I can't speak for anyone else but I would keep the lodging at Canyon. The Lake area is beautiful but in my opinion - not wholly unlike other pretty lakes - the Canyon area is totally unique. Also, we found that the popular Canyon overlooks got EXTREMELY crowded. We had two nights at canyon and when we arrived mid- afternoon on the first night we were to stay there we went out to a couple of the major viewpoints and it was an absolute throng. We decided to come back first thing in the morning - right at sunrise - and we had the place to ourselves. I think staying at Canyon allows you to be out enjoying the sites early and late and helps to avoid crowds. The canyon overlooks and the boardwalks near the Old Faithful Inn were the two places in the park that we really felt the crowds and were glad to be able to return to them first thing in the morning for a more enjoyable time.

That being said, the Lake Lodge is a beautiful building and we enjoyed having lunch there. For me, though, the Canyon area of Yellowstone was one of the most beautiful and impressive parts of the park - I would want to spend more time there.

What db6040 said.

I can't believe how much time has passed since I was on this site! We spent time with family in NC and VA to escape some of winter in Maine. Now that we're back I'm finalizing our trip plans.

We decided to fly into and out of SLC. We'll travel to West Yellowstone and on to OFI for two nights, then Canyon for two more and then one at Lake Lodge. We'll travel to GTNP staying at Alpenhof for two nights, then to SLC for an overnight before our flight home. I actually still have reservations in Jackson for the same two nights as at Alpenhof - I'm deciding whether to do the first at Alpenhof and the second in Jackson or both in one or the other! Decisions, decisions!

I've made a trip folder for my phone and laptop of tips and suggestions from many trip reports. Thank you all for your wonderful responses!

Sounds like a great trip! Looking forward to hearing about it when you return.

Your trip sounds wonderful, marthav. Be sure to bring binoculars.