jdawgmsu25

Ok I'm in the beginning stages for a trip probably in early June of 2016. It will be me my wife and 6 year old. We're looking at the main thing being the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We'll likely have 7-9 days for the trip. I've been planning on a flight to Denver arriving around lunch car rental then driving halfway to Cody going thru Laramie snowy scenic byway to Rawlings then thru wind river canyon to Thermopolis stay somewhere in between Thermopolis and Denver probably more likely between Laramie and Rawlings.
Day 1. 
Day 2 Maybe spend some time in Thermopolis, drive on to see the Buffalo Bill museum and stay the night in Cody.
Day 3 spend day in Yellowstone stay the night in West Yellowstone
Day 4 spend the day in Yellowstone stay the night in Jackson Hole area. 
Day 5 Visit the Grand Tetons and maybe start heading back to Denver Maybe stay in Steamboat Springs
day 6 spend day in rmnp also going on trail ridge road stay the night in Estes Park. 
Day 7 Head and fly out of Denver to home.

It's still a rough plan we'd explore the towns that we stay in the evenings basically and drive mainly in the day for so we don't miss anything to view. 
Could add 2 days to that if we get more time off.
Is this plan doable? Would it be better to look into Salt Lake City?

fmpden

I think it is doable - lot of highway miles. Yellowstone books up early so make that reservation early - like yesterday. And the same for Estes Park but more options are available. At that time of year you could run into a lot of snow on the ground, especially in the Tetons and Trailridge Road, so be prepared for some cold weather when in the mountains.

Dayle

J

I would recommend focusing on Yellowstone and the Tetons if that is your main interest. There is so much to see that I don't think you want to spend 2 days out of your short trip driving to from Denver.

Fly in out of SLC and you can be in Jackson for dinner. 7 to 9 days is a fairly decent visit for these two parks.

The pros of early June are lots of new baby animals and carpets of wildflowers . Cons are cooler weather so take warm layers.

Save Denver and Rocky Mtn natl Park for a separate trip.

The Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody is outstanding for western art. Don't miss it.

utahtea

I agree with Dayle. Focus on Yellowstone and Grand Tetons because there is so much to do and see. When our boys were young we always spent a week in just Yellowstone. the summer crowds start in after the first week of June so you have to allow a LOT of time getting around the park. You might not be able to cover all you want to do in a day or two so plan on 5!

I'd fly into Salt Lake, Billings or Jackson, WY and cut out as much of the driving as you can.

Utahtea

jdawgmsu25

Thanks so much for the quick responses and great advice!!!After looking we are going to work for more of a 10 day trip maybe spend more time in Yellowstone. Hard to book in book hotels because I don't know when we're flying out yet I've heard it's better to book a flight 4 to 6 weeks out. We we're looking at the drive from Denver to Yellowstone to be scenic and not so much strenuous.Estes park and rmnp is something we'd like to try to fit in if we did do the flight to Denver, Thanks for giving us something to study on as we may look into Salt Lake City.

Dayle

J

The most scenic parts of WY are the northwest corner where Yellowstone and the Tetons. The Bitterroot and Wind River ranges are also gorgeous. Laramie and Cheyene, not so much.

You are making the typical first timers mistake of underestimating distances in the west.

jayne1973

Also when planning your time in Yellowstone, keep in mind that there is a lot of driving time to get from place to place inside the park. It is huge and the going is slow. That was the one thing we underestimated on our first trip. It's a magical place, so make sure you allow enough time for the experience.

jdawgmsu25

Thanks for the continued advice! I have listened to the advice of Dayle and will be looking into going to Yellowstone and the Tetons from Salt Lake City. Any further help would be appreciated as for the route from and back to Salt Lake City.I love the mountains and wildlife. It's looking like a possible 9-10 days. Thanks for the help!!