October Trip - Banff or Yosemite?

[wadesworld]

Looking to plan a trip for roughly October 9-17.  Banff (and Jasper, Yoho) has been at the top of my bucket list for a while now, and with the Canadian boarder reopening in August that is a possibility now.  Looking into it, it looks like you might get some snow in October but not too bad, but Moraine Lake looks to be closed right around that time (have seen October 8 to October 12 as the closing date).  Would be worried about hiking trails and roads being closed depending on the weather.  But have found that fall colors are amazing there, it's far less crowded at that time of year, and everything is less expensive there.

The other spot I've wanted to get to is Yosemite, and I think weather wise that would be the better option.

Anybody have any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

[jsglow]

I'll be interested in what your research shows.  Banff and the Icefield Pkwy (also bucket list for me) feels awfully late by mid October.  Had you'd said September.....

[Herman Cain]

We have a business event every year in the fall South Dakota very close to the Wyoming Border. We have learned from experience that the latest we can have the event is the last week of September to guarantee good weather and no early season blizzards. So based on that experience given the timing of your trip you may want to consider Yosemite.

[jsglow]

So true.  I have traveled through SD probably 4-5 times in October (or later).  Usually it's quite nice.  But last year we faced a record cold snap w/ snow. An icy I-90 makes for a challenging trip. This year it'll be I-80.

We did some research for ourselves over the weekend for our Fall semi-annual relocation out to Nevada for the winter.  Expecting this year to make the extra long drive to California visiting the national parks along the Sierra Nevada as we turn south to Vegas. Our planned October timing looks good with November being the month things get dicey.

[wadesworld]

Thanks for the information.  Given the South Dakota weather and the fact that roads to Moraine Lake usually close about that time of year, we're going to save Banff for next spring.  Might look to do something warm and relaxing in October, or else I just found out my friend and his wife are moving to the Faroe Islands at the end of August.  May have to see if I can crash with them for a week as that's a bucket list item as well.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I've always wanted to go to the Faroe Islands. Pictures make it look pristine.

[JWags85]

I've always wanted to go to the Faroe Islands. Pictures make it look pristine.

My grandparents went years ago and I have a friend who went 2 summers back.  Both raved about how friendly the people are.  Its very pretty.  Not as dramatic as Iceland, but beautiful nonetheless.  Also seems like a place where AirBNB is clutch cause it helps you truly experience the area and its not a huge hotel spot.

The one thing I found amazing, all the islands in the archipelago are connected by bridge or tunnel