2026 IAPP Photo Safari

The International Association of Panoramic Photographers (IAPP) welcomes you to our 2026 IAPP Photo Safari at Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (with one night at the Grand Tetons) on the dates of September 21-27, 2026.

Photo: Lamar Valley and Pilot's Peak. Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2019.

Ever wondered what it takes to bring untold stories to light and photograph the beautiful expanses of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem? Come photograph with us as we wind our way from Columbus, Montana over Beartooth Pass (weather permitting) through Lamar Valley and photographing our way through both the Northern and Southern Loops of Yellowstone, eventually following the Snake River down to the Grand Tetons! We will be staying at various hotels along the way, so book early as rooms will book up fast!

Itinerary:

September 21 - Meet in Columbus, Montana where we will photograph the beautiful bridge over the Yellowstone River at sunset with the beautiful trees in autumn foliage (if we planned the dates correctly, as they should be in prime colors). The closest airport to Columbus is in Billings, MT.

Photo: Bridge over Yellowstone River, Columbus, MT. Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2024.

Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham - Columbus, MT. 602 8th Ave, Columbus, MT 59019. Booking link to group rate of $106: https://groups.guestreservations.com/EventPage8478926

Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - The Hangry Hero - 637 N. 9th St, #150, Columbus, MT. I have eaten here before and they're wonderful people with great food!

September 22 - Drive over the amazing Beartooth Pass, through Lamar Valley, to the Alpine Motel in Cooke City, MT. Lamar Valley is well known for seeing much wildlife (nicknamed the "American Serengeti"), so get your big telephoto lenses ready! If Top of the World Store is open - they have the cutest gift shop so we can stop there as well.

Photo: Beartooth Pass Area, Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2019.

Hotel: Alpine Motel, 105 Main St, Cooke City, MT 59020. 1-406-838-2262. Email: cookecityalpine@gmail.com. Group Name: International Association of Panoramic Photographers. Rooms Reserved: 10. Call ahead to book your room so you have your room ready for your trip! $189.

Dinner: Wooka's Wild Eats - 102 Main St, Cooke City, MT. Whatever time we arrive and are hungry will be when we eat. They are a Mexican/Fusion restaurant with great reviews.

September 23 - Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs and stay in Travelodge by Wyndham Gardiner Yellowstone Park North in Gardiner, MT. On the way, we may stop at Sunlight Basin, outside the park, before heading to Mammoth Hot Springs - or stay in Lamar Valley for more photos there.

Photo: Horses enjoying the pasture out at Sunlight Basin, WY. Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2024

Hotel: Travelodge by Wyndham Gardiner Yellowstone Park North, Gardiner, MT. 109 Hellroaring St, Gardiner, MT. 1-406-545-5779. Call directly or click here to book room at discounted rate for $189.

Restaurant: The Corral Diner (known for having the best Elk Burger in USA by USA Today). 301 S. Yellowstone St, Gardiner, MT.

September 24 - Sunrise at Mammoth Hot Springs and then make our way throughout the Northern loop of the Yellowstone, seeing various sights, and end at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (sunset shots planned), and stay two nights at Canyon Lodge or at Lake Yellowstone Hotel (they are within 40 minutes of each other). We couldn't get group rates, so the rates range from $200-400/night. We will be staying two nights at these locations - Book quickly!

Photo: Mammoth Hot Springs, Paul Speaker.

Hotels: Canyon Lodge (least expensive is ~$730 for two nights) or Lake Yellowstone Hotel (there are two rates - one without internet for two nights is ~$552 and with internet is ~$600).

Restaurants: For the nights we are staying in the park, we will figure out where is best as it all depends on where exactly we end up around dinnertime.

September 25 - Sunrise shots at either Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or Yellowstone Lake and then head to the sights along the Southern Loop (like Old Faithful and Grand Geyser) before heading back to the Lodge of your choosing.

Photo: Old Faithful Geyser, Paul Speaker.

September 26 - Head south and make our way following the Snake River to the Grand Teton National Park, where we will catch various sights and photograph a sunset either on the eastern side of the Tetons or on the Western Side (which we will be staying at the Super 8 in Driggs, ID).

Photo: The Grand Tetons from the eastern side. Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2019.

Photo: Western side of the Grand Tetons during sunset. Michelle Ranee Johnson, 2019.

Hotel: Super 8 - Driggs, ID. 1361 N. Hwy 33, Driggs, ID 83422. 1-208-354-8888. Click here for group rate of $207.

Restaurant: Grand Teton Brewing in Victor, ID (before you get to Driggs). I've been there before and it's yummy (with good beer for those who drink). 430 Old Jackson Hwy, Victor, ID.

September 27 - Sunrise photos and having breakfast together before heading our separate ways by noon (Jackson Hole Airport is the closest airport).

Transportation: Several of us are driving up. If you are planning on flying in, please contact us and we can arrange to possibly have a rental van for those of us not driving to this field excursion.

Food: Breakfasts should be available at the hotels. Please pack your own lunches. For dinner, we will meet at the restaurants listed above or wherever is most convenient based on our location that evening.

Tickets: IAPP active members: $50 (not including hotels, food or gas). Non-members: $100 (includes one year membership; does not include hotels, food or gas). Link to our PayPal account will be added soon!

Hotels: If staying at Canyon Lodge: ~$1,421+taxes. If staying at Lake Yellowstone Hotel: ~$1,191+taxes. If planning on attending, please get your rooms ASAP!

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Get closer to the stories that shape our world!