The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 3,165 
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Aug 27, 2023 17:02:53 GMT
The Super Basic Early Itinerary (and I am sorry. I can't do this without long commentary. I wish I could be more concise.)
My DH, teen boys, and I (and probably our dog), are driving from Minnesota to Jackson, Wy. We have a hotel room in Jackson for six nights October 14-20(check out). We will leave sometime on the 13th and were planning on staying "somewhere" along the way. We do not need to be home until the afternoon on the 22nd (Sunday) but are planning on Saturday the 21st to be home. I know the Beartooth Pass officially closes on October 15th and that depending on weather, it may close earlier, so we must have a contingency plan, but we are going to shoot for the pass on the 14th. I am considering staying a couple nights near Yellowstone (changing our reservations in Jackson). I want to make it clear that we realize we will not be able to "see it all" in this trip and we know weather can change all our plans, so I am trying to plan some contingency ideas as well. We are also going more heavy on the Tetons since we are mainly staying in Jackson. We will likely do two or three days in Yellowstone.
I have a few questions for those who may be more familiar that I am with this area in October and the two parks. Please feel free to answer some, none, all, any.- If you have been to Yellowstone/Tetons area mid October, what was it like for you? What were some pluses and minuses? Besides the obvious "less people" and "cold/bad weather possibilities."
- We will plan on using the Southern Entrance of Yellowstone since we will be nearest that, but if you were going to stay near another entrance for a day or two after the Beartooth pass, where would you stay?
- Besides Old Faithful/Mammoth Springs, what is "can't miss" in Yellowstone? What hike should we not miss?
- Realizing that some activities like rafting are closed, what other activities would you recommend near Jackson that may be available in Oct? Hot springs?
- Which Teton hikes (easy to moderate-difficult) should we do? I know the Jenny Lake ferry is not in service at that time.
 - Jackson to Yellowstone area food? Favorites? We are willing to drive a bit and OK with a splurge to cheap eats.
- Do you carry bear spray when you hike? I don't worry too much because we usually go hiking when it is busy. I know this is going to be much quieter and wildlife is moving during this time. We also may have the dog.
- Ideas for contingency? I am less worried about Tetons from what I am seeing. Yellowstone seems more volatile. Am I right in this thought process?
- Other things we should consider or rethink? I am open to opinions besides "don't do it"
Additional commentary just in case these comments come up/spread sheet keepers: Some of you know I am a teacher. In Minnesota, we always have a long weekend in mid-October for a conference, so this year, for the first time, my family is taking a vacation attached to the break (We have taken a day off before, but this year I am taking the four days before as well so we can take this trip). FYI: I know there are opinions about school year vacations and whether teachers/students should take time off, but my kids are 15, and we took three days off to go to Disney when they were seven. Other than that, they have only missed singleton days besides a two-day for a funeral. Once, before kids, I took four days off attached to Thanksgiving to go to England. I am going into my 27th year of teaching. We may leave after school on Friday. One boy is concerned about missing four days, but he is flexible. We way make the final decision depending on the weather at the time---eliminating the Beartooth Pass if it is closed. Also: We are well-versed in winter driving and have driven mountain passes quite often. My DH drives long distances for his job. We are OK on the driving front. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Aug 27, 2023 17:23:27 GMT
It's been a few years since we visited Yellowstone in mid-October. It was beautiful, uncrowded and plenty of animals to see. The biggest negative we found was that many of the services (general stores, visitors centers, etc) were closed. Not sure if that is still the case or not. My advice would be to make sure you have plenty of water/food/snacks packed in the car. As for what to see, Yellowstone Falls is one of my favorites.
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Post by chedanemi on Aug 27, 2023 17:38:03 GMT
The Super Basic Early Itinerary (and I am sorry. I can't do this without long commentary. I wish I could be more concise.)
My DH, teen boys, and I (and probably our dog), are driving from Minnesota to Jackson, Wy. We have a hotel room in Jackson for six nights October 14-20(check out). We will leave sometime on the 13th and were planning on staying "somewhere" along the way. We do not need to be home until the afternoon on the 22nd (Sunday) but are planning on Saturday the 21st to be home. I know the Beartooth Pass officially closes on October 15th and that depending on weather, it may close earlier, so we must have a contingency plan, but we are going to shoot for the pass on the 14th. I am considering staying a couple nights near Yellowstone (changing our reservations in Jackson). I want to make it clear that we realize we will not be able to "see it all" in this trip and we know weather can change all our plans, so I am trying to plan some contingency ideas as well. We are also going more heavy on the Tetons since we are mainly staying in Jackson. We will likely do two or three days in Yellowstone.
