The changing season brings out the best in Yellowstone. The critters tend toward the frantic: the bull elk are madly trying to keep their harems in line, chasing after each other during the day and bugling all night long, the bears and bison are chowing down on anything they can find to get nice and fat for the winter, and the wolves are reveling in the cooler weather that they love.
Sometimes the activity on the ground is eclipsed by the activity in the sky; thunderclouds climb into the stratosphere, the wind whips into a frenzy, and everyone takes shelter from the driving hail and rain. The setting sun turns the clouds an eerie fire-red, and the rain sets in with a vengeance, turning the rivers to mud and the creeks to rushing torrents. By morning it’s all finished, and the sun scours away the clouds that hang in the valleys.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Especially liked that orange sky. It would be fun to be in Yellowstone now.
Fall and spring are definitely the best times to visit. We did see lots of fun animals on this visit too, so you would have gotten some great photos. I got some not-so-great ones, but they’ll do!
Some really nice photos in this group. I have a few friends who’ve been visiting Yellowstone, Tetons and Glacier. Seems like perfect time of year. Marking my calendar now for next September. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. Yes, mark your calendar, for sure. But don’t expect the park to be empty; it seems that quite a few folks are having the same idea. It’s not as busy as July, but still pretty busy!
I was just in Rainier and it was busy also. I’ll probably try to push it to late September early October. I absolutely love fall foliage!
Great photos – interesting skies. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for checking them out.
I really like those sunrise on the river shots.
Thanks.
Incredible photos of dynamic and moody skies.
Thanks very much!
Such beautiful shots of what looks like a magical place. That cloud drama is wonderful
It is indeed a magical place! Thanks.
This is a beautiful post. I really like how you wove the words and images together.
Thanks so much – what a nice compliment.