Grand Tetons Planning

We enjoyed Fall visits more than the others. Not so crowded. Wildlife seems more active. Possibility of snow that time of year but we just enjoyed it. It wasn't bad enough to cause any problems. It is beautiful any time of the year. Have fun!

For Grand Teton & Yellowstone, we prefer the first 2-3 weeks of June. Beats the crowds that arrive after kids get out of school. To us the mountains are much more beautiful before the snow melts off them. Also lots of baby animals around at that time of year.

We went once in September and there was almost no snow on the mountains, the air was hazy due to forest fires in the area and smoke blowing in from elsewhere. On the plus side, the Aspens were turning yellow, the Moose and Elk had full racks of antlers and it was a true experience of wildness to hear the Elk bugling for their mates in the mountains.

Late spring or early fall have been our favorite times to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. They are so close together it seems a waste if you don't get to both.

For me it's the third week of Sept for the GTNP. The Aspens are changing and it is the most glorious site. The air is full of the fragrance of the fall. The animals are coming down from the highlands and the fishing is outstanding. I have been there eight times at that time of year. One time in June and it was nice but I enjoy Sept more.

Look for the closing dates of the campgrounds. Colter Bay RV park and the Colter Bay campground usually close about the third week of September. Gros Ventre campground stays open until early October. GV campground is much closer to Jackson but puts you that much farther from Yellowstone. Only the Colter Bay RV park has hookups. The other two have dump stations and bathrooms with flush toilets.

Bill D

Early October can be great -- but bring warm clothes and watch the weather forecast:

I prefer late June and early July. In the fall the campgrounds close very early, often as early as Sept 15, and it limits where we can stay.

Thanks for all the good information thus far.

Here's the weather scoop for Jackson Hole over the last 30 years.

Thanks Jim for the weather information link. That is very useful.

Posted By: Jim Shoe on 03/27/14 05:12pm

Here's the weather scoop for Jackson Hole over the last 30 years.