PJK

We are going to Yellowstone next summer. AA (with whom I have ff miles) does not have flights into many places, so Salt Lake or Jackson seem to be the best options. Is the area between SLC and Jackson exceptionally unique or pretty making the extra driving worth it? Or should I just fly on into Jackson? Any thoughts? I have not seen the area around SLC, and haven't been to Yellowstone since I was a child. We will probably have a total of two weeks counting travel days. Also, at this point, it looks like renting a car out of SLC may be a lot cheaper than from Jackson. Thank you for any input.

starrs

Either would work, but I'd fly into Jackson.

spirobulldog

With two weeks you'd have plenty of time to drive from Salt Lake. I haven't made this drive, so can't tell you anything about it. I would for sure drive The Beartooth HWY.

I don't know if this would interest you, but what about flying into Rapid City and seeing Mt. Rushmore/Wind Cave/Custer State Park/Jewel Cave/Crazy Horse/Badlands.

I would suggest
3-5 days in Yellowstone depending on how much hiking you like to do
1-3 days in the Tetons
and 3-5 days in Mount Rushmore region

AA does fly to Rapid City. You could then fly out of Jackson, but usually dropping off a car at a different place than you rented it is a little more expensive. AA does allow different airports on their FF miles awards. This would be more miles than from Salt Lake. You would want to see Devils Tower in between the two areas. And then I would come in on the Beartooth.

Whatever you do get lodging ASAP. I bet a lot of it is already full. I would stay In Park at Yellowstone and the Tetons. I would stay at Custer State Park outside of Rapid City.

Salt Lake City is an interesting town for a day.

StantonHyde

I personally think that the Tetons look best when approached from the North--Ystone. Its about a 6 hour drive. The first 3-4 up I-15 isn't necessarily scenic but I love it because it is so open and such a gorgeous reminder of the huge open spaces in our country. I grew up 3 hours north of Salt lake and made the drive a LOT. The drive from Idaho Falls to Y stone is quite scenic--I love it. Stay in West Yellowtone at the end of the day and you will be good to go the next day. On the way back, its about 6 hours from Jackson to SLC.

Can you fly into Idaho Falls or even Pocatello? The car rental would be much cheaper out of SLC. I hope you have res in Y stone if that's where you plan to stay. I made res for Aug 2 mos ago and could barely find availability.

PJK

Thanks for the responses. I have not started with reservations, and it is clear that I should have long ago. We will not go until September, so that will help.

From Idaho Falls, would you recommend 20 to West Yellowstone or 26/31/33 to Jackson? Which is most scenic.

We have driven across Kansas to Colorado many, many times. My concern is that the drive from SLC will be similar--pretty in its own way but not exactly scenic---depending on your definition of scenic, of course.

starrs

The first time (1981) I drove in from Pocatello (after flying from Colorado Springs). We stayed in Island Park, ID and approached the Tetons via Yellowstone. I was "wowed" by the Tetons. The next time I drove into Jackson from Cheyenne, WY. I was "wowed" by the Tetons. I've flown into Jackson in both winter and summer with people who were seeing the Tetons for the first time - and they were "wowed" by the Tetons. The last time I was there, we flew into Jackson and, once again, I was "wowed" by the Tetons. In short, I don't think it much matters which way you see it - the Tetons have their own "wow factor".

You asked if it were worth the drive from SLC or to fly into Jackson, and I'd fly in. If you are looking for cheaper flights/rental cars, you can look at Pocatello or Billings or Bozeman or any "nearby" city within a comfortable drive. If you haven't seen SLC, go there. Personally, I want to see Sundance because it's one of the few places in the Rockies that I want to see and haven't. With two weeks you do have time to drive - but I'd still rather fly into Jackson.

