Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A time to enjoy hikes in the high country, long vigils in the geyser basins, and picnics along
the riversides. TEMPERATURES: 70s-low 80s °F (20s °C) by day; 40s °F or below (below
9°C) at night PROS: Wildflowers everywhere; drier trails in mid July and August; ripening
berries in August; clear, starlit nights; fishing best in late July into September CONS: Visit-
or numbers at their peak, late afternoon thunderstorms, potential fire danger or hordes of
grasshoppers in dry years
Thimbleberries may be found along some park trails in late summer.
Autumn—September, early October
Brisk nights, cool but pleasant days, and great light for photography are some of the joys of
this season. TEMPERATURES: 40s-60s °F (5-20°C) by day; freezing and below at night
PROS: Fewer visitors, elk gather and bugle, aspen turn golden, few mosquitoes
CONS: Cold nights, greater chance of rain and snow
Winter—mid October through April
A snowcoach can take you to Old Faithful or Canyon (December to March), where you'll
marvel at the beauty of steamy pools and frozen waterfalls. TEMPERATURES: Well below
freezing to a few degrees above by day; usually freezing, often below 0°F (-18°C) at night
PROS: Cross-country skiing, ice-encrusted “ghost” trees, animals near roads
CONS: Extreme cold, heavy snows and severe storms, most roads closed to cars
Traveling with children
