Grand Tetons or Rocky Mountain NP

[Joe1967]

Hi. We are planning a trip out west in September of 2025. We have been to Glacier, and are trying to decide between Rocky Mountain or Grand Teton NP. We like to hike and would prefer smaller crowds, if possible. Also, we will be staying in our 29 foot fifth wheel. Does anyone have any suggestions on which NP would be "better"? Any campground suggestions (would like to have electric hook ups). Thanks.

 

[nprario]

They are both beautiful but if I had to choose between the two I would have to go with Teton NP. It's incredible and your also not that far from Yellowstone so could do both while in the area.

 

[jjbbrewer]

I live down the canyon from Rocky Mountain NP so I'm a little biased.
OTOH, I love Wyoming so it's a tough choice.

There is fantastic hiking in Rocky and, to avoid big crowds, I'd look for a place to stay on the west side of the park - somewhere around Granby or Grand Lake.

If you're not stuck on hiking in a national park, there are lots of trails in the Wilderness areas surrounding Rocky Mountain NP. Go here to check them out - https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/

Either way, you won't be disappointed.

 

[shaneb]

We just returned yesterday from a 6 week trip west which included Rocky Mountain and Grand Tetons. If you want to be sure to avoid crowds, plan to get up early. (sunrise). If you have to choose, my personal preference was Rocky Mountain. There is more variety - hike options, scenic drives, overlooks, wildlife and in mid/late Sept, you have the bonus of fall aspen colours and the Elk bugling.

RMNP: The west side of Rocky Mountain is less crowded, but less to see/do. Most of the must do hikes are off Bear Lake road, which requires a timed entry. There are also many other hikes elsewhere in the park. Camping options are somewhat limited. We stayed 4 nights at the Jellystone near Estes Park. Convenient location, but campground is on a hill, which has its challenges.

GT: My observation was, with the exception of Jenny Lake area, GT seemed less crowed than RMNP. I did prefer the 'must-do' hikes in Jenny Lake (Inspiration Point/Cascade Canyon) more than RMNP Bear Lake must-do hikes (Emerald, Gem lake etc). We stayed 4 nights at Colter Bay RV (book as early as possible), which is conveniently located. With this campground. the plus side is you are less than an hour from the west side of Yellowstone. (We toured Yellowstone separately, staying at Fishing Bridge in the park).

You can't go wrong with either choice

 

[Joe1967]

Thank you all!

 

[traveldawg]

I'd suggest RMNP too. More hikes, more scenic drives in the area.

Can't say wither one would be less crowded but I'd guess Estes Park is easier to get around in than Jackson Hole.

As for avoiding crowds - good luck. Get to parking lots by at least 7am in RMNP.

 

[RiversToRidgesRV]

Hi. We are planning a trip out west in September of 2025. We have been to Glacier, and are trying to decide between Rocky Mountain or Grand Teton NP. We like to hike and would prefer smaller crowds, if possible. Also, we will be staying in our 29 foot fifth wheel. Does anyone have any suggestions on which NP would be "better"? Any campground suggestions (would like to have electric hook ups). Thanks.

We've been to both, you can't go wrong with either one you choose. In Sept the elk rut will be going on in RMNP so you are basically guaranteed to see more elk than you can imagine, and they will also be walking in the town of Estes Park.

 

[Cheldric]

One thing to bear in mind this time of year in either place is unpredictable weather. Nice and sunny in the morning - blizzardy snow in the afternoon. Be prepared for that when you hike. Garmin InReach or other solid communication device, extra layers (waterproof), can make a big difference. You sound like experienced hikers. Have a great time wherever you go! (No preference here - either place will be a great experience.)

 

[Crash753]

If you choose RMNP, make sure to take Fall River Road up to the visitor center. It has been years since I took this route, but it was magnificent! It is a one-way dirt road that comes out right adjacent to the visitor center on top of Trailridge Road. About half way up there is a small waterfall with parking. Highly recommend! Also, as others have said seeing and hearing the elk bugeling in Big Elk Meadow is a sight/sound that you will never forget Also, mid-September is usually peak season for Aspen leaves turning gold.

 

[Ricky_Cheryl]

Hi. We are planning a trip out west in September of 2025. We have been to Glacier, and are trying to decide between Rocky Mountain or Grand Teton NP. We like to hike and would prefer smaller crowds, if possible. Also, we will be staying in our 29 foot fifth wheel. Does anyone have any suggestions on which NP would be "better"? Any campground suggestions (would like to have electric hook ups). Thanks.

We were at The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone this past September. The Grand Tetons was beautiful and have lots of hiking trails, especially around Jenny Lake. We stayed at The Longhorn Ranch and RV Resort in Dubois, WY, which is approximately 40 minutes from the entrance to The Grand Tetons. We would definitely recommend both The Grand Tetons and staying in Dubois. Dubois is a very nice small town, no fast food restaurants but plenty good places to eat.

 

[Joe1967]

Thanks for the great replies!

 

[Lindabf]

We love Grand Teton NP. It is between it and Bryce Canyon as our favorite. We crossed into Yellowstone by accident one morning, after going out for sunrise pictures, and missed the turn to continue the loop to see the rest of Tetons! Had a wonderful day exploring Yellowstone and then returned back to our boondocking spot near the Tetons. Teton is definitely less crowed and beautiful in September with lots of scenic hikes and a nice bike path through the main area of the park. As someone else mentioned, Dubois and Wind River area is beautiful and close by.