Haven't been to either, I'm ashamed to say. And now that I'm retired, they're high on my bucket list. When's the best time to go and avoid the worst of the crowds? (other than winter, obviously). Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
The waterfalls are raging, but so are the crowds. BUT.... If you take almost any trail within a few minutes the crowds disappear. Taft Point is a good example. Getting a reservation is another matter. Start calling a week before you go and eventually will find a reservation. BTW, staying in the Valley is A MUST!
The amount of people that cram into these parks during the summer is staggering.
Yellowstone- No prejudices here but Yellowstone is flooded with Chinese bus trips that can really put a damper on your experience. To avoid (depending on your physical abilities) go on some moderate-strenuous hikes. Most tour groups only hit the scenic points. For an example - Yellowstone- hike to the top of Mt. Washburn. Moderate hike to an unbelievable view. Whereas, the popular "Artist's Point" will be PACKED with tourists who can just park there and fight over a place to take pictures.
I've been to Yellowstone twice and my favorite time was the end of September/early October. Crowds have died down but the weather was still great.
Also, if you are at Yellowstone, do yourself a favor and make the short trip to the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole.
Regarding Yosemite- I'm actually heading there next week. I love the early spring there as crowds are relatively nonexistent and the waterfalls are at full force from the melting snow. Just make sure you have an SUV/tire chains as occasionally it is mandatory to have if driving.
Buy books, watch Youtube videos on each before traveling. You could spend weeks at both and still not see everything.
As someone who worked as a backcountry tour guide for the better part of 20 years and has hiked extensively though both, winter is actually the best time to visit Yosemite. No crowds, and the scenery is enhanced by the snow; you can enjoy a nice hike up Vernal Falls in solitude.
As for Yellowstone, most of the park is closed until late spring (with the exception of limited snow coach tours). To avoid crowds, I would advise early season--though all roads may not be open until as late as June--or late season, in Oct/Nov.
And the Tetons. Fall color in Tetons was awesome. Weather in Yellowstone was chilly and one day we had snow flurries. Yellowstone is a must see. Fantastic National Park.
about 20 times, several times with a naturalist guide for a day. Best time is probably September. Crowds are gone, fishing is outstanding, and the weather is beautiful. Lamar Valley is an essential stop. If you go early in the morning, you will likely see bears and wolves right from your car (had a black bear right next to my driver's side door, followed by a wolf 50 yards away in a field one morning around 5:30). Buffalo are everywhere. Watched a busload of tourists pull into a rest area looking for restrooms only to discover a buffalo leaning up against the restroom door. A tad inconvenient, especially if you were desperate.
Tetons are very worthwhile just south of Yellowstone. Yosemite is incredibly beautiful but go in late May/ early June to avoid crowds. Check the snowpack before going.
for 3 summers in early 90s, and understand the crowds are twice as bad now (and they could be bad then). Saw recently that the street signs in West Yellowstone, MT, are in English and Mandarin Chinese -- testament to the busloads of Chinese tourists, I gather.
Things should get better in late August, as families are contemplating kids going back to school. You can get an Indian summer out there into October -- bright blue skies and temps in the 70s. On the other hand, we got our first flurry Aug. 25 one summer and first snowstorm Sept. 5. But that weather does not take hold -- yet -- and I would bank on September being gorgeous and uncrowded.
I am taking my family this year, last week of June. Should avoid the WORST of the worst crowds, but still...Wish me luck. Oh, and yes, must see Tetons. If you're a camper, Jenny Lake Campground -- you won't forget it.
side of yosemite (near mono lake) in august and got bit up like crazy. last time i was in yellowstone was around 4th of july and there was still unmelted snowpack on the ground. yellowstone is packed all summer (probably better after school year starts back up), but i'd recommend staying away from the main tourist trap stuff (old faithful) and the main trails around the main attractions. there are side trails by each of the main attractions that are usually far less crowded. if you're there during peak season you'll see a pileup of cars looking at/for an elk before you see the elk. ridiculous
The waterfalls are raging, but so are the crowds. BUT.... If you take almost any trail within a few minutes the crowds disappear. Taft Point is a good example. Getting a reservation is another matter. Start calling a week before you go and eventually will find a reservation. BTW, staying in the Valley is A MUST!
I agree with Stan, and if you go in early spring, you can avoid the worst crowds (although it might be cold). And definitely try to stay in the village.
and if you're a hiker and do Half Dome in Yosemite.....
That hike looks as incredible as it is scary!!!!!!
That was always a bridge too far for me. Nevada Falls was the highest I could go. OTOH, Panorama Trail is all(mostly) downhill. Start at Glacier Point and end up on the valley floor. 12 or so miles. Bring Water!
Actually got snow flurries at one point, but it was by no means cold the entire time!!!
A great, great place. Hit the Tetons if you go to Yellowstone, it's right next door, and well worth it.
Yellowstone- No prejudices here but Yellowstone is flooded with Chinese bus trips that can really put a damper on your experience. To avoid (depending on your physical abilities) go on some moderate-strenuous hikes. Most tour groups only hit the scenic points. For an example - Yellowstone- hike to the top of Mt. Washburn. Moderate hike to an unbelievable view. Whereas, the popular "Artist's Point" will be PACKED with tourists who can just park there and fight over a place to take pictures.
I've been to Yellowstone twice and my favorite time was the end of September/early October. Crowds have died down but the weather was still great.
Also, if you are at Yellowstone, do yourself a favor and make the short trip to the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole.
Regarding Yosemite- I'm actually heading there next week. I love the early spring there as crowds are relatively nonexistent and the waterfalls are at full force from the melting snow. Just make sure you have an SUV/tire chains as occasionally it is mandatory to have if driving.
Buy books, watch Youtube videos on each before traveling. You could spend weeks at both and still not see everything.
The US National Parks are truly a gem.
As for Yellowstone, most of the park is closed until late spring (with the exception of limited snow coach tours). To avoid crowds, I would advise early season--though all roads may not be open until as late as June--or late season, in Oct/Nov.
Tetons are very worthwhile just south of Yellowstone. Yosemite is incredibly beautiful but go in late May/ early June to avoid crowds. Check the snowpack before going.
Things should get better in late August, as families are contemplating kids going back to school. You can get an Indian summer out there into October -- bright blue skies and temps in the 70s. On the other hand, we got our first flurry Aug. 25 one summer and first snowstorm Sept. 5. But that weather does not take hold -- yet -- and I would bank on September being gorgeous and uncrowded.
I am taking my family this year, last week of June. Should avoid the WORST of the worst crowds, but still...Wish me luck. Oh, and yes, must see Tetons. If you're a camper, Jenny Lake Campground -- you won't forget it.
I agree with Stan, and if you go in early spring, you can avoid the worst crowds (although it might be cold). And definitely try to stay in the village.
That hike looks as incredible as it is scary!!!!!!
That hike looks as incredible as it is scary!!!!!!
That was always a bridge too far for me. Nevada Falls was the highest I could go. OTOH, Panorama Trail is all(mostly) downhill. Start at Glacier Point and end up on the valley floor. 12 or so miles. Bring Water!
Was surprised by the huge number of foreign tourists.