Help us maximize our time in YNP!
Jun 26th, 2008, 07:11 PM
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Help us maximize our time in YNP!
Hi again, Fodorites!
I feel like I won the lottery! Just added a third night in Yellowstone to our oh-so-soon (and first ever) trip to YNP, GTNP and Jackson. NO luck on the web for months, but called the phone #, and bingo!
We’re a family of four with two girls, 20 and 17. Had it all planned out for a short two nights, but now...I want more!
Could you please help us maximize our time in the park?
First three nights (Sat-Mon) at Spring Creek Ranch--(GTNP, float trip, horseback ride, Jenny Lake hike, Jackson, sunset at Signal Mountain, etc...)
Tuesday AM--drive to Yellowstone.
First night is at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, with dinner at 8 PM
What to see first? West Thumb?
Wednesday-One night in Western cabin at Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Dinner at Old Faithful Inn at 8:30 PM
Do we drive Hayden Valley Wednesday early AM (out of the way) before heading to OF area? If not then, when? Should we tour geysers Wednesday afternoon or early Thursday AM?
Thursday—Last night at Canyon Lodge
When do we try to fit in thermal areas like Norris or Mammoth (or do we?) and do the rest of the “loop”? Do we loop clockwise and go from OF to Norris to Canyon? Ok to skip Mammoth?
Friday--day at park before we drive back to Spring Creek for Friday and Saturday nights. Am thinking we do Grand Canyon hikes Friday AM before heading to Jackson. Or is the drive too long from there, so we must do hikes on Thursday?
Sunday—home from Jackson Hole.
Would SO appreciate your experience and advice!
Thanks!
I feel like I won the lottery! Just added a third night in Yellowstone to our oh-so-soon (and first ever) trip to YNP, GTNP and Jackson. NO luck on the web for months, but called the phone #, and bingo!
We’re a family of four with two girls, 20 and 17. Had it all planned out for a short two nights, but now...I want more!
Could you please help us maximize our time in the park?
First three nights (Sat-Mon) at Spring Creek Ranch--(GTNP, float trip, horseback ride, Jenny Lake hike, Jackson, sunset at Signal Mountain, etc...)
Tuesday AM--drive to Yellowstone.
First night is at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, with dinner at 8 PM
What to see first? West Thumb?
Wednesday-One night in Western cabin at Old Faithful Snow Lodge
Dinner at Old Faithful Inn at 8:30 PM
Do we drive Hayden Valley Wednesday early AM (out of the way) before heading to OF area? If not then, when? Should we tour geysers Wednesday afternoon or early Thursday AM?
Thursday—Last night at Canyon Lodge
When do we try to fit in thermal areas like Norris or Mammoth (or do we?) and do the rest of the “loop”? Do we loop clockwise and go from OF to Norris to Canyon? Ok to skip Mammoth?
Friday--day at park before we drive back to Spring Creek for Friday and Saturday nights. Am thinking we do Grand Canyon hikes Friday AM before heading to Jackson. Or is the drive too long from there, so we must do hikes on Thursday?
Sunday—home from Jackson Hole.
Would SO appreciate your experience and advice!
Thanks!
Jun 26th, 2008, 08:14 PM
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What a lottery! I love Yellowstone, and am going back myself this summer for the 3rd time!
Personally, I've never felt I had enough time in Yellowstone. I love Old Faithful, and think that one night isn't enough, but that's just me. I'd definitely tour the geysers in the morning, when it's still brisk out, and the bugs are still at bay. I've walked around the geysers in late afternoon and ended up swatting bugs my entire walk.
I'm a horrible person to ask about maximizing your time in the park. What I'd do is check out the maps at http://www.nps.gov/yell/
Do not skip Mammoth. It's an amazing place, and I've been stuck in buffalo traffic on my way there each time so far!
Personally, I've never felt I had enough time in Yellowstone. I love Old Faithful, and think that one night isn't enough, but that's just me. I'd definitely tour the geysers in the morning, when it's still brisk out, and the bugs are still at bay. I've walked around the geysers in late afternoon and ended up swatting bugs my entire walk.
I'm a horrible person to ask about maximizing your time in the park. What I'd do is check out the maps at http://www.nps.gov/yell/
Do not skip Mammoth. It's an amazing place, and I've been stuck in buffalo traffic on my way there each time so far!
Jun 26th, 2008, 10:38 PM
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Leave early on Tuesday morning and on the drive to the Lake stop at the West Thumb area and take the walk around. It's pretty short walk but very impressive.
I'd drive up to Mud Volcano and if it looks like you have time, go up to the Canyon area, then drive back down and hang around Hayden Valley till you had to go back for dinner.
Wednedsay take the drive north to Tower Falls, and around to Mammoth and stop at some of the geyser areas as you can before reaching Old Faithful area.
