We will be vacationing in WY for 10 days. We are flying in to Jackson Hole and want to take in the sights at Yellowstone National Park. Any suggestions on best places to stay and how many nights we should plan on being at the Park, before returning to Jackson Hole?

If you are going this summer, your options for accommodations in Yellowstone at this close date are very limited at best.
With 10 days, I'd split it up with 4 in Yellowstone, 4 in the Grand Teton and 2 for other activities, such as the Wind River Mountains and Reservation.

Hi,

In 1997 we did the following:

Used Jackson Hole as a base at the Cache Creek Motel (only apts with kitchens). Very inexpensive.

Traveled to Yellostone daily for 3 days. Most breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons.

Day 4 at noon we went to Teton Village and took the gondola to the peak (some 14,000 ft). Worth every dollar. Take up a flask with hot coffee and cookies, we did. Same evening nearby at the Bar-S Ranch we did their Ranch dinner (in tattered aluminum plates, spoons, mug, etc $13.00) & entertainment.

Must see the 'faux' gun fight at 4 in the town square.

Try the bison steak and Huckleberry pies.

Lake Jenny nearby is a must if you hike.

All the best

Godrejk

If you plan on staying in Yellowstone, reserve a room now. Availability of rooms is already highly limited.
Places like the Old Faithful Inn are already booked. Some of the cabins around the Lake are still unreserved, so you may be able to find something if you act now.

How much time? I have stayed in Yellowstone for as long as 5 days and still had attractions to visit.

I would certainly stay in Yellowstone for at least two days if you can get a room. If not, then perhaps spend a day or two in West Yellowstone for easier access to the park than Jackson.

If you are trying to stay in the park, you'll have nab a night or 2 where possible at this late date. Hope for cancellations. You also have the option of the town of West Yellowstone. That can be a good base and has several chain hotels. Just over the line from Mammoth is Gardiner, MT and they have some Mom and Pop type lodging there. Also, there are some accomodations just outside the NE gate.

For how many days to stay in Yellowstone, I've spent 15 days in the park over the last 5 years and have just scratched the surface.

As for Tetons, the accomodations in the park fill up. I've stayed at Signal Mtn Lodge in their cabins. Unbelievable views. 1-2 days in Tetons are plenty for most people. The hiking can be strenuous.

In Jackson, the Buckrail is a nice little motel away from the main downtown area.

Thanks to all for the input! I did get a reservation at Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Can't wait to explore the park.

The gondola to the peak of the Tetons sounds like a great experience.

Now on to making the rest of my reservations in Jackson Hole. I'm gonna check out the Signal Mt. Lodge and Buckrail. Anyone else have a favorite place they'd suggest staying at there?

My aunt works at Lost Creek Ranch.

A few years ago we took the gondola to the top of the ski area and had a snowball fight in the middle of July. That was neat.

At the ski area, have lunch at the Mangy Moose...it's fun

If you can, try to stay at Colter Bay Village in the Grand Tetons. Also, the cowboy dinner ride from Jackson Lake Lodge is a hoot. You ride horses (I had Big Lou) out into the valley and some "real" cowboys serve a dinner of franks and beans. Then you sit around the campfire and sing cowboy songs. It sounds really corny, but if you're not to cool to be a tourist, it's really fun.

Make sure you check the schedules for the Ranger programs, as they are highly informative.

The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone is the best trip we've ever taken. I hope you have as much fun as we did.