Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton itinerary--help???
 

We are planning our August 2006 vacation to these parks and intend to spend 3 nights in West Glacier at Glacier Raft Co. chalet, then move on to West Yellowstone where we have the opportunity to rent a 3 bedroom house for a minimum of at least 5 nights. We then plan on seeing Grand Tetons and at least taking a float trip down the Snake River. I was wondering if it would be wiser to station ourselves in West Yellowstone for at least 5-7 nights and drive down to see the Tetons on daytrips rather than repacking and relocating. We won't be doing hikes in Tetons and perhaps would be better off leaving West Yellowstone to travel over to Billings for a couple nights and see local attractions around there before flying home. Definitely want to do Beartooth if it's open. Any thoughts or suggestions?

The Grand Teton is definitely worth a couple of nights. Daytripping just doesn't do justice to this magnificent area of natural beauty.

I think it would be very cumbersome day-tripping from West Yellowstone to the Tetons. It would take considerably more time "commuting" than it would be to check in and out of an additional accommodation.

Much as I hate (and my husband really hates) packing up and relocating, I agree with karens.

It is definitely doable to see the main sights in the Tetons in one day (if you are not hiking, etc.), but if you are planning on taking a float trip (how long are they -- we haven't done those) and plan on driving down to the Tetons 2 days, I think the drive would be very tedious. You will be doing plenty of driving just in Yellowstone going from one place to another. We didn't mind staying in West Yellowstone and driving into the park each day -- we always had animal sightings along the way. Even if you only spent one night in the Tetons I think it would be a more relaxing trip for you (especially with kids). Speaking of which, did you see the following post (hope I did this right).

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34608027

Packing/unpacking is a pain - but Yellowstone and Grand Teton area is very large geographically and travel is sometimes slow because of "animal jams" Also, there are no choices of roads to take - in Yellowstone road is basically a figure 8 and in GTNP one primary north/south road (with a branch off to the east). You end up seeing the same thing over and over again while trying to do day trips.

no question packing up and moving is a pain but you do not want to day trip unless it's only one day and i think you will find the tetons and jackson itself something to enjoy for more than that. you will "waste" too much time driving. the distance is close by western standards (anything you get to in 3 hours or less is a short trip to me when i'm out there!) but you really should suck it up and pack one more time....

The majesty and beauty of the Teton is definitely worth packing and unpacking for!

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful suggestions! I'm sold!! Definitely will stay in Jackson for at least a few nights. Taking into consideration the drive down from West Yellowstone, checking in, etc. and planning on at least one day to do a float trip, should we at least try for three nights instead of two, just so we don't feel "rushed" or "hurried"? Also we prefer the condo or vacation home accommodations now that the kids are older, does anyone have a suggestion for any Jackson properties? Again, I thank you for your kind help.

i'm sure you can find cabin accomodations in the area, google lodging for jackson, also you can try vrbo.com, (vacation rental by owner) you may pick up a good price on the ski area condos. also cyberrentals.com. good luck

A good website for this area is:http://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/ge...ional_park.php
You can find condo's and houses to rent for that site.
We stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge and took the float trip that they offer down the Snake River. Loved it!
Another place that has been recommended on this board is Signal Mt Lodge. They have rustic cabins and some Lakefront cabins.

Your trip will be wonderful,3 national parks. You definitely need to book separate accomodations in the Tetons or Jackson area. Huge driving distances from West yellowstone, 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The Tetons are my favorite and Jackson is a fun town to visit. in Jackson there are many rafting companies for whitewater. You meet at their offices in Jackson then bus an hour south of town for the wonderful rafting trips on the Snake River, which are different than the float trips at jackson lake Lodge. Brochures in all hotel lobbies, ask the concierge for advice. We did the rafting company with an office across the street from Albertons, cant remember the company name but we were very plesed. If you are choosing betweeen Billings and the Tetons, hands down take the Tetons.

PS, there are condos available in Teton Village, do a search for rental properties. Very nice units. Its 15-20 minutes from Teton Village to the town of Jackson

As mentioned before, we stayed at Teton Village Jackson Hole Resort Lodging. Trying to find a website for these condos was very difficult. There is a site jhresortlodging.com, but it lists over 100 properties.

The best I can offer is to book it the way we did, thru Expedia. At their website, choose the "hotel only" selection and then on the specific hotel page type in Teton Village.

Our 2 bedroom, 2 BR, full kitchen, LR, Balcony condo cost us just over $200/nite in mid-August.

If you head to Billings, depending on what time in August, you might want to venture down to Hardin and the Crow Reservation, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn Natl. Monument. and see Custer's Last Stand. In mid August every year in that area, they have the Crow Fair, which is by far the largest tribal gathering in the US. Usually 5-8000 Native Americans come and display their display their special dances, and have their wares and their foods for sale. They also have a reenactment of the battle during the same time. I highly reccomend this if you have a chance.

dmpalena-

I have to say I am most jealous of your upcoming trip! My husband and I just returned from a Big Sky/Yellowstone/Grand Tetons trip, and I can't wait until we go back.

We had such an amazing time, and I agree with the others, definitely try and stay in the Tetons! We stayed in tiny cabins inside each park, so I can't really help you with regards to lodging, but I just wanted to pop in here and say have an amazing time!

Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to comment or share a thought or suggestion with me. I like to do a lot of "homework" before a vacation (much to my family's dismay--they get a little tired of hearing me talk about it...but hey, it gets me through the approaching "winter gloomies" so they'll have to just put up with me, lol). Anyway it's really a pleasure reading all your posts and I so look forward to this trip in a big way because of all of you. Thanks for the smiles!!!