AM PLANNING TO GO NEXT SUMMER, SO THERE IS NO URGENCY-JUST ADVICE. WILL STAY NEAR OLD FAITHFUL WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND WANT TO SEE WHAT IS BEST WITHOUT HIKING MORE THAN A FEW MILES AND I DO NOT WANT TO STAY IN A CAR ALL THE TIME-HOW ABOUT IT?

If you're staying near old faithful then I assume that you're staying at the lodge. It's nice and cozy but can get crowded in the common areas during peak tourist times. Hiking is something you're going to want to do around the geysers. There are specific boarded paths that you'll walk along. They'll tell you the safety precautions you need to take in and around the geysers so pay close attention. One of the most important is STAY ON THE BOARDED PATHS!!!! There is a very thin ice like substance (don't know the name of the mineral) that looks just like solid ground but can open up into a 200 degree pool of Scalding water if you step on it and there's no way to tell the difference between this stuff and solid ground.

If you follow the rules you will have the time of your life! It's one of the most beautiful "alive" places I've ever been. If you're going in June then there should be quite a few wild strawberry plants out an about. They're not for human eating but they do tend to bring out the wildlife who love munching on them. So you may see quite a few Elk, buffalo and trumpeter swans. We were lucky enough to see bears (from a distance) and beaver when we were there. There are now wolves in the park (they've been re-introduced into the ecosystem). If it's calfing season, then you must respect the distance between you and the buffalo. There magnificent and their strength and beauty is enough to make you forget your in the territory of a large wild animal. Your best bet when touring the herding spots is to stay in your car. There are photo areas to capture some exquisite photos of these animals. If one or more of them is blocking your path on the road DO NOT get out of your car. Don't try to motivate them to move in any way (they don't listen to horn honking anyway). The rangers are alert all the time and will see a traffic jam from their station. Give them time to get out there and move the animals for you. Just be patient This is a place where you'll want to take it slowly to take all the beauty in anyway.

Your daughter will probably love the paint pots. And the forest (still new growth after the 88 fire) is awe inspiring. Have a great time, you'll take home wonderful memories!

My family and I had a wonderful time there several years ago. I grew up always wanting to see Old Faithful but never believing I'd get there so it was all quite thrilling. Best advice I got from someone who had been several times was to get up and drive the circle through the park very early, 5 - 6 am, because that's when you'll see the animals up and moving. It takes several hours but we saw lots of elk, moose and buffalo in addition to beautiful scenery, waterfalls, rivers. I would love to go again!! Have a great trip!

I hope you've already made your reservations because the Old Faithful Inn fills up fast. The lodge is truly a work of art, and is one of our favorite places to stay.

You really don't have to get up that early to see wildlife; we had the best luck at dusk, when nearly EVERY creature was out. However, be sure to get up early for the sunrise and Old Faithful erupting, which as a guest you can view from the second floor porch.
It'll be an experience you'll never forget!

Would you suggest staying at Old Faithful Inn for the entire time at Yellowstone or staying there a few days and moving to another area. I would like to see the Tetons, Yellowstone and Old Faithful in 2001 during the summer and would appreciate any advice. Thanks

Short hikes at Yellowstone:
Jupiter Springs and Minerva Springs, in the Mammoth Hot Springs Area.
Black Dragon Cauldron (on the Mud Volcano Trail)
Biscuit Basin
From Old Faithful, hike past Grand Geyser and Giant Geyser to Morning Glory Pool, then loop back thru the Daisy Geyser Group and Castle Geyser.
Hike up to the Observation Point as early as you can, and try to catch Old Faithful erupting at dawn. A rare treat!
View Yellowsteon Grand Canyon from as many overlooks as you can; each offers a unique perspective on the Canyon.

As whether to stay at Old Faithful Lodge the entire time; I recomend that you stay at least one night at Grand Teton. If you're a couple, I recommend Colter Bay Log Cabins totally; they are cozy and VERY romantic! However, they only have one bed per cabin, so they are NOT for a family. Check out
www.gtlc.com/CBVLod.htm

Sheila:
You could stay at the Old Faithful Inn for your entire Yellowstone and still be able to easily move around and see all the sights there. Or, you could split it up with, say, Lake Yellowstone Hotel.
As for the Tetons, definitely spent at least one night (probably more) there. Try the Signal Mount Lodge or the Grand Teton Lodge.

