Yellowstone/GTNP trip booked! Now need tour advice please.
Apr 26th, 2016, 12:15 PM
#1
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Yellowstone/GTNP trip booked! Now need tour advice please.
Thanks all of you who helped me (on an older thread) with much needed advice for lodging inside Yellowstone and travel routes to and from Salt Lake City Airport. Very much appreciated!
I've booked 2 nights at OFI, one at Canyon, one at Mammoth and the last at Lake Hotel. One question please - are we crazy to spend 5 nights in 4 different lodges? Is it better to stay at Canyon 2 nights and not at Mammoth at all?? (I have reservations for both options and need to cancel one or the other.) I chose Lake Lodge for our last night to get us closer to the Tetons for checking in at Alpenhof for two nights.
Also, I've booked just one tour so far - Circle of Fire. Would love to hear from those of you who have done that and any others.
Thank you!
I've booked 2 nights at OFI, one at Canyon, one at Mammoth and the last at Lake Hotel. One question please - are we crazy to spend 5 nights in 4 different lodges? Is it better to stay at Canyon 2 nights and not at Mammoth at all?? (I have reservations for both options and need to cancel one or the other.) I chose Lake Lodge for our last night to get us closer to the Tetons for checking in at Alpenhof for two nights.
Also, I've booked just one tour so far - Circle of Fire. Would love to hear from those of you who have done that and any others.
Thank you!
Apr 26th, 2016, 12:41 PM
#2
I've been to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons twice.
Both times we stayed at Old Faithful, Canyon and Signal Mtn in Grand Tetons.
Canyon is a very good central location. You can easily reach from Hayden Valley to Lamar Valley from there.
I'm not sure I read your other post.
What are your interests. Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, just roadside scenery, etc.
That would have something to do with your choices.
For instance, if wildlife is a priority, then being at Canyon is a great choice. I've been able to see deer early in the morning in several locations in Canyon area.
Wildlife are most active very early and very late in the afternoon. You want to avoid driving in the dark as much as possible so you don't hit any wildlife.
Both times we stayed at Old Faithful, Canyon and Signal Mtn in Grand Tetons.
Canyon is a very good central location. You can easily reach from Hayden Valley to Lamar Valley from there.
I'm not sure I read your other post.
What are your interests. Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, just roadside scenery, etc.
That would have something to do with your choices.
For instance, if wildlife is a priority, then being at Canyon is a great choice. I've been able to see deer early in the morning in several locations in Canyon area.
Wildlife are most active very early and very late in the afternoon. You want to avoid driving in the dark as much as possible so you don't hit any wildlife.
Apr 26th, 2016, 01:29 PM
#3
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Thanks for your quick response Myer! Wildlife viewing is what we're most excited for along with the scenery. We'll definitely avoid driving in the dark. I'm leaning toward canceling Mammoth and sticking with my original two nights in Canyon. My husband understands the need to move around but carrying luggage and a cooler in and out of hotels every day doesn't really feel like vacation to him. I said next trip we'll rent a beach house - but already thinking Yosemite, Sequoia, Crater Lake... lol
And did you do any of the tours?
And did you do any of the tours?
Apr 26th, 2016, 01:52 PM
#4
Typically, I don't do tours or boat rides.
I hike and am an amateur photographer. You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
After a while you'll get tired of bison. Then you may see a baby nursing and that causes more excitement.
There are loads of bison in Hayden and Lamar Valleys.
I saw quite a few deer in the mornings in the area of and along the South Canyon Road on the way to Artist Point. This all changes a people wake up and the cars start to move around.
In August 2014 I took my daughter (married) and granddaughter then 7 (her daughter) to Yellowstone and GTNP.
We are all photographers though I'm a little more keen on getting up early.
For those who want the iconic Yellowstone hike you have Mount Washburn that's only about 10-15 minutes north of Canyon.
I told my daughter and granddaughter about it before we went. A month later my granddaughter told me she wanted to try that hike.
It's 3.5 miles up to a ranger station. The trail is very smooth and not steep at all. It's a dirt road used to take supplies up to the ranger station. The problem is that it starts at 8,800 feet and goes up to 10,400. You're gasping for air not long after you start.
Granddaughter made it to the top but it started to pour just as we got to the ranger station. We stayed inside until it stopped and started down. It poured on us all the way down. We had rain gear on (the only bad weather of the whole trip) but after a while we just got drenched.
In my opinion Yellowstone is more of an event location; thermal geysers, waterfall, wildlife. GTNP, while it has wildlife is more of a great scenery location; Mormon Row Barns, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend and anything along the inside road.
