Glacier or Yellowstone/Grand Tetons?
 

Struggling to decide on an early August vacation. We've never been to any of these parks and, at first, thought of Yellowstone. But wondered if the crowds are too much? Would Glacier (Montana) be a better choice? What is the best way to get to these locations from SF Bay Area (California)? Considered flying to Spokane and then AMTRAK to West Glacier. Are there car rentals available there? What about Essex or East Glacier? I wish we could go in the Fall when crowds are fewer, but husband's work schedule does not allow it. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

I'm not an area expert at all but I was at Glacier last July and Yellowstone/Grand Tetons July 2008. Neither was extremely crowded, certainly not what you might be used to if you have visited Yosemite, for example. Many, many times we were alone hiking and on the roads. The very popular areas get crowded, and there are animal jams on the roads sometimes, especially in Yellowstone, but I just didn't think crowds were an issue, certainly not compared to California parks. If you visit the popular areas in the mornings or evenings, shouldn't be a problem. They are very different parks. I think it depends on the kinds of things you like to do and see on vacation. This is just personal opinion of course, but Yellowstone is vast open spaces, I personally didn't think the scenery was "beautiful" in the sense that Yosemite is beautiful, but it is inspiring in it's vast openness. The animal sightings are like nothing else you are likely to experience except maybe Alaska(haven't been there, that's for 2011), it's really amazing seeing the herds of bison, the bears, elk, etc. The geysers are impressive but I personally got my fill in a day or two. Yellowstone is amazingly varied, it's like visiting a whole country with different terrain and experiences. The Grand Tetons are a beautiful and impressive mountain range, great hiking, beautiful vistas, but unless you are into major hiking can be done in a day or two. Glacier National Park is jaw dropping, awe inspiring mountain scenery, really hard to describe. One of the most fantastic visual experiences, the scenery and vistas are amazing. It's very much a hikers park, if you are not into longer hikes(Glacier hiking books refer to 7 - 10 mile hikes as easy) you will miss some of the must sees, but we never ended up taking any hikes above 5 miles and had a great time. It's all mountain scenery, less varied than Yellowstone, but what scenery! Less easy wildlife viewing but lots of grizzlies on the trails in August, lots of bighorn sheep and mountain goats at Logan Pass. That's just through my eyes of course, others may see it differently but hope that helps differentiate them a bit. I personally preferred Glacier, but mountains are my thing. We flew from Northern California to Jaackson Hole for Yellowstone and to Kalispell for Glacier. Both connect in Salt Lake City. I think it's maybe a 5 hour drive from Salt Lake and a pretty cheap flight to SLC from SF, and I think you can fly into Spokane and drive into Glacier, not sure about Amtrak. Many people combine the two parks, which are about an 8 hour drive from eachother. Could be done in 10 days if you don't want to linger in one spot or have days of hiking, easily in 2 weeks taking your time. That's how we will do it if we visit again. Anyway, hope that helps.

Thanks, Lorenky1, I appreciate your opinion - just the kind of info I am interested in. We are hikers, but I must admit I'm a bit nervous about running into Grizzlies on the trail. Glacier does look gorgeous.

I haven't been to Yellowstone in years, but the last 2 summers we have chosen to spend a week of our precious vacation time in Glacier. I love that place (and our alternatives are places like Swiss Alps, Yosemite, Dolomites, etc.). We go the 3rd week of August and have not any experienced problems with "crowds", other than a 5-minute wait to find parking at Logan Pass at mid-day.

As for hiking with bears . . . I too was more than bit nervous. We were charged by a large grizzley in Denali some years ago, and I've never forgotton the experience. But I have become quite comfortable hiking in Glacier. we hike with the rangers on occasion (they do some great hikes, including the most of the best ones); otherwise we hike in a group of 4 or more and keep up the conversation. Sometimes we end up singing Broadway show tunes but that just makes it all the more fun.

The scenery and hiking are fantqstic.

Do you recommend staying in 2 different locations in Glacier or just 1? How many nights? 5? 7? 9?

Glacier=Spectacular Scenery, Good Wildlife,

Yellowstone=Good Scenery, Great Wildlife, Geysers

A difficult decision. Visit one this year and the other in a year or two. I would stay at multitple locations(even more than 2) in each place as I really love the historic lodges.
If you like to hike, go all out, and stay at one of the hiker chalets for a night. I have been to 21 National Parks, Yellowstone would be the one that I would call The Most Complete Package. I have not been to Glacier, but going next year. Each National Park is different, and I don't have a favorite(do have a couple that were my least favorites). Each is different and unique. I don't really think you can go wrong with either one.