Yellowstone in Early October?
 

I'm driving to Yellowstone through the Badlands, Devil's Tower, then up through the Beartooth Mountains (hopefully before they close for the season) and into Yellowstone in the first week this October. I'm looking to camp in Slough Creek for a few days and see the sights and hike around some.

Any suggestions or things to keep in mind? How will the foliage and animal life be around then?

Thanks!
Bob

The first time we went to Yellowstone, it was also early October. We had some nice days, but the weather also gave us some cold drizzle at the beginning and snow at the end of the week (we left in a snowstorm just as roads were closing around us). It can definitely get cold, so bring layers and rain gear.

No crowds; most facilities were already closed or in the process of closing down -- Even stores and restaurants in West Yellowstone.

We were fortunate in that the leaf color was still spectacular. By the end of the week, though, the leaves were quickly being stripped away. We did see a fair amount of wildlife - elk, bison, pronghorn, a couple moose, coyote,bighorn sheep (northern locales, a couple of moose, black bear, a mama grizzly and her two cubs. That actually was the only time we saw a grizzly.

I'm assuming that you will be camping in Slough Creek before October 7, as it closes for the season then. We'll be there at the same time this fall. Enjoy.

We were there in mid-October one year at the end of the season. The first days were lovely fall weather. The last two days we had snow. Folks at Hamilton's were packing up the shops and the seasonal workers who had spent six months working in the park were excited about caravanning to Arizona. As usual, take layers. The forecast in the Tetons in June a few years ago included snow so you always need to be prepared. Are you tent camping? If so, be prepared for low temps. I'd probably see if there are any rooms available but that would be my personal preference. We say plenty of wildlife. Enjoy! I'm returning in a couple of weeks! :-)

Snow is definitely a possibility - I had a couple of days of snow in the Tetons and Yellowstone on early October a few years ago.

Then it cleared quickly and it was like summer, just like it was when I arrived and the fall colors were beautiful. So I had 3 seasons in one week. Fun.

Bring layers - gloves, scarf, rain jacket, just in case.

Our last day in Yellowstone at the beginning of October we had snow. Beautiful. We were very excited.

Thanks!

From the sound of it I should plan for some cold and possibly snow. I am planning on camping at Slough Creek also.

I'm looking to do the following day hikes:
Slough Creek Trail
Lamar River Trail
Mount Washburn from Dunraven Pass
Seven Mile Hole

I'm looking to possibly do another hike or just drive the loop road for a day.

I could use any suggestions for another day hike or if there is a good 1 night backcountry hike including any of these. If there is a backcountry hike I also need a little advice where/how to get a permit.

Aside from the hikes, any suggestions on rooms in the park then that may still be open?

We woke up to 2 inches of snow on our tent one year....in the first days of AUGUST! In October, certainly a possibility.

I'm bookmarking because I'm interested too.

Go to the Xanterra website and book something ASAP.