Take a look at my photos of my two trips there. If you have more questions just ask.
As much as possible I try to stay in each place at least two nights. If I remember correctly, on that last trip we only stayed at OF one night because we slept over in Jackson after arriving after 8PM.
We stayed at Canyon 3 nights and Signal Mtn 2 nights. I think.
I hike and am an amateur photographer. You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
After a while you'll get tired of bison. Then you may see a baby nursing and that causes more excitement.
There are loads of bison in Hayden and Lamar Valleys.
I saw quite a few deer in the mornings in the area of and along the South Canyon Road on the way to Artist Point. This all changes a people wake up and the cars start to move around.
In August 2014 I took my daughter (married) and granddaughter then 7 (her daughter) to Yellowstone and GTNP.
We are all photographers though I'm a little more keen on getting up early.
For those who want the iconic Yellowstone hike you have Mount Washburn that's only about 10-15 minutes north of Canyon.
I told my daughter and granddaughter about it before we went. A month later my granddaughter told me she wanted to try that hike.
It's 3.5 miles up to a ranger station. The trail is very smooth and not steep at all. It's a dirt road used to take supplies up to the ranger station. The problem is that it starts at 8,800 feet and goes up to 10,400. You're gasping for air not long after you start.
Granddaughter made it to the top but it started to pour just as we got to the ranger station. We stayed inside until it stopped and started down. It poured on us all the way down. We had rain gear on (the only bad weather of the whole trip) but after a while we just got drenched.
In my opinion Yellowstone is more of an event location; thermal geysers, waterfall, wildlife. GTNP, while it has wildlife is more of a great scenery location; Mormon Row Barns, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend and anything along the inside road.
Take a look at my photos of my two trips there. If you have more questions just ask.
As much as possible I try to stay in each place at least two nights. If I remember correctly, on that last trip we only stayed at OF one night because we slept over in Jackson after arriving after 8PM.
We stayed at Canyon 3 nights and Signal Mtn 2 nights. I think.
Apr 26th, 2016, 06:39 PM
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I now remember reading that you, your daughter and 7 year old granddaughter did that hike in the rain! Such a tough little girl - I have two 7 year old granddaughters and not sure they could handle that. Your photos are amazing!! I looked at many of your folders, some of which we've been to. I'm excited to see Yellowstone and the Tetons and am sure I will start planning the next trip within a couple weeks of getting home!
Apr 27th, 2016, 05:35 AM
#6
We were there for a week. We had amazing weather. Except for a few hours.
On the way up the mountain we started to hear thunder and it clouded over. It started to rain a couple of minutes before reaching the ranger station.
We spent an hour inside and it was cold and windy.
Just after we started to go down it started to rain and that lasted all the way down.
The next day we spent around the falls. The evening before my daughter told me that granddaughter wanted to do some drawing so they packed paper and crayons/paint (two year prior I took them to Yosemite. One day I went hiking and they stayed in the Valley to take a drawing class and a Jr Ranger Hike). I told them I had the perfect place.
We went to Artist Point late in the morning and to our good fortune one of only a couple of benches facing the falls was unoccupied. Of course we took it. We had lunch and then they took out the art supplies. That bench was in a direct path from the parking lot to viewing deck for the Lower Falls.
You have no idea how many people stopped to watch them paint. It was amazing.
About the Lower Falls.
I had read about Red Rock Point and wanted to go there to get a lower view of the Falls. It's located on the north road and you park at the Lookout Point parking area.
99% of the people just walk out to Lookout Point which is a 30 second walk from the parking area.
However, a few people in the know veer to the right and go down to Red Rock Point (remember you are in elevation and have to walk back up).
We went down and took a few pictures. As we were about to leave a guy who was there with his wife (and a little camera) showed me a booklet that he had that said at that time of year (we were there in early Aug) there was a good chance of seeing a rainbow around 9:30-10:00 AM.
So we waited a couple of minutes and sure enough we saw the beginning of a rainbow at the bottom left. Over the next few minutes the rainbow stretched up and to the right over the lower part of the waterfalls.
What an amazing sight!!!!
On the way up the mountain we started to hear thunder and it clouded over. It started to rain a couple of minutes before reaching the ranger station.
We spent an hour inside and it was cold and windy.
Just after we started to go down it started to rain and that lasted all the way down.
The next day we spent around the falls. The evening before my daughter told me that granddaughter wanted to do some drawing so they packed paper and crayons/paint (two year prior I took them to Yosemite. One day I went hiking and they stayed in the Valley to take a drawing class and a Jr Ranger Hike). I told them I had the perfect place.
