Elk
Wildflowers, definitely. There's a ton of different colors to see in the park that time of year. Elk should be easy to spot around Mammoth Hot Springs. Bear and Wolves are elusive, but they're around, with a little luck and a good eye you could spot them. Or, if you're not lucky, there's the Bear and Wolf center in West Yellowstone where you can see them in a mini zoo type setting.
In West Yellowstone itself, you can't beat the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, one of the few places around the park where you are gauranteed to see bears and wolves, they are uncommon sights in the park unless you are lucky or persistent. It's reasonably affordable and right in town for convenient visiting on your schedule.
http://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.com/
If you have your vehicle and want to drive the park, it can take from 2 to 3 hours, or the entire day depending on your route and how many stops you make. The biggest tip here is, if you see a bunch of fellow visitors stopped along the road, there's probably wildlife nearby to see. Just park safely out of the traffic lane and remember not to get too close to the animals. You will almost definitely see bison/bufallo on your drive, and if you get up to Mammoth Hot Springs at the north end of the park, you're certain to see elk or moose. Bears, wolves and other animals like bighorn sheep can be trickier to spot.
Since I work in the park and do my sightseeing from my car, I can't recommend specific bus or snowcoach tours, but there are a lot of them accessible from West Yellowstone. The benefit of a guided tour is that the guides are extremely knowledgable and know how to spot animals and point them out.
http://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/guides_tours/sightseeing_tours.php
While portions of this scenic route remain open year-round, weather permitting, the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for vehicle access from mid-June to mid-September. Before and after this core summer season, sections of the road will be closed.
I'm coming to the Grand Tetons April 5-8 and am interested in sleigh rides as well as observing the wildlife. I also plan on going to Yellowstone Park. I'm from northern Indiana, so the cold weather and snow won't bother me. How are the main roads as well as the snow amounts? Are the temps in the low to mid 30s?
Grand Tetons National Park generally only offers guided snowshoeing tours through the end of March. If there is enough snow it is possible the park may extend their tours. Please call (307) 739-3399 or for more information. You can also visit the following website for more information on cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Grand Tetons.
Sleigh rides are offered in the surrounding communities like Jackson Hole. The following sites are links to several concessioners who provide these services. You will have to check with them to determine whether or not they will still be offering these tours.
http://www.jacksonholewy.net/winter_recreation/sleigh_rides.php
- In Grand Teton check www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/roads.htm or call (307) 739-3614
I have yet to do any backpacking in Yellowstone. I love waterfalls so I'd backpack the southwest corner of the park. http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm
I live in Montana, I would check the local ranger district on snowpack reports for the season and see if road opening dates may be delayed. I am not sure if they adhere to a strict road opening date, but being government they probably do. The snowpack in our end of the state has been a bit low, not sure about the park down south. The south entry may get more winter action if I recall correctly. I entered from the north when I lived in Billings area and came thru red lodge. The ranger district should have better info if you look them up and make contact directly.
Just a quick note to all readers of this. I have seen it be 90 degrees in August and snow 7 feet that very night. It has happened to me so please all of you visiting, come prepared for all seasons, and don't pet the buffalo. To many people get smashed up against trees trying to get a picture. At least one or two people get killed each year doing this kind of thing, I am not kidding. Stay safe.
The roads from the North Entrance and the West Entrance to Old Faithful are scheduled to open April 16, 2010. The road from the South Entrance is scheduled to open May 14, 2010. Road opening dates are weather dependant. Check, http://www.nps.gov/yell for more information.
Kristine
Yosemite Falls is one of the most stunning sites in the entire park. It is the tallest falls in North America and the 5th tallest in the world. Yosemite Falls is actually made up of three water falls, Upper Falls, the middle cascades and Lower Falls. There are several hikes that will take you around the falls. You can even climb up to the top. That being said, the falls do tend to dry up in the late summer. Their is no particular date and it varies on the rain and snowfall the park received that year. I was there in late July and was still able to see the falls. The falls is at its peak in the spring when melted snow plunges over the cliff. The falls are also a great site in the when the cliffs are covered with ice and snow.
Your best bet is probably September!
Mosquito season in Yellowstone extends from May through August. In general, mosquito populations are most intense in June. There are fewer biting bugs in September, but you should always be prepared with bug spray, long-sleeved clothing, long pants and a hat.
Ranger-guided programs usually extend through the end of September. You can view program schedules here.