The Bear Tooth highway is one of the most scenic drives ever - but I wouldn't use that as part of your approach due to possible closings. Go to Cody and definitely make time for the Buffalo Bill museum. We loved the tiny town of Meeteetse - and their musuem and the chocolatier -
http://www.meeteetsechocolatier.com/
We loved the little town of Red Lodge. We loved hanging out on a private ranch in the Crazies. We loved the drive from Cody to Little Big Horn. Years ago, I loved the weeks we spent in Island Park and I'd just get in the car and drive (or go into Yellowstone). You really DO see the antelope play

So I guess my point is, scout out fares to any surrounding airport (use kayak.com) and then plan a trip. No matter what direction you drive, there's amazing stuff to see. It's truly a landscape like none other.

spirobulldog

People like parks for different reasons. I don't know why, but my wife, daughter, and myself enjoyed the Tetons. But we rank it way way down on our list of favorite parks we have visited. While Yellowstone is #1 or #2 depending on which one of us you ask.

KensingtonGirl

We did this drive last summer. However, we chose to fly into SLC rather than JAC because there was a significant cost savings and it was a non-stop for us. It's about a 5 hours drive no matter what way you go from SLC to Jackson. Going we took I80 to 189 and north to Jackson. This is primarily high plains (did see quite a few antelope). On the way back to SLC we took 89 to Bear Lake and then out to Ogden. This route was much more scenic going over passes and canyons. We enjoy driving and seeing the country but if the cost was about the same, we would chose flying to Jackson. The area around the Tetons and Yellowstone is much more scenic than the drive from Salt Lake City and flying to Jackson will give you more time there.

tomfuller

With a minor detour in Idaho, you could see Craters of the Moon National Monument. With as much time as you have, renting the car in SLC makes sense. If you can't get reservations inside Yellowstone, West Yellowstone just outside the Park is a nice town. If you wanted to make a loop out of your trip, you could visit Vernal, Utah and see the Dinosaur NM.

KarenE

Fly into Jackson. We did the drive from SLC last summer and it was not worth it. Spirobulldog got it right. While the Tetons are quite nice we also don´t rate them highly among the NPs of the US (my husband and I visited a lot of them). Yellowstone is amazing, maybe our favourite NP so far.

PJK

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking now we may just fly into Jackson if we use our frequent flyer miles. If we buy a ticket, then maybe SLC if it save a lot of money. We have traveled a lot in Europe and loved every trip, but I am incredibly excited about a trip to one of our own great NP's this year. It's time to make the flight decision so we can get accommodations. I am already late on that one evidently.

PJK

What is the scenery like around West Yellowstone? Is it a scenic area or just access to the park. We would like to spend at least a week based from somewhere with great view but close enough that we could do day trips if we want.

My tentative plan is to spend a leisurely week around the Grand Tetons in a condo. Then the second week we will move about to see the sights of Yellowstone. Good plan or not?

starrs

Try to get reservations in Yellowstone if possible. Book something in West Yellowstone that can be cancelled, but stay in the park if something opens up.

I'm not sure you'll find "somewhere with great view " in West Yellowstone. You'll find a lot of motels because of the access to Yellowstone. You'll find the same thing in Cody, for the same reason.

I'm not sure you'll need a week in the Tetons. Where is the condo for that week? Jackson?

The order doesn't matter - Yellowstone and then Jackson vs Jackson then Yellowstone. Have you read any of the trip reports about recent visits? Have you checked out any of the park websites? If not, you may find that very helpful.

spirobulldog

I know you probably don't want to move from Lodge to Lodge. But part of the National Park Experience for me is the lodges. And since Yellowstone is so big it really is ok to move. I would try for 3 days at Old Faithful Inn, 3 days at Lake Hotel, and 3 days at Roosevelt. This may be easier to do than get 1 week somewhere at this late a date anyway. And then I would spend a few days in the Tetons. Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Village, or Signal Mountain. Jenny Lake Lodge in the tetons if budget is no object.

