This is an 11-day photography tour , from September 26 to October 6, 2026 , organized to photograph the extraordinary wildlife of two of the most famous national parks in the United States: Yellowstone and Grand Teton . The trip will be led by Jonathan Giovannini together with the JustExplorers team.
During the tour it will be possible to spot and photograph numerous species, including grizzly bears, wolves, black bears, moose, elk, bison, jackals, bald eagles, Lapland owls , and many other animals in their natural environment.
DATES AND PARTICIPANTS
DURATION
13 Days and 11 Nights
DATES
September 26 – October 6, 2026
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
6 Participants
DETAILS AND ACTIVITIES
DIFFICULTY
? Easy
PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT
No long excursions or other strenuous physical activities are planned.
MODALITY
Safari – Itinerant
Cost and Tour Leader
TOUR LEADER
Jonathan Giovannini
Michael Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
STARTING FROM
€4490
PAYMENT
€1000 deposit upon registration and balance due 90 days before departure
HOW TO BOOK?
Scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the contact form, asking for more information on the event or confirming your participation. You will be quickly contacted on Whatsapp.
DESTINATION:
Yellowstone and Grand Teton: An Autumn Treasure of the American West
Yellowstone and Grand Teton, among the most iconic parks in the United States, form an incredible natural reserve that extends over 25,000 km² between Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. In autumn, these places transform into a paradise of colors, with the forests of aspen and birch that are tinged with bright yellow, and the snow-capped peaks of the Tetons that create a spectacular contrast.
This breathtaking landscape is home to over 60 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds. The undisputed symbol of Yellowstone is the mighty American bison, which roams freely across the prairies and valleys. It is the largest land mammal in North America, a true giant that embodies the wild spirit of these lands.
We thought a fall wildlife tour was the perfect way to explore these parks. On this tour, we’ll delve into the valleys of Yellowstone and the woodlands of Grand Teton, looking for the incredible species that call this vast ecosystem home.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
Our expedition will begin at Salt Lake City Airport, where, after a night’s layover, we will depart immediately for Antelope Island for a suggestive sunrise photo session. Here, in the heart of the Great Salt Lake, we will capture breathtaking images of the herds of bison moving through the golden prairies, the burrowing owls and the incredible colors that illuminate the landscape at the first sunrise.
In the afternoon we will move towards Yellowstone, crossing spectacular autumn scenery aboard our 4×4 jeeps. Over the next few days, we will explore the park visiting iconic points such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, but always giving priority to the search for the extraordinary wildlife: bison, elk, grizzlies and wolves.
Our journey will continue to the Grand Tetons, where towering peaks, fall-colored aspen forests, and open prairies inhabited by mule deer and elk await us. We will schedule photo sessions in the morning and at sunset to take advantage of the best light and capture the beauty of nature at this time of year.
Throughout the tour, we will alternate jeep rides with short hikes to reach the most spectacular viewpoints. Our accommodations will be strategically located near the parks, allowing us to fully experience and capture every photo opportunity offered by this incredible fall adventure in the heart of the American West.
As this is a truly itinerant tour, we will move frequently to stay overnight in different strategic areas, so as to optimize our visits to the best photographic spots.
We will stay in the most iconic areas, getting as close as possible to the points of greatest interest, but it is important to consider that the distances between the various places are significant. For this reason, the tour requires a certain spirit of adaptation, both for the intense and prolonged activities during the day, and for the management of meals, which can be packed, consumed in restaurants along the route or prepared directly in the facilities where we will stay in collaboration with the group.
Every morning we will leave before dawn to make the most of the first lights of the day, the ideal time to spot animals and capture perfect shots, after a stop in the central hours we will then dedicate ourselves to photographic activities at sunset with an evening return.
The tour will have plenty of opportunities to capture the magnificent autumn landscapes and record evocative videos, capturing all the beauty and magic of Yellowstone and Grand Teton in this special season.
