We are planning a trip out west to Yellowstone and Tetons next June or July. After reading some info, I can not decide how many days to stay where? Do you stay at one place while in Yellowstone or move nightly? Then how long should we stay in Teton area? Thanks for any advice

I think it depends on what you like to do. I was just at Yellowstone the last week of September for two nights - I could have definitely stayed longer. It took one whole day to do the entire figure 8 loop of the park. We didn't do any hiking except walk to the top of mineral springs (not much of a hike but all uphill). We did make stops at the Yellowstone Falls, various scenic outlooks and for viewing wildlife (one grizzly bear, 3 moose). I imagine that in the summer it would take much longer since there would be so much traffic. Two things we didn't have time to do that I would like to have done: (1) take a walking tour with a park ranger of the geyser basin at Old Faithful (I think it's a 90 minute walk) and (2) a tour of Old Faithful Inn. We did stay at Old Faithful Inn but I would love to have learned more about the building. I would definitely try to stay in the park so where you stay and how long may depend on what's available.

We stayed 2 in the Tetons and 3 at Yellowstone in Oct which is the off season there. Had plenty of time for the Tetons - not enough for Yellowstone if you wanted to do some serious 1/2 day hikes. We stayed at Coulter Village in the Tetons (rustic but nice) and in the Lake Yellowstone cabins (yuk!) Make your reservations as early as you can.

I would recommend 2 or 3 nights at Old Faithful Lodge if you can get the reservations. This old place is a real treat, and right there in the big geyser basin. As above, you can do the loop in a day from the Lodge, but you will be rushed. There's just a lot to see, and driving will be slow in the summer. Two full days will give you all the guidebook stops, plus some leisure.
Tetons: Well, again how much time do you have. A couple of nights at Jackson Lake Lodge would be terrific. Be sure to take the loop road into Jenny Lake. A float trip on the Snake River in this area is idealic. The views are world famous and stunning. If you're into horses, a morning breakfast ride into the marsh around Jackson Lake is a hoot, especially if you have kids along.
Down the road some more and you will find Jackson Hole. Lots of stuff there, including an Elk refuge, shopping in the old main part of town. You can't help it, you will buy something. If you want more than floating on the Snake, you can get into some real white water rafting. This is definately an "E-Ticket" ride with serious white water. There are several outfitters out of Jackson Hole. There is a picture on my mantle of our family on the Snake that is one of our favorites. Our kids were about early-mid teens when we took this trip. A few years ago, but don't believe things have changed much.
You didn't say how long you have, but a good schedule could be something like this. 3 nights Yellowstone (highly recommend Old Faithful Lodge), couple nights each at Jackson Lake Lodge and Jackson Hole (lots of places to stay there, but Harrison Ford's house is probably not available
I'll leave the possible hiking expeditions to others. They would be endless. You're headed for beautiful place. Have fun!

We did this trip last year and it was one of our most memorable and fun. It took a lot of planning (just like you're doing now and will probably continue to do for the next several months), but it was well worth it. Everything worked out perfectly.

Our first night we stayed in Cody, WY. We got there sort of late and only had time to take in a meal and check out the rodeo. The Buffalo Bill Museum is supposed to be wonderful, but we didn't have enough time for it. From Cody we drove the Beartooth Pass into Yellowstone. It took an entire day, but it was absolutely breathtaking. A snowball fight in July we don't often see here in Cleveland. It was scary going around some of the curves, but we all loved it, and I'd highly recommend it if you have the time.

From there, we spent two nights in Gardiner, MT. We opted to stay out of the park here so our kids would have a pool at the motel. We were only a very short distance from the northern entrance to Y'Stone. This was our base to see the northern half of Y'Stone. After that, we spent a night at the Old Faithful Inn (beautiful. If you can get a room, do it. The old rooms were very rustic, but very charming, and I'd take one of those in a heartbeat. We stayed in one of the newer rooms. Kind of small, but clean and comfortable. We had a view of one of the geysers from our room. We wanted to stay and extra night, but they were sold out. (By the way, we saw many people during our time in Yellowstone trying to find last-minute accommodations. Don't do it.)

We then spent a night at Snow Lodge cabins, which I also highly recommend. Very spacious, very clean, and you could hear the wolves at night. From these two places we visited the northern half of Yellowstone. After four nights and five days in Yellowstone, we still didn't see everything. In July, our temperatures ranged from a high of 103 to a low of about 75 during the days. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. But take the hikes and get out of the car and see things!

In the Tetons we spent two nights at Jackson Lake Lodge. It wasn't enough for all we wanted to see. We went white water rafting out of the Sands and had a blast. We took a horseback ride out of a camp recommended to us by hotel staff. We were the only people on the ride and were able to go off trail and have the horses going pretty fast. We all enjoyed it a lot.

I have a lot of info and a lot of bookmarks if you'd like any tips. Have a great time, take a lot of pictures and cherish the memories.

For a BARE minimum visit, spend two days in Yellowstone and one in the Tetons. And an extra day for hiking in each place, even if you only intend to hike for a couple hours. Spend your days in each park, as you want to get as early a start as possible for both places.

Everyone so far has shortchanged the Tetons. Oh, Yellowstone is good and fun, but the Tetons are magnificent. If you at all are into hiking (even easy treks), then the Tetons are for you. If you can afford the time (and money), I recommend three or four days in each!
For a great guide to the Tetons, get a copy of the current issue of National Geographic Traveler. It has an excellent 10-page feature which tells you almost everything you need to know about the Tetons.