By moving from lodge to lodge, it also puts you in prime spot for waking up early to view the wildlife.

pocohontas3

We, too, found it beneficial to move around the NP lodges. There is so much to see and it can be tiring to have to ride back to your base each night when the park is so large. We used Canyon for a cabin and stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, and spent 2 or 3 nights in West Yellowstone for access to that side of the park.

oldschool1

last summer i flew from N.O. to SLC, rented a car and rode up through Bear Lake, Montpelier, Etna...on my way to Jackson. An AWESOME ride...I would do it again in a moment. Stopped at one of the little roadside places in Bear Lake and had the best raspberry shake ever! The ride takes you through canyons, wide open vistas, and then right into the southern entrance to Jackson. Get your car in SLC and enjoy the journey!

StantonHyde

For my trip this summer, we are moving around a lot--because the road through Yellowstone is basically a big figure eight. And you will have so much repeat driving if you stay in one place AND---it takes a LONG time to drive from here to there even without sight seeing stops. We are staying in W Yellowstone one night, then Old Faithful, then Grant Village (because I couldn't get 2 nights at OF), then 2 days at Canyon Village and then probably 2 days in Jackson. The lodges in Jackson can be really pricey and I like staying in town because its fun and walkable.

I disagree about the Tetons--one of the most amazing mountain ranges I have EVER seen. Amazing, awesome, the best. I don't know that I would spend a week there though. Depending on the ages of everyone, you should totally do a float or whitewater trip with Barker Ewing--the best. And there are great hikes to do in the Tetons.

As oldschool said, Bear Lake is a really neat place and Logan canyon or Ogden Canyon are very scenic. If anyone in your party is interested in dinosaurs, then you should see the dinosaur park in Ogden--and even better--the Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi (south of SLC).

lizzie3

Hi! You might have already booked your flights, but if you do decide to fly into SLC, the drive through Idaho via I-15 is pretty boring. I would suggest driving through Logan Canyon, maybe even stopping at Bear Lake, which is beautiful. I think the road is US-89, and it might take a little longer, but it would be well worth it. It's a beautiful drive.

The Tetons are kind of blah, in my opinion. I think you might get bored spending an entire week there. There is a lot to see in Yellowstone, and if you want to catch a glimpse of wolves or grizzlies, you might have to wait on the side of the road for a few hours, so having a couple of extra days in Yellowstone would be a good idea.

Not that this makes me an expert, but I've lived in Utah my entire life and have visited all of the national parks here and surrounding states multiple times, and Yellowstone is definitely in my top two. I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what!

bredhairedgirl

The drive from Idaho Falls is not bad to West Yellowstone. On your way up you do get to see the Grand Tetons to the East--if it is not overcast. Along the intersate you do get to see the lava tubes from the last volcanic eruption, long before we breathed. North of Rexburg there are sand dunes. We spend a week in Island Park every year (granted it is in February but...just take the snow away and change the mode of transportation....) There is alot to see outside the park on the West side of the park. Island Park (claims to have the long Main Sreet in America--no that means anything) There are great places to eat in the area. On Hebegen Lake is the Happy Hour Bar great (bar) food--recommend the Garlic Burger or Quesidillas.--this area was the since of an earthquake sometime in the late 1800's. The area is great for outdoor recreation you can rent 4-wheelers , snowmobile in winter. Lots and lots of trails to explore. Fly fishing everywhere. The Trout Hunter is another great place to eat. Good chef, great owner. I could go on and on about all the great eateries and ones that are remote (Meadow Creek Lodge, Elk Lake Lodge)

bakerstreet

My 2 cents - we went to the area two years in a row. First year flew into SLC, drove to Jackson. It was a long and mostly boring drive and we did not look forward to the return trip that ended our vacation. Plus, we drove the entire "figure 8" loop in Yellowstone to see as much of the park as possible, and the whole thing added up to so much driving that the following year the kids pleaded to fly directly into Jackson, which was much more expensive but which we did and all enjoyed it more.

I second the advice to stay in lodges - if you do the Jackson Lake Lodge, which is fun, get a room at the back with the view of the Tetons - spectacular. And you can see the sunrise from your bed. We also liked Old Faithful.

If you do a rafting trip (yes, Barker Ewing is good) I recommend the whitewater portion. Not the "float" only trips.
The area is amazing and beautiful and I wish we were going back yet again! Have a great trip.