Looking at taking a trip to Yellowstone and Tetons area in mid September, Does a person have to worry about finding hotel rooms etc.... I was thinking about just finding a place to stay each night on the go, not knowing exactly where we would be. Since it’s September are the crowds a lot less??? What stops would you recommend, coming from Minnesota. Thanks in advance for any advice

Even late in the season, I would try to call a day ahead for reservations. I did Yellowstone on motorcycle a few years ago and figured to do the same as you are considering. Came up short one night as a storm was rolling in and the only thing available within 2 hours was the honeymoon suite at a fancy hotel. Lucky for me, another couple was in the same situation so we shared the room and split the cost. The only other alternative was to sleep in the lobby or ride on in the rain.

Bring a tent and camping gear. It’s fun and places to camp out that way are everywhere. Just came home last week. Lamar Valley had the buffalo. Saw 2 bull moose in the Bighorns. It’ll get chilly up high at night. Tetons usually less crowded. Have Fun!! No matter what

Don't know about rooms, but the elk in Gibbon meadows will sure be bugling their heads off then.

Take a motorhome, that is what we did.

I was just in Cody this last weekend and I had a hard time finding a hotel without reservation on Saturday. Had to stay a little lower grade than i was hoping for lol. I was also encountering traffic leaving Sturgis and going home but the area is pretty busy.

We went to Yellowstone last September and had no problem finding motel rooms. Best time to go.

Don't make the mistake I did a few years ago. I cow-called at a bull in a meadow and a park ranger threatened to write me a citation for "trying to affect animal behavior!" True story! Apparently it is in the small print on the admission pass!

This is not your grandfather's Yellowstone Park...

Pete

Some years back, an old pal of mine was out there trouting during September when the elk were juiced up. In Gibbon Meadows he had a big bull charge his truck and do several grand in damages to one quarter panel. I don't know if the Park Ranger wrote up the bull!

I'd suggest coming in from the north entrance if your coming from Minnesota. You can get a good room in Gardner Mt. which is right on the north border of the park. (It would be a good idea to make reservations. It would alleviate some worry.) From Gardner, you're about six miles from Mammoth and about fifteen miles from the Lamar Valley. You don't want to miss those. Lots of wildlife: bison, antelope, elk. an occassional grizzley, coyotes, mountain goats, mule deer, maybe even a wolf or two. No moose, the wolves took care of those. You'll see big horn sheep by Gardiner. Bring your spotting scope. When you go down to see Old Faithful and some of the attractions through the middle of the Park, I'd continue out the south entrance and go down and see the Tetons and Jackson Hole Wyo. That's really awesome country there. Lots of elk through Jenny's Lake area in Teton National Park. You could spend a day or two there. Sometimes we go over to West Yellowstone and get a room, but there's really not much to see that way unless you like fly fishing. The Madison River, Hebgen lake and Henry's lake are all near there. Any way, September is a great time to go, but there are still a lot of people. It used to be, after Labor Day, the park was virtually empty. Not any more, the secrets out. But it's still better than July. We normally go the last week in September or even the first week in October. By then the motel rates are about half, but your rolling the dice on weather.

Tourist travel really drops off around the 15th of Aug because the kids have to start school about that time. The snowbirds show up then because they don't like to be around kids. Seems like a lot of the snowbirds have motor homes or camp trailers. It still might be a good idea to call ahead but your chances of getting a room with out reservations is better at that time of year.

My neighbors were in YNP yesterday and said it was a zoo around West Yellowstone and not many animals except for buffalo in Haydon and Lamar Valleys. They did see a few elk near Madison

Tourism doesn't seem to really let up till late year. Hunting starts in Sept. and goes through Nov. so you will fight that crowd. Then all the China and foreigners come in bus loads to the area in the fall. Lol

I recommend getting rooms well in advance and pick and shop around for prices to accommodate your route of travels. I'm in that country during those months and it can be crazy busy. JM2¢

I have run in.to snow in Yellowstone in September

I was up that way one year in late September. There were tourists, but it wasn't ridiculous. I had no trouble finding a room in Jackson.

Was in Pinedale area the 2 weeks after Labor day last year and the motels were busy and real close to full yet.

I went mid Sept. about 10 years ago and saw 10x many Chinese people as I did any wildlife. Only saw about 3 elk the entire trip, plenty of bison. Was 70 degrees and sunny when I entered the park, 6 inches of snow and counting when I finally made my way out at dark the same day.

I lived in West Yellowstone for 4 summers and can tell you that it has snowed on every single calendar day of the year since they started taking records.

September is a great time to see western Montana with the colors and the game.

If you want to se Yellowstone and/or Jackson Hole September is the best time.... unless you want the full winter experience in January which is also very good.

Pete

Along the way maybe you can find the Fenn Treasure to help with expenses.

The Montana Trappers Association Convention is in Lewistown the weekend after Labor Day along with the chokecherry festival and what the hay no matter what Pete may say chokecherries are good eating and the syrup is out of this world .
As mentioned above hunting season has started in September the dayton Cain highway and Beartooth Pass are a treat to experience in Sept.