The summer rush is over.
The summer crowds are gone, which makes fall a perfect time to visit the Yellowstone area.
With less people traveling through the park, the wildlife tends to venture closer to the roads.
Animal herds move down from the high country in preparation for winter.
Fall is when the elk rut as the males compete for the attentions of cows.
They gradually gather their harems and challenging bulls will try to woo the females away.
Battles ensue with bugling contests and frequently end with the clashing of antlers.
The Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs areas are good places to see the elk rut.
When the first frost hits the area, start looking for the rut.
The frost is what sends them into the rutting mode.
When you start looking for elk, look on the sunny side of the slopes.
They are looking for warmth, as well as dew covered grass, so in the morning, when the sun first comes up in the east, look on the western slopes where the sun is shining.
In the evening, as the sun heads toward the western horizon, look on the eastern slopes.
If you're looking for wolves, look high in the morning.
They are predators and will be up high, hoping to chase the elk and deer down into the valleys.
Fall in Yellowstone is a time of rapidly changing weather conditions.
Plan on highs of 50s and 60s during the sunny part of the day with nighttime lows of 20s and 30s.
One of my favorite sites is the steam coming off the hot thermal features.
Falltime is a transition from summer to winter, so don't be surprised if it rains, snows and blows.
Yet, you can still expect to experience some beautiful warm weather.
If you are going to hike, be sure to take warm weather and cold weather clothing, as the weather can change quickly.
Personally, I like fall and spring in Yellowstone because of the cooler temperatures.
For people who are active such as bikers and hikers, Fall is great because it's cooler.
Keep in mind, as fall gets closer to winter, roads begin to close in the area.
You can go to http://www.
yellowstone-area-guide.
com to find out about road closures.
Also, the government site, http://www.
nps.
gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.
htm will have information about road closures.
Because of unpredicable weather, some roads may close temporarily.
Snow tires or chains may be required.
Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 the road from Tower Fall to Canyon Junction (Dunraven Pass) and Long Lake via Beartooth Pass to the Montana line will close.
Monday, November 6, 2006 the rest of the park roads will close to wheeled-vehicles.
The only exception is the North Entrance (Gardiner) to Upper Mammoth via Tower Junction to the Northeast Entrance (Silver Gate).
Take advantage of the moderate temperatures, fewer people, off-season prices for lodging, more wildlife viewing opportunities and visit the Yellowstone area.
You won't regret it.