Kristi

My husband and I would like to visit Yellowstone NP in late May-early June for 5-7 days. We plan to fly from L.A. -- where should we land? Should we find one lodging in the park and stay there, or move around to several spots? How much time do we need in each place? We would like historic, comfortable lodging with a bathroom -- recommendations? Interests are wildlife viewing, walking/hiking, and birding. Thanks!

Utahtea

We've been to Yellowstone many times and the last time was in early June and it was fantastic because the crowds hadn't come yet.

We only stayed in the cabins the first time we went back in 1973 so I can't be of much help in that area. We stay in the campgrounds now.

I would suggust three days in the Old Faithful area and make a side trip to the Grand Tetons on one of those days, two days in the Mammoth Area and two at the Lake area.

At the Old Faithful area you can check out all the geyser areas on the east side of the park.

From Mammoth Area you can check out the Roosevelt and Tower area. I like the setting of Mammoth.

From the Lake you can check out West Thumb, the mud pots, and Hayden Valley which is one of the best locations to find wildlife in the early evenings. You will find wildlife all through the park. Keep your eyes open!

I would suggest staying in the park if you can. Here is a list of lodgings in the park:

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/services/lodging.htm

Here is where you can make resevations in the park:

http://www.travelyellowstone.com/yellowstone/accommodations/011A_rooms_res.htm

Utahtea

Julie

We stayed at Lake Yellowstone Lodge last summer and really thought it was a good location (closest to the Canyon area, which we liked best) and it had the best restaurant we were at the entire week. It was fun stopping to see the Old Faithful Inn, but I was glad we didn't stay there because it was packed with tourists all the time.

The website utahtea suggested has tons of information--I'm sure you can find out all you need to know there.

Kathy

I recommend the Old Faithful Inn. It's a lovely hotel and many of the rooms are nicely decorated with bathrooms. It 's a very unique place and I didn't find that the crowds were a problem. I agree to do a side trip to Grand Teton National Park which is a short drive away.

Joe G.

Kristi,
I agree with everything Julie said - Lake Yellowstone Lodge is great, restaurant is fantastic - Old Faithful Lodge is beautiful but the parking lot looks like your favorite mall on a busy Saturday. One suggestion - make your reservations now - these places get booked up to a year in advance.
Joe

Deborah

I am from LA too and I flew into Bozeman. It is much closer to West Yellowstone than Billings. There are also hotels in West Yellowstone if you prefer to be outside the park. The park pass allows you 2-3 days access to the park.

Sharon

Fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming and enjoy
the sites there, enter Grand Tetons and spend at least one night and tour Yellowstone staying at two different locations, Mammouth and Old Faithful or Yellowstone Lake. Be sure and the travel on the Beartooth Highway into Montana.

susie

We flew into Bozeman, it was 2 hours to West Yellowstone where we stayed a couple of nights. We flew out of Billings. You will see more of the territory by flying out of a different airport. I agree with previous posts that suggest staying in 2 different Yellowstone areas. The Old Faithful Inn/Lodge area is great as is the Yellowstone Lake area. I'm not sure but the Lake lodge may be closed in 2003 for renovation. The hotel will still be open. Dont miss the Tetons, I would highly recommend the Grand Teton Lodge. I agree with previous posters, book now , dont wait. I would recommend the all day bus tours the park service operates to get overviews of the park, then you can sightsee on your own. The south loop tour goes out of Old Faithful inn, the north loop tour goes out of the Lake Hotel. Stay 2-3 nights per location, you can easily spend 9-10 days hitting the highlights of both parks. Its a great trip and I cant wait to return.