Weekend 3 in August - Glacier Park or Yellowstone

Question

Trying to decide whether to go to Glacier or Yellowstone Park.

Itinerary -

Thursday 21-August-25 - 6am flight NYC-BOZ/FCA. Arr by around 1pm. Get rental Car.

Friday 22-August-25 - All day in the area. This will be our primary day in the area.

Saturday 23-August-23 - Morning in the area - Arrive at airport at around noon for 2pm-ish flight back to NYC.

We aren't very outdoorsy and won't be doing any camping or fishing. Probably just a short walk here and there.

I'm into photography and flying my drone. I realize I can't fly the drone within the National Park limits, but having scenic opportunities outside the park to fly is a plus. Also, photography can be either landscape or of wildlife, as well as any geysers or other unique natural features.

Staying away from the crowds as much as possible is a huge plus. Note that I chose this weekend to avoid the crowds as much as possible, since I'm assuming many kids will already be back in school, or will start school the next week, and I'm hoping that will keep some people away.

Any suggestions as to which one to go to is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone are stunning, but they offer very different experiences. Given your interests in photography, flying your drone (outside of park limits), and avoiding crowds, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which park might be a better fit for your weekend trip in August.

Glacier National Park: Glacier is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged landscapes. It’s also less crowded than Yellowstone, particularly if you avoid the main tourist hubs like Going-to-the-Sun Road, which can get busy. Early morning or late afternoon visits to less-traveled spots in the park can help you avoid crowds. In terms of photography, Glacier offers excellent opportunities for capturing the beauty of the mountains, alpine lakes, and wildlife, especially moose and bighorn sheep. Some highlights include:

Many Glacier Area – Stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, including bighorn sheep, goats, and bears (from a safe distance).
Bowman and Kintla Lakes – These areas are less crowded and offer beautiful, serene photography opportunities with the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
St. Mary’s Lake – This lake provides great photo opportunities, especially with early morning or late afternoon light.
Drone Photography – While you can’t fly drones inside the park, there are plenty of scenic spots outside the park’s borders where you can fly. Areas around the park such as Flathead Lake or the towns of Kalispell or Whitefish could provide good aerial shots of the region without breaking any rules.

Since you’re not planning on extensive hiking, the park offers shorter, easier walks, such as the Trail of the Cedars or the Hidden Lake Overlook. These hikes don’t require much outdoor experience but still offer excellent views for photography. Avoiding the larger crowds is easier at Glacier because it’s not as packed as Yellowstone, particularly in late August.

Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is larger and more famous for its geothermal features, wildlife (like bison, elk, and wolves), and iconic spots such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. If you enjoy photographing geysers, unique landscapes, and wildlife, Yellowstone has plenty of opportunities. However, it’s also a bit more crowded, especially around major geothermal sites like Old Faithful. Since you’re trying to avoid crowds, here are a few things to consider:

Geysers and Geothermal Features – Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring are among the most iconic spots in the park. However, these can get crowded. Consider visiting early in the morning or during off-peak hours to get better photo opportunities.
Wildlife Photography – Yellowstone is perfect for wildlife photography, especially if you’re interested in capturing bison, elk, and other creatures. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are prime spots for wildlife viewing.
Drone Photography – Like Glacier, drones are prohibited inside Yellowstone National Park. However, the area surrounding the park, including parts of Wyoming and Montana, offers excellent spots for aerial shots outside the park boundaries.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Areas – If you want to avoid the main crowds, explore areas like the Lamar Valley or the less-visited Norris Geyser Basin, which might offer a more peaceful experience while still providing great photographic subjects.

Yellowstone does offer more variety in terms of natural features, but it’s also one of the most visited parks in the country, so crowds can be a significant factor, especially in the summer months.

Final Recommendations: Given your interest in avoiding crowds and getting the best photographic opportunities, Glacier National Park might be the better choice for your weekend trip. It’s generally less crowded, especially in late August, and offers a range of stunning photography options. Additionally, the surrounding areas offer great opportunities for drone photography. However, if you’re really drawn to geothermal features and wildlife, Yellowstone is also a fantastic option but be prepared for more crowds in certain areas.

Here’s a quick overview of your options:

Go to Glacier if you want a quieter, more scenic experience with dramatic mountain views and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Go to Yellowstone if you’re more interested in unique geothermal features and don’t mind potentially dealing with more crowds around major tourist spots.

Both parks are breathtaking, and you’ll find plenty of amazing opportunities for photography in either one. Enjoy your trip!