I just got back from Yellowstone. I'm sure being there in the height of summer makes a difference - but some things will still hold true in September.
I had thoughts of a similar schedule to yours, but in the end, I was wildly aggressive in my planning, and for a couple of reasons...
First, travel time between places is longer than it looks. The speed limit is a max of 45mph, and you'll typically make a lot less than that. Any time a bison, elk, or bear gets somewhere near the road, you have an immediate traffic jam And, its a long way between sections of the park. We stayed in Gardiner, which is about 5 miles away from Mammoth Hot Springs right outside the north entrance to the park. It took over 2.5 hours from there to reach Old Faithful due to the travel time thing (its like 51 miles between Mammoth and Old Faithful). YMMV, depending on the number of folks in the park... Be aware of that, though, when preparing to be in certain places at specific times. And, be sure to extrapolate the Old Faithful eruption times to figure when to be back in plenty of time to catch the eruption closest to sunset if that's what you're going to do.
I spent four hours in the Upper Geyser Basin - caught several different eruptions, actually - and still could have spent more time there. I unfortunately missed Midway (really wanted to see Grand Prismatic... oh well, next time) and the other basins. I think I could probably spend two days doing Geyser basins - but, then, I'm fascinated with abstracts and all the different bacteria and calciferous deposits and such, so...
As far as Old Faithful goes, I only caught one eruption, and its the typical geyser only composition. Perhaps mundane, but hey, it was my first time I have ideas for several others for next time - explore the options!!
Several features of the park need specific lighting to catch them best. The pools and springs really need mid-day sun to get the best colors - basically, from late morning to early afternoon. Several of the waterfalls need mid-day sun to have the whole fall lit, as well. I didn't get good shots of Undine falls due to the this, and there are some shadows on the lower falls when I was there... We did the Uncle Tom's Trail hike down to the base of the Lower Falls, and the whole fall was in shade at that point, about 4pm - it'll happen earlier when you're there.
This book was suggested by folks on this forum, and definitely came in handy for figuring a lot of the lighting out:
http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-...84026036&sr=8-3There's not a whole lot photogenic at Norris Geyser Basin. Frankly, the Artist Paint Pots were a disappointment - you have to take a 1/2 mile hike back to them, and then its basically one big mudpot, and that's it. I did get some shots that will make interesting B&W fare, but I'm not sure I'll go back there... The Fountain Paint Pots might be a better bet? Roaring Mountain is neat looking, but didn't seem photogenic to me - if I took a closer look, I might decide differently, but... Sheepeater Cliffs was intersting looking - it won't get much direct light, though, it seems - it was in shade every time we went by there. If you need extra time, those might be things to consider dropping.
Mammoth Hot Springs is probably better at the beginning or end of the day, and different parts of the springs are better depending on time of day. The warmer light helps them out. Also, don't miss Rustic Falls as you drive through the Golden Gate - but there may not be enough runoff at that time to have much of a falls. It was fairly sparse when I was there - and it still should have been flowing, at that point.
When I was there, the trail to the base of Tower Falls was closed halfway down - with no sign at the top warning you of that fact Be aware
To really do Canyon, you need a good half day, and you want to be there in the middle of the day - the best shots of the falls involve some fairly strenuous hiking. Red Rock Point is the most direct view of the lower falls. The brink of the Lower Falls is supposed to be nice - we skipped that one. Uncle Tom's Trail was worthwhile, but was the most strenuous of them, and also the most disorienting during the climb and descent on the metal stairways. Very awe inspiring view of those falls from the bottom, though.
Undine Falls needs overhead light, as well
If you want to drive the Beartooth back in to the park, you can exit the northeast entrance, and drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, connect back up to Red Lodge, and then come south over the Beartooth. However, the Beartooth is going to be best in morning light, and you're in danger of missing it by taking that route, unless you leave
really early. We drove it on the way out of the park, and that was very acceptable, as well. Something to consider - you could circle down and drive the Chief Joseph in the other direction, and come right back to the northeast entrance. Also, if you want shots of bison, the Lamar Valley has tons of them - I have to imagine it looks as the great plains did before the buffalo were eradicated....
If you make it to Gardiner, there's a great Italian restaurant there
Next time I go, I will plan the trip well in advance, so that we can stay each day in the area closest to what we intend to see. Seems to be the best way to get in the morning or evening light, and still see what we want to, etc...
Yellowstone is beautiful. I intend to do GTNP and also Glacier sometime in the future. It'd be great to have a couple of weeks to burn between the three!
Enjoy your trip!
Dave
