I'm planning a 9-day trip in August, flying into Billings and out of Jackson Hole. I know we want to explore the Tetons, Snake River and possibly the Red Rock lake that was one of the locations of E.B. White's Trumpet of the Swan (it's near West Yellowstone).
We mainly want to see beautiful sights and stay at interesting inns or lodges in interesting or beautiful towns. We have two kids, ages 9 and 12, come from Boston and have never seen the West.

Hi Sue, I can only help you as far as Montana. Don't know Wyoming. But I would get off the plane in Billings and drive straight to Red Lodge, one hour away, and spend the night there. You can decide if you want to spend more time there or drive to Yellowstone Park via Beartooth Hwy the next morning. If you wanted to spend more time in RL area, then Cody for the day would be a good choice..the Museum, and some people like Rodeos (Cody). I live in Red Lodge but I am mainly writing to tell you to avoid Gardiner, Montana like the plague. Nothing to do, no hospitality. Someone else on forum may recommend driving west on 1-90 and going through the park via the north from Livingston or Bozeman, that would be fine but I don't know those areas. Good luck.

Take the advice, stay a nite in Red Lodge, 1 nite in Mammoth (YNP), 2 nites in mid-YNP (to see the Geysers). For the remainder try to find a cabin in GTNP and relax. Jackson Lake Lodge is great but you will be happy with Signal Lake Lodge. That area will allow easy day trips to see the non-Geyser beauty of the West & be close enough to the airport and Jackson.

do enter the park from Red Lodge, even though milages in the park are short 15-30 miles travel time will be vey slow as there will be lots of people, outside the park the distances are great and very few people. If staying in the park its not too soon to get reservations not all that many places to stay in the park. All towns in and aound the park are rather small and not always the best accomedations. Any questions cotact me direct [email protected]

I would stop in Mammoth, but not stay there. You can see the hot springs in a couple of hours. I would spend 2 nights in Canyon and 2 nights in Old Faithful. Call YNP now to make reservations. They will fill up quickly so let their availability help you decide when and where to stay.