I have a few questions for those who may be more familiar that I am with this area in October and the two parks. Please feel free to answer some, none, all, any.- If you have been to Yellowstone/Tetons area mid October, what was it like for you? What were some pluses and minuses? Besides the obvious "less people" and "cold/bad weather possibilities." We've been to this area numerous times in October. The mountains are stunning with snow on them! The elk have mostly moved down from higher elevations, so chances of seeing them are very good. You will have no problem finding parking in the popular stops in Yellowstone, and especially around Jenny Lake in the Tetons.
- We will plan on using the Southern Entrance of Yellowstone since we will be nearest that, but if you were going to stay near another entrance for a day or two after the Beartooth pass, where would you stay? Driving through Beartooth Pass is very unlikely that late. We've tried a couple times earlier than your dates, and it's been closed due to snow. They do close it preemptively when heavy snow is forecast too. If you do get lucky and can drive it, it will be beautiful! If I were doing Beartooth on the way to Yellowstone from MN, I would try to get to somewhere near Red Lodge, Montana, and start driving the pass from there. If the pass is closed, there's a possibility that the Chief Joseph Highway will still be open. If you find out ahead of time Beartooth is closed, change your route from MN to arrive in Cody, WY. From there, you can drive the Chief Joseph Highway and still end up at the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone. Chief Joseph is a beautiful drive.
- Besides Old Faithful/Mammoth Springs, what is "can't miss" in Yellowstone? What hike should we not miss? Secret Hike to Little Gibbon Falls is a 1.2 mile round trip family friendly hike through a meadow to a beautiful falls. The Lamar Valley area is a wonderful spot for wildlife sightings (Northeast Entrance area).
- Realizing that some activities like rafting are closed, what other activities would you recommend near Jackson that may be available in Oct? Hot springs? Maybe rent an ATV. Horseback rides. Lots of hikes!
- Which Teton hikes (easy to moderate-difficult) should we do? I know the Jenny Lake ferry is not in service at that time. Although the ferry is closed, you can still walk around Jenny Lake. It's a little over seven miles. Once you're on the far side of the lake, there are lots of offshoot trails to several waterfalls.
- Jackson to Yellowstone area food? Favorites? We are willing to drive a bit and OK with a splurge to cheap eats. The Bunnery in Jackson has wonderful breakfasts. Burgers are good at Liberty Burger. Gun Barrel Steak & Game House might be enjoyable for your boys... they can get bison or elk there.
- Do you carry bear spray when you hike? I don't worry too much because we usually go hiking when it is busy. I know this is going to be much quieter and wildlife is moving during this time. We also may have the dog. YES TO CARRYING BEAR SPRAY! And be sure you have it attached to your belt; not stuck inside a backpack and know how to use it.
- Ideas for contingency? I am less worried about Tetons from what I am seeing. Yellowstone seems more volatile. Am I right in this thought process? I really don't think you'll have problems in Yellowstone; although a snowstorm isn't out of the question. If Yellowstone isn't accessible, you can still easily do several days in Jackson. You could go over the Pass in Jackson to Idaho too. It's beautiful on the west side of the Tetons too. While in the Tetons, drive up to Signal Mountain. Beautiful views and a great area for a picnic!
- Other things we should consider or rethink? I am open to opinions besides "don't do it" My biggest suggestion is to download the Guide Along App for these areas. The narrator is enjoyable, and he provides great guidance on the stops along the route. It runs via GPS, so no need to have a cell signal while using it. Another must is to purchase the trip itineraries from Dirt in My Shoes. Ash is a former park ranger, and her trip itineraries are spot on.
- Feel free to message me if you want additional ideas or information. Our daughter lives in Wyoming, and we have driven this route from Wisconsin numerous times.
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FuzzyMutt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,644
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Aug 27, 2023 18:05:04 GMT
Lots of great feedback above. Just a FYI.... As in most National Parks (US anyway...) Dogs are relegated to the parking areas only. No hiking. It's crap. It sucks.
That said, in Yellowstone/Teton especially, I think it's about alot more than just restricting due to the behavior of careless pet parents not picking up poo and controlling their dogs. Dogs can stoke wildlife. Also, Yellowstone in particular can be very dangerous and unsettling for pets. The smells etc.
