Any motels listed on the internet or in the free travel booklets sent from CO & WY seem rather expensive (over $50.00) in these two areas: OURAY & JACKSON.

Would I be foolish to just "wait & see" what I can find upon arrival in 1st-2nd week JULY 2003? Don't most towns have usual chain motels that are not listed in publications/internet?

Will be camping most of trip but wanted to break up our trip with a motel stay in these two towns since we will be going to events/concert in the area.

Sylvia
(converting our money over adds another 60% to every dollar)

I went through Jackson one summer at that time of year, and pretty much everything was filled up. A waitress told me the week after July 4th was the busiest week of the year. If you're okay with camping if you can't find a room, you'll be okay waiting until the last minute. Don't expect great deals, though. I'd also be worried about how long finding rooms would take, given the fact that this trip will be pretty rushed anyway. We stayed in a B&B in Lander, and the Lake Hotel in Yellowstone; otherwise just camped. We liked the Jenny Lake Campground (be there by 8am) in the Grand Tetons, as well as forest sevice campgrounds in the Wind River and Snowy Ranges.

Ouray won't be as busy as Jackson; hotels there should be cheaper, but maybe still hard to find. Silverton is another option for lodging, as long as you give yourself 45-60 minutes to get to Ouray. Check on roadwork.

You might want to check on B&Bs in both places through their local chambers of commerce on the internet.

I wouldn't wait til the last minute for Ouray, especially around the fourth. People come from all over for their fireworks show.

Ouray is a small town and there aren't many hotels. It's a great place to visit though.

Thanks. I went ahead & booked a B&B in Ouray, and am still looking in Jackson. Will book in advance as you recommend.

We will be sleeping in car (camping) most of the rest of trip so wanted a couple nights flat on a bed!

Syv

I've slept in a car once or twice in Colorado when I was camping alone, because I didn't want the hassle of a tent. It will get near or below freezing in the higher areas. If you can get one of those small candle lanterns, they can be enough to keep the inside of the car tolerably warm.

I learned from experience my first time sleeping in the car in the desert of Arizona in summer and was so uncomfortably cold that I couldn't sleep. No matter how many layers I put on.

Finally, I now have a really good sleeping bag which makes a big difference!