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This week in Yellowstone National Park, from September 25th through October 1st, 2025, I will tell you about a guy who tried to take the devil out of Yellowstone, give you tips on where to see fall colors in the park, and try to convince you to head down to West Thumb and the Tetons this week.
I will also give you the complete weather forecast, a cool trail to hike, the wildlife report, the news, and everything else you need to have an incredible time, “This Week in Yellowstone.”
LISTEN TO THIS AS A PODCAST
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
THIS WEEK’S YELLOWSTONE NEWS
Honestly, as much as I wanted to have some fun news story to talk about, there really isn’t one. The only thing I feel like mentioning here is something that has been occurring all summer, but it is still happening, or was as recently as Sunday. At around 5 pm, there was a five-mile backup of vehicles heading toward West Yellowstone, exiting the park. This wasn’t because of wildlife or an accident. It is because everyone leaves the park at the same time. If you are heading back to West after a day in the park, wait until six or so and avoid the line. There is no point in sitting in it instead of enjoying one more area of the park.
EXPERIENCE OF THE WEEK
Wander West Thumb Geyser Basin, Then Chase Fall Colors in the Tetons
Those of you who listen every week have probably noticed a trend. I tend not to mention things in the southern stretches of the park. This is not necessarily by design; it just happened. Partially because most everything the average visitor wants to see or do is found along the main loops, and also because there just aren’t as many things south of West Thumb Junction. This week, I am bucking the trend. I am recommending going to West Thumb and then keep driving south until you hit the Tetons.
Fall in Yellowstone and the Tetons doesn’t mess around. It comes fast, burns bright, and then, just like that, it’s gone. If you’re here in late September or early October, you’ve got the perfect chance to pull off one of the best one-day combos in the region: wander through Yellowstone’s West Thumb Geyser Basin, then hop in the car and head south for the jaw-dropping fall colors of Grand Teton National Park.
Why West Thumb Is Worth a Stop
A lot of people blow past West Thumb on their way around Yellowstone, but honestly, they’re missing out. This geyser basin is right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake, which makes it totally different from spots like Old Faithful or Norris. You’ve got steaming pools and geysers on one side, and then this massive, sparkling lake on the other.
The boardwalk loop isn’t long, but it packs in some really cool features. You’ll see:
- Fishing Cone, the famous hot spring that early tourists literally used to cook fish in.
- Abyss Pool, this impossibly deep, bright-blue spring that seems to go down forever.
- Smaller bubbling pools and geysers make the whole area feel alive.
And in the fall? Add crisp air, a potential for elk, golden grasses, and snow possibly dusting the mountains across the lake. It’s Yellowstone at its most peaceful.
The Drive South
Once you’ve strolled around West Thumb, the fun’s just getting started. From the south entrance (don’t skip Lewis Falls and Moose Falls), you hop on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and head south. That road connects Yellowstone straight into Grand Teton National Park, and the drive itself is worth the trip.
In fall, it’s a full-on color show: aspens and cottonwoods glowing gold, willows turning orange, and the Snake River winding its way through it all. Then, as you get closer, the Tetons suddenly rise up, sharp, jagged, and potentially snow-dusted. It’s one of those jaw-drop moments you don’t forget.
Fall Hotspots in the Tetons
Grand Teton is ridiculously photogenic in the fall. You honestly can’t go wrong pretty much anywhere in the park, but there are a few classic spots to check out. They are:
- Oxbow Bend: Probably the most famous view in the park—Mount Moran reflected in the Snake River, framed by golden cottonwoods.
- Schwabacher Landing: A quieter riverside spot with amazing Teton views and lots of fall color. You may see moose here.
- Moose–Wilson Road: Twisty, narrow, lined with aspen groves that glow like lanterns. Keep an eye out for moose and bears, too.
- Jenny Lake: Classic Teton scenery with the mountains shooting up right behind a crystal-clear lake.
Why This Combo Rocks
Spending the morning at West Thumb and then cruising down to the Tetons in the afternoon is the best of both worlds. You start your day surrounded by Yellowstone’s bubbling, otherworldly geothermal features, and end it in one of the most stunning mountain landscapes in the country, all lit up with fall colors.
Just remember: fall in this region is quick. Sometimes you only get a week or two of peak colors before everything vanishes. If you’re here when fall colors are happening, don’t wait. Go. You’ll get a day that’s equal parts wild, peaceful, and unforgettable.
TIP OF THE WEEK
I was going to talk about preparing for snow in the park, but based on this week’s forecast, I can hold off. Instead, I am continuing the theme of the week, which is Fall Colors in the Park. Firstly, know that a fall in Yellowstone can be extremely short. We often joke that in the years we get more than three weeks of color, we are super spoiled. Typically, you’ll see the peak fall colors from late September to early October, especially in the northern part of the park and around Yellowstone Lake. Keep in mind, the exact timing really depends on the weather; an early frost or snowfall can speed up the color change and shorten the viewing window. As I type this, on September 23rd, we are at high and peak fall foliage, according to the fall foliage map by explorefall.com.
