We were planning a trip there that same week in August as well. When would be a better time? We can go very early or late if needed to avoid the most crowded times.
After mid-August through September. It does get chilly and there's a chance of snow but by September the elk have huge racks and are in the rut. It's an amazing sight-just stay out of the way. Crowds (at least from my experience) are less as many kids are back in school. Otherwise May/June-again when babies are small and kids aren't out of school yet.