The Tom Miner Basin is a place we like to visit when we are in the Yellowstone area during the early fall. It's about 25 miles north-west of Gardiner, Montana. Grizzly bears come to feed on the non-native caraway root found in the valley's cattle pastures while they try to fatten up for winter hibernation. It is common to see multiple bears come to feed during the late afternoon to dusk hours. But the area the bears are commonly feeding in is about one half to one mile away from the viewing area along the road, making photography difficult. Spotting scopes are definitely useful for viewing here.
Typical scenery from the basin
Closeup of the rock formations
We didn't know what this tipi village was all about. Later we learned it is for retreats run by The Common Ground Project.
As knowledge of this place has spread, more people are coming to try to see the bears. There are often many vehicles parked along the road at the viewing area.
Even with a telephoto lens, the bears were often far away.
Two sows each with 2 cubs
A coyote, two grizzlies, and a Sandhill Crane!
Late afternoon sun illuminating seed pods
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