RMNP & YNP
Which month is better for visiting these 2 parks? 1st 2 weeks in June or last 2 weeks in Aug? Are reservation a must and how many days in each park. We like to hike but might have to limit to short hi...
Forum Discussion
Parrothead Mike wrote:
I'd shoot for the last 2 weeks of August. Lot of families curtail their long trips in late August due to schools starting. August would be better weather for sure.
We were in Grand Teton and Yellowstone in mid-July in 2011 and didn't have any problems with campgrounds or hiking on trails (in GTNP only) if we went early in the day. Just did day trips into YNP and that was crowded. If we were to do it again I'd go in late August as I suggested to you.
Safe travels!
+1 on this, particularly as it relates to RMNP. Weather is much better in August, and at least locally, most of the schools are back in session, so you don't have the local family population there quite as much.
This past season, RMNP/Trail Ridge Rd didn't open until the weekend before Memorial Day, and closed several times due to adverse weather, fully opening in June. Lots of snow up there for winter 2013. And that snow doesn't melt quickly on the hiking trails. Some of them didn't fully open until late June/early July. By August, the snow will have melted, the flowers will be in full bloom and it's just a beautiful time of year to spend in Rocky.
