Yellowstone vacation during snowy October?

ChrisM

We are traveling next week to Yellowstone - staying at a B&B in Emigrant.

Any suggestions as to what type of footwear to bring? My trail sneakers are waterproof, but I wonder if boots are required now that there seems to be some snow. We don’t get much accumulation usually here in Indianapolis, so if I need waterproof boots with a higher shaft, I need to get some on order...

I have plenty of layers, so I’m not too worried about jackets, etc, but am open to suggestions and insights!!

Thanks!

7 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Sheila

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Will it be snowy then already ?wow!still in the mid to upper teens centigrade here.Cant advise you but hope you have a wonderful trip.

7 years ago

karen13

Veteran

check the forecast right before you go. Much of the Park is between 7300 and 8000 feet so snow can come early. Or it may dust a bit and not stick. Grippy warm shoes will come in hand. The boardwalks in the geyser basin are very slick and frosty in the mornings. DH Just returned Sept 23 and was using base layers and down puffy all day at the end.

Bring the best binoculars you own or can borrow.

If you haven’t been or want ideas Feel free to ask or pm me with any questions about the Park. I go a good bit and DH spends weeks there every year.

In the puffy dress for Rachy thread, about 20 down I gave a quick summary of some stuff
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-racheylou
Have a blast!

7 years ago

karen13

Veteran

If you are in to wildlife, bring or rent a spotting scope. And be ready for long hours in the car. The Park is huge, and I think you are staying a ways outside the Northwest entrance in Gardiner. Always have a meal substitute with you as food and services are not super accessible, and you never know when you will be stuck in an elk or bison jam which will keep you fro. Getting to the next store/restaurant before it closes.

When you are starving and DH left the carefully packed lunch bag at the cabin, is when the pack of 10 wolves and the grizzly will decide to have a play date with a bison carcass for 2 hours right in front of your spotting scope. Or the world’s second biggest geyser will explode into spectacular eruption for 90 minutes. Ask me how I know.

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Expect rain too. Everyone is going to Yellowstone! Yay!

7 years ago

Anonymous

Love Yellowstone- we went in mid- late June and had snow a few years back. be prepared for everything weather wise. Bring hat, scarf, mitts and comfortable waterproof footwear what are lightweight. Layer layer layer.
And have a perfectly wonderful and safe trip.

7 years ago

ChrisM

Veteran

Thanks, everyone - such good advice!

Cardiffgirl, the mountains are my favorite places to vacation. Indiana is very lat, and not at a high elevation so it’s like exploring a foreign country!

Karen13, I laughed when you mentioned bringing along food just in case there are delays! A growling bear inside the car (DH) is almost as frightening as a bear outside! I found my Yaxtracks so I’m going to throw them in in case of ice. I HATE ice.

Rachylou, I enjoyed your travel posts. The fires have kept us out of Glacier for 2 autumns in a row now, so Yellowstone it is. Am soooooo excited!

efbfen, snow in June? Ugh! But lots of layers are the plan! It will be good to get away - it’s been a long summer and I need a break!

7 years ago

Anonymous

I don’t have any advice over what’s already been given, just wanted to say that if you’re staying in the same b&b I’m thinking of, DH and I stayed there in 2004 for an anniversary and it was so lovely. Also, if you have time (and good weather), travel the Beartooth Highway; it starts out of the east entrance of Yellowstone, I believe, and goes to Red Lodge, MT. Incredible views! Enjoy all of it! http://beartoothhighway.com

7 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We used to live at 5900 feet, and we had snow in every month of the year. I would take warm things just in case, because once I get cold I have a hard time warming up again.

7 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I recommend boots, but if you don't you can get gaiters.

And yeah prepare for snow.

7 years ago

Sheila

Veteran

We were in Yellowstone today. No snow, mild temperatures. But be sure to check the forecast for next week, as it can change quickly. ❤️❤️❤️

ETA many facilities (food services, etc) are sending home most of their employees Oct. 7-10, due to imminent closures for the season. Your b&b should be able to help you with what’s open and what’s not.

7 years ago

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