Please offer your preference to an east coast couple, trying to plan a last minute, 1st time to the west trip.Would you recommend a visit to CO via Denver or the Grand Tetons/Yellowstone via SLC.We would probably go the WY direction but we're intimidated by the SLC to Jackson Hole drive with minimal reservations. We're going the first week of Oct. Scenic beauty & ease of travel would be our top priorities. Thanks in advance.

Why not fly into Jackson from Salt Lake? That'd save a fair amount of driving.

Depsite that fact that I'm partial to Jackson and vicinity (I got married there), I think there's more bang for the buck in Colorado. Everything (well, almost everything) is within driving distance.

What exactly are you looking for in the way of scenery?

Unfortunately, we can't commit to purchase airline tickets until the absolute last minute that restricts us to DEN or SLC. Thaks for the CO opinion.

I live in Colorado and I love it but if it's your first trip to the West I think you just about have to go with Yellowstone. It is truly spectacular and Colorado has nothing like Yellowstone's geisers and other geothermal attractions.

COLORADO:

Rocky Mountain National Park (just north of Denver)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about 250 miles southwest of Denver.

Buffalo Bill Grave & Museum is at Denver. Lots to see & do in Denver itself.

The drive from Denver to OURAY to Durango is SPECTACULAR! US550 is the "million dollar highway" - part of the San Juan Skyway.

Take an all-day jeep tour in OURAY with Switzerland of America (if still available in October). We did the "Black Bear/Imogene Pass" & thoroughly enjoyed it.
http://www.soajeep.com/home.html

Lots to see & do around Ouray /Telluride / Bridal Veil Falls

Drive US550 - million dollar highway
Ouray to DURANGO.
(again - others may be able to help here about how these mountain passes are in October - I would assume they are still open?)


WYOMING:

Just as wonderful as Colorado - perhaps things are a little closer together though.

Jackson - lots to see & do.

Grand Teton National Park

&, of course, Yellowstone National Park.

Several days to a week could be spent in these two national parks alone. Lots to see & do. In Yellowstone be sure to see the waterfalls, not just the geyser areas!

Not sure how reservations will be "last minute" in October - places shouldn't be as fully booked as mid-summer months. Perhaps a few phone calls to check into that first might help decide which way to go.

Cheap,

I go up to the Tetons frequently since I live so close. I was just there for the Labor Day weekend.

Early Oct is late to visit this area. They have already had snow and the colors are changing fast! Leaves will probably be gone by early Oct. Lodging should be easy and cheap - low season rates.

The main thing to be aware of: most of the park activities (dinners, rides, lake cruises) will be shut down by then as will most of the lodges. Upside, no crowds. Go prepared for very cold weather.

Thank you all very much!

what are you hoping to do? In Colorado it will be pretty much the same as Dayle said. Many places will be closed though lodging will be really cheap. Look at Vail as it willhave more open than other mountain towns. Many resturants and other services will offer deals too. You can sometimes find good deals on Condos at http://denver.craigslist.org/vac/

Thanks again to everyone-we picked Yellowstone (4 nites) & GTNP (2 nites), via Bozeman during the 1st week of Oct.I'll read earlier Posts, but a few suggestions of personal favorites that we might miss on our own would be great. A favorite, casual restaurant in Jackson would also be appreciated.

In Jackson, Jedidiah's House of Sourdough is not to be missed! Extremely popular, open for breakfast and lunch. Closed in between. Extremely popular, you might have to wait even in October, but worth it. Inexpensive, in a funky, historical cabin.

Another favorite is Bubba's. You can just imagine what they serve - American comfort food and lots of it.
Have fun!

Thanks Dayle. Almost forgot!At YNP,I booked the 1st nite at a nicer Mammoth Cabin-Should I have asked for the Mammoth Lodge?

Since this is your first trip west, I would go with Yellowstone. Nothing will make an implact on your trip like the Teton/Yellostone area. Don't get me wrong, Denver is gorgeous but Yellowstone and the Tetons are breathtaking. And don't be intimidated by the Salt Lake drive. There's so much to see on the way. And Jackson Hole is not to be missed. The last time I was there (going to Yellowstone) we ate at this little pizza place. Don't know if it is still there. Enjoy this part wonderous part of our country. I've been to Yellowstone in October and it is something to behold. Enjoy!

For good casual dining--and where the locals eat--definitely visit Nora's Fish Creek Inn in the town of Wilson, just outside of Jackson. It's right on the main road; you can't miss it.

You have made a great decision going to GTNP ands YNP. I've never been there this late but this area is incredible. I have heard great things about Nora's in Wilson. For some sightseeing, try the Wilson road between Teton Village and Moose. We drive that road several times each trip in the morning and dusk as there is a good chance to see bears and moose.

Have a great trip.

Thanks again for everyone's help. We had a perfect 30th anniversary trip.Flew to Bozeman,MT,1st & last nite at Mammoth,2 nites at Jackson Lake Lodge & 2 nites at Old faithful Inn.It may have been lucky but the 1st week of Oct. was perfect (65/35).Missed Nora's for the Mangy Moose could have been our only mistake.With no traffic we did nearly everything that was suggested.Take the kids out of school and plan a trip for next year!