This was one of our family's favorite trips. This is how we did it:

We spent two nights in Jackson Hole--did the shoot out (if you have kids, they'll like it), the alpine slide, rodeo, shopping and eating.

We went on to the Tetons. Be sure and stop at the Chapel of the Transfiguration just inside the south entrance to the park for a spectacular view. We stayed at Signal Mountain Lodge which is directly on Jackson Lake. The propery consists entirely of indvidual log cabins, most just feet from the lake with wonderful porches. Both mornings we found deer and elk grazing just outside our window. Be sure to take the launch across Jenny Lake and do the easy hike up to Inpiration Point. You'll pass beautiful waterfalls and foliage on the way up. We also rented a boat and took a picnic to one of the little islands on Jackson Lake.

We spent four nights in Yellowstone, doing a quarter of the figure-eight loop each day. We stayed at Canyon Lodge which is in the center of the loop. It had a very nice cafeteria and laundry facilities. We took our time each day and stopped, it seemed, every few miles to see wildlife. We booked a guided fishing tour and the Canyon Lodge cooked our catch that night. We also did a horseback dinner out of Roosevelt Lodge. It was okay, but I could have easily skipped it. There are several different hikes to the falls, all beautiful. The Geyser basins are fascinating. Take the ranger tours whenever you can--they were extremely interesting. We liked Old Faithful (I'd stayed there as a child) but found it quite congested and we were happy that we were staying off the beaten path. We ate dinner at the cafeteria there and saw Old Faithful erupt twice from where we sat.

When you book your reservations, you will get a list of activities. Make your reservations as soon as possible. I would suggest going as early in June as possible. The weather is nice and the crowds haven't arrived. A real plus to going at that time is that much of the wildlife has just migrated back in and are abundant for viewing. It is also birthing season and we saw many new babies!

BE SURE to take mosquito repellant and keep it with you. We got caught without it on Jenny Lake and fortunatley some hikers shared theirs with us. Throw in a citronella candle for when you want to sit on your porch or balcony and watch the sunset.

A lot depends on how active an outdoorsperson you are (you also didn't mention if you're a tent person, or a 5-star resort person). Yellowstone, obviously, is bigger and offers much more in the way of hiking, wildlife viewing, hotsprings watching, etc. But the Tetons are just as gorgeous and, in my opinion, warrant a longer stay. The Tetons are less crowded, and you're closer to the funky, not-to-be-missed town of Jackson (which gives you a limitless range of eating possibilities.And shopping, if you're into that.) Plus, June and July are the busiest months of the year, and Yellowstone has a way of becoming engorged with cars, exhaust and people. You'll have fun no matter where you stay.

Jan-go back in the Fodors file on subject search and you will find quite a bit of information on the Tetons and Yellowstone from everyone! There were some great tips on those threads when we planned our trip.Debbie

If you have a choice between June and July, I second the recommendation for June. Much less crowded than July. We stayed in the campground at Coulter Village which is about 30 minutes south of Yellowstone in the Tetons. Nice place, except they charged $3 a person to take a shower there. I've occasionally had to spend a couple of quarters to take a campground shower, but THREE BUCKS? There is a place called Flagg Ranch that is just south of Yellowstone that would be a good location for exploring both the Tetons and Yellowstone from, but I don't know anything else about the place. Save yourself some bucks on food by picnicing for lunch everyday. The cafeterias are expensive in Yellowstone. All the grocery stores sell sandwiches, chips and fruit and there are picnic groves EVERYWHERE in the park.

Thanks everyone for all the ideas. It has all really helped. We are going with 2 teenagers and will be interested is some hiking, horse back riding, a Snake River float and fun, fun fun! If June is the better time to go, isn't it pretty cold there still? I know the temperature changes alot but I heard July was better temperature? Also, I will be checking out places to stay soon. Thanks again for all yourpast and future comments!

Sorry, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons will be closed for drilling by June. Thanks Ralph!

George, Could you please tell me what are you talking about? Thanks

First of all, Jan, ignore that post. Nothing but a poor--very poor--attempt at political humor.
As far as when to go, it's not that cool in June and it's worth putting up with perhaps a bit of cool weather in June to avoid the summer crowds.

In mid-to-late June the daytime temps in Yellowstone last year were in the 70's to low-80's, though there was still a couple of feet of snow on the ground in patchy places at higher elevations, which just made it more fun for the kids, because they had never played in the snow on an 80-degree day before. Nights were chilly. If you're camping, consider a heater.

Seems to be a lot of interest for this area. Let's bring this up again.

Jan, I live in Dubois, about 80 miles southeast of Yellowstone and Teton National Park. We can still get snow in June, but are also known to have beautiful weather at that time. I would recommend mid to late June. We really start to notice the increase in tourists about July 4. The traffic in the park can be a gong show if you wait until high season, July and August. You would also not have to pack as much insect repellent in June! Another suggestion, if you are traveling on a limited budget you may want to consider looking at some of the satellite towns such as Dubois, West Yellowstone, and Gardner for lodging. Rates are much lower, and you can be in the park within 60 to 90 minutes. These other areas have outstanding scenery and abundant wildlife as well without the crowds.