Oh, and bear spray. Yes. Absolutely. And---- I have no idea why this is a thing with tourists---- DO NOT "test" the bear spray. LOL and treat it like a car seat. Don't get a used one- buy a known new one. For some reason people seem to want to test the bear spray. It can easily gunk up the nozzle and cause it not to spray when you need it, or spray in an ineffective direction. You don't test a fire extinguisher do you?
ETA: I LOVE being outside, exploring every crevice of special places, and Yellowstone is awesome. Grand Teton is my absolute favorite, of all of them. I just returned from Banff and Canadian Glacier, and they are amazing too. But Grand Teton, I love every single solitary thing about it. Definitely sit on the patio at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Watch for moose and bears, they are there. Take a minute to learn some special things about the area, so much history in such a "small" National Park.
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Post by librarylady on Aug 27, 2023 21:37:34 GMT
There is an area called "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone " that is pretty. We are not experienced hikers, but were able to hike a trail along the Canyon-great scenery.
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,257
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Aug 27, 2023 21:47:02 GMT
I want to go with you guys. I didn’t realize there would be so much open after Labor Day!
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Post by librarylady on Aug 27, 2023 22:06:23 GMT
We arrived in Yellowstone the Monday of Labor Day. It was the perfect week to visit. People with school age children had left the park. It was the lull between groups of visitors. Small numbers at the attractions. The day we left there was an endless line of campers coming in the gates.
October should be even less crowded.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 3,165
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Aug 28, 2023 1:21:18 GMT
Thank you all for taking the time to answer these questions. Very helpful and it gives me a lot to think about. You helped confirm a few things as well. I honestly didn’t know about dogs and national parks—as we haven’t travelled with our dogs other than shorter/camping in state parks and to friends/family. We almost always travel in the summer or fly, so dogs haven’t really been an option for bigger/hot weather trips.
Bummer we have to leave her back, but I understand.
I am so excited to do this. I have been to Yellowstone and Glacier/Banff (as a teen). I haven’t been to Jackson or the Tetons. I know people who absolutely love Yellowstone, but I’ve heard so many people who go on and on about how much they adore the Tetons and Jackson.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 3,165
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Aug 28, 2023 1:23:42 GMT
chedanemi. Thank you for all that info. So helpful and I will check out the resources you mentioned.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 28, 2023 15:21:59 GMT
Mid-October could see significant amounts of snow in the higher elevations. It's common for the Beartooth Pass to close mid-October. Just be aware.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 28, 2023 16:27:43 GMT
Here is the pet information page for Yellowstone from the NPS. FuzzyMutt was spot on. NPS dog information |
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Post by sillyrabbit on Aug 28, 2023 23:14:55 GMT
We were scheduled to drive the Beartooth Pass one time in JULY, and it unexpectedly closed for snow. We had to frantically reroute and secure new lodging as our plan was to stay in Red Lodge. My advice is to just count on it being closed during your planning. Then if it happens to be open it's a bonus.
You will have a blast! Enjoy
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FuzzyMutt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,644
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Aug 29, 2023 4:13:52 GMT
Here is the pet information page for Yellowstone from the NPS. FuzzyMutt was spot on. NPS dog information Great link!! |
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Post by SallyPA on Sept 3, 2023 2:29:39 GMT
October in the parks is (usually) lovely. The days are usually warm ish in the 60s. Be prepared with layers and appropriate shoes and you’ll be fine. If roads close- either the Beartooth Hwy or inside the parks- it is usually temporary until it warms up and melts off. Crowds are very low. Concessions in the parks are very limited, as you have found with the ferry closed, but also with food. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas and food/water for your park days. I would not count on any dining options between Jackson and the parks. Jackson has several grocery stores and a Whole Foods for picnic type fare.
Does the 6 days in Jackson include Yellowstone? It does take probably at least 1.5-2 hours to get from Jackson to anything of much interest in the park. I can give more Yellowstone recs as well. Tell me how much time you have in Yellowstone and I’ll give you more specific recs. Yellowstone is much larger with more to see and do that Grand Teton.
Jackson will be lovely but during shoulder seasons, activities like the alpine slide and the tram ride may not be operating. You can (hopefully) rent bikes for the fabulous system of bike paths. Still do Jenny Lake and go to the overlook and up Cascade Canyon a bit. Lots of other hiking and scenic driving. Absolutely hike with bear spray and make noise (Costco is the best deal), as October is very active for bears prepping for hibernation.
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