If you are coming to Yellowstone in hopes of miles upon miles of dazzling displays of autumn awesomeness, I warn you to temper your expectations. While the park does have stunning scenes of shimmering golds and reds, the stands of deciduous trees are not as prevalent as one might expect. The Conifers dominate the park. While approximately 80% of Yellowstone is forested, the lodgepole pine alone makes up roughly three-quarters of the park’s total forest, or about 60% of the park’s total area. Other common conifers include Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, and whitebark pine.
Aspen and cottonwood are also found in the park, scattered throughout the landscape. Their “rarity”, and I use that word in quotation marks because there are a lot of them, makes seeing them that much better. You’ll also have some birches, great shrubs, and small plants turning colors, helping to bring even more autumn beauty to your trip. You’ll also have the golden hues of the prairie becoming more brilliant, especially standing against the blue skies in Hayden and Lamar Valley.
A few of my favorite spots to drive to see fall colors in the park, aside from the aforementioned trek down to the Tetons, are as follows. Just know that the areas I mention are not the only places to see fall colors in the park; they are just where I enjoy them the most.
The Blacktail Plateau Road is a classic and one that shouldn’t be missed. You start out near a great stand of aspen, then weave in and out of wooded areas with both conifers and deciduous trees. You also have some of the prairie scenes and shrubs.
Mammoth to Sheepeater Cliffs, with Swan Lake Flat, is another great little section, giving you some aspens, cool shrubs, and sweeping views to see a splash of color off in the distance toward Electric Peak and Bunsen Peak.
Dunraven Pass is obviously a great spot to see fall colors, especially if you head up Chittenden Road. The road darts between aspens at times, and also gives a lot of underbrush that pops in reds and purples. You also get sweeping views to see everything in the distance, as well.
Slough Creek Road is a can’t miss. You’ll have great colors here and there, as well as a chance to see wildlife of all shapes and sizes. This area is also where my hike of the week is located, specifically for fall colors.
Down south, by Lewis Falls, you’ll also have some good color, which is one reason why I recommended heading down that way to the Tetons this week.
Finally, head to Lamar and Hayden Valley for the classic fall look of Yellowstone. You’ll have some aspen in the hills, nice and golden, as well as some cottonwoods doing their best to impress you with their colors.
Just know that anywhere you go, the fall colors will be short-lived, which is why you should be trying to see fall colors now. As I drove through the park a few days ago, the aspens were starting to become quite brilliant, making this week a great week to start enjoying autumn in Yellowstone.
RANDOM YELLOWSTONE FACT OF THE WEEK
Removing the Devil from Yellowstone
Back in the days of fur traders, prospectors, and the first tourists, think mid-1800s into Yellowstone’s early years, the park felt like a total mystery. Steam poured out of vents, hot springs boiled, and rivers thundered through canyons. For people seeing it all for the first time, the place didn’t feel like paradise. It felt fiery, dangerous, even a little sinister. That’s how names like Colter’s Hell, Hell Roaring Creek, Hell Broth Springs, Devil’s Kitchen, and Devil’s Thumb ended up on maps and in guidebooks.
These names weren’t random. They captured how newcomers experienced the land: unpredictable, powerful, and otherworldly. Sulfur stank in the air, the ground hissed and trembled, and rivers roared so loud they drowned out conversation. To visitors, it really did feel like a glimpse of damnation. Later generations would look back and think, “Maybe that was a little dramatic,” and start pushing for names that fit a different story.
The Push to Change Names
One of the biggest critics was Arnold Hague, a U.S. Geological Survey geologist working in the park in the 1880s. Hague hated the “hell” and “devil” names. He thought they were coarse and sensational, not fitting for a place he believed should inspire awe and respect. So, he pushed to replace them with names drawn from mythology, poetry, or simple description. His campaign didn’t completely succeed, but it left a mark: suddenly, place-names were expected to elevate Yellowstone’s sense of wonder, not scare people off.
What Changed and What Didn’t
Some names were swapped out officially, others just faded with time, and a surprising number stuck. For example:
- Devil’s Bathtub eventually became Bathtub Spring—though plenty of folks still use the old name.
- Indian Pond went through an offensive renaming in the 1920s before being restored in 1981.
- Mount Doane was renamed First Peoples Mountain in 2022, after tribes and historians highlighted Doane’s role in violence against Native Americans.
But others, like Hell Roaring Creek, Hellroaring Trail, and Devil’s Kitchen, are still alive and well, whether on official maps or in the language of locals and longtime visitors.
Why Some Stuck Around
There isn’t one simple reason why some names changed and others didn’t. Part of it was taste; Hague and others wanted something more polished. Part of it was safety; names like Devil’s Kitchen made places sound enticing when they were actually deadly. In recent years, cultural accountability has also played a big role, with efforts to highlight Indigenous history and remove names tied to colonial violence. And sometimes, it’s just inertia: if people keep using a name, it’s hard to stamp it out completely.