We went to Artist Point late in the morning and to our good fortune one of only a couple of benches facing the falls was unoccupied. Of course we took it. We had lunch and then they took out the art supplies. That bench was in a direct path from the parking lot to viewing deck for the Lower Falls.
You have no idea how many people stopped to watch them paint. It was amazing.
About the Lower Falls.
I had read about Red Rock Point and wanted to go there to get a lower view of the Falls. It's located on the north road and you park at the Lookout Point parking area.
99% of the people just walk out to Lookout Point which is a 30 second walk from the parking area.
However, a few people in the know veer to the right and go down to Red Rock Point (remember you are in elevation and have to walk back up).
We went down and took a few pictures. As we were about to leave a guy who was there with his wife (and a little camera) showed me a booklet that he had that said at that time of year (we were there in early Aug) there was a good chance of seeing a rainbow around 9:30-10:00 AM.
So we waited a couple of minutes and sure enough we saw the beginning of a rainbow at the bottom left. Over the next few minutes the rainbow stretched up and to the right over the lower part of the waterfalls.
What an amazing sight!!!!
Apr 27th, 2016, 10:35 AM
#7
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Ahhh - it all sounds idyllic! I've read about the rainbow and we'll be sure to go to Red Rock Point. Now that we're retired, my husband is able to spend more time on his artwork. He'll be pleased to hear others stop to sketch and paint, as that's his plan.
Apr 27th, 2016, 01:06 PM
#8
Red Rock Point is on the north side. It's a great distance and when you go down to it the view is direct rather than up or down.
Also, because it's a bit of a hike down and then back up, few people are there. That unlike Lookout Point above it that packed with people because it's 30 seconds from the parking area.
I don't remember if there are any benches down there but I guess not.
On the south side is the famous Artist point. It's much farther away from the falls. The parking lot is giant.
There are some benches, etc. But you have to get one.
If you look at Yellowstone 2014 and go to photo #69 that a picture of them drawing with the falls.
Also, because it's a bit of a hike down and then back up, few people are there. That unlike Lookout Point above it that packed with people because it's 30 seconds from the parking area.
I don't remember if there are any benches down there but I guess not.
On the south side is the famous Artist point. It's much farther away from the falls. The parking lot is giant.
There are some benches, etc. But you have to get one.
If you look at Yellowstone 2014 and go to photo #69 that a picture of them drawing with the falls.
Apr 28th, 2016, 10:01 AM
#9
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Will add that info to my folder. Hopefully by August my knee will be stronger and allow us to hike further distances. I looked at your photo #69 again along with all others from your two Yellowstone/GT trips. I'm not sure if we can take photos even half as good but with both of us snapping away, hopefully we'll come up with enough for a nice album!
Apr 29th, 2016, 04:38 AM
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I see no problem with moving hotels frequently- my husband and I do it often. Three years ago our split of Yellowstone lodging was: 2 nights Old Faithful, 2 nights Canyon, 1 night Roosevelt. If I was you, I would not give up the one night at Mammoth. I don't think I would stay at Lake and Canyon though as they really aren't all that far apart. I like the Mammoth part of the park and would have loved an overnight there on our last trip but chose Roosevelt instead due to the proximity to wildlife. We don't take all our luggage in each hotel/cabin - especially when it's just for a night we basically each take in an overnight bag. You can pack pretty light for a trip like this (don't skimp on some cold weather gear though depending on when this trip is).
Apr 30th, 2016, 12:33 PM
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Hi db6040, saw your post too late and had cancelled Mammoth. So we now have 2 nights at OFI, 2 at Canyon, one at Lake Hotel. We decided to stay in Jackson instead of Alpenhof - found a rate I couldn't turn down. So will be driving from Lake area to Jackson that day which looks like about 4 hours, so with stops should be a nice full day's drive? We'll still have day 7 and half of day 8 in GT before heading back to SLC.
Thanks for the suggestion on an overnight bag to bring in for the one night say at Lake Hotel.
Thanks for the suggestion on an overnight bag to bring in for the one night say at Lake Hotel.
May 1st, 2016, 05:57 AM
#13
Moving hotels is not a problem in YNP. It's a good way to see more of the park. In summer, when the park is really crowded, it's a great idea. In early June or fall it is less necessary.
I haven't done any of the tours in YNP. I have joined ranger-led hikes and have enjoyed them.
I hope you are planning to spend time in GTNP too. It's my favorite. I took a wildlife photography tour with Brushbuck tours last year and was VERY pleased. We're taking another tour with them this year. Like bkington, we really enjoyed the float trip in the Tetons. We used Solitude. The companies use the same 10 mile float on the river.
