My parents are in their mid 70s. We have just decided to go to Yellowstone next week (10/12-17). They have never been and I was on a one day bus tour 20 years ago. I just started planning yesterday. We are aware of the cold, lack of open hotels, and the one road closure between Norris and Madison. Are there other things we should keep in mind? We are thinking of staying a few days at the Old Faithful snow lodge and a few somewhere else. We were considering the near the north entrance. I would love suggestions. Are there special areas to see during this time of year?
Thanks in advance for your help.

I was at Yellowstone about two weeks ago. Weather was perfect but it is getting nippy now. Take winter clothes, hats, gloves, scarf. Windy!! We stayed at Snow Lodge. Be aware, no tv or internet there. They have games and puzzles at the desk. Dining room meals are a little pricy. There was a fairly long wait to get in for late diners. We ate early in another building. I think there are Park tours by bus. I was with a volkswalking tour and we walked the trails on the boardwalks. (I am 73; hubby is 76)Very easy walking. Have good walking shoes. So much to see. Hope you have a great time.

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I would stay the other days at either Mammoth or Gardiner. Old Faithful is great for covering the lower loop. Good possibility that Dunraven Pass between Canyon and Tower will be closed while you are there also. I just looked at the nps.gov web site and it states that it is scheduled to close for the year October 13. If there is snow it will close before then (we were there in September one year and they closed it). If it is open when you get there I would make a point to take it as soon as possible (it is worth it and not that far from Old Faithful if you are staying there first).

Mammoth is in the park. Gardiner is only a few miles from Mammoth and although a very small town it does have restaurants etc. and tv, internet, etc. Either will give you access to the entire northern loop and Lamar Valley. We usually prefer to stay in Gardiner but people like Mammoth for the park experience. Up to you.

Cooke City is another option but at the other end of Lamar Valley. Beartooth Hwy also has road closures at this time of year if you were planning to take it.

The nps.gov web site has a number you can call while you are there for up to date information on road closures. Cell phone coverage (except for Verizon) is also limited in the park, but we were able to get it at Old Faithful.

Have a great time -- the park is beautiful when it snows!

You can spend an entire day gazing at Geysers near the Snow Lodge. Check Visitor Center as soon as you arrive for predicted geysers times. Strangely, Old Faithful is my least favorite. If you can, get up early be sure and watch Old Faithful because you may have it all to yourself. I watched it two mornings with just one or two other people. Castle and Riverside are really cool to see. Castle goes 2 times per day, while riverside goes 4 or 5 time. They predict 7 or 8 geysers, while the other 100 in the area is just luck if you see one of them go. You may wait a couple of hours on some geysers, but there is usually bison or something in the area to keep you entertained. Take something to drink, a book, or even cards. We spent an entire day watching geysers and noticed another family that did the same thing. They had a couple of board games they played while waiting.

I would go thru Lamar Valley to Cooke, lots of wildlife possiblities there. Maybe you'll spot a wolf. This is one thing we haven't seen.

If your parents don't have a senior pass for the national parks, have them get one when you go in. It costs $10 and is good for a lifetime and lets everyone in your car into all the National parks.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for the help. You Fodorites are fantastic. It looks like we will try to stay in the Gardiner area for a few nights and then in the Old Faithful (or west entrance) area for about 3 days. Would anyone have a recommendation on hotels at the west entrance vs. the Old Faithful Snow Lodge? The snow lodge is the only hotel in the park that is still open next week.

Thanks again. Hope to post a report w/ pictures when we get back.