How Many Are Left?
At one point, Yellowstone had around 60 places with “hell” or “devil” in their names. A lot of those have been retired, but quite a few remain in one form or another, whether in guidebooks, local lore, or casual conversation. They’re too vivid to disappear completely, tied to that first wave of awe and fear people felt here.
Why It All Matters
Changing a name isn’t just swapping a word on a sign. Names carry respect or disrespect. They shape what kind of stories we tell about a place and who gets remembered in them. For Indigenous communities, Yellowstone is sacred, and names that erase that history or glorify violent figures add insult to injury. Renamings like First Peoples Mountain shift the focus toward heritage, respect, and truth.
A Landscape of Stories
In the 1800s, Yellowstone’s names told stories of devils and damnation. In the 1900s, reformers like Hague tried to make them sound more poetic. Today, the focus is on cultural recognition and respect. Not every old name is gone, but the overall trend is toward titles that highlight wonder, history, and meaning.
Yellowstone has always been more than a landscape; it’s a place layered with stories. The names we choose are part of that storytelling, shaping how each new visitor experiences the park.
SNOWPACK UPDATE
Not in this week’s episode. This will be back in a month, hopefully.
ROADS CONDITIONS
All major roads and most side roads are open right now in and around Yellowstone National Park. This includes Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway.
For up-to-date information, call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777.
CAMPING INFO
Every campground in the park that is going to open this year is open, except for Indian Creek, Madison, and Grant. Throughout the park, there are numerous sites available this coming week.
WILDLIFE WATCHING UPDATE
You have to listen to the podcast to get this information. Sorry.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/id1789397931
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41E5WWldz4s7n6NXh2Lahr
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/this-week-in-yellowstone-national-park/
PICK UP A GUIDEBOOK
Love what you have heard on this podcast and want more information on wildlife watching? Get a copy of my wildlife-watching guidebook to the region! Available in both ebook and paperback formats, my book will help you spot wildlife like a seasoned local. Please consider buying a book directly from me, as I make nothing when they are sold on Amazon. Grab your copy now at outdoor-society.com!
TRAIL ALERTS AND UPDATES
Currently, as of the time of this recording, all trails that are supposed to be open in the park are open, aside from the Turbid Lake Trail. All the information on trail conditions can be found on the Backcountry Conditions Page of Yellowstone National Park.
TREK OF THE WEEK
Slough Creek to First Meadow
If you are looking for a hike with a decent array of fall colors, along a straightforward path, with good views, and a high potential for wildlife, this is the hike for you right now. I know I have recommended it before, but right now is a great time to check it out, so I wanted to talk about it. Should I be mentioning more hikes in the areas that will soon be closed to snow and winter, probably, but maybe I will do that in the next few weeks.
This trail follows a historic wagon trail that goes all the way into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, beyond Yellowstone’s boundary. However, unless you plan on absolutely crushing miles, you’ll probably just want to go to the first or second meadow.
The trail begins just up the road from the Slough Creek campground. You’ll find a pit toilet and plenty of parking spots, as well as a trail sign. Once you start hiking, you’ll start on what some consider to be a steep climb, gaining 400 or so feet in elevation in less than a mile. Right from the start, you’ll want to be on the lookout for wildlife. This time of the year, I have encountered black bears right next to the trail within the first quarter-mile. If this happens to you, keep your distance. If passing them is unsafe and you are unable to maintain 100 yards from the bear, turn around and choose another hike.
Once you crest the hill, the trail levels out and leads you through a nice stand of aspen. Keep your eyes and ears open, as I have seen plenty of bears in this stretch of trail, often feasting on berries. You’ll also see birds, and maybe a bison or two. After a quarter-mile or so, the trail starts descending into the first meadow. First meadow is great, giving you a chance to scan for wildlife, see a backcountry ranger cabin, and even head up to the top of a rocky area near the creek. The rocky area is on the north side of the trail and hard to miss. There is a boot path leading to it near the patrol cabin. I typically go here for a snack and to scan for wildlife, and highly suggest it. Obviously. While hiking to the rocks or up to the patrol cabin, keep an eye out for not just wildlife here, but also for antlers and animal skulls, as a few are known to be in the area.
The Slough Creek Trail to First Meadow is around four or five miles round trip, depending on how much you roam around. In the fall, the area has some great autumn colors and combines everything that makes Yellowstone magical: wide-open spaces, a potential for wildlife sightings, and a chance to escape the boardwalks. Sure, you are on a well-traveled and popular path, but now that summer is over, you won’t have many people around.
If you want a longer adventure, keep hiking on the main trail and get to the second meadow. At the start of the second meadow, follow the trail to your left to the backcountry campsite. At the backcountry campsite, you’ll see some really cool things, but I will keep those as a surprise for you to discover when hiking there.
NEXT WEEK
In next week’s episode, I’ll return with all of the information you need to have a good week in the park, including wildlife, weather, and trail updates.
Until then, happy trails!
