Best Time to Visit Yellowstone: Fall

Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but the weather can be a little unpredictable! In September we normally see very pleasant sunny days hovering in the 60’s and 70’s, with nights dipping into the 40’s or even 30’s. October will be generally cooler, with some snow flurries possible, and November can be colder still, with most days hovering around freezing, but with some swings up or down possible. Usually it does not snow with significant accumulation in November, but it is possible. Snow adds wonderful context and texture especially for photography enthusiasts.

We recommend wearing layered clothing on all of our safaris, and especially on fall tours where the temperatures and conditions can vary throughout the day. Items such as hats and gloves are essential to keep you comfortable when standing outside in cool weather. Solid shoes or boots, with wool socks, are great to keep the feet warm. Non-denim pants are recommended for better ease of movement and better protection against heat or cold. Multiple layers of shirts and jackets are great to have to keep your body just the right temperature.

Yes, fall is a great time of year to see bears and wolves. Both grizzly and black bears enter into a state called hyperphasia starting in about late august, which carries them through the next few months prior to hibernation in a state of voracious eating. Grizzly bears will focus on carcasses of other animals that have died naturally or have been killed by wolves, as well as moth hatches, pine nuts, worms and grubs, and anything else substantive they can find. Black bears will eat thousands of berries in one sitting, search for squirrel caches, honey bee hives and ant hills. Both species are very active in the daytime hours as the temperatures cool, so it becomes more likely to see them as we progress towards winter. Wolves do not hibernate but as we get closer to winter they also become more active. Their pups have grown through summer and are eager to learn about hunting. They follow the adults as they roam their territories searching for opportunities and other wolves. They are protective of their pack and will engage in competition with other wolves and bears over resources. Winter is wolves’ most active and visible time, so fall precedes this with some very interesting behavior.

The best time to see fall colors in Yellowstone National Park is typically from mid-September to early October. The timing can vary slightly each year depending on the weather conditions, but this period usually offers the most vibrant display of autumn foliage.

During this time, the aspen and cottonwood trees turn brilliant shades of gold and yellow, and the park’s cooler temperatures make for a comfortable visit. It’s also a great time to see wildlife preparing for winter, and the crowds are usually smaller compared to the peak summer months.

If you’re planning a trip, aiming for late September is a good way to catch the peak colors.

In the fall, Yellowstone National Park offers some excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter. Joining a guided tour with Yellowstone Safari Co. offers the best opportunities at spotting wildlife in the Park.  Here are some of the places that we may visit on our Yellowstone Wildlife Safari tours.

Lamar Valley:

Often referred to as “America’s Serengeti,” Lamar Valley is one of the best spots in the park to see a variety of wildlife. You can spot bison, elk, pronghorn, wolves, and sometimes bears. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for viewing.

Hayden Valley:

Similar to Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley is a prime location for spotting large mammals like bison and elk. Grizzly bears and wolves are also seen here, especially during the cooler fall mornings and evenings.

Mammoth Hot Springs:

The area around Mammoth Hot Springs is known for its elk population, which can be seen in the area throughout the fall. The elk are often in the midst of their rutting (mating) season in September, making for an exciting viewing experience.

Blacktail Plateau Drive:

This one-way dirt road (when open) offers a quieter route through prime wildlife habitat. You might see bison, elk, and sometimes black bears in this area.

Tower-Roosevelt Area:

The area around Tower Junction and the road leading to Roosevelt Lodge is good for spotting black bears and bison. The road between Tower and Mammoth also provides good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fall is also a time when animals are more active as they prepare for winter, making it a great season for wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. On our guided tours, you will have access to high quality spotting scopes and binoculars, and your guide will ensure that we are viewing wildlife from a safe distance.