Soxgirl:

The first part of the hike from Inspiration Point to Cascade Canyon (thank for the name) was fairly steep and narrow, but we are not hikers--especially the 12 year-old--and had no trouble whatsoever. The steep part is short and the scenery is well worth the trip. We did see a bull moose in the canyon. I wish that we had had the time to do the whole hike.

There were many people on the hike to Cascade Canyon that were either much older than we-we're in our 50s--or really little.

Thanks Soxgirl for remembering me and the TV dilemma, I actually just booked the Jackson Lake Lodge, found a great special on Travelzoo for $99 a night plus a $20 resort credit. Still no TV, hopefully he will just be too tired. We city folk are just not used to so much outdoors!

Sounds like you had a great trip, thanks for the report!

We almost had to cancel the entire trip due to DH job, but we ironed everything out, so now I can start reading the boards again.

Hi BayouGal, can you believe Sept is almost here. What dates will you be in the parks?

Link, Jackson Lake Lodge,which we visited, had some great perks; murals in dining room, stellar views, and-take the picnic hill trail heading up behind the main building. It was so named for Rockerfeller, who had picnics up there. Then, keep walking as it continues up a dirt path. This path has spokes heading out over the ridge above the Willow Flats. From there, we saw many bull moose! Hope you have a good zoom, or binoculars-you're a bit above them. Lyntom-thanks for the tip for others about Cascade Canyon. Next time for me

BayouGal
I just finished printing this 12 page list of things to do and am delighted.
Thanks all for your suggestions.
Especially the warning about the mosquitoes. I hadn't even given a thought to those little creatures. I have added "OFF" to our store list
We arrive at Old Faithful Lodge on September 11th for 2 days, then it's off to Cody ,via Beartooth highway,
for 2 more days.
Back to Yellowstone Lake for 3 days. then down to GTNP for a final 2 days in the Parks. Three more days in Salt Lake City then fly home.
Thanks to the many suggestions we will be busy every day.

Link, would you please share what deal you go through Travel Zoo? Where can it be found on their site? Thanks!

Hi SpeedBuggy,
I found the special for The Jackson Lake Lodge on the July 26 posting of Travelzoo. Although, it now says sold out I called the hotel directly and they still honored it. I was thrilled, because I didn't jump on it right away and thought I would miss out on a great deal(I hope). We will be there the nights of 9/21&22. Also, there is a two night min. and it is $99 per night plus a $20 activites credit.

Thanks soxgirl for all your great tips and your great reporting. We are really looking forward to our first trip to Yellowstone and all that surrounds it.

lyntom, sounds like you enjoyed the Lone Star Geyser, I'm just starting to gather this type of info for our trip, (any idea if it will still be buggy mid Sept?. I will be printing out these pages very soon!
I have not been on the Alaska board, but we were there 3 years ago for 3 weeks. If I can help I will try to get over there.

Thank you, Link! Maybe we'll see you there!

Lynda, if this is your first trip to Alaska, then rest assured that you will love it! Have fun!

bayouGal,

love the list. I will be there Sept. 22nd - 30th. Sounds like I plan like you do. Got my pages with each section printed out with what I want to do.

I have not done as much yet with the Tetons (I will be there two days). I noticed the tours you put down. I was curious where you found informatin about them. I am sure I will call, but thought I would see if I could read/see what you saw.

Thanks for sharing.

Such good suggestions everyone has given here. Thanks BG for putting this all together for us!

On the road from Jackson to Yellowstone in one of the turnouts, down a short washboard rickety road, we found a great area where we watched the beavers make their dams - and I'm talking huge dams. We were so taken with them that we'd go there each morning, set up our chairs, and watch them at work. Each visit, we noticed this tree slowly got eaten away each night, and then one morning it was down, leaves stripped.

Last time we were there was Fall of '04, and the trees were drop-dead gorgeous! The aspens were so golden and even some orange. People were stopped all over the roads just going ga-ga over all the beautiful colors.

In Yellowstone, the area around the Fishing Bridge seeemed to be pretty consistent for grizzly viewing. Saw a momma and her little cubs one day. Soooo cute! You know when they're around because the cars are all along the side of the roads in the area.

In JH, we usually stay in the Timber Ridge condos. They're huge, lots of rooms to spread out, plus the sunset view over the valley is - well, an a-ha moment!

Enjoy your trips, y'all. It's such a beautiful place to visit!

bgsnmky, that list takes tips mainly from right here on this forum, some are from other forums devoted solely to Yellowstone, and some of it is from the Nat'l Park site itself. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you, Kopp! We are 10 days and counting! Getting so excited, and it's so nice to have this wonderful trip to look foward to!

bookmarking

Awesome list, definitely printing this one. Does anyone have any similar thoughts on what lies outside of Cody? We are planning (in July '07) on going through SLC to Jackson, then Yellowstone for several days. Then off towards Mt. Rushmore through Cody. Should we go north through Billings, MT or straight through to Sheridan, WY for a night before heading into South Dakota? Can't figure out the pros and cons except seeing the Battlefield of Little Big Horn. Is one road better the another? Thanks.

Depart Yellowstone thru the NE Entrance. Drive the Beartooth Highway (US212). You will not regret it. Billings and then on to the Little Bighorne and the Black Hills.

I am reading this for a trip in the future on a date/year not yet decided. My question is, how far in advance can/must one book a room at Old Faithful Inn? Or at any of the better hotels in the park?

I also am bookmarking for future use. Thanks for all the great information.

For Old Faithful during the summer? - start a year ahead. You may get lucky and get a room that has been cancelled - but the more lead time you have, the better.

One of my best birthdays ever? A room at Old Faithful with the geyser just FEET from my window. It woke me up in the middle of the night - but it was OLD FAITHFUL!!! What a delight!

Thanks Stars, we're looking for a September reservation, but not this year. So I'll keep in mind the year in advance booking. Both my husband and I really want to go but as we're moving this summer (hopefully) we're looking at next year.

September should be fine - more availablity. I booked my room for October as soon as possible - and got perhaps the best room in the house. The location re the geyser was just incredible.

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