Live in NYC and am craving wide open spaces at the moment. I am planning a summer trip to take place in July or August. Of course I have always wanted to go to Yellow Stone but the crowds always divert me elsewhere. Which holiday would you say provided the most dramaitic landscape keeping the crowds at bay. Does Glacier National Park get just as crowded? Plan to do a fair bit of hiking, swimming and horseback riding.

I just got back from Yellowstone. Apart from the unique thermal features, I was dissapointed with the park in general. A lot of the park is badly damaged by fire and it was still crowded. I will probably get flack for that but it is my opinion.

I was very impressed with the black Hills in South Dakota. That area is beyond beautiful. Glacier is also a wonder. I would recommend it over Yellowstone, it also doesn't get as crowded.

Also the Canadian Rockies are very beautiful. For drama and solitude I would head to British Columbia.

Let me offer a third idea: Grand Teton National Park. It's got the Teton mountains right there, it's close to the town of Jackson, it has miles of hiking, tons of wildlife, great lakes, and it doesn't seem to get as many tourists as does Yellowstone in the summer. I prefer it over the other two. Yellowstone it massive and it takes a while to see it all, but it is horribly busy in the summer time. Glacier is gorgeous, but it's a little too primitive, ie, it's great if you REALLY want to get away from it all (save for the occasional grizzly brea).
Have fun.

Thanks you mel drama and solitude that is what I am looking for. Thanks for honesty your observations is what most travel pofessionals say. Did not know it was still busy after labor day.

Thanks JT Kirk. So how is Teton not primative? Love to hear suggestions outside of these two states.

I second Grand Teton National Park. I was there a few years ago in August and it was gorgeous! Also had fun in Jackson Hole when I was too tired to hike any longer! I visited both Grand Teton and Yellowstone over the span of a week and a half and loved both - together it made a nice vacation. Neither was very crowded in my opinion (then again, it did rain the entire time!).

Is ran typical in August in the parks Lulu? Thanks for your input?

I say that Grand Teton Natl Park isn't primitive solely because of its proximity to the town of Jackson, which is a great, fun place. There are also some great places to stay in Teton N P, such as Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge. These are some super places to stay, with wonderful views.