Community Forums

cindysue · 08-24-2016, 05:18 PM

We are currently in southern Colorado & are considering driving to Yellowstone & the Grand Tetons the first two weeks of September. We're wondering about weather plus the highways in northern Utah, if they are suitable for a 45 foot motor home and tow car.

Robf · 08-24-2016, 08:00 PM

we just returned from there, went up thru utah, entered thru West yellow stone and south yellowstone, left thru east exit. All roads were fine however we did run into some construction zones. I think I saw road closures today on the south entrance due to fires so check that out before you go ?????? we checked road conditions each day .

firedoc · 08-24-2016, 09:35 PM

The South entrance is currently closed due to the Berry Fire in the Tetons. No mention as to when it might open.

Superslif · 08-24-2016, 09:48 PM

We're also thinking about a day or two in Yellowstone. If we overnight in Bozeman, and enter thru the west enterance what options do we have in the park as far as camping for a day or two near Old Faithful? Dry camping is OK. Weather about Sept 10 or 14? Can't make plans as we will be leaving North Pole AK. Labor Day Weekend. Not sure how many days to make it back to MT.

RichR · 08-25-2016, 07:17 AM

September is my favorite time to visit- weather is cool and crowds are down. Should not have camp problems but you never know, call ahead if possible.

twogypsies · 08-25-2016, 04:43 PM

Keep a close watch on this site for multiple fires going on right now in and around Grand Teton Nat'l Park and Yellowstone.

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4954/

ga traveler · 08-25-2016, 04:55 PM

We have been three times in september. Two in early and one in late September. Early or middle September is perfect.

BFlinn181 · 08-25-2016, 05:02 PM

I've been there in September, it's a great time to visit! Just be flexible. Right now there are a couple of fires in and around the park. In addition, be aware that many places in the park close as early as Sept. 5.
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ocd_locale.htm
Campgrounds in West Yellowstone and elsewhere outside the park mostly remain open later.

Also 2 years ago we were planning to drive out from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful and then south. A snowfall of about 4" closed Craig Pass (between Old Faithful and West Thumb) and we had to go by way of Canyon and Yellowstone Lake while the road was closed for plowing.

parkerbill · 08-25-2016, 05:13 PM

We were at Yellowstone the middle of September in 2015 and it rained a lot. Our campsite was half under water. We were going to go out the North exit, but the day we left the pass was closed due to snow. We went out the East entrance and it was snowing like crazy, but not yet sticking, at 8,000 feet.

beamisl · 08-25-2016, 06:06 PM

When I was a kid we went to Yellowstone (in a tent) the first week of August. They got a freaky snow storm through the night and dropped over 10 inches of snow on the tent and collapsed it on top of us.

Rangers came around warning people about weather coming around dinner time. It was freezing! Melted away by noon and went back to looking around the park.

Make sure to take warm clothes. Would love to have had the MH then, that tent was cold. Yellowstone is beautiful though!

Twomed · 08-25-2016, 06:14 PM

Beartooth Highway was closed this morning for snow....it's coming! September 11 the construction zone from North of Norris to Mammoth will be closed to public use. This make the Northern Loop a back and forth over Dunraven Pass...until snow hits there.

September can be beautiful...uncrowded, but definite crapshoot on weather.

twogypsies · 08-25-2016, 09:01 PM

We've been there a few times through the 3rd week of September and the weather was gorgeous - sunny days; cool nights. We were there in July and it snowed! You can't count on the weather - just get a forecast before heading there. Right now you need to keep watch on the fire situation.

A lot can happen in two weeks - good and bad. Hopefully, good for you!

JFXG · 08-25-2016, 11:04 PM

In 2014 we left our NWR volunteer spot south of Missoula at the end of August. Drove up to Glacier for a short visit, then wandered out the east side and south via 2/89/287 to Yellowstone, probably 2nd week of Sept.
Beautiful weather, no crowds, absolutely great! I think maybe we saw a few snow flurries a couple of times, and a bison about 10 inches from my car window, but nothing really noteworthy!