Grand Teton in October

Old Mar 26th, 2015, 04:17 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Grand Teton in October

We are visiting Grand Teton the first few days of October. I understand that no water activities will be available. I haven't seen many post about visiting this time of year. We are also going to Yellowstone. I am wondering if one day will be more than enough time to admire the beauty as it doesn't seem like there will be much to do. I appreciate your thoughts and input. I plan to have my girls complete the Junior Ranger program so that will take at least an hour. Thanks
suzanneaz is offline  
Old Mar 26th, 2015, 04:35 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 82,683
Received 46 Likes on 17 Posts
1 day for both parks?
1 hour for completing the Junior Ranger program?
starrs is offline  
Old Mar 26th, 2015, 04:43 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We are spending 4 nights in Yellowstone. I was going to create another post for that portion of the trip. It was super easy to get reservations at Yellowstone with only 6 months notice so I don't think I need reservations in GT or Jackson. This gives me more flexibility too. I was thinking 1 hour to complete Junior Ranger program.
suzanneaz is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2015, 03:33 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We were in the Tetons the first two weeks of September last year. The trees were just starting to turn when we left, so you may have picked the perfect time to visit!

The great thing about the Tetons is you don't really have to hike to see the mountains since they are right in front of you along the road. But to get a great park experience a nice option would be to take the boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, two of the most popular areas in the park to visit.

http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/inspiration-point.htm

For some historical structures in the park, Menor's Ferry is a nice place to visit. Some old log cabins, a general store (still operating) and the Chapel of the Transfiguration.

http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/menors-ferry.htm
wave725 is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2015, 04:19 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Our first visit was in the beginning of October, and it was so beautiful and uncrowded that we have made it a preferred time. This year we will be back on October 3 for another week. Two days for GT is better, I think, but 1 full day will give you some quality experience at that time of year.

That, plus 4 days in Yellowstone, is probably adequate but you will be planning a return trip.
sludick is offline  
Old Mar 28th, 2015, 03:44 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The boat ride across Jenny Lake closes before we arrive. I don't think we can walk the 5 miles round trip to then start a hike.

Sludick - What are you doing the week you are there?
suzanneaz is offline  
Old Mar 28th, 2015, 06:06 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We will get into Salt Lake City on Friday night and hit the road in the morning. We'll recreate a route we followed on our first trip, going through Swan Valley and over the Teton Pass (stopping again for pictures at the cowboy sign at the summit).

Rather than going into Jackson, we will divert through Teton Village and take Moose Williams Road into the park. If you are alert and take your time, you can see moose. And swans. For that, we will explore some "roads less travelled," so it pays to invest some diversion time.

We will end the day at West Yellowstone, as we have a timeshare there right at the park entrance. We've been there enough to be familiar, but I will say that your first glimpses of the Old Faithful area are memorable - you'll notice wispy plumes of smoke/steam and then realize what you are seeing once the trees break. You'll pass over the Continental Divide several times.

Now, West Yellowstone being out of park puts us at some disadvantage - I'd say it involves 40 minutes to an hour to get back in the thick of things.

But one first stop is Norris Geyser Basin - don't miss that. There is a little museum/welcome center that will be closed when we are all there, but no matter. Make sure to invest some time to do as much of the loops as you can.

We'll spend time doing the "figure 8" depending on what may be closed for reconstruction (hot spots sometimes come up that require road repair or rerouting, plus general repair that starts up at end of season).

Don't expect to see moose in Yellowstone. For that, possibly the best place is Moose Bridge (and Moose-Williams Road). Here is a helpful link: http://www.jacksonholewy.net/blogs/?...eporttype=full. You will see plenty of elk and bison. In some areas - between Yellowstone and Grand Teton on the main road, plus at the north entrance - you may see pronghorn. Big horn sheep might be seen around Sheepeater Cliffs at the north entrance area. At dusk or dawn, you might see coyotes. We haven't yet been fortunate enough to see wolves. We have seen a grizzly and two cubs feeding as the snow was falling and we were exiting Yellowstone through the south, in early-mid October.

One of the pluses to going when you are is that once the crowds diminish, the wildlife is more likely to show itself.
sludick is offline  
Old Mar 28th, 2015, 06:10 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh, and a shopping thought - many stores close down and reopen in the winter season. You can find some sales on things in Jackson and especially in West Yellowstone (although much of the latter will be dormant at this time).

A summer sweatshirt in Jackson equals winter attire here in Florida, so I am happy with the sales.
sludick is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jessicate
United States
4
Feb 22nd, 2018 05:30 AM
kymomto3
United States
10
Jan 8th, 2015 05:35 AM
Nolarioca
United States
12
Sep 8th, 2014 09:18 AM
JimTammy
United States
8
Feb 21st, 2013 01:48 PM
Doug
United States
4
Jun 21st, 2002 06:31 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -