Road Condition into West Yellowstone

[Wildwood Danny]

What are the road conditions going into West Yellowstone around the middle of September? Could there be ice or snow? Are there many steep grades?

Thanks

[bikendan]

no steep grades on the West Yellowstone side.
we went in early Sept. and there was no snow or ice.

[kz08h5]

I see you have a Duramax, so you have nothing to worry about with grades from any direction coming into West Yellowstone. Normally, in early Sep. there is no ice or snow to worry about. But you can never be sure. I've been snowed on in the Rockies in early August. I would not worry too much about it.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by Wildwood Danny

What are the road conditions going into West Yellowstone around the middle of September? Could there be ice or snow? Are there many steep grades?

Thanks

You probably won’t encounter any snow but it is always a possibility at higher elevations. This can be said for June, July, and August too.

Heading to West Yellowstone you will encounter some steep grades but your diesel should have no problems. If you enter Yellowstone via the east entrance you’ll encounter the Sylvan Pass with grades of 5% to 7% for about 5 continuous miles. If you come in via the south entrance you will encounter the Craig Pass and cross the continental divide twice with grades of 5% to 6% but those steep grades are much shorter in length. We always enter via the south because we stop in the Tetons for a couple of days before moving on to West Yellowstone. Don’t sweat the steep grades, you’ll have no problem. Enjoy your time in Yellowstone.

[Wildwood Danny]

Not very concerned about the grades, more about encountering ice and slick roads.

Thanks

[Oakman]

I think the chances are minimal that you will encounter those conditions. Even if you do the roadways temps should still be warm enough to melt the snow as it falls.

We encountered snow in Yellowstone in 2004 but driving wasn't bad.

[updhaul]

We drove in through The Beartooth Pass and it was 105 in Billings. Two days later we had ice and 25 degrees at the canyon lodge that we stayed at in September. All of the pavement was clear by the time we had breakfast with good driving while we were there. It would be a great trip again. We were not pulling our TT on that trip or I would not have gone that way. The "pass" entrance closed early as it seems to every year. Enjoy the trip!