geology, and breathtaking scenery.

GRAND TETON

Grand Teton National Park, located in the state of Wyoming, is named after the impressive Grand Teton mountain range, whose highest peak rises over 4,000 meters.

The park borders Yellowstone, and together they form one of the most spectacular natural areas in the United States. Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with the majestic Teton Range towering over Jackson Lake, creating breathtaking views.

Grand Teton is also home to large populations of elk, with some bulls boasting impressive antlers with up to twenty points. Other animals, such as black bears and bison, are also commonly seen in the park, making it a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. This national park offers visitors the chance to experience both the grandeur of the natural landscape and the rich wildlife of the American wilderness up close.

ITINERARY

SEPTEMBER 20-27, 2025

DAY 1 (September 20) – WELCOME TO JACKSON, WYOMING
During the day, you will arrive in Jackson, and depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore this charming town on your own. In the afternoon, you will check in at Flat Creek Inn, where you will be welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and a host from Zoom Fotoresor. Our exciting photo adventure is about to begin! In the evening, we will head to the cozy restaurant Gun Barrel, where, in a true western atmosphere, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and discuss our upcoming journey through the wilderness of Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

DAY 2 (September 21) – GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
On the first full day of the trip, we will leave our hotel before sunrise and head out into the magnificent landscapes of the Tetons. The feeling is both grand and peaceful as we slowly watch the sun rise and paint the mountain peaks in shades of pink and red. During the morning, we will hopefully have our first opportunity to photograph the animal that has almost become synonymous with Grand Teton and Yellowstone – the bison.
From near extinction in the 19th century, the bison population has now recovered, and they are often seen roaming in large herds at close range. On the open plains of Elk Ranch Flats, they move freely among the autumn-colored trees with the mountains as a dramatic backdrop. With a bit of luck, this will offer some fantastic photo opportunities.

After our first encounter with the wilds of Grand Teton, we will return to Jackson for brunch. While we wait for the late afternoon light – the time when wildlife is most active – we will review the morning’s photos. Roger will also conduct a theory session about key techniques and considerations when photographing wildlife and nature.
Filled with inspiration, we will leave Jackson in the afternoon and head to the wildlife-rich area around Wilson Road. This area is well known for its high bear activity, and as the sun slowly sets behind the surrounding mountains, we will keep a lookout for grizzly bears. Back in Jackson, there will be an opportunity to further explore the town.

DAY 3 (September 22) – GRAND TETON & YELLOWSTONE
At dawn, before the sun rises over the mountain peaks, we will check out and head back into the park to photograph the area’s wildlife during the early morning hours. Just like the previous evening, there is a good chance of spotting bears, and we will keep a constant lookout both from our vehicles and on foot.
In addition to bears, the area is rich with large moose, and with a bit of luck, we will have the opportunity to photograph them as well. Throughout the journey, we will also capture everything from stunning landscapes to herds of bison.
As we travel toward our next destination, Cody, we will pass steep mountain passes and winding rivers, all while keeping an eye out for animals that often roam just meters from the road.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in the town of Cody, founded by Buffalo Bill. Here, we will spend two nights. Before the evening’s dinner at the classic Buffalo Bill Restaurant, there will be time to explore this historic town on your own.

DAY 4 (September 23) – JACKSON TO CODY
We will spend the morning in the picturesque Shoshone Valley, named after a Native American tribe. After photographing the beautiful landscapes and the area’s wildlife, we will return for breakfast before continuing our journey.
The road we travel is lined with signs warning of bears, and we will drive slowly to spot wildlife moving through the breathtaking scenery.
The afternoon’s activity is a true highlight as we head out onto the rugged prairie around Cody to photograph Wild Mustangs.
Experiencing these wild horses up close in their natural environment is an exciting adventure and a perfect photo opportunity.

DAY 5 (September 24) – LAMAR VALLEY
After a good night’s sleep, we will leave Cody and head toward what many call the “Serengeti of America” – Lamar Valley. In this area, we find ourselves in an open autumn landscape teeming with fascinating wildlife. In one of Yellowstone’s richest wildlife regions, bears, coyotes, and bison may appear just meters away from us.
In the afternoon, we will also visit Mammoth Hot Springs. In this volcanic area, it feels as though we have stepped onto another planet. The steaming terraces climb the hillsides, and no two formations are alike. Here, both imagination and photographic creativity will be put to the test. We will spend two nights in the small western town of Gardiner.

