sludick

We're returning to Yellowstone/GT this September after making our first trip there last fall, this time bringing another couple. 5 nights will be spent in West Yellowstone at our timeshare. We will have 2 nights subsequently and 1 night prior that we can book anywhere. Due to free airline tickets, we will need to fly in/out of Salt Lake City -- which we did last year. The drive was enjoyable, and we will spend a night in Salt Lake City before flying out, so no rush to the airport.

We are running into a couple of challenges, however. One, we are going a bit earlier (September vs. October), so the rates in Jackson are much higher. Two, the road between Madison and Norris in YNP will be closed, so it will be much more difficult to take a trip up to Mammoth from West Yellowstone. This has confounded me, and I have not yet booked that first night of our trip as a result.

So...here is a thought, and I'd like to know your opinions: We thought we might fly into SLC the night before, spend the night at a Pricelined hotel, then head out bright and early towards Gardiner, MT. Route - into West Yellowstone, then 191 up to Bozeman and from there into Gardiner. We could spend the day in a leisurely drive to Gardiner, and the next day would be spent in a leisurely journey through YNP and ending in West Yellowstone.

The alternative might be just to suck it up, spend the first night in Jackson at someplace like Cowboy Village Resort (economical), and not to count on being able to take our friends up to Mammoth. BTW, I did book 2 nights at Hatchet Resort (Moran) after our West Yellowstone stay, so we will have some time in GT.

Luckily I guess, thanks to the lousy economy, availability has actually stayed pretty much the same for the past several months, but it's time I finished this up. Thanks for any suggestions you may have for me.

sludick

I may need to start a new thread for this, but I will ask here first -- if our flight came in around mid-morning to noonish into Salt Lake City, would it be too far to drive to Big Sky that day? I was thinking of staying at The Lodge at Big Sky for the night, horseback riding in the morning, then on to Gardiner that afternoon. Really didn't want to stop in West Yellowstone. Comments?

Dayle

sludick,

I live in UT and go up to GT and Yellowstone often. Over the last couple of years, I've spent some time in the Paradise Valley (appropriate name) north of Gardiner and on your planned route. I also had planned to spend time at Big Sky, but due to forest fires and unbearable smoke, I left after the first night.

I think the Paradise Valley between Livingston and Gardiner is much more beautiful than the Gallatin Valley between Bozeman and W. Yellowstone.

If it were up to me, I'd try and change the order of the trip. I can't remember exactly how long the drive between SLC and Big Sky takes. I stopped in Virgina City for a walk around and lunch, plus I had my dog with me so we stopped overnight in Idaho Falls, which is about where the smoke started to clear.

I would recommend at least a night in the Paradise Valley. A great place near Livingston is: Yellowstone River Cabins (only 2). Another great place is the Paradise Gateway B&B near Emmigrant. I stayed at both and just loved them. Both are right on the Yellowstone River with awesome views, nice owners, and yummy breakfasts.

Dayle

PS - I'm a skier and was surprised that I didn't care for the summer time Big Sky. It's beautiful, extremely overpriced, and has no "old town character". It's all new development.

sludick

Thanks, Dayle. I'll take a look at our options. We had intended just to stay at Big Sky for the night to break up the drive, and then on to Gardiner for the next night. Well, I also thought we might catch a morning trail ride before going on to Gardiner, but that would be it. Or perhaps the Paradise Valley area would be better for something like that?

Dayle

sludick,

If your main objective is to ride, I think either area will do. Both would have nice scenery for a ride. I really enjoy riding and looked into a couple places, but I found the prices ridiculous.

sludick

I was able to get an $89 rate at the Lodge at Big Sky (http://www.lodgeatbigsky.com/). We also have 2 nights at Hatchet Resort (Moran, Grand Tetons) and were thinking of doing a ride there as well. My initial plans were for Jackson the first night, but with Madison to Norris closed, we thought we should make a stop at Gardiner. Long drive, though.