Should I devote 1 or 2 nights to Jackson Hole and Cody or just travel there for a day trip. I am trying to figure out how many hotel reservations that I need to make. We are stopping near Lander for a few nights on the ranch where my daughter is working for the summer and then on to Yellowstone. I just want to cover the entire area while I am there. I will have two weeks next summer. Thanks

Run don't walk tp book your reservation at Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Tetons! It is right on the lake and right out of a postcard. You can sit on your balcony and just feel that you are in heaven with the mountains and lake-what a view! It is privately run(the only one not run by the park service within the park) so it is special. Has a bar,restaurant,boat rentals,general store and in the center of the Grand Tetons for EVERYTHING!Split you trip up between both parks-it is well worth it.Debbie

I went to the site of Signal Mt. Lodge and could not find the rates for summer. Does anyone happen to know? Also wondering if I should spend the night in Cody or Jackson. The airline rates seem high to surrounding area. Any tips on cheaper flights. We would have to drive from TN or either fly and get a rental car. Thanks

Sheila-the phone number for the Signal Mountain Lodge is 307/733-5470 or 307/543-2831. They have everything from a simple log cabin to two room lakefront bungelows with kitchenettes.Prices this year were $80.00 to $170.00. I know that because of a last minute cancellation when I called(a week before we were supposed to leave) we were lucky to get the two room bungelow directly on the lake. The $170.00 seems high to most but trust me when I say-it is worth EVERY penny.Our whole family agreed that we would go without something else when we got home if we could stay longer at that place.If I may suggest a great helper for your trip to that area-its called the WYOMING HANDBOOK published by Moon Travel Handbooks. It has EVERYTHING that you would ever want to know on Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons plus the rest of Wyoming. There is also a new edition for 2001 that just is Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Price is around $18.95 but really has more info/history than any other travel book that we found!Gives you great tips on everything in the whole state!
As far as Jackson versus Cody-I would vote Jackson.Its worth a day or two trip just to see the area. The rafting out of Jackson is much better than Yellowstone which is a fun time for all.
Our family trip was 4 days in Yellowstone,3 days in the Grand Tetons and 2 days in Jackson(we had to fly into Salt Lake City and then rent car to drive to West Yellowstone).If you need any other suggestons-let me know. It truly is one of America's unique areas! Debbie

I forgot to add that you could fly into Bozeman, Montana(only an hour and a half away from Yellowstone) or even Billings,Montana which is further. The only reason we went to Salt Lake city was that our trip was VERY last minute and we couldn't get seats on anything else! Debbie

To Debbie: Thanks for information. How many people does the 2 room bungelow sleep? Who publishes the 2001 Yellowstone and Tetons guide that you mention? This is my preliminary itinerary - let me know what you think.
Fly in to Riverton, Wyoming which is near the ranch where my daughter will be working again next summer, rent a car there, 3 nights at the ranch in Lander (visiting my daughter mainly), 2 nights in Jackson (need suggestions for a place to stay there), 3 nights at Signal Mt. Lodge in Tetons, 3 nights at Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, either on to Cody for a night or back to Riverton to fly home. Any suggestions? Thanks

Your itinerary looks good. I'll second the recommendation about that Wyoming book.
Make sure to stop at the Cody Museum when you're in Cody. Fantastic place.

If you have the time, I'd spend a couple of nights in Jackson. It's a great "cowboy" town and there are some really great restaurants there. Plus, from Jackson you can make day trips to Teton Natl Park. I actually prefer the Tetons over Yellowstone. Yellowstone is just so congested (with people), but it is a must-see, granted. And you need to spend several days in Yellowstone. But try to make some time for Jackson and the Tetons. To see the Tetons at dawn or dusk it truly an awe-inspiring sight.

Sheila: Our family spent 2 weeks in Jackson and Yellowstone in early June. Great trip!!! We spent a couple of nights at the Old Faithful Snowlodge and really liked it. It is within walking distance of Old Faithful Inn. We did eat at the restaurant at Old Faithful Inn. The meal was a disappointment, but just being in Yellowstone made up for it. HIGHLY recommended is the Inn on the Creek in Jackson. The rooms are wonderul. My husband is not a b&b fan, but he loved it too. (Don't choose it for the view of the "creek", but rather for the hospitality, service, room comfort and breakfast)

Where is the best place to stay in Jackson near the town square and within walking distance of most restaurants, etc.? Does anyone know the cheapest place to fly into near Lander, Wyoming? Riverton seems very expensive. Thanks

To the top for more ideas.

At Jackson, I always stay at the Spring Creek Resort, but 1) it's not IN town and 2) it's a bit pricey. I'd call Jackson Hole Reservations at (800)329-9205. They know all the places to stay.

Places within walking distance of Jackson's Square: Inn on the Creek, Rusty Parrot (no small children allowed), and Wort Hotel are some you may want to investigate. We had great food at both the Blue Lion and Calicos...(Calicos more casual). Also, not very far from the Square but not quite within walking distance check out Days Inn of Jackson Hole, Best Western and Red Lion/WY Inn. All are chains, but you will be pleasantly suprised how nice these particular ones are. We reserved lodging through Jackson Hole Central Reservations 800-443-6931 and 800-443-8613