Grand Teton & Yellowstone via Denver
 

We are planning our first major trip out west next summer. Our starting point will be Denver (flying). Is there a scenic route from Denver to Grand Teton? What are the "must sees" in both parks? We would also like to put our feet in Idaho and Montana since they are so close. Any ideas close to the Wyoming border? The trip will be two weeks. Any ideas anyone has would be greatly appreciated. What lodges should we stay at in the Parks? Thanks for any assistance with this major trip for us.

If you like, you can take a look at my trip report from 2010. We drove through Denver to Grand Teton and Yosemite.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-gorgeous.cfm

Lee Ann

Thanks Lee Ann. I will take a look at the link.

Linda

You may want to email the moderators and have them remove the trip report designation from your post.

I must have checked that by mistake. New to the site. Thanks.

Many years ago we took a long trip west which included the Tetons. We approached from Salt Lake City and went through one of the most beautiful canyons north of SLC to Jackson. So I'd drive across Colorado, taking in the rockies to SLC and then north.

Thanks Gretchen. We'll take that under consideration.

Some Tetons suggestions:

Early morning float trip down the Snake River. Beautiful, quiet and best chance to see wildlife in early morning. Our kids loved this. About $70 per person.

Take the boat across Jenny Lake, then hike up to Inspiration Point (5 mi. RT). Even if you don't go all the way to the Point, this is a really pretty spot. About $15.

Take the Tram to the top of Jackson Hole. Spectacular views and easy hiking at high altitude. About $25 if booked online.


Some Yellowstone Suggestions:

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Yellowstone Falls. Spectacular overlook, and a nice walk to the base of the falls.

Old Faithful Geyser (of course!), but go further along to look at other nearby geysers. The Visitor Center has info on predicted eruption times for many of the bigger/more regular ones.

Norris Geyser Basin - a very pretty boardwalk trail. Lesser-known and quieter than Old Faithful area, but a beautiful area. Again, check on predicted eruption times.

Mammoth Hot Springs - another short pretty walk with hot springs and limestone formations.

Just so you know. Today was the first day to make reservations in Yellowstone. I got online at noon and what I wanted was already gone for the weekend I wanted. I did end up with close to what I wanted, but you need to make reservations ASAP.

spirobulldog: Thank you so much. Somehow I did stumble on that information and did make my reservations that day. I tried getting through on the phone but was unable to get through. Did it right at 10:00 a.m. Fortunately, was able to get through online. So far I have planned to spend 2 days in Grand Teton and 3 days in Yellowstone. Don't know if I should have done another day in Yellowstone, but we want to see other things so we'll have to live with this for now.

You should have booked an extra day since you can always drop it later.

ttt

This is 2 years old!!!