I haven't done any of the tours in YNP. I have joined ranger-led hikes and have enjoyed them.
I hope you are planning to spend time in GTNP too. It's my favorite. I took a wildlife photography tour with Brushbuck tours last year and was VERY pleased. We're taking another tour with them this year. Like bkington, we really enjoyed the float trip in the Tetons. We used Solitude. The companies use the same 10 mile float on the river.
May 5th, 2016, 01:17 PM
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Thanks bkington and starrs! We have a morning tour booked from OFI so far and will definitely book the float trip. My adult kids love white water rafting here in Maine but not me! I'm looking forward to finally rafting my way!
Jul 10th, 2016, 08:18 AM
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Hello again, we are just 3 weeks from departure and very excited!
We decided on keeping our rental car and driving to see our son and family in Bend, OR. We could fly from SLC to Redmond OR but figured why not see a little more of the country... Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
I have a question... we'll leave from Jackson driving several hours, stopping overnight and continuing the remaining several hours to Bend. There will not be much time for any in depth sightseeing, but can you suggest the best routes out of Jackson toward Idaho, scenic areas that aren't too far off the main route, stops for meals, where to stay overnight... Boise area? Thanks so much!
We decided on keeping our rental car and driving to see our son and family in Bend, OR. We could fly from SLC to Redmond OR but figured why not see a little more of the country... Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
I have a question... we'll leave from Jackson driving several hours, stopping overnight and continuing the remaining several hours to Bend. There will not be much time for any in depth sightseeing, but can you suggest the best routes out of Jackson toward Idaho, scenic areas that aren't too far off the main route, stops for meals, where to stay overnight... Boise area? Thanks so much!
Jul 10th, 2016, 11:39 AM
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Boise area would probably be your best bet for a stopover. I have a vacation home near Bend, OR and have driven from there to Boise (OK, technically Eagle, ID)to visit my son. Time wise, the fastest way from Boise to Bend is I84 west to Hwy 20 west. Be advised, it is high desert and ag land. Stark, desolate and boring. It should take about 5-5.5 hours. Be sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave Ontario.
My brother lives in La Grand, OR (2.5 hours on I-84 west from Boise). If you took I-84 west to Hwy 97 south, it is a much nicer drive. It does add about 2 hours to the drive. However, you will follow the Columbia River (on the OR side) from about Boardman to Briggs Junction. A stop at Maryhill Winery or Museum of Art (on the Washington side of the river) will provide a fantastic view of the Columbia River. Also, near Baker City, off of Hwy 86 is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Very interesting and you can walk on the wagon ruts made by those that took the Oregon trail in the mid 1840's.
Have fun! Hubby and I will visit Yellowstone in Sept. after visiting our son in Eagle, ID.
My brother lives in La Grand, OR (2.5 hours on I-84 west from Boise). If you took I-84 west to Hwy 97 south, it is a much nicer drive. It does add about 2 hours to the drive. However, you will follow the Columbia River (on the OR side) from about Boardman to Briggs Junction. A stop at Maryhill Winery or Museum of Art (on the Washington side of the river) will provide a fantastic view of the Columbia River. Also, near Baker City, off of Hwy 86 is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Very interesting and you can walk on the wagon ruts made by those that took the Oregon trail in the mid 1840's.
Have fun! Hubby and I will visit Yellowstone in Sept. after visiting our son in Eagle, ID.
Jul 10th, 2016, 01:35 PM
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Appreciate your suggestions BarbAnn! We'll take it all into account and decide our route. I realized I should've tagged my question to an Idaho, Oregon and will do that now! Thanks again and hope you have a wonderful trip to Yellowstone too!
Jul 10th, 2016, 01:37 PM
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One nice thing about Mammoth is that you are just five miles from Gardiner, Montana, which is a nice little town to go for an outside-the-park meal as well as groceries. It is much less touristy than West Yellowstone.
Jul 10th, 2016, 01:41 PM
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Idaho: Craters of the Moon!
https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Jul 10th, 2016, 02:06 PM
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Martha,
I certainly agree on the drive between Jackson and Bend. Coming from Utah, Ive done it twice and hope I never do it again. The shortest route is incredibly desolate, dry and boring. I would recommend the longer more scenic route BarbAnn suggested!
I certainly agree on the drive between Jackson and Bend. Coming from Utah, Ive done it twice and hope I never do it again. The shortest route is incredibly desolate, dry and boring. I would recommend the longer more scenic route BarbAnn suggested!
