plambers

Hi. I keep changing my itinerary with the wealth of info here. We, a family of 4, kids of 10 and 12, will celebrate my 50th and son's 11 th during this trip next August. We did Acadia last year for 2 weeks and found that too much hiking, bad beds, no internet made for an at times grumpy daughter so am trying to mix it up here.

This trip will be 10 nights. We will land in Jackson around 2:30 pm (super early East Coast flight) and rent car and go to Signal Lodge where we will stay for 3 nights. I hear the food is good there so don't think we need to stock up with coolers or food - is that accurate? Is the only grocery store Alberson's in Jackson? We are debating between an upper lakefront or country room (about $80 cheaper per night). At a minimum we need 2 queens.

The next 5 nights are at YNP. We would need to stop in Jackson for a cooler and food/beverages. We have 3 nights at the Snow Lodge and then 2 western Cabins at Canyon. Am thinking of changing 1 night of Snow Lodge to Mammoth...comments? We have the chuckwagon dinner scheduled for my son's birthday.

The final 3 nights we are planning to rent a lovely house in Driggs, for a different and more peacefl view of the Tetons. I think a hot tub, laundry, privacy and creature comforts will be needed by then. We plan to visit upper and lower Mesa falls in Idaho, do a trail ride and dinner at either Lin Ranch or Grand Targhee Resort. Also want to do a rafting trip in Jackson (1 hour away.) http://www.vrbo.com/112834#. The restaurants also sound really good in Driggs.

How does this sound? Am I crazy for including Driggs?

The logistics of this trip are killing me!!

Rastaguytoday

I think you are short changing the Tetons, but maybe it's because I worked in the Tetons for 5 months.

Try the food at Jenny Lake Lodge, excellent.
http://www.gtlc.com/lodging/jenny-la...ge-dining.aspx

There's also a full grocery at Colter Bay at Jackson Lake.

Why Driggs Idaho?

plambers

Hi - Just checked out the menu-jackets req'd for dinner - that won't happen but thanks. Don't think we can fit our dress clothes in with our hiking stuff.

I just thought it would be nice to end trip with a calm setting. House and scenery looks beautiful with great reviews and ideas for riding, kayaking etc.

Do i spend more time in parks? I have heard from some folks that they prefer GTNP to YNP. I don't want to shortchange it.

All we really need is water, bread, pb and j and snacks. Is this grocery store alot more $$ that Jackson?

plambers

Can you also opine on my Signal Lake lodging? thanks

Hang20

I was surprised at the lack of fruits and veggies at the grocery stores in both parks. There is a decent grocery store in Canyon at YNP and in the towns around including Jackson. We bought our coolers etc in Jackson and restocked in the smaller stores as needed. We stayed at Signal Mountain in a 2 room cabin. It was great for my family of 5 to have some extra room after some of the park rooms in YNP. There is a similar set up at Jenny Lake. My boys were 8 & 10 but you can search for my trip report (it is long--just skim to get the details you need) and see how we felt about different places to stay and shop. Enjoy this awesome trip!

volcanogirl

Hey, what happened to Costa Rica? There are no monkeys in Yellowstone.

plambers

Hang 20, I read your report and it was one that made me change my mind about Signal. It was a very detailed report. So I should go with the upper apartment-thought so.
Volcanogirl, my DH really wanted to see more of the US. I was telling friends all about costa rica and they kept telling me I could see plenty of animals in these parks. I am not getting really excited. Costa Rica will happen, but in the dry season and not summer!!

pupchic

I, agree, that you are shortchanging GTNP. It was our absolute favorite as long as you like to hike. I think it's easier to drive around Yellowstone and see things...to see GTNP in its glory, there are several great drives, but you need to go "inside" and hike.

voyager61

I am a little concerned about Driggs, Idaho, with pre-teens, since I have never heard of it and I have visited YNP and GTNP multiple times. Might be more to do/see in Jackson; could you find a rental there or do 5 nights at the Signal Lodge? I think two locations is plenty in YNP, so you don't need to stay in Mammoth (it is at the north entrance and not very close to other attractions.) Stick with Snow Lodge and Canyon in YNP. Definitely get a styrofoam cooler and ice packs for YNP so you can make sandwiches, etc. on the go. You don't want to be stuck with only eating food at the restaurants and/or find you have kids who are starving and you are 25 miles from any food in Yellowstone.

If you haven't been to this area, it is beautiful and well worth the trip.

plambers

Hi-I could also rent a condo in Teton village-minimum 3 nights. But I'd rather stay at Signal for 3 nights...

plambers

Hi again. We really don't want to stay in Jackson for a night. Are we better going to Signal or Yellowstone first? Which is closer given that we land at 2:30 and need to go to Jackson for cooler and supplies. Thanks

wydaho

You'll love Driggs! I just moved here from Park City and am very happy with it. Go on a short hike up Teton Canyon to the waterfalls- it'll be perfect in August. Be sure to eat breakfast at Scratch in Victor, ID or Big Hole Bagels in Driggs.

plambers

Wydaho, is that Mesa Falls that you are talking about? It looks lovely and is already on the agenda. I have heard the food in Driggs is quite good and after the Yellowstone experience, it will be appreciated.