Hi all:

I am trying to plan a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park for my parents. I would like to book them one night within reasonable driving distance of the canyon. Has anyone stayed at Dunraven Lodge in Canyon Village? If so, how would you rate this lodge?

Also, is a view of the canyon and the falls within an easy walk of a parking lot? My parents can easily walk 3 miles on a flat, paved trail, but they cannot handle a trail with any significant elevation gains and losses.

Thank you for your help!

Best regards,
TML

We have stayed at Dunraven Lodge a few times. We find it comfortable. Are you familiar with National Park lodges? There is no air conditioning (usually has a fan in the room),no tv, phone service, even cell (except maybe verizon), internet access, etc. This is the newer of the two lodges at Canyon which are side by side. We have stayed at Cascade also. We have always found them clean. Canyon Village has pretty much everything you would need.

Canyon Village is right next to the roads (north rim and south rim) of the Canyon. Both roads have quite a few viewpoints where you can park and walk a short distance to fantastic views. They can walk as much or as little as they want and still get some great views. There is some elevation gain and loss at some of them, but they can decide when they see it what they want to do. Lots of senior citizens (who probably couldn't walk 3 miles) are at these viewpoints. We are seniors so I can say this -- we just take our time and stop and rest if we need to. Remember you are at 8,000 ft there so they may feel the altitude when they first arrive.

Although there are trails that lead from the viewpoints that have significant elevation gains and losses, you don't have to take them to experience the canyon and falls.

Your parents are very lucky to have you.

Sorry, I can' t comment about the lodge. The view of the falls is easy from the lot. Choose between stairs or a wheelchair incline. Also, check for info on other YS falls. There are several easy to see, without a long walk. Can't remember where I found it but I had a list of the easiest falls Tosee. Try the park website or maybe someone on this forum has the site or list. There is a site called Something like Yellowstone net. Maybe I found the list on it. Sorry I don't have the exact name.

You can get a park map and there are several falls right near the road. The best is upper and lower falls, imop.

We like Old Faithful Inn, Lake Hotel, and Roosevelt Lodge. As maj mentions, they are all fairly primitive and sometimes even in poor shape. That said, I think they are fantastic. You gotta have a squirrel, mouse or something in your room when you visit a NP lodge or it just isn't a trip. lol

We stayed one night in Dunraven and found it to be clean and comfortable. However, it no why compares to staying at Old Faithful Inn IMHO for walks on boardwalks and really good food! Of course, you didn't ask for a comparison, just sayin

We had a cabin near Lake Yellowstone, I just kept saying, "This is better than a tent!"

Thank you all for your responses. It is appreciated.

TML