It will be a real expedition , designed to live an immersive and convivial experience. We have chosen a stay modality that favors the group atmosphere: we will stay in structures with shared spaces and common kitchen, ideal for creating a welcoming and collaborative environment.
During the evenings, we will have the opportunity to organize the rooms and cook together, sharing meals and sharing the experiences of the day. On the first day, during the transfer to our destination, we will stop to do some shopping, buying everything we need for the following days. The management of the meals will be self-managed, offering the opportunity to create an authentic group experience. Everyone will be able to decide what to buy and what dishes to prepare, and we will help each other in the kitchen.
If we wish, we will still have the opportunity to take some breaks for lunch or dinner in local restaurants, exploring the typical cuisine and enjoying a taste of the traditional flavors of the area, thus enriching our adventure with a local culinary touch.
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1 – Arrive Salt Lake City
26 Settembre 2026
Arrival in Salt Lake City and transfer for the first overnight stay.
Day 2: Antelope Island and Arrival in Yellowstone
27 Settembre 2026
Depart before dawn with loaded jeeps and transfer to Antelope Island State Park.
Here we’ll have the opportunity to observe the first bison, mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species, including harriers, burrowing owls, avocets, and thousands of waders. All this in the splendid setting of the Great Salt Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in North America.
The photo session will last a couple of hours; afterward, we’ll depart for Yellowstone National Park.
Arrival in the afternoon and accommodation in the facilities.
Day 3-4 West Yellowstone
September 28-29, 2026
Over these two days, we’ll focus our research on the western edge of the park, exploring the spectacular landscapes of the south, with its geysers, and one of the most famous and significant valleys in the heart of the park. Here, we’ll focus on the characteristic wildlife, including bison, coyotes, elk, mule deer, black bears, grizzlies, wolves, and, with a bit of luck, even several bird species, such as the bald eagle and the Lapland owl. During this part of the tour, we’ll focus in particular on elk, as we’re in the middle of their mating season.
Activities will take place every day, departing before dawn and returning in the late morning. After lunch, we’ll resume in the early afternoon with a photo session that will conclude after sunset. We’ll spend the best moments of the day in the park, taking advantage of the best lighting to get the perfect shots.
Day 5: West Yellowstone – Lamar Valley
September 30, 2026
We’ll wake up before dawn, check out, and prepare our vehicles for the transfer. Today, we’ll transfer from the western part of the park to the northern zone. After checking out, we’ll head back to the beautiful valleys to the west of the park for a final photo session before heading to the new zone of the park, where we’ll spend the next two nights.
Arrival at the facilities in the northeast of the park, check-in and depart for the sunset photo session.
Day 6: Lamar Valley
October 1, 2026
This day will be entirely dedicated to the Lamar Valley. We’ll leave before dawn to take advantage of the early morning hours in the best areas, returning late in the morning for a bit of rest, reviewing the photos we’ve taken, and charging our devices. After a free lunch, we’ll set off again in the early afternoon for the photo session, which will continue until sunset.
Our focus in this area will be primarily on bison and coyotes, which abundantly populate the valleys. However, with a bit of luck, this area could offer opportunities for sightings of wolves, bears, big horn sheep, and foxes.
Day 7: Lamar Valley – Grand Teton
October 2, 2026
Wake up before dawn, check out and prepare the vehicles for the last sunrise in Yellowstone National Park. We will pass through the fascinating valleys of the north for the last time, then travel the entire park from north to south, arriving in the afternoon at the magnificent Grand Teton National Park. Check in at the hotel and depart for the evening photo session.
Day 8 & 9 – Grand Teton
3-4 October 2026
Over these two days, we’ll dedicate ourselves entirely to exploring Grand Teton National Park, known for its abundant moose population, particularly abundant during this time of year, which marks the rutting season. The park offers spectacular landscapes that will inspire our photographic creativity. In addition to moose, we’ll have a good chance of spotting other species such as grizzly bears, mule deer, foxes, and coyotes.
