Non-hikers and non-campers. Have you been to Yellowstone and had a good time?
Mar 18th, 2005, 05:56 AM
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Non-hikers and non-campers. Have you been to Yellowstone and had a good time?
Much traveled family finally has agreed upon Yellowstone and vicinity for summer trip (having discarded Montreal, Spain, Mexico - don't ask!). Will fly to someplace (maybe Salt Lake) and drive. All tolerant of car trips. Not big-time hikers, but a 1-2 hour "walk" is fine.
Interested in comments from those of similar vacation activity preferences. Thanks. If my family changes their minds again about where they want to go we are staying home!
Interested in comments from those of similar vacation activity preferences. Thanks. If my family changes their minds again about where they want to go we are staying home!
Mar 18th, 2005, 06:07 AM
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It is really lovely in the summer. We are vacation hikers. The rest of the year I don't get enough exercise so my more virile counter-parts do the more strenuous hikes. There are many things to do in Yellowstone that are more oriented for observing rather than hiking. The park has lots of boardwalks throughout. And be sure to find some of the water spots that are fun for the summer but be careful because 1) they have strong currents, and 2) the thermal jets are HOT!
We camped and thoroughly enjoyed it but I'm not so interested in camping now as I was then. There are plenty of places to stay but you need to have either already booked or do it now! Standing room only.
We camped and thoroughly enjoyed it but I'm not so interested in camping now as I was then. There are plenty of places to stay but you need to have either already booked or do it now! Standing room only.
Mar 18th, 2005, 06:59 AM
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The vast majority of visitors to Yellowstonoe do not hike or camp. There's so much to see and so - but most see it from the car.
LOVED staying at the Old Faithful Inn (also have enjoyed camping in the park years ago)
One of my favorite vacation experiences was a ranger-led hike in Yellowstone to standing petriifed trees.
There's so much to see and do. And, there's lot of info on this forum for Yellowstone and the area. Happy researching!
LOVED staying at the Old Faithful Inn (also have enjoyed camping in the park years ago)
One of my favorite vacation experiences was a ranger-led hike in Yellowstone to standing petriifed trees.
There's so much to see and do. And, there's lot of info on this forum for Yellowstone and the area. Happy researching!
Mar 18th, 2005, 08:39 AM
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I don't really consider the walking we do in Yellowstone as hiking.
We do the walks on the built up paths to the geyser areas, hot springs, mud pots, etc. There's plenty to see in do with short walks and we usually spend a week at a time in Yellowstone.
Utahtea
We do the walks on the built up paths to the geyser areas, hot springs, mud pots, etc. There's plenty to see in do with short walks and we usually spend a week at a time in Yellowstone.
Utahtea
Mar 18th, 2005, 09:39 AM
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Our family went to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons last summer. It wasn't my first choice, as I am usually a resort type of person. After reading lots of information here, I was even more hesitant to go with all the bad feedback about Yellowstone lodging.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. Our kids absolutely loved the area, and I must admit that I did as well. We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn for 3 nights and the Canyon Lodge for 3 nights. I would recommend both of these places. However, you will need to make reservations right away. They may already be sold out for peak travel dates.
There is such a wide variety of things to do and see, that there is literally something for everyone. As previous posters have said, much of the sightseeing is not strenuous. There are hikes you can do if you choose; however, much can be seen just walking the boardwalks.
As a result of this trip, we have planned the next few summer vacations to see more of our beautiful National Parks. I was concerned that our kids might think the Parks were a little too much "nature" for two weeks. I was wrong - they still talk about the things we did and saw during that trip.
If you do go to Yellowstone, I highly recommend a short trip down to see the Grand Tetons for a few days. It is absolutely beautiful there.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. Our kids absolutely loved the area, and I must admit that I did as well. We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn for 3 nights and the Canyon Lodge for 3 nights. I would recommend both of these places. However, you will need to make reservations right away. They may already be sold out for peak travel dates.
There is such a wide variety of things to do and see, that there is literally something for everyone. As previous posters have said, much of the sightseeing is not strenuous. There are hikes you can do if you choose; however, much can be seen just walking the boardwalks.
As a result of this trip, we have planned the next few summer vacations to see more of our beautiful National Parks. I was concerned that our kids might think the Parks were a little too much "nature" for two weeks. I was wrong - they still talk about the things we did and saw during that trip.
If you do go to Yellowstone, I highly recommend a short trip down to see the Grand Tetons for a few days. It is absolutely beautiful there.
Mar 18th, 2005, 10:29 AM
#6
Count me as another who had little interest in taking a trip to YS but ended up loving the place!
The place is gorgeous and there is a lot to do and see. We're not hikers but managed to see plenty. Lodging was comfortable and dining was ok. The best meals we had were picnic lunches with supplies we brought into the park.
I will say that an afternoon latte enjoyed in one of the nicer hotel lobbies or sunrooms made me feel a bit more civilized.
The place is gorgeous and there is a lot to do and see. We're not hikers but managed to see plenty. Lodging was comfortable and dining was ok. The best meals we had were picnic lunches with supplies we brought into the park.
I will say that an afternoon latte enjoyed in one of the nicer hotel lobbies or sunrooms made me feel a bit more civilized.
