We're planning a trip to Yellowstone in 2008 to stay in Fishing Bridge RV Park and spend approx. 8 to 10 days there. We've tentatively planned for the last week of May/first of June for the trip. Is this a good time to go, or would late September or October be a better time??? Our schedule is flexible but we DO want to avoid the summer crowds. We want to be able to get out and see as much of Yellowstone as possible. Thanks in advance for any help. We've never been to this area before.
We went in September and thoroughly enjoyed it. We did have a minor water hose freeze one night, but it thawed as soon as the sun hit it. Crowds were still there but greatly reduced, weather was magnificent, and the animal viewing was spectacular. Elk were in evidence everywhere. We even saw a mama bear with her two cubs, albeit at a distance, but it was exciting nonetheless. If I were going again, and I undoubtedly will at some point, I will go at this same time.
Both retired. 1 year until son finishes college, then financial freedom! We lost Max, the Schnoodle after 16 wonderful years but now enjoy Nicklaus Von Schnoodle (Nicky), who is a full time job. Our new Allegro Bay 34 XB is wonderful.
Fall is my favorite time. We will be there this year in mid September, at Madison campground. The primary attraction to us at that time of year is the Elk rut, which is the best time to see the big bulls fight to gather their harems and make baby Elk.
We like Madison because it is centrally located to the wildlife areas we are interested in and to the major geyser fields. Madison does not have hookups but we don't need them.
We went in Sept. few years ago and loved it. It was so nice. We just left there a week ago, and did not enjoy it much at all. Summer is just too hot. We didn't see many animals at all. It was still beautiful, just too hot to enjoy. Next time we go it will not be in the summer. Same for the Tetons and Glacier.
Joe and Joy
'04 Winnebago Itasca Sunrise - 34D
W22 Workhorse, Banks Power Pack, Bilstein Shocks, Davis TruTrac,
Jeep Liberty Toad.
We were in the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area from the last week of May thru the 3rd week of June in 2005. First couple of weeks the night temperatures went below freezing, but daytime was mostly in the 60's. We had snow showers a few days, but no trouble with driving and the snow didn't last on the ground for more than a few hours. Made the mountains beautiful. We were able to drive the MH all over the Park and had no trouble finding parking. It didn't start to get crowded until the third week of June when families with young children started showing up.
We will be at Yellowstone sometime in September this year, as we have never been there in the Fall and want to experience the Elk rut. I would think that October is too late for Yellowstone. At 8,000 feet winter comes early. Most of the campgrounds close before the end of September. Here's a link to the campground info.
We made a stop at Jackson Hole this year on a bigger road trip and spent two days in Yellowstone with our SUV. We were there the last week of May. It was beautiful. We are planning on returning to the area again next year with our newly acquired RV. We are planning on camping in the park maybe Mammoth Falls as we didn't cover tha area this year. Absolutely beautiful country.
Linda B.
2006 31' Fleetwood, TiogaSL - The Big Bus
2008 Saturn Vue (Toad)with US Gear UBS
& Demco baseplate and tow bar.
Traveling with Robin(friend),Liz(cockapoo)&Buddee(cavalier)
The time you've chosen will provide the best opportunity to see bears. When they come out of hibernation they are ravenous and are on the move looking for food. September is an excellent time to visit also since the Elk go into rut. An Elk bugling in the morning sends chills up my spine. I love it!
2002 Dodge 2500 V10
2008 Wildcat 28RKBS
Honda 2000 gen
TomTom One 3rd edition GPS
We were there for a couple days the first week of June a few years ago and saw quite a few Elk, TONS of Bison, but only two black bears about 1/2 mile away up the side of a mountain. We did talk to someone when we saw the bears that said he had seen some the day before in a stream and got some good pictures of them.
As for the weather, one of the days we were there it was snowing but the roads weren't good and we were able to drive everywhere we wanted.
Kent, Barb, Amber and Shane
2003 Forest River Cherokee 28DD
2004 Dodge 2500 Crew Cab Diesel
As a resident....I say go in the Fall. The Aspens are turning and beautiful, the elk are wonderful to watch.
Remember too that we are in the 10th year of a severe drought so the landscape before you get to the Park is dry, dry, dry and brown.
If you choose the Spring, landscape is green until mid to late June, antelope have their young in early-mid June.
Either time you plan, be it Spring or Fall, you may have a few snow showers and cool temperatures. But the days warm up and it's great to be outdoors!
Wyoming is glorious and I hope you will have a wonderful trip. We are always happy to welcome our visitors, Happy Trails!
TT bumpersticker: "I go where I am towed to" Darling Husband
2 Wonderful Dogs
And Me
2007 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab(Diesel)
2005 Komfort 232TS
We retire in June of 2008 and are already in the planning stages of our first Yellowstone trip for September of 2008. I get excited just thinking about finally getting there.
Joezilla
2007 Ford F350 dually PSD 2WD King Ranch
2007 KZ Montego Bay 36 REB-3 38ft 11in. 5th Wheeler
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