Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its geothermal wonders and diverse wildlife, undergoes a breathtaking transformation each fall. As temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten, the park’s landscape bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors. From vibrant aspens to golden cottonwoods, the changing leaves create a stunning visual masterpiece for visitors.
The most iconic fall foliage in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is undoubtedly the aspen trees, which are particularly striking when viewed against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Another notable tree species is the cottonwood, one of the largest deciduous trees in the park, which displays a vibrant yellow or orange color before dropping its leaves in the winter.
In Grand Teton National Park, aspens and cottonwoods blanket the park with a shimmering golden hue. Yellowstone National Park has a slightly different display. The Northern Range of Yellowstone, like Grand Teton, has many aspens and cottonwoods. However, much of the southern 75% of Yellowstone has few aspens, cottonwoods, and willow shrubs due to the low-nutrient rhyolitic volcanic soils. The Lodgepole Pine, on the other hand, thrives in these soils and therefore dominates the southern part of Yellowstone. This portion of the park has some beautiful fall color change in the form of forest understory shrubs and non-woody vegetation.
So where are the best spots to see some fall foliage in Yellowstone?
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding fall foliage.
- Hayden Valley: This vast valley is home to a variety of wildlife and is a great place to see aspens and cottonwoods. Both the Hayden Valley and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone have fall colors in the form of understory shrubs and non-woody plants.
- Lamar Valley: Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the aspens’ fall colors.
- Tower-Roosevelt National Historic District: This historic area features a scenic drive through a forest of aspens.
As the leaves change color, many of our favorite Yellowstone mammals begin their mating season. The ek rut takes place from September- Mid-October. The bison rut intensifies in August and continues through September. Bears mate in May and June, delay their fertilized egg implantation, and then give birth in the winter inside the protection of the den. During this time, Yellowstone’s wildlife also begins to prepare for winter. Bears become increasingly active, seeking out food to store fat for hibernation. In late Fall, elk and bison gather in large herds, migrating to lower elevations where food is more abundant as snow begins to accumulate in the high mountains. Most mammals shed their summer coats in favor of thicker winter coats.
Fall in Yellowstone brings cooler temperatures and shorter days. While the weather can be unpredictable, visitors can expect crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and occasional snowfall. This chilly weather leads to wildlife being more active during the day, as they don’t have to worry about getting heat stressed like they might in July. The park’s higher elevations may experience snow as early as September, while the lower elevations typically remain snow-free with a dusting here or there until later in the season.
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Yellowstone’s fall colors and wildlife, consider booking a guided tour with Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools. Our experienced guides will lead you to the best spots to see fall foliage and help you spot wildlife during one of the most active times of the year.
Experience Yellowstone’s Fall Splendor with Wildlife Expeditions. Book your trip here! Or give us a call at (877) 404-6626.
Sources:
- National Park Service:
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/upload/6_RI_2023_Vegetation_508web.pdf
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/bear.htm
Yellowstone National Park Foundation: https://yellowstonefoundation.org/
