howman74

My wife, 9 year old son and I are trying to decide between a trip to the Grand Canyon/Sedona/Bryce/Zion or to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons. Chances are whichever one we do not choose, we will go there next year anyway, but here is the question: If we go to Yellowstone, we would like to stay in the Park but are we too late for those accomadations? We have done a couple of searches that are showing limited availability inside Yellowstone. Or is it just better to plan that trip for next year where we know we can get in the park.

For that matter, Grand Canyon isn't showing much availability either but it doesn't seem as worthwhile to stay inside there.

Any other suggestions are welcome. Have used this forum many times with great suggestions!!

howman74

Also forgot to mention that we would like to make this a 9 or 10 day trip if that makes a difference

happytrailstoyou

If you were my family members, I would advise the Grand Canyon itinerary.

I have never had a problem getting a room in a major national park because I keep calling until my call coincides with somebody canceling out.

I also find out what is the last time at which cancellations must be made to avoid a charge. If it is 72 hours, I call 72 hours before my arrival and book a room.

karens

I'm partial to the Grand Canyon, too, although I might think differently if you are planning on going during the heat of summer.

bchbum97

I think really think that you and your son would enjoy yellowstone and the tetons more in the summer. Try to stay in the roosevelt cabins and do a steak cook out. Both parks are wonderful for wildlife, easy hikes and scenery.
Do try for cancellations at places within the parks... it is worth it.
Signal Mt. lodge was great and a night at Old Faithful Inn can't be beat. I think the nine year old would be more interested in what Yellowstone/Tetons have to offer without the heat. Also, a nice wildlife museuem outside of JacksonHole.

anna_roz

I will cast my vote for the Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks. While exploring the Tetons, I would stay at one of the many lodging options in Jackson Hole. As far as Yellowstone Park goes, for me it would be staying at the Old Faithful or nothing! If Old Faithful is not available, do the Bryce/Zion/Sedona route.

Anna Roz

dfr4848

If weather is any consideration, I'd choose GC etc. for an early summer vacation and GT/YNP for mid to late summer. I agree that it's preferable to stay inside GT/YNP while that's not quite as important at GC. We've stayed in GT at both Jackson Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Lodge (we preferred Jenny Lake but it is probably a little too quiet for a 9 yr old although it has a fantastic restaurant). If you stay at Jackson Lake Lodge, try a get a room on the backside of what I call the south or left wing - unbelieveable, unobstructed views of the Tetons. IMO I would not stay in Jackson Hole if you can avoid it. It's about 30 miles south of Jackson Lake. The highway can get extremely crowded in summer, adding significantly to your travel time. We did day trips into YNP from the two hotels in GT and found it very convenient.

MichelleY

If you go to the GC, stay on the rim. Well worth it!!!

StanKase

Having been to both a few times my vote is Yellowstone/Grand Tetons.For the young in all of us there is a greater chance of seeing 3-5 different animal types though the magisty of the Grand canyon is awesome. But your 9 year old will be intranced for 15-30 minutes unless you went on a 2-3 day river trip and those are more float trips to Class 2 rapids, not very exciting.As mentioned from late June ubtil Labor day the heat can be intense based on whether you are near the north or south rim for there is a little relief in the upper part, in my experiences.With Yellowstone & Tetons you have Jackson Hole which has interest for adults that enjoy art galleries and craft workmanship.Also, there are 5-6 good Restaurants in Jackson, though expensive i.e. Snake River Grill, Jenny Lake Lodge. You need reservation 2-3 days in advance from May through Sept. and in ski season.

utahtea

Both are excellent choices...in fact my top two places I love to travel to. Since you plan on doing the other trip the next year, I'd say go where you can get accommodations.

If you can luck into Yellowstone this year, then you could go for it. Staying in the park is really the best. Try and stay in at least two different locations and Old Faithful area would be the top on my list.

You mentioned 9 or 10 days. That's excellent for Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, but it might not be enough time to really enjoy Grand Canyon/Sedona/Bryce and Zion. Any chance you could add a couple days either this year or next? If you can add days, then I'd let which ever year you could do that...be my deciding factor.

Utahtea

janiekins

My vote would be Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

happytrailstoyou

The Grand Canyon itinerary creates a better opportunity to include a big city experience (e.g., Las Vegas, Phoenix) if you want it.

yale

Another vote for Yellowstone and the Tetons. I imagine your son will be amazed by all the wildlife, the mud pits and steaming ground.

But... if you can't get the accomodations you want, then plan in advance for next year and head to the GC this year. Both are great destinations.

justme22

yellowstone/grand tetons (but that's my choice this year!) if you can't get lodging in either park, i think that yellowstone and grand tetons have more choices outside the park and you should be able get something in jackson ,west yellowstone, gardiner...


not sure capacity for williams, page, cameron for the GC.


you would probably find something in sedona, bryce and zion could have some lodging limitations... I haven't gone to the lodging sites and taken a close look at this tho.

howman74

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations. We have decided on the Yellowstone/Grand Teton trip.

Here is our tentative itenary:
7/9- arrive SLC 10:30 pm (these tix are on hold right now and can be changed)
7/10- drive to Grand Teton (how far a drive?) Tour Tetons
7/11- Rafting Snake River
7/12- Tour GTNP, Drive to YNP in evening
7/13-YNP
7/14-YNP
7/15-YNP
7/16-YNP (evening drive to Cody for rodeo, is is worth it?)
7/17-YNP in AM, Drive to SLC
7/18- Fly home

My question: are we shortchanging ourselves a bit in GTNP? Is 2 nights enough there? We can always add another night there and take one away from YNP

Also: how long is the drive from SLC to Teton? I originally thought about arriving in SLC at the start of our trip at about noon, but after a 4 hour flight, the drive may be too long?

Thank you to all for your input

jedivader

My wife and I stayed right outside of the Grand Canyon entrance, only a few minute drive.