During the photo sessions, in addition to focusing on the wildlife, we’ll also have the opportunity to capture the park’s breathtaking views and create behind-the-scenes footage as a memento of this adventure. As always, the photo sessions will take place in the morning, leaving before dawn and returning late in the morning. After lunch, we’ll set off again in the early afternoon for sessions that last until sunset.
Day 10 – Grand Teton – Salt Lake City
October 5, 2026
We’ll wake up before dawn for our last photo session in the Grand Tetons, where we’ll spend time searching for moose and other animals in the park. We’ll return in the late morning for checkout, organize our vehicles, and depart for Salt Lake City.
Arrive in the late afternoon, check in to the hotel for the last night and overnight stay.
Day 11 – Departure
October 6, 2026
Wake up, check out and transfer to the airport. Greetings with the group before departure.
Flight information:
To participate in this tour, you must arrive at Salt Lake City Airport on September 26 in the afternoon or evening, and depart on October 6.
The group will be released at the airport on the morning of October 6th, so any flights departing from late morning onwards will be compatible.
We recommend starting to evaluate flights no earlier than 4 months before departure to have more options and more competitive prices.
INCLUDED
- Transport by 4×4 jeep for the entire duration of the trip (Airport – Airport)
- All overnight stays in double or triple rooms (bathrooms may be shared)
- All Access to Yellowstone National Park
- All Access to Grand Teton National Park
- Antelope Island State Park Access
- Gasoline, toll booths and all transportation related expenses
- Assistance of a professional photographer in each vehicle during the entire duration of the tour
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Meals (with a mixed formula of restaurants and meals managed independently in the facility, they are estimated at around €30 per day)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What equipment will I need?
During this tour we will always shoot in open fields and the distances will vary greatly. In some cases, with a bit of luck, we will be able to shoot comfortably with a lens of about 300mm, while in other cases the distances may require a longer lens, especially for those who prefer portraits.
For environmental images, we recommend lenses between 300 and 400mm. For close-ups and portraits, a 500-600mm lens will be more suitable.
We do not consider the tripod essential for this itinerary, but the choice is very personal. We will often be on the move, and the use of the tripod could slow down the sessions and the movements. However, if considered indispensable, it can be used without problems, especially if you intend to photograph landscapes.
The organization is available for any further questions.
Is rental service available?
Do you think you don’t have the right equipment for this event?
No problem: you can rent a complete Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera kit (DSLR or mirrorless with super-telephoto lenses) to participate in the event and make the most of this experience.
Some of the products currently available
Camera bodies
Canon R6, Canon 70D, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon D7100, Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9, Sony A6000
Optics
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Canon and Nikon), Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR,
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR II, Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
If you are looking for a specific product not listed, please contact us : we will do our best to help you find the camera or lens that best suits your needs.
Rental conditions
The rental service is simple and without constraints :
- no deposit required
- no credit or prepaid card
- no insurance
The equipment is delivered directly to your location .
This service was created to allow anyone to participate in an experience like this, offering every photographer the opportunity to shoot in the best possible conditions .
? Contact us for information on availability and prices.
What clothing will I need ?
Temperatures could be cold and the ground wet. We therefore recommend waterproof boots, heavy pants, and a jacket. A hat and gloves are also essential for harsh winter weather.
flight information:
Terms and Conditions
By booking by paying a deposit to the organizers, you accept the following clauses:
1. As this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible changes in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of approximately 5% is highly likely if the booking is made more than a year in advance. in relation to potential variations in the prices of ground services (for example variations influenced by the fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and others).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid through the payment methods offered by the organizing body, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In case the tour does not take place due to the organizer, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data, you accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5 again.
Here are some shots:
Request the full program or confirm your registration by filling out the form below
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information on the event
Available places:
1
Cost:
€ 4490
Fill out the form to request the full program and reserve your place!
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information about the event
