TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

I went to Yellowstone in 1966, so anything I saw has changed and will not be valid today. For example, Prismatic Spring was known as Turquoise Spring, was monochrome, and was less than half the diameter. We went to Glacier in 2015 and it had not recovered from a fire that had occurred a few years earlier. There was a fire in 2018 that closed the entire western side, so do not expect to see much there. It will be mostly barren, burned trees. When we were there, a guide (helo pilot) said that there were only 17 glaciers left, and many of them were minuscule. He was expecting the name "Glacier" would become a misnomer in the not-to-distant future. A good number of the remaining glaciers were on the burned-out side so they weren't too scenic. Some were so small that you could only see them from above.

vbhargava Loc: San Diego

We visited YNP last year and stayed in West Yellowstone in an air bnb run by Windham resorts for 7 days. We flew from San Diego to Salt Lake City, rented a car and drove to West Yellowstone. It is close to the east entrance with food readily available, no crowds. The places are within half a mile from the entrance. We did not go to Glacier national park or to grand Tetons. There are many places to go around but my favorite were: grand prismatic lake, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, Upper and Lower falls, Hayden and Lamar valley, lower and upper terraces. We could have easily spent more time and not enjoyed everything that the park has to offer. It all depends on what are your interests, how much time you have and the time you pick to visit the park. Before schools open the park is more crowded, after schools open the crowd thins out. My interest was landscape not as much on wildlife so I spent more time walking in the thermal activity areas rather than in the valley where more wildlife is present. There are a number of apps for your phone and iPad that tell you what to look for where as well as maps within the park at ranger stations. We picked them up and took every stop that we could make.
You could stay in the park but that is two three times more expensive and more crowded. Another option is to stay a few days at the west entrance and then move to north entrance. Both east entrance and south entrance would not be good choice as there is very little to see in those areas and drive to points of interest are much further.
Hope this helps!

Oldnintheway

Glacier N.P is one of my favorite places on Earth! I used to live near there and spent a lot of time in the park. Sept., just after Labor Day, is the perfect time to go. Grizzlies are feeding heavily preparing for Winter and are usually viewable from the road. Weather is fickle and of course there is always a chance of snow but the road is usually not closed permanently until some time in Oct. if memory serves me. I also like the Many Glacier area but prefer the cabins at Swiftcurrent. By all means book well ahead as they fill up months in advance. Food is poor and expensive ime so it's best to bring your own and cook in the cabin. This website has all the info you need. Road condition, closure history etc.
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/index.htm

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Last year we went to Glacier in early September and had beautiful weather. A passing storm with dramatic clouds exposing and/or hiding the high peaks in short time cycles. Very scenic. Used to go in October for the fresh snow on the mountains. Worked there in the summer of ‘79 and lived in nearby Kalispell Montana much of my life as a child. Avoid staying in Browning, it’s a depressing town on the Blackfoot Indian reservation, although the Museum of the Plains Indians is interesting. I prefer the East side for the vistas, West side is heavily forested by comparison. If possible spend a night at Many Glacier Lodge. Park employees call it Many Bears for the population north of the road. The have a “hootananny” one evening put on by the employees. I suspect they are hired fo their musical talent as much as their hospitality skills. Mostly College kids. That time of the year they are eating Huckelberries not blueberries. Blueberries are the ugly stepchild and are uncommon in that part of the world. You should try to read some of James Willard Schultz’ books about his adventures and of Indian folklore. He and George Bird Grinell were early visitors and responsible for the names of many of the mountains. The advice to go to the Canadian park adjoining Glacier. It is Watertown Lakes, not to be confused with the Canadian park named Glacier park which is further north and west. Also nice but out of the area you want to visit. I could go on and on. Prepare to be thrilled and amazed.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

BTW, a few have mentioned forest fires. They are now annual occurances around Yellowstone and Glacier, and are usually still active in early September. The first snowfall usually snuffs them.

I don’t worry about burned areas from previous years. Yellowstone has recovered from the massive fires in 1989. The photography problem is smoke from active fires that might be hundreds of miles away. If photography is your main purpose for this trip you might want to check on the situation before leaving.

vbhargava Loc: San Diego

I agree, fire are a problem for photography. When I was there last year there was a fire in Glacier NP which caused poor visibility for the first three days of our trip. On fourth day it snowed and rained which cleared the sky for the last two days of our stay. We got beautiful shots on last two days.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

My wife and I stayed in Bozeman Montana as my youngest son and daughter in law live there. We went in early August and only got one day in YNP as we were doing things with the family. We did hit all the tourist traps (per my wife's wishes) and lord, the number of tourists was unbelievable at those spots. We intend on going again next year and hope to see more of the park. The tip about hiking is a good one if you are capable of doing so...

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

To avoid construction around the east side of Glacier, get a map. There are other routes besides #89 which w/get you to St. Mary & Many G., ie., Star School Rd & Duck Lake Rd. Don't forget to check out Chief Mtn on the way to the Canadian border. Actually, the best shots of "The Chief" are on the way back from the border, IMO.

greenhead

You might have difficulty getting reservations at any lodge inside Glacier. I am almost completely sure that Many Glaciers Lodge is fully booked. Perhaps some of the other lodges have space. You will probably have better luck at a facility outside the park.

Many Glaciers has recently been remodeled. It also frequently has amazing early morning alpine glow that makes great photography opportunities. Perhaps you can get on a waiting list and get lucky.

Dennis Morgan Loc: Central Missouri

My wife and I have been there 4 times all in September We stayed in Gardner

Peter LeesburgVA

Yellowstone is a great park My family and I have been there in September and had a great time. After Yellowstone we drove to Glacier National Park which I really enjoy. The primary "don't miss" location in Glacier National Park is the Logan Pass Visitor Center where you can park your car "if you get their fairly early in the day" and from there start hiking. You will face a couple miles of hiking but the view is beautiful. There are snowy white mountain goats which are a kick to watch a couple miles into the trails. I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to enhance the experience. Your can access the Logan Pass Visitor Center web site at https://www.google.com/maps/place/Logan+Pass+Visitor+Center/@48.7113429,-113.7213657,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x5368af512bf83b1f:0x64cdf1479b75bbbd!8m2!3d48.6953229!4d-113.7180662 .

We're in Thailand at the moment so I am unable to attach any photos from our previous trips there but I am certain anyone who goes there will be happy they took the time to hike the trails at this wonderful site.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

It is interesting how the OP started this thread, monitored for a while, engaged in another thread, but can not participate in this one.

Apparently he is not all that interested ....

A. T.

Yes Sir,

We stayed in Wilson WY. which is about 5 min. from Jackson Hole WY. We stayed in some beautiful little cabins called Fireside Resort. You will have a beautiful view of the Grand Tetons and you're only about an hours drive from Yellowstone National Park. There's a famous road called, Moose Wilson where you will see plenty of wildlife up close and personal. If you rise early you can get some breath taking photos of Schwabacher Landing, Oxbend Bow, the most photographed barn in the U.S and so much more. You're going at a prime time of the year to see some of the most gorgeous colors imaginable. Enjoy my friend, enjoy.

A. T.

One other note.......we stayed in Wilson because it was centrally located to so many different sites, it was very clean and very quiet. You can go at your own pace and not be on someone else's time schedule. We were there ten days this past September; it was our second time staying there and if we ever go back, we will stay there again. Be careful with tours, especially if you plan on taking lots of photos. You want to enjoy your stay and not be rushed around places. Remember, that golden hour of the day for photos.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

He has actually been back several times. My guess is that he has gotten the information that he needs and has moved on to other concerns. ..

EDIT *** Please see my post below before reacting to this one...