Dayle

I meant that if you cant get that second night at R try for Canyon. Better to move than to move to Jackson.

wanderingcanadian

We spent 4 nights at the Lake Hotel and 3 at MHS in mid September and it still wasn't enough time to see everything we wanted to see, 3 days looking at geysers,most of one day at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone river, don't miss that it is stunningly gorgeous, another day at the hot springs and another in the Norris Geyser basin, before going south to Jackson Hole.
I know others will disagree with my thoughts on Grand Teton, but after having spent a month in the Canadian Rockies, a week in the mountains in Colorado, and a week at Waterton National Park in Alberta it was just more mountains, however if you haven't visited mountain areas it will be very impressive.

susieQ122

I was just able to get two nights in MHS, then will keep the 2 nights in OFI. Any suggestions on what to see/do in the 2 days in MHS. There will never be enough time to see it all...

susieQ122

Patty: I was able to change itinerary to fly into Bozeman, 2 days at MMS, then 2 days at OFI. Any suggestions as to how to spend/what to see while we are in MHS? Thanks!

Patty

That's great! Have you seen this? https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm It gives an overview of what's available in each area and you can pick and choose based on your interests. I would definitely see the Mammoth Terraces. Are you interested in wildlife? Lamar Valley is very good for that. I would also try to see the Canyon area. You could detour that way on your drive from MHS to OFI if you don't make it there before then.

Also check the construction information on this page https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm as there's road construction between Mammoth and Norris and some construction in the Canyon area this season.

susieQ122

Patty, this is great information! Today, I was able to book an Evening Wildlife tour to the Lamar Valley and Roosevelt Tower. Looks like the weather may not be too great...but I guess you can't have everything! Thanks so much. If you think of anything else, please tell me.

Sue

Patty

Watch out for wildlife on roads especially at dusk and dawn. Also watch for wildlife outside of the car. There were two recent elk attacks at MHS with cows protecting calves. The elk and bison may appear almost tame but give them and all other wildlife a wide berth. I think the official distance is 25 yards for everything except bears and wolves which is 100 yards but sometimes that's almost impossible as the elk like to sleep on the grounds of MHS. If you hike, I would carry bear spray which is available pretty much at every store in and near the park. The Walmart in Bozeman probably carries it (and may be slightly cheaper) if you want to pick it up on your way. Have a great trip!

susieQ122

I just want to thank everyone for your help. We had a fantastic trip to YNP and GTNP. Weather was not too cooperative (rain, often), but that's what raingear is for, so it didn't deter us much at all. All your suggestions were so helpful in planning this trip. It wouldn't have gone so smoothly without the information and comments posted by all of you.

Now, off to plan the next trip, to...?

Patty

Glad it worked out!