Thursday do all they geyser areas you missed working your way back up to the Norris Geyser basin and cut across the middle to Canyon.
Friday you can do some hiking in the Canyon area before heading back down.
Utahtea
I'd drive up to Mud Volcano and if it looks like you have time, go up to the Canyon area, then drive back down and hang around Hayden Valley till you had to go back for dinner.
Wednedsay take the drive north to Tower Falls, and around to Mammoth and stop at some of the geyser areas as you can before reaching Old Faithful area.
Thursday do all they geyser areas you missed working your way back up to the Norris Geyser basin and cut across the middle to Canyon.
Friday you can do some hiking in the Canyon area before heading back down.
Utahtea
Jun 27th, 2008, 09:34 AM
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While in the Tetons-Check out Dornan's for a bite to eat. It is at Moose Junction. I would also drive Moose/Wilson Rd and be on the lookout for Moose.
First night at Lake Hotel consider doing the Sunset Butte Old Yellow Bus Tour.
When you are in the upper geyser area, check out several of the predicted geysers. Old faithful turned out to be our least favorite. We enjoyed a meal inside the Hamilton General Store next to Old Faithful Inn.
We liked the Upper Geyser area better than Norris. We didn't like Mammoth much. The Elk on the lawn are good to see at Mammoth.
The Dragon's Mouth at Monument Geyser was neat. Do check out the mudpots somewhere along the way.
I would also do the Alpine Slide in
Jackson sometime. You should probably allow 2 hours for that.
You want to plan, but don't over plan in Yellowstone. Things just happen when they do. You can't predict days in advance when the geysers are going to erupt or where you will spend two hours watching a bear.
In Yellowstone I would do West Thumb, fishing bridge, etc. Then next day drive to Canyon and go across the middle of the figure 8 loop and back down to Upper Geyser area. You could make a couple of stops along the way. Next day head towards Mammoth (soak in the boiling river, then continue over to Tower. Have lunch in Roosevelt Lodge. Then continue on to Lamar Valley or Canyon. Last day hike upper and lower falls area. There are many places to picnic. I would have lunch while waiting on a geyser to go for sure.
I think you have a pretty good idea of how things are going to go and it looks good to me. Hope you have as much fun as we did last week.
First night at Lake Hotel consider doing the Sunset Butte Old Yellow Bus Tour.
When you are in the upper geyser area, check out several of the predicted geysers. Old faithful turned out to be our least favorite. We enjoyed a meal inside the Hamilton General Store next to Old Faithful Inn.
We liked the Upper Geyser area better than Norris. We didn't like Mammoth much. The Elk on the lawn are good to see at Mammoth.
The Dragon's Mouth at Monument Geyser was neat. Do check out the mudpots somewhere along the way.
I would also do the Alpine Slide in
Jackson sometime. You should probably allow 2 hours for that.
You want to plan, but don't over plan in Yellowstone. Things just happen when they do. You can't predict days in advance when the geysers are going to erupt or where you will spend two hours watching a bear.
In Yellowstone I would do West Thumb, fishing bridge, etc. Then next day drive to Canyon and go across the middle of the figure 8 loop and back down to Upper Geyser area. You could make a couple of stops along the way. Next day head towards Mammoth (soak in the boiling river, then continue over to Tower. Have lunch in Roosevelt Lodge. Then continue on to Lamar Valley or Canyon. Last day hike upper and lower falls area. There are many places to picnic. I would have lunch while waiting on a geyser to go for sure.
I think you have a pretty good idea of how things are going to go and it looks good to me. Hope you have as much fun as we did last week.
Jun 27th, 2008, 03:19 PM
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I would highly recommend the national park bus tours. We did 2, upper loop and lower loop. Both all day trips, very inexpensive. The lower loop left from Old Faithful Lodge, the other one from the Yellowstone hotel
Jun 27th, 2008, 05:11 PM
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It took us about 3 1/2 hours from JAC to Canyon with a couple of stops for animal sightings, but no bison jams (which are unpredictable and can take some time)-- to answer your question about hiking at Canyon and then being able to make it back to the Tetons -- shouldn't be a problem. The North Rim Drive at Canyon is closed this year and also, I understand, the trails there down to the falls. You can go to Artist Point, walk down Uncle Tom's trail and the Brink of the Upper Falls -- also along some of the north and south trails if you want.
Stop at West Thumb on your way toward Lake (or even on your way back to the Tetons). It doesn't take long and there isn't really any place else along that route where you need to stop, unless you see something. There are a couple of pullouts where you get good views of the Lake. Fishing Bridge is a bridge where they used to fish. You can stop and walk on it (or drive across it -- and probably will. The General Store and Visitor Center is there.) The only time we stopped was when there were otters and a coyote in view. You can continue on there to Pelican Valley and Mary's Bay area (not far) to see if you see any animals.
Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are places you drive through. If there is nothing special there to see, you will just drive, but they are great places for animals and usually there is something to see there -- always bison. We have stopped there for long periods to watch wolves, bears and such -- and have also just kind of driven through not seeing much. If you drive from Lake to Canyon or vice versa (which you most probably will do more than once) you go through Hayden Valley -- so don't know that I would make it a destination unless you have time to kill. Mud Volcano is also worth seeing on that route -- even if you only do the lower part. Each of the attractions has a leaflet you can donate 50 cents for (and I like getting them).
There are two main geyser routes at Old Faithful. I wouldn't worry about when to do them (and I would only do one this trip) -- see what time works while you are there and what you feel like doing. There are many, many thermal/geyser areas between Old Faithful and Madison. You don't need to see them all. There are 3 roads on that route that we like. Firehole River Drive (will see geysers there also), Firehole Canyon Drive (can also take a dip in the Firehole River if you want, and Fountain Flats Drive (usually bison there). Midway Geyser Basin and definitely Fountain Paint Pots are places we like.
Do the upper loop over Dunraven Pass, by Tower, side trip drive out Lamar Valley, then back towards Mammoth (not our favorite place either, but doesn't take much time and nice to see). You can walk the lower and upper terraces, but really don't need to do both. Take the drive to the upper terrace (on the way toward Norris). If I had to skip one, I'd skip Norris -- mainly because it takes more time to walk through it. See what you feel like.
When you see a bunch of people with cameras and scopes at a pullout, if they are intently looking through them it is worth it to stop to see what is going on. Someone will probably let you look through their scope. If they are just sitting in lawn chairs or standing around talking they are probably just waiting for something to show up. You will learn all this quickly once you are in the Park.
A very much recommended book (that we still use) is Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple. I got it at the library first to see if I liked it.
Like Spiro said -- plan, but don't overplan. And realize there is a good possibility you won't be doing everything you plan. We never do.
Stop at West Thumb on your way toward Lake (or even on your way back to the Tetons). It doesn't take long and there isn't really any place else along that route where you need to stop, unless you see something. There are a couple of pullouts where you get good views of the Lake. Fishing Bridge is a bridge where they used to fish. You can stop and walk on it (or drive across it -- and probably will. The General Store and Visitor Center is there.) The only time we stopped was when there were otters and a coyote in view. You can continue on there to Pelican Valley and Mary's Bay area (not far) to see if you see any animals.
Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are places you drive through. If there is nothing special there to see, you will just drive, but they are great places for animals and usually there is something to see there -- always bison. We have stopped there for long periods to watch wolves, bears and such -- and have also just kind of driven through not seeing much. If you drive from Lake to Canyon or vice versa (which you most probably will do more than once) you go through Hayden Valley -- so don't know that I would make it a destination unless you have time to kill. Mud Volcano is also worth seeing on that route -- even if you only do the lower part. Each of the attractions has a leaflet you can donate 50 cents for (and I like getting them).
There are two main geyser routes at Old Faithful. I wouldn't worry about when to do them (and I would only do one this trip) -- see what time works while you are there and what you feel like doing. There are many, many thermal/geyser areas between Old Faithful and Madison. You don't need to see them all. There are 3 roads on that route that we like. Firehole River Drive (will see geysers there also), Firehole Canyon Drive (can also take a dip in the Firehole River if you want, and Fountain Flats Drive (usually bison there). Midway Geyser Basin and definitely Fountain Paint Pots are places we like.
Do the upper loop over Dunraven Pass, by Tower, side trip drive out Lamar Valley, then back towards Mammoth (not our favorite place either, but doesn't take much time and nice to see). You can walk the lower and upper terraces, but really don't need to do both. Take the drive to the upper terrace (on the way toward Norris). If I had to skip one, I'd skip Norris -- mainly because it takes more time to walk through it. See what you feel like.
When you see a bunch of people with cameras and scopes at a pullout, if they are intently looking through them it is worth it to stop to see what is going on. Someone will probably let you look through their scope. If they are just sitting in lawn chairs or standing around talking they are probably just waiting for something to show up. You will learn all this quickly once you are in the Park.
A very much recommended book (that we still use) is Yellowstone Treasures by Janet Chapple. I got it at the library first to see if I liked it.
Like Spiro said -- plan, but don't overplan. And realize there is a good possibility you won't be doing everything you plan. We never do.
Jun 27th, 2008, 05:33 PM
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I whole-heartedly second the recommendation above for "Yellowstone Treasures." Try to get it before your trip so you can read thru it and mark it up, highlight, etc. So much usable information.
Dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel is so lovely! Be sure to allow time for yourselves to unwind in the beautiful conservatory. We love to sit by the lakeview windows while listening to the pianist. There's always someone nearby willing to share their day's adventure with you. Last year I met a guy who used to work there in his teens; he was now about 70+ years. Great trip for him and fun for us to reminisce alongside him.
And the food is quite good there, too.
Dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel is so lovely! Be sure to allow time for yourselves to unwind in the beautiful conservatory. We love to sit by the lakeview windows while listening to the pianist. There's always someone nearby willing to share their day's adventure with you. Last year I met a guy who used to work there in his teens; he was now about 70+ years. Great trip for him and fun for us to reminisce alongside him.
And the food is quite good there, too.
Jun 28th, 2008, 02:30 PM
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Thanks! More great ideas. I SO appreciate it. I just ordered "Yellowstone Treasures" thanks to you...my third book, but it sounds great.
I realize we can't see it all, and that's okay. Just want to make the most of it!
I realize we can't see it all, and that's okay. Just want to make the most of it!
Jul 30th, 2008, 01:38 PM
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We're back! We had a fabulous trip, and I do intend to do a trip report. But in the meantime I wanted to thank all of you who replied to my questions and helped me plan. You were so helpful!
We were really glad to have three nights (instead of the original two) in YNP and we felt it was just about right for us (we also spent 5 nights in Jackson and GTNP.) LOTS of animal sightings, but alas, no bears.
For a short recap (without reviews and stops..that will have to wait til report) this is how we spent our time just in YNP:
Day 1: Arrive West Thumb around 2 PM. Picnic in the park, then tour West Thumb area. Drive up through
Hayden Valley, visit Mud Volcano area, Fishing Bridge, and drive toward the east along the Lake.
Check into Lake Hotel, stroll the waterfront, dinner at Hotel.
Day 2: Up early (5 AM) to drive Hayden Valley and see animals. Breakfast at Lake Hotel. Drive to OF area, tour Upper Geyser Basin, lunch at Hamilton General Store, see Old Faithful spout, drive Firehole Canyon Drive and swim in Firehole river, dinner at OFI, night at OF Snow Lodge cabin.
Day 3: Breakfast at OF Snow Lodge, hike Mystic Falls trail and up Observation Point, tour Biscuit Basin, drive to and walk through Mammoth springs, lunch at Mammoth Grill, drive through Lamar Valley to NE entrance, drive down
through Dunraven Pass, dinner at Canyon Lodge restaurant, stay Canyon Lodge.
Day 4: Breakfast at Canyon General Store, hike Lower Rim Canyon trail and Uncle Tom's trail, plus do Lower Falls Mouth and Artist Point lookouts, drive back through Hayden and past Fishing Bridge east along Lake again (all the way to Steamboat point), then bid farewell through South Entrance, and back to GTNP.
We did the whole figure 8, plus some (minus the little connecting part in the middle), and had a great time in this amazing Park. Thanks again for helping us see so much! More details (I hope) when I have more time.
We were really glad to have three nights (instead of the original two) in YNP and we felt it was just about right for us (we also spent 5 nights in Jackson and GTNP.) LOTS of animal sightings, but alas, no bears.
For a short recap (without reviews and stops..that will have to wait til report) this is how we spent our time just in YNP:
Day 1: Arrive West Thumb around 2 PM. Picnic in the park, then tour West Thumb area. Drive up through
Hayden Valley, visit Mud Volcano area, Fishing Bridge, and drive toward the east along the Lake.
Check into Lake Hotel, stroll the waterfront, dinner at Hotel.
Day 2: Up early (5 AM) to drive Hayden Valley and see animals. Breakfast at Lake Hotel. Drive to OF area, tour Upper Geyser Basin, lunch at Hamilton General Store, see Old Faithful spout, drive Firehole Canyon Drive and swim in Firehole river, dinner at OFI, night at OF Snow Lodge cabin.
Day 3: Breakfast at OF Snow Lodge, hike Mystic Falls trail and up Observation Point, tour Biscuit Basin, drive to and walk through Mammoth springs, lunch at Mammoth Grill, drive through Lamar Valley to NE entrance, drive down
through Dunraven Pass, dinner at Canyon Lodge restaurant, stay Canyon Lodge.
Day 4: Breakfast at Canyon General Store, hike Lower Rim Canyon trail and Uncle Tom's trail, plus do Lower Falls Mouth and Artist Point lookouts, drive back through Hayden and past Fishing Bridge east along Lake again (all the way to Steamboat point), then bid farewell through South Entrance, and back to GTNP.
We did the whole figure 8, plus some (minus the little connecting part in the middle), and had a great time in this amazing Park. Thanks again for helping us see so much! More details (I hope) when I have more time.
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