Yellowstone in November

[Atlas4R]

I wanted to see what advice/thoughts anyone has for a mid-November trip to Yosemite. Particularly, I want to know if the general consensus is that it's worth it or that it's not worth it (which I also know is completely subjective). Starting in Las Vegas, NV and going back to Vegas means 29 hours of driving and 1,900 miles round trip.

I know with the time frame I'm thinking of going, the only open road is between the North and Northeast entrances. I know I won't have access to essentially all of the "main attractions". I want to plan a trip next year when it's not too packed with people to check out the main parts of Yellowstone. Aside from the main popular spots, is there anything remarkable between the two entrances that would make the trip worthwhile? I'm the type of person who enjoys long drives and road trips in general (so even the drive there and back would be nice to me) but if Yellowstone simply isn't worth it around that time, I may figure out a different trip or try to push my dates up to around mid-late October.

I've read that Lamar Valley can be nice but that's about it so I'm turning to you guys. Sorry for the novel and thanks for any advice.

 

[BrianSD_42]

How many days? I've never been (it's on my list) but I've been told everything up there is a days drive in different directions, essentially I've been advised to plan for ten days, 5 on-site at min.

 

[Atlas4R]

How many days? I've never been (it's on my list) but I've been told everything up there is a days drive in different directions, essentially I've been advised to plan for ten days, 5 on-site at min.

I'm thinking 10-11 days. I'd probably leave early on a Saturday morning and then begin the return home on Monday. 5 days on-site does seem like the 'standard'.

 

[the_dude33]

Right now would be an ideal time to visit. Crowds are shrinking, temperatures are dropping, snow could fall at any moment. Elk are starting to rut, bears are still active. I'm unsure of exact timing, but roads will begin to close, and thus access will be limited. In November, the snow could be arm-pit deep, and most roads will be affected by seasonal closures. I have always wanted to experience Yellowstone in the winter, but that involves guided snow mobile excursions, it would be much different than a "typical" visit to the park.

 

[Atlas4R]

Right now would be an ideal time to visit. Crowds are shrinking, temperatures are dropping, snow could fall at any moment. Elk are starting to rut, bears are still active. I'm unsure of exact timing, but roads will begin to close, and thus access will be limited. In November, the snow could be arm-pit deep, and most roads will be affected by seasonal closures. I have always wanted to experience Yellowstone in the winter, but that involves guided snow mobile excursions, it would be much different than a "typical" visit to the park.

If I could go right now I would totally be up for it but unfortunately I have to wait until around then to get the time off of work. A winter Yellowstone trip has been on my to-do list for a long time too so to see it all snowed out (and eventually during another season) would be awesome. I don't think I'd want to do any sort of guided snow mobile excursion and it looks like they don't start up until the winter season officially opens in December. Decision decisions.

 

[jb10]

i grew up about 2 hours away and in the wind river range. november it will be cold and as already said snow could be armpit deep. a big part of the park is closing down for the season now. a few places in october and everything closed by early november. jackson will be cool. the elk refuge.
not sure what you are wanting to do or see but november isn't the best time imo

 

[MissouriBreaks]

I have been to Yellowstone in the very early Spring to early October. It is a bit nicer when the whole park is open, but the crowds can be terrible. If you want to miss the crowds, I suggest early May (but check in advance to make sure the roads are open) or sometime after labor day September-October.

The only thing you will miss by going off season, is some of the gift shops being open. The smaller stores / gas stations will be open, but not the larger gift shops and restaurants.

As for things to see along the road between the Northwest and Northeast entrances, the Lamar Valley is very nice and there are generally Buffalo in the valley. I have also seen antelope, wolves, coyotes, and bears in the valley, but one never really knows what is going to be there. The road from Mammoth Hot Springs to Roosevelt Junction is a mix of mountain and high plateau driving and although scenic, is likely not that exciting to most. There is a petrified tree on a short side road, but not sure that would be open. Not sure what might be open at Mammoth Hot Springs, as most of the walks start above the hot springs on a part of the road that would likely not be open at that time of the year.

I happened to be in Yellowstone around Mid April one year, on the first day that the road from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful was open. It was ok and the crowds were low, but one could not drive any further than Old Faithful and it was somewhat disappointing to have that be the only thing open at that time.

I would really suggest that if you hate the crowds, plan a trip in the off-season at a time when all of the roads are open. You will enjoy it more.

Things I rate as worthwhile seeing are

1) the thermal features (old faithful, etc.)
2) Lamar Valley
3) Upper and Lower Falls and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
4) the wildlife and scenery in general, provided the crowds are not crazy.