Late August-early Sept. trip -- things to know?

[mdtrot]

Hi all, I've only been to YNP in early June and once in July. I'm now looking at visiting in late August and/or early September. I'm not a hiker, so I mainly get to see things from positions that I can drive to, or are withing a short hike. I've mainly focused on the northern areas of the park, i.e., Hayden, Lamar, Roosevelt areas.

My interests are mainly observing and photographing wildlife mammals, specifically bears and wolves, as well as Elk, Moose, deer, coyote, fox. When does the elk rut generally begin in YNP? What recommendations can anyone make as to the differences seen at that time vs. earlier in the summer? Also, is there less traffic and crowds at this time, compared to June and July? Thanks much!

[obradallen]

The elk rut usually starts around the the second week of September but it is often weather dependent. It often needs to cool off a bit. As far as crowds they will thin a little because many kids will be back in school by September but it will still be crowded. Bears are busy stuffing themselves for the winter season and the scenery is simply amazing the third and fourth weeks of September. The temperature cools down and the park can become magical again. My take on Yellowstone in the fall.

[mdtrot]

The elk rut usually starts around the the second week of September but it is often weather dependent. It often needs to cool off a bit. As far as crowds they will thin a little because many kids will be back in school by September but it will still be crowded. Bears are busy stuffing themselves for the winter season and the scenery is simply amazing the third and fourth weeks of September. The temperature cools down and the park can become magical again. My take on Yellowstone in the fall.

Thanks! Hmm... maybe I should look at that time period instead. Are most of the roads usually still open at that time?

[obradallen]

Oh yes, you can look at the ynp website to look for road closure dates. I have been during late October and have had no problems. In October the wildlife sightings decrease significantly for many species but wolf activities pick up. In Oct. you have to contend with weather and finding a place to stay. In September after Labor Day Canyon campground closes so check the website for lodging details. I really enjoy my September visits, October is a little too late for me.

[Arted]

In late August you might still catch the last of the bison rut. Watching and listening to those behemoths is fun, too! Elk rut takes place in September. It is guaranteed that you will see one or two bulls and their harems in and around Mammoth ( don’t get too close, they’re very aggressive that time of year).Bears and wolves are active. It’s also moose rut in September, but we don’t see too many in YNP. The biggest problem we’ve had with visiting in September is increasing closures of restaurants. Most of the Park restaurants close by the end of September (check the Park website for actual dates). We’ve stayed in both Gardiner and Silver Gate and by the end of the month there are a only a couple of places open. Last year in September we woke up to 14” of snow! So, be prepared for all kinds of weather. That being said, it is still a wonderful time to be in the Park

[mdtrot]

Thanks for all the replies and info. I'm now looking at that week of Labor Day, or possibly the next week.

[obradallen]

You’ll have a blast!

[billandkaren]

I was there Labor Day weekend last year and we were treated to a grizzly bear confrontation in Hayden over a carcass. We also saw several black bears up along Dunraven. One scrambled up a pine tree to eat the pine cones. The bison rut was pretty much done. The park was crowded but not as bad as in late June or July.

Bill

[mdtrot]

I was there Labor Day weekend last year and we were treated to a grizzly bear confrontation in Hayden over a carcass. We also saw several black bears up along Dunraven. One scrambled up a pine tree to eat the pine cones. The bison rut was pretty much done. The park was crowded but not as bad as in late June or July.

Bill

Thanks much for the info! I wish there was a "like" button here so one could quickly give a tip of the hat.

[rzrpirate]

I believe Canyon is open until 9/23