National Park with Luxury nearby...HELP!
 

I would like to surprise my husband with a trip to Wyoming for about 5 days around Labor Day. Is there any place nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton with a luxury (5-star) resort/spa? It seems like Jackson Hole is interesting, but how far outside of Yellowstone is it (driving time)? I don't mind driving, but I don't want that to take up our days. We are mild hikers, and basically just enjoy taking photographs of nature. What type of wildlife can you see this time of year near the mainroads in the parks? <BR> <BR>Thank you so much for everything!

I can't help you with a five-star resort, but I can tell you that the time around Labor Day is a great time to go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The weather is delightful and the aspen are turning yellow. As for animals, you are sure to see, at least, bison, elk and deer. That's the elk mating season, so you are sure to hear a lot of bugling from the males.

There is nothing wrong with making Jackson Hole your base. Just a few miles out of town you are into Grand Teton National Park and terrific scenery. IMHO going into Yellowstone from the south is the most scenic way.<BR><BR>If you really want to surprise him find a working guest ranch. There are lots to choose from in that part of Wyoming.<BR><BR>If you are into hiking there is a short hike just across Jenny Lake (take the boat ride across) called Inspiration Point. You climb partway up the Teton Mountains and look out over the Snake River and adjacent countryside.

The town of West Yellowstone is the best place to stay to be close to the attractions in Yellowstone.<BR><BR>From Jackson to West Thumb area which would be the closest thermal area in Yellowstone is 80 miles one way. (from West Yellowstone it's only 50 miles) <BR><BR>From Jackson to Mammoth Hot Springs area is 145 miles one way. (from West Yellowstone it's only 48 miles) <BR><BR>From Jackson to Tower Junction it is 165 miles because the road between Canyon Village and Tower Junction is going to be closed all this year so you will have to drive around that closed section. (from West Yellowstone it's only 66 miles)<BR><BR>From Jackson to Old Faithful is 95 miles (from West Yellowstone it's only 32 miles)<BR><BR>I don't think Jacksonhole is a good base if you want to spend a lot of time in Yellowstone. <BR><BR>I would suggest taking a one day trip to see the Grand Tetons.<BR><BR>Buffalo, deer, elk, are easy to find. You might be lucky and see a bald eagle and if your are really lucky a bear or grizzly bear. If you want to see moose be at the Moran Junction (or ask the rangers where best to see them this year) in the Grand Tetons at dusk. <BR><BR>Utahtea

In Jackson, The Amangani, part of the Aman Resorts group. Ultimate luxury if you can affort it. 1-877-734-7333. Check out their web site by searching for Aman Resorts. <BR><BR>Not very near to Yellowstone. After all, the Natl Parks are to preserve natural beauty. They are beyond price.

Thanks so much for all of your help. Can you recommend any lodging in West Yellowstone? Also, is there a better time of year to view bears and moose? We are back from a month long trip to Alaska, so we are kind of spoiled...

We always camp in the park so I won't be of any help with recommending lodging. <BR><BR>I did find these web pages in a search:<BR><BR>http://www.westyellowstoneres.com/lodging.htm<BR><BR>http://www.holidayinnrockies.com/hotels/wysmt.html<BR><BR>Utahtea

BTW if you really want to see a lot of wildlife go to Jasper and Banff National Parks in Canada. We saw more wild life (bears &amp; moose) there in a couple of weeks then we did on our trip to Alaska!<BR><BR>Utahtea

<BR><BR>As mentioned, the Amangani is the only 5 star (I guess it's five star) hotel anywhere near Yellowstone. I'll warn you, though - it's expensive and a little stark for me. You'll have a rgeat view of the Tetons across the Gros Ventre range, though. If you plan on going to the park every day, than the drive from Jackson would get real tiresome.<BR><BR>Also, keep in mind Grand Teton National Park, and the Jenny Lake Lodge (not 5 star, but very nice). I've never been disappointed with wildlife viewing in that park.

I would probably steer you towards the Jenny Lake Lodge, which from what I read, is the most upscale place in the Tetons/Yellowstone. I can't tell if you're more interested in having appropriate lodging or in being close to the parks. I have never been to West Yellowstone but did take a Yellowstone/Teton trip two years ago and did a lot of reading. From what I could gather West Yellowstone is on the tackier side so that may not be what you want. There are also some very nice hotels in Jackson Hole. The Wort comes to mind.From Jackson Hole you are only about 1/2 hour to Grand Teton Natl Park. I can't recall the distance to Yellowstone, but it wasn't more than 2 hours (I think).