Yellowstone Net Forums

Hey all! Sorry I haven’t been on here for awhile but Facebook is easier and I stay in touch with non-Yellowstone friends. LOL. I really missed this site and all the helpful information, love sharing pictures and trip stories and mostly great people too. So, I’m back and so happy everything is still here.
I’ve made14 trips to YNP and know that’s not much to most of you. Other issues have kept me away for two years and I’m suffering from withdrawal. I have usually visited in the Spring but I’m thinking of planning an Autumn trip instead this year.
What is the best time frame to visit for the best chance at animal sightings and Fall colors? I came in the fall one time and missed the best colors, especially in the Tetons. I think I came the last of September -first of October but can’t remember for sure. I’ll be traveling alone so I’d like to avoid ‘everything’ being closed too.
So is mid September usually good? My schedule is open right now but I need to make plans VERY soon! Thanks in advance for your usual helpful advice and I’m happy to have come home to Y-Net!

Second to third in week in September would be best.

Thank you!! Sounds like a plan.

I've been there several times in the fall and had various luck with leaves -- some years it's been really great in the first couple of weeks, but my best luck has come in the final week-and-a-half of September and first week of October. The Snake River Canyon heading into Grand Teton can be spectacular, by the way. Good luck!

Sharon, the timing for the colors varies. Traditionally, the end of September/start of October was peak, but in recent years it's been all over the place. I believe a few years ago, the colors peaked 2 weeks early, then 1 week early... and then the third year they peaked a few days late. This year on my fall tour (Sept 22 - 29), Yellowstone color was the best I've ever seen, but the Tetons had not peaked yet on the second half of that trip.

I would aim for the fourth week of September this year, and then keep your fingers crossed.

Max

Thanks everyone!!

Glad you are back! I was in YNP early past October , took a day to Tetons and hiked Two Ocean trail. Rare beautiful sunny day 68+ dgr, windy day. Aspen's were still ablaze! Elk bugling and in forest a fox hearing squirrel chatter next to us, trotted 20 ft .Then....... oops ! Didn't spot bears, but fresh scat and ripped timber signs.

Other fall trips late Sept,early Oct were very dry with mild days/cold nights. Guess just luck of the draw.


Next day back up in Yst heavy pm rain . Next am hiking Tom Minor north of Gardiner, windy and snow. Aspen's still had color with early am snow on leaves.

Definitely in that changing weather pattern. In fact rest of week was wet and cold. Also you may consider fire issues. Bacon Rind fire was still smoldering with area trails I enjoy closed.
Enjoy your planning, most things were still open, but soon closing i.e Canyon wrecker, exhibits. *Traffic was much reduced by mid week Oct..big difference than last week of Sept.