Yellowstone & Tetons in October - advise please

You can check this year's opening and closing dates on the park website. There is much detail there.

It is a beautiful time of year, but be prepared for some cold and snow. You will need appropriate clothes, and a good safe source of heat for the camper.

Do Yellowstone first. Gets cold faster up there.

As you can see on the Yellowstone Nat'l Park site, Madison is open until Oct 16. Mammoth is open year-round - it's our favorite. Have a great trip!

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Here is a blog post that may be of interest --

Yellowstone and Tetons in October

One of the most wonderful trips we have ever taken, and that is saying a lot. Here is a photo to whet your appetite:

It is hit and miss that time of year. Some years it is really great and no snow. Some years snow in October. Difficult to predict wx that far ahead. We live 70 miles east of Yellowstone Park at 5000 ft and we haven't had more than a couple inches of snow all winter. However, I have seen a couple feet of snow some Octobers. If el nino goes away all bets are off for October wx. Sept may be better.

Here's a link to weatherbase for Yellowstone. It won't tell you what the weather will be, but it will show the weather by month over the last x number of years. At 8,000 feet above sea level, lots of snow.
OTOH, it shouldn't be crowded. :)

russelln wrote:
We are planning to visit the US again this year in late September and most of October. We have visited Yellowstone before but would like to see more.
I realise it is getting late in the season and many of the camps will have closed. Thinking of Madison, not sure with the Grand Tetons though.
We are travelling in a 25'Class C and thinking around 10 days in the two parks.
We like hiking and taking in the wildlife & scenery. Not worried about hook ups.
Looking for any advise and suggestions from folk who have visited at this time of year.

Many thanks
Russell

Post on last fall's weather

Last year you would have loved it - winter came late but that is not always the case - our best visit ever was in the last week of October - first week of November - we had an Indian summer and it hit 65-70 almost every day - so you will need to watch the weather.

Sure you know to be well stocked before you arrive as supplies are few and cost is high if you find anything.

I use the live web cam to see conditions and crowds, and most weather apps will give you reliable info.

Hope this is of some help,

BOL,

Thank you everyone for the input. It will be very useful.
Thanks profdant139 for sharing your blog - stunning!

Mission accomplished!
We got to Yellowstone on the 8th October. Had 2 nights at Madison and then 2 up at Mammoth. Although it was close to closing time for the CG's they were both nearly full each night. We had a dusting of snow at Mammoth followed by a 13 degree night. Managed to travel all the roads and see most of the sights. only critter we didn't see was a bear.....next time. Had 3 great nights in the Tetons staying at Signal Mountain CG. Again we were lucky with the weather. At this time of year the traffic is light and it's a relaxing time to visit.

russelln wrote:
Mission accomplished!
We got to Yellowstone on the 8th October. Had 2 nights at Madison and then 2 up at Mammoth. Although it was close to closing time for the CG's they were both nearly full each night. We had a dusting of snow at Mammoth followed by a 13 degree night. Managed to travel all the roads and see most of the sights. only critter we didn't see was a bear.....next time. Had 3 great nights in the Tetons staying at Signal Mountain CG. Again we were lucky with the weather. At this time of year the traffic is light and it's a relaxing time to visit.

Congrats on the trip - And THANK YOU for getting back to us on the trip.

Traveling when the crowds are light is just soooooo relaxing..... especially at a Big park like Yellowstone

Thanks again and Best of Luck heading out,