We loved the cookout and horseback ride, even my older boys! The steaks were surprisingly good, and it was so beautiful eating outside. Although we made reservations ahead, some people just showed up and were able to get cancellations.

Does anybody know how far a drive it is from Canyon to the old west dinner cookout start location? I'm thinking of booking a few nights at Canyon Lodge Cabins, as I think OFI would be a bit far to go.

Thanks
TS

I can't remember for sure, but I think it would be an hour or less. Old Faithful would be way too far. We loved staying at the cabins at Roosevelt Lodge if you can get a reservation. The animals are most visible at night and early morning, and this is the area to see them. Plus, you are right there for the cookout.

I didn't reread all of these posts but just wanted to mention a couple of things to keep in mind for the cookout. We went in late June and the mosquitoes are out in force then at suppertime. Also, we went in the wagon which kicks up a lot of dust and one of my sons had TERRIBLE allergies, very itchy eyes and sneezing from the dust. The horse ride there looked like it would be a lot of fun. The boys made me call up afterwards to ask what kind of steak was served (rib eye) because they liked it so much and we don't eat a lot of steak at home. Loved the cabins at Roosevelt and loved going looking for wildlife (especially grizzlies) at twilight around there; we could hear wolves howl at daybreak there too.

We were at Canyon when we drove to the Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge and I don't remember it being all that far. I do remember thinking it would of been nice to stay at Roosevelt Lodge. It was very nice and we enjoyed sitting on the front porch of the Lodge having a beer while waiting for the Old West Dinner to begin, as much as we really did like it, it seemed forever to get underway!

cd - do you recall if the ride back to Canyon was treacherous or not. I know it's over some mountain pass. thanks

You do drive over Dunraven Pass, but it is not a treacherous drive. Just be on the lookout for animals at night.

csabia
I don't remember any of the roads being treacherous at all. The only time I felt a little uneasy was once when we had to drive thru a herd of buffalo, they were in the roadway on all sides of the road and I kept saying, "dang, those guys are big, and CLOSE to our car!"

I can live with Buffalo. I ride the NYC subways after all.

It's the darkness mainly that scares me.

My 3 boys and I went on the horseback ride and cookout in summer '02. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would do it again, but it poured rain the entire hr riding to the cookout. They had blankets for us to wrap up in when we arrived. As w/ all vacations, just be prepared w/ a sense of adventure and humor!

momof3 -- thanks
I'm prepared for whatever during the cookout. It's the ride back to the Canyon Lodge that is freaking me out.

csabia
We were at Canyon when we drove it and I don't remember being scared at all. I think cautious of the animals that might be on the road, but that's all.

I'm going to Yellowstone in August and am sort of a compulsive type so, I calculated all the driving distances and expected times according to the Yellowstone Official Guide.

Old Faithful to Roosevelt via Madision, Norris and Canyon is 61 miles and is expected to take 2.25 hrs.

Canyon to Roosevelt is 19 miles and 45 minutes

My impression is that driving times allow for animals and other visitors parked in the middle of the road.

Thanks for the replys. Right now I have 6 nights in a row booked at Old Faithful. We want to cut that back to 4 nights and spend 2 nights in the central or northern end of the park so we can explore those areas and do the cookout. So far no openings at Canyon, Roosevelt or Mammoth but will keep trying Xanterra. If all else fails, we'll stay in Gardiner for those 2 nights.

TS

Wow it's been a long time since anyone has posted here.

We are doing the Cookout from Roosevelt. 2 of us are taking the 2 hr horseback ride and the other 2 are taking the covered wagons. 2 teenage boys ages 16 and 18. Both are excited about it. I have heard wonderful things about it, the horse ride is pretty pricy but,as has been stated before you're paying not just for dinner but also for the experiance.

Our trip is in early August 09, and I just called last week to make the reservations for the dinner, I will tell you that with only a month to go before our trip finding space, especially for horses, was tricky. It's a good thing that my friend and her nephew did not want to go via horseback, my son and I got the last 2 horses on the only day available during the 7 days we will be there. I strongly recommend making reservations for the cookout when you reserve your rooms/cabins.

Roosevelt is my FAVORITE part of the park. This will be my 3rd time staying there and my son, friend and her nephew's 2nd. LOVE IT!!!

I'll post about the cookout when we get back mid August if anyone is interested.

I'll bet a lot of readers will be interested in hearing about your experience especially since it will be more recent than the ones posted here.

Have a great trip!