MtnMan Loc: ID

It is one word: Yellowstone.

The animals are only a safety hazard if you hit one with your car. Been going there 47 years and have never seen one threaten a tourist...although I have seen many very stupid tourists getting too close. The main safety hazards are well marked: steep cliffs, boiling water, and unstable ground. Also in October you might have ice on the boardwalks in the morning.

October is a great time. The Asian Invasion is tapering off. But you still need to be careful as more of them are renting cars and they do not drive the same as we do. Watch for cars pulling out right in front of you and be patient with tailgaters and passing in unsafe places.

Also bring a hat, gloves, warm jacket, and shoes with good tread for ice. Yellowstone is at high elevation and the skies are often clear leading to cold nights. Most nights in October will be below freezing and not warm up till near noon.

If you go before 9 and after 4 you'll avoid more of the tour busses.

remybluemerle

Hi,
Going to Yellowstone gives you a unique opportunity for extraordinary photography especially in early October. The colors on the aspens and maples may be gone if you going in early October unfortunately. Ditto the other comments on animal behavior and be especially mindful of the elk. This is the "rutting" season and when a 1000lb. elk is out looking for love, he doesnt much care who stands in his way! Don't let it be you! Same with grizzlies, as they'll be foraging preparing for winter hibernation. You "may" see them closer than normal so be aware, especially if youre hiking.

I will highly encourage you, in fact, the true and IMAO, the best part of being in the Yellowstone area, is taking the most scenic drive (IMAO) in America, the Beartooth Highway drive from the northeast corner of Yellowstone to Red Lodge, Mt. It's a 68 mile drive over the most scenic road in the country. Depending on how many "oohs and ahhhs" you'll muster, it should take about 3 hrs. Problem would be is that you run the risk of snow as it can appear really anytime; yes, I've crossed in mid July and hit snow at the top. Google it and take a look at the pictures......I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Enjoy your trip and above all, drive safe and NO RUBBRNECKING!!

http://beartoothhighway.com/

tgreenhaw

I highly recommend the Old Faithful Lodge. Be sure to check the weather report and pack the right clothing for the expected weather. It snowed on May 31st when I visited. Drive carefully and don't get to close to the wildlife. This is one of the best places for wildlife photography I have ever visited, be sure to have plenty of batteries and storage :-)

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

They may have closures in the park by that time of year. Even late September is iffy. If you do encounter road closures, you will be forced to try and get into a tour group because there are vehicles that can and do trudge the deep snow of winter or fall in Yellowstone.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Yellowstone is definitely a "must-see" place! I've only been once, but would love to go back again. The weather is definitely going to be cool, especially at night, but warm days are still a possibility. The animals have the run of the place, and many do not seem to be bothered by people gawking at them. But a lot of people take that as meaning the animals will not be dangerous. Anything an animal sees as a threat can change everything. Sudden movement is one thing that can get their attention, which you do NOT want.

At one spot, there was a stream and some nice grass, and an elk was grazing there. We were not the only ones observing it, and it did not care. But no one made any fast movements, and no one tried to get closer to it.

We were at the Lamoille River where my husband wanted to go fishing, and I was in our truck parked on the side of the road. I took a walk over the bridge there and then a buffalo appeared coming down a hill toward where I was standing, the truck being on the other side of the bridge! I turned around and walked back to the truck, without incident. The buffalo was also crossing the bridge behind me, but at the end of it he crossed the road and went off into a huge open area. Never took much interest in me or in the cars stopped to watch him. I think the advice to run away would not have been good, at least not in this case. Sudden movement might have captured his attention, whereas slow steady motion was uninteresting to him.

Study maps of the park, determine which sights you want to see, and then also just drive around. Also find out if there are areas off-limits, and pay attention to safety precautions you can get at the gate. People like to stop their cars in the middle of the road when they see an animal, so you won't be able to hurry. Of course in October there won't be as many people, but it can still be an issue.

Have fun!

Bob Boner

I have been there in October eleven out of the past 12 years. The elk are usually still in rut then, and some have formed harems. The bears are coming down from the higher areas. Bison are (sometimes too) easy to find. There are also some impressive landscape areas. Be sure to visit the lower falls.

kmctague

Only thing I can add to the excellent responses is to be prepared for variable weather. Sometimes the temperature is in the 60s and sometimes it is in the 20s early in the morning. Snow can occur. However, usually the weather is fine and getting around is easy. If you have time swing down to the Tetons - Aspens are beautiful around upper edge of Jackson Lake and at Oxbow Bend. Have a great trip.

GordonMcDaniel Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Yellowstone is one word. It is one of our favorite places to visit. Get out early and late afternoon.

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

When I was there for 5 days in the 3rd week in September several years ago the temps. varied from 13°F to 70°F, lots of great photo ops
due to the small amount of tourists and lots of wildlife in the valleys. A fine time to visit, just bring warm clothes.

CaliGal25 Loc: Northern California

There used to be kiosk in West Yellowstone that you could rent a GPS that included an app through you radio and told you what to look for along the way. Like the eagle nesting on the right turn left to see a small geyser that most people miss and so on also gave some facts. Similar to self guided tour at Gettysburg.

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

Great advice from everyone. As mentioned before, if you are coming from the east, you may want to consider Badlands, MT. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. If you are driving from the south, you may want to come up through the Tetons (Jackson Hole, WY). Early October should be plentiful with fall colors. There is always the possibility of snow but most likely not. Enjoy, you will be driving through some pretty scenic country.

Crichmond Loc: Loveland, CO

Yellowstone is a wonderful place to visit. There is a lot to see and do.

I'd recommend taking the time to layout some sort of plan ahead of time for your visit. That way, upon arrival, you will already know where to go and what you would like to see. And then once there, you can adjust your schedule to take in what you want to see, but be flexible. Weather, tourists, traffic, and overall current conditions will impact your visit.

Here is the Park's planning guide.

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

And here is the Park's guide to places to visit.

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

Be sure to take plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated. And be sure to wear comfortable shoes. In order to see more than the quick drive through the park you will have to get out and walk - especially at the more popular areas.

Take advantage of the Park Rangers. They are a wonderful resource of current information.

Our last visit we chose a theme – waterfalls. So we mapped them out and as we traveled around the various areas we’d make a special point to grab shots of the waterfalls.

Be sure to grab a good map of the area. Like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Yellowstone-National-Geographic-Trails-Illustrated/dp/1566952956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492272933&sr=8-1&keywords=yellowstone+map

And while you are so close, do take in the Tetons. And again plan ahead, it will save tons of headaches and disappointments.

Have a great trip, and grab lots of shots!

AircraftGuru

That lifetime pass gets you and everyone in your car into the park ..... they will have you sign it in front of them when you get it .... and when entering that or other parks .... they will ask to see not just the pass but also your drivers license ...... to be sure the person hasn't loaned the pass to a friend. You will really, really enjoy Yellowstone .....seeing photos are great ... but actually being there is awesome. Our son and his family live about 90 minutes SW of Yellowstone.

FRENCHY Loc: Stone Mountain , Ga

Don't do that , be safe please

Enjoy your visit

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Bison can be sneaky. I was in Yellowstone in October. I walked about 100 yards from the road into a clump of trees to photograph some Bison in a meadow. I had my Nikon on a tripod, armed with a 500mm mirror lens, when the mirror jammed. So I took the lens off and held it between my knees while I unjammed the mirror. Exactly at that moment, I felt a hot breath next to my left ear. I turned my head and about 3 inches from my face was a gigantic black nose. Several bachelor bison had crept up on me and were very curious. I slowly put my lens back on the camera, slowly folded my tripod, assured my company that I was going to depart, and very slowly walked back to my car. They just watched me.

Moose are courting in October, and on the same trip, while trying to photograph a cow with her calf, I found myself between her and a very interested Male moose who was not at all happy that I was there. Another hasty but uneventful retreat. With my penchant for getting into trouble, I am surprised a bear didn't get me, but I guess The bear were elsewhere. Stay alert. It is easy to get absorbed in taking your photos and not be aware. The animals are there and not always obvious, and some of them are very big!