My husband & I are considering a trip to see the Grand Tetons and are considering flying to Jackson Hole and using it as a base. We would rent a car and take various day trips. We are not hikers etc.., just want to see the beauty of the area. We're thinking about June 2012.

Does this sound lke a reasonable plan?
Is Jackson Hole the best place to stay?
Any recommendations on places to stay or other cities to use as a base.

All comments & recommendations really appreciated!

Thanks

I would stay "In Park"-- Colter Village, Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, even Dornan's in Moose Wyoming would all be much much better, IMOP. Jenny Lake Lodge if you have deep pockets would be nice.
You could do the Jenny Lake Boat Ride and a short hike. Maybe take another boat ride. Maybe float the Snake River. Horse Ride would be OK too.

It would be a shame to be that close to Yellowstone(the Tetons and Yellowstone are right next to each other) and not see it. There is a ton to see there without doing any hiing at all.

2 nights In Park for The Tetons
1 or 2 nights Old Faithful Inn
1 or 2 nights Roosevelt Lodge
1 or 2 nights Lake Hotel

Of course you could spend a day or so in Jackson the town.
June is great, because waterfalls are going full blast, the park isn't that crowded. Baby animals are everywhere. Good chance of seeing a bear or two. The cons are that it could snow a decent amount and perhaps close part of the road(sometimes Canyon to Lake Hotel can have portions closed if it were to snow several inches).

Drive Beartooth HWY if it is open)it is one of the last roads to open(just outside the park)

Here is a link for photos/trip we took Mid-June a couple of years ago.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...0IatW7FqybsWP3

The area is that big. Day Trips from Jackson would eat up 3 or 4 hours in driving each day. You will be suprised at how often you stop your car and watch wildlife for an hour(or 2 or 3 hours).

Whatever you do get your lodging ASAP!!

Don't forget to do a float trip in the Tetons.

ahw, last year we stayed at Signal Mountain Lodge in the Tetons. It was a great place to stay. Wakeing up to the sun illuminatimg the mountains was awesome. Check out their website and you can see the view for yourself. www.signalmountainlodge.com .They also do float trips, on pretty calm water, that I would recommend and they have a restaurant on site. Staying in Jackson would be fine except for all of the driving to and from the sites. There is a lot of things to see and short hikes from the road to explore waterfalls (yards, not miles).
My wife and I are mostly 'windshield' explorers and we had a great time in the Tetons and Yellowstone. I can't wait to go back.
How many days are you planning to be in the area?

Though it is certainly better to stay right in the park, visiting the Teton from Jackson is doable. We've done it both ways. It's really not that that long a drive from Jackson into the Teton.For a first trip, however, I'd recommend staying in the park.

I agree with others. If you're going to see the Tetons, stay in the park, at least for a few nights. You could also add a night or two in Jackson. How long are you going for? If it's for more than a week consider also visiting Yellowstone. I haven't been there in awhile, but 10 years ago Signal Mountain Lodge in the Tetons was wonderful!

We went to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in early June 2010. It was a little cool, but as others have said, there weren't a lot of tourists and we really enjoyed the trip. If you click on my screen name, you'll find my trip report.

Lee Ann