Limited time for GTNP
 

Hi! We are planning a trip in mid-June to Yellowstone. We will be flying into Jackson, WY and driving up to the Old Faithful Inn for a few nights, then up to a cabin in Gardiner,MT for a few more. We will have one night at the end of the trip that we would like to be closer to the Jackson airport for our return trip.

We want to see some of GTNP, and I'm wondering what we might fit in at the beginning and end of the trip. We could spend a few hours in the afternoon on the way from Jackson's airport to Yellowstone. And then the last day/night somewhere near GTNP. If we can only spend a few precious hours, what should we see/do? We like to hike, boat, etc.

Thanks.

I can tell you what we did. You didn't say what time you arrive so I'm going to assum around noon. That's when we normally get there.

Head north from the airport until you get to Moose Junction. Enter the Tetons there and head up the road closest to the mountains. Stop any place that you like. When you get to Jenny Lake, stop there. Very pretty area. We didn't hike there. Keep going north. When you get to a major road junction (Yellowstone to the left) turn right. Its about a mile to Oxbow Bend. There's a decent sized turnout there. Beautiful views and sometimes wildlife.

From there I'd head to Yellowstone. If you want you can read about our Yellowstone trips and see pictures from the Tetons and YNP. It'll let you see what some of these places look like. www.AlandSueJohnson.com. Yellowstone link is on the left.

Last June, we stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge. From there, its 45-50 minutes to the airport. Nice area and nice base to explore the park. Signal Mountain Lodge would work too. JLL isn't all that cheap so you'll have to consider that.

We'll be out there starting June 7 and will spend 2 nights at Jackson Lake Lodge. My wife liked it.

Can't help with the hiking in GTNP we've never stayed there long enough to do any.

AIJ, Thanks so much for your advice and link. Your interactive map is so cool...I'm bookmarking that!

Hey, we are going to be there mid-June as well. We are doing a full day in GTNP for our final day. We plan on doing the Jenny Lake boat and hike in the morning and then Snake River Float at 6 in the evening. This is our first trip to Yellowstone. We are flying into Billings, driving the beartooth in (pray that it will be open by June 13, this is Friday the 13th, so it probably won't be). We are then staying at 3 different lodges. Somewhere different every night. First night is in Old Faithful Inn, 2nd at Roosevelt, 3rd at Lake Hotel. Then on to GTNP staying in Colter Village cabin/tent. our plane doesn't leave until 2:00PM out of Jackson the last day so we are going to do another hike at GTNP or do the alpine slide in Jackson.

On your first afternoon, I would head to Jenny Lake as the previous poster said. Since you are pressed for time, take the boat across and then hike to Hidden Falls and then up to Inspiration Point. It is beautiful, but the drawback is that it is also crowded. Another possibility is to hike around Bradley and Taggart lakes. There are lovely views, and it is not as busy. I would try to stay at Jackson Lake Lodge on your way back. The views from the lobby are amazing, and there is a ranger on the back porch every evening pointing out wildlife. If they are full keep calling back to see if rooms open up. In the evening, drive over to Oxbow Bend to look for moose, which you are unlikely to see in Yellowstone. Another possibility is to drive up Signal Mt. Moose are apt to be along the road, and the view at the top is gorgeous. Have a great time. It is one of my favorite national parks!

Thank you all. We have booked our last day/night at Jackson Lake Lodge and will plan to do the Jenny Lake/Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point jaunt on our way to Yellowstone the first afternoon.

Bookmarking

I would recommend that on your way north from the airport that you turn right onto Antelope Flats Road and a very short drive to the Moulton Barn. It's a must photo op (the barn with the Teton in the background). Also, it's a good opportunity to see some bison up close.
I agree about the Oxbow Bend lookout. It's one of the most magnificent views you'll ever experience.