Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

Hi, I was coming out in May but now I'm coming to Yellowstone the first week of Oct. I have lots planned for two weeks but I will arrive in West Yellowstone the 2nd and I think that may be a good base of operations. We want to see wildlife, waterfalls and the grand prismatic spring in particular. Plan on leaving there Thursday morning heading to Zion, and want to at least see Tetons, mountains reflecting in a lake would be good also. If anyone can give me a little direction that would be great. We are flying into Denver, my sis lives there and rates are much lower there. Thanks, Bud

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Be aware that road maintainance in the Park ends on October 1, snowstorms can happen any time of year in Yellowstone and after October 1 road closures can be an issue. In-Park accomodations also begin to shut down the end of September in preparation for the awaited winter season to begin. If you plan to spend all your nights in West then you should be OK, the first road to close is always Dunraven Pass between Canyon and Tower Falls.
Have a great trip.

Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

Thanks, I booked 4 nights in W Ystone, just curious about day trips to see all I can.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Turning South at Madison Junction will take you down to the geyser basins, Old Faithful, and to Yellowstone Lake beyond.
Turning North at Madison will get you to Canyon, Hayden Valley, Norris, Mammoth, Lamar Valley, and most of the rest of the Park. The roads are in a big figure 8 and you can make either the North loop or the South loop in a day pretty easily if you leave town early enough.

Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

sounds great, thanks

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

By all means, take the trip to Jackson, from the South Entrance to Yellowstone. Just be prepared to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains which are East of the Highway. That is also a days trip from West Yellowstone.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Save the Jackson trip for your exit from the area when heading South to Zion, you won't want to return all the way to West once you go down there. Besides, it's right on your way based on your posted itinerary.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

At the top of the page, click on the "search" right under "Ugly Hedgehog® - Photography Forum", and type in "Yellowstone", and "Grand Tetons" for ideas, info, and lots of inspiration.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

At that time the elk will be migrating from the higher elevations of Yellowstone down into the Jackson Hole basin. You can catch large herds on the move. It can be dramatic. Generally the area from the South entrance of Yellowstone down to Jackson Hole.

Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

I appreciate all the great feedback, thanks. Herds of elk would overwhelm me, just saw a film about that last week. Thanks everyone.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Since coming from Denver you might want to plan to enter the park via. Cody, WY. The museum there is a must see. You could go from there for a drive up on beartooth pass before returning and entering the park northeast entrance. That will be the best way to see the Lamar valley vs. driving up from West Yellowstone. You might book a night at Mammoth or Gardner, MT before going to West. Lamar valley is best chance for wolves (though unlikely).

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is must see. Easy day trip from West via. Norris geyser basin junction.

If old enough get a senior pass. If not try to arrange things so a seven day combined GT/Yellowstone entry works. I think that might now be $50 vs. $30 each. (Used to be single entry covered both).

Weather could be issue on this route but not likely first week Oct.

Zion is wonderful that time of year but don't miss (relatively nearby) Bryce Canyon!

MtnMan Loc: ID

The wolves have dramatically reduced that opportunity this time of year. The elk herd in Yellowstone is down 90% thanks to Washington DC lawyers. You might still catch some small groups hiding in the trees but the herds in the meadows are no more.

You can still see large numbers of elk when they reach the elk refuge just north of Jackson later on in winter but not in Oct. Oct is elk hunting season in WY.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Ditto to what MtnMan said. The wolves have the elk so spooked that they're seldom seen in the meadows, at least in Oct. I would not get my hopes up for photographing a large bull elk. It ain't like it used to be for elk photography.

nokin

I'm arriving from Yellowstone where I have passed 2 days to see wild animals last week. Not so much about rare animals to see except bisons, bisons and bisons. But geysers are exceptional. And the Grand Canyon, too. Enjoy your trip!!!!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

We were there in late Sept. of 2015. The restaurants were running out of food, many staff members had already left for the season. But, on the plus side there were not nearly as many visitors as there would have been a month earlier. There animals don't care what day or week or month, they are still there. Pay attention to MTShooter's advice about the roads, sometimes closed means closed and sometimes it means unattended. You very possibly could see snow fly in Oct. Grand Prismatic was damaged by tourists on Tue. Nut cases tried to walk into the spring. Last week a bison calf had to be destroyed when it was found in the vehicle of tourists. It's mother rejected it as did all the other cows. Learn to speak Japanese and carry an iPad for photos you will fit nicely into the crowd. Lake Jackson offers the reflections you seek of the Tetons on water. Early morning is the best time to view them. Cell phone connection is only available near the lake in Yellowstone so plan accordingly. There is no wi-fi unless you are a guest at one of the lodges. Listen to everything the rangers have to say, it is important. Stay away from the animals, this isn't a zoo and they can get to you if they want. Do not try to feed them. The bison roam the roads and can create traffic jams, be patient. The ranger vehicles ALL have major sheet metal damage from bison pushing against them. It is fun to watch the rangers break up a slow moving bison who don't seem to want to clear the roadway. First comes a yelper horn, then a blast horn, and finally the nudge from the front rack of the truck. I watched in amusement as a ranger was trying to push a bull out of the middle of the road while another bull put his head squarely against the passenger door and pushed mightily. The outside skin of the door was concaved badly. Plan on spending a full day in the canyon if you want to see waterfalls. The trip down is long while the trip back up is torture, but worth the effort. Look for "Artist's View" on the far side of the canyon. you will have to follow the road over the bridge and along the far rim. Incredible views. If you can find a copy of this month's National Geographic pick it up and read all about Yellowstone. The issue is entirely dedicated to the park, great reading material. It also shows the migration paths of the herds in the park and where they go for winter. At the time you are going to be there the animals will probably be on the move towards winter quarters. Something to keep in mind is if you follow the roads you will see only about 1 % of the park. You will be doing a lot of walking, no matter what you want to see. We average 10-12 miles a day just walking from the vehicle to our shooting assignments. Be extremely cautious of signs warning you NOT to walk in a certain area. We missed the sign and the rangers were on us like a cheap suit in minutes. The rangers are very polite and friendly but they have jobs to do the they do those jobs very well. They are also very stern about the rules and you are expected to know the rules and abide by them. The park can be one of the greatest experiences you have encountered. Saying it is big is an understatement. Plan on driving lots of miles and be prepared to look at everything. Wherever you go there is nothing but natural beauty to watch and enjoy. The best advice you can heed is to be prepared! The park is an adventure, but it ain't Disneyland. Yellowstone is one of the wildest places left on the planet. You are sitting on top of the world's largest volcano and it is active. Research your trip and be prepared for an adventure. Like nothing else and no place else, Yellowstone is our finest piece of America.