DAY 6 (September 25) – YELLOWSTONE – LAMAR VALLEY, GRAND CANYON
Early in the morning, while it is still dark, we will return to Lamar Valley to be in place as the sun rises, bathing one of Yellowstone’s most wolf-populated areas in golden light.
We will then continue over the bear-rich Raven Pass towards Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, a 23-kilometer-long and deep ravine with steep, spectacular surroundings – one of the most beautiful places in all of Yellowstone.
We will spend the sixth day of the trip photographing the many waterfalls in the area. Once our memory cards are full, we will enjoy a picnic lunch by the beautiful Yellowstone River before heading to one of the region’s “wildlife hotspots” – Hayden Valley.
On the now-dry riverbed, once part of Yellowstone Lake, herds of bison and elk roam freely. Other animals that can be spotted here include coyotes, grizzly bears, wolves, and possibly even trumpeter swans.

DAY 7 (September 26) – YELLOWSTONE – OLD FAITHFUL
The volcanic activity in Yellowstone constantly reminds us of its presence through hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and steam rising from the ground. As we spend the day photographing fumaroles and hot springs, the only limit to our creativity is our imagination. One of the most visited spots is the geyser “Old Faithful.” This geyser erupts regularly every one to two hours, shooting thousands of liters of boiling water up to forty meters into the air during a spectacular few-minute display.
An incredible experience! As the sun begins to set over the landscape, we will pass along the Madison River, an area known for its rich wildlife. Tonight, we will stay overnight in West Yellowstone. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together, and Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will move on to the final of the “Photo of the Year” contest.

DAY 8 (September 27) – END OF THE JOURNEY
After breakfast, it’s time to pack our bags and head to West Yellowstone Airport for onward flights home.
Return flight to Sweden on your own. (B)

PHOTOGRAPHER

ROGER BRENDHAGEN – Wildlife and nature photographer

 After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen has spent the past 20 years working full-time as a photographer.
With over 300 travel days per year, Roger considers the entire world his workplace, having photographed in places ranging from Mongolia to India and Africa. For the past 16 years, he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is frequently hired as a speaker. Roger is also the chairman of Norske Naturfotografer (NN). He is highly appreciated for his workshops and photo tours. Roger has led photography trips all around the world, including to Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. Over the years, he has welcomed more than 700 participants to his workshops at Dovrefjell.

www.brendhagen.com

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

Price per person: SEK 33,900

The price includes:

• Accommodation according to the program in shared double rooms

• Bus transportation as per the itinerary

• Photography activities as outlined in the program

• Entry fees according to the itinerary

• Entrance to the national parks

• Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the trip

• Workshop with Roger Brendhagen during the trip

• A tour host from Zoom Fotoresor

• Hotel and other local taxes and fees

• Travel documents and other practical travel information

The price does not include:

• Single room supplement: SEK 9,900

• Flights to Jackson, Wyoming and from West Yellowstone, Montana

• Meals (to be paid on site)

• All personal expenses, such as beverages with meals, etc.

• Travel insurance and cancellation protection. For more information, see the “Other” section on our website.

FLIGHTS

Flights to Jackson, Wyoming and return from West Yellowstone, Montana. You should not arrive later than 5:00 PM on September 20. Your return flight can be booked at any time on September 27.

As many travelers prefer to book their own transportation, we have chosen not to include flights in the price.
If you would like assistance booking flights to the U.S., you are welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or let us know when making your reservation.

MEALS

Since none of the hotels, except the final one in West Yellowstone, serve breakfast, and as we will be out in the parks throughout the day, we have chosen not to include meals in the price. Meals are paid for individually on site. Expect to spend around USD 60–70 per day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on your choices.

FACTS

Target group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography. To get the most out of the trip, you should have some prior photography experience.

Min/Max number of participants: 8/12

Other: For more information about Zoom Fotoresor, our terms and conditions, etc., please visit the “Other” section on our website.

Exchange rate: USD 9.95 (as of September 18, 2024)

EQUIPMENT

• Your digital camera

• Telephoto lens, preferably up to 500 mm

• Teleconverter

• 70–200 mm lens

• Wide-angle lens, such as 24–70 mm

• Mono- or tripod

• A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom

• Extra batteries, chargers, etc.

BOOKING

You can book this trip by clicking the button below, calling us at +46 (0)470-466 40, or emailing us at info@zoomphototours.com