kymomto3

My husband is wanting to book a trip (flying in) to Yellowstone for our family of five for our fall break this year. I'm concerned that it'll be too cold with snow during the second week of October. Can anyone offer advice regarding visiting then? Should we plan for the Grand Canyon instead and plan well in advance for a 2016 Yellowstone summer trip?

starrs

Most of Yellowstone closes around Oct. 15 to reposition for winter visitors. I'd definitely go to the GC instead and do a summer visit to Yellowstone.

kymomto3

It would actually be the first week of October so 3rd-10th.

starrs

You'd be fine in Yellowstone then. We were there for (what I call) closing weekend and had a blast. Very few people in the park and great service. It did snow on the last 2 days. I highly recommend the Old Faithful Inn. We've stayed twice in room overlooking Old Faithful and it's just a blast (no pun intended) to see the geyser just feet outside one's window.

utahtea

We haven't been that late in the season so don't know first hand. Here are the closing dates so you can see what will be open and what won't.

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ocd_locale.htm

Utahtea

sludick

kymomto3, if you do keep this plan we may run into you, as we will be there at the same time. This will be our 3rd visit to Yellowstone at that time of year for what starrs terms "closing weekend" (good description, btw).

You might find spectacular color and blue skies, you may find snow. Probably both. Much of the town of West Yellowstone will be closing up as you arrive, but there are still some eateries and shops open. Depending on if it snows, you might find some road closures for a day, but nothing major as long as you are flexible.

No crowds. IMO, a great time to visit.

sludick

BTW - not suggesting you would be staying in West Yellowstone, of course - just a perspective. Best case, stay in the park if you can. Summer is of course a hugely popular - and busy - time. If you defer your trip until then, be prepared for lots of people and many road delays due to animal jams.

I did see your other thread - also a good vacation, and we have done that a couple of times in conjunction with Yellowstone (one week in one place, flying to the second - we travel from Florida). Please don't be afraid to do either one, but be assured that Yellowstone is an experience of a lifetime for the kids. We only regret not going when ours were young.

sludick

Here's an interesting link, as you plan time of year for Yellowstone:

http://travel.usnews.com/Yellowstone...When_To_Visit/

Have not been in the summer or spring/early summer. In early September it was pretty crowded. Late September - mid October was awesome. In late January, we basically had Old Faithful to ourselves, although we did share with some bison and one sleepy coyote as we walked along a trail.

For your kids, if you are able to go in late September-early October, I think that is ideal. In summer, you have more options for camping in the park, which is of course a consideration. Make reservations very early for those spots, though.

kymomto3

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm so torn whether or not to go this fall or wait until the following summer.

starrs

Either option is good. My 2 cents? See if you can get rooms in the park. If you can, GO! It's really a great week and you'll feel like you have the park to yourself. Stay at the Old Faithful Inn if you can - and a geyser view room too! We ate almost every meal in the little Hamilton store diner next door. Unless there are animals on the road, you won't be caught in traffic jams due to construction or other visitors. It's really one of the best times to see the park. Take warm clothing, especially in case you get snow. Consider taking a ranger led hike. It was almost a party atmosphere as the retired couples who had worked a 6 month season at Hamilton's were packing up the store for closing and talking among each other where they were going for the next six months. Nicest people in the world and everyone is just happy at that time of the year. No stress from cranky visitors, etc. utahtea's list at her link will be helpful because not everything will be open. We had no problems at all with getting gas, food, etc. but you can do the "figure 8 loop" easily every day if you want. I'd fly into Jackson and stay one or maybe two nights in Jackson or Grand Teton NP. The tetons will be breathtaking at that time of year. If you could get a view room at the Jackson Lake Lodge, you won't regret it.
http://www.gtlc.com/lodging/jackson-...-overview.aspx
Have an amazing breakfast buffet in the amazing Mural room (truly amazing). Eat dinner at the Pioneer Grill. Eat your other meals at Dornan's in the pizza/pasta restaurant or get deli sandwiches in their grocery store. (The chuckwagon has already closed)
http://www.gtlc.com/lodging/jackson-...-overview.aspx

You are really making me want to go next October. If you don't mind possible snow, I don't know of a single reason not to go. It really is the best time of year to go IMO.

starrs

If you can afford it, take a tour with these guys.
http://www.brushbucktours.com/
Friend them on Facebook to see photos throughout the year. No one knows the parks better, especially where to see wildlife. There used to be a Yellowstone.net forum where folks followed the wildlife, including knowing the animals by name/number and followed the birth and growth of new litters. They knew where to go for early morning, late afternoon photo shoots and could even name the animals that would be there. Years ago I even chipped in for a lens for one of the moderators. That group may still be active but with a family I'd definitely book a trip with Brushback. It will be well worth the money.
http://www.brushbucktours.com/grand-...our-hour-tour/

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