My family and I are flying to Wyoming on July 4 but do not get in until 9:30 pm. We wanted to stay in Yellowstone but was told Yellowstone lake inn was 2 and half hours away. Any suggestions.......

I have two concerns with your post:

1. Wyoming is a big state, where are you flying to - Jackson? I suppose it doesn't matter too much, since anywhere is probably too far from Yellowstone to drive that late at night. If your flight is scheduled to arrive at 9:30, that means that by the time you get your luggage and rental car, it'll be 10 or 10:30 before you're actually on the road.

2. You're planning a trip to Yellowstone less than three weeks in advance? If you don't already have reservations for in-park lodging, you're not likely to find anything now. You might also find it difficult to find anything in Jackson.

Hopefully I've mis-interpreted your post.

We are flying into the airport in Cody. Surprisely there are plenty of reservations in the park available. I am holding something at Yellowstone lake Inn for that night I made the reservation before I knew how long it would take to get there. So I still need to know where to stay that late on the night we arrive.

The drive between Cody and the east gate of Yellowstone is one of the most scenic ways to enter the park. It is, however, a narrow winding road, perched on the sides of cliffs at times with a several hundred foot dropoff. Two reasons to not make the drive after arriving late in Cody: (1) The drive may be hazardous to someone tired from a long flight and (2) you'll miss some amazing scenery in the darkness.

Mapblast.com says 2 hours to cover 92 miles between Cody and Yellowstone Lake. You'll be driving in the dark, so I'd add to that. 2 1/2 hours is probably a reasonable estimate.

If you only have a couple of days in the park and don't mind driving late, I guess it would be ok to go ahead - just watch for wildlife on the roads. If you'll be in Yellowstone for a week, spend the first night in Cody so you'll be rested and also won't miss a great drive through the mountains.

Bibb
I just checked Yellowstone Lodgings web site and they are showing nothing available. If you made reservations on the web, are you sure you checked 2003 and not 2004? Hope you don't take this the wrong way, just trying to be helpful. I had tried to get lodging for August last month and there was nothing, that was the reason I checked.

I called and made reservations. I couldnt get anything on the internet

I had the same experience their with telephone reservation #, much greater availability than online.

Oops, should be 'with their'

Keith is correct, do not drive at night along these roads, its dangerous and you will miss a gorgeous drive. Stay in Cody, then get up early and drive into the park. It's at least 2.5-3 hours to the Lake area, this drive is so lovely you should take your time and enjoy it.

You are very fortunate to have been able to get reservations over the 4th of July. If by chance you could fly into West Yellowstone instead of Cody you would only be about an hour from Yellowstone Lake Lodge. One poster is correct, it is quite a drive from Cody to Lake Lodge, quite scenic. Also when in Cody you will definately want to hang out at the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum.