Yellowstone and GTNP with city kids-last minute trip
Jul 23rd, 2012, 04:56 PM
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Yellowstone and GTNP with city kids-last minute trip
Hi all. I have been reading all the great posts about Yellowstone and GTNP for days and still have some questions. We have planned a last minute trip out west from NY with our two boys, ages 9 and 12 for the last week of August. So far, I just have flights. We are not an outdoorsy family and usually take beach vacations but my husband and I really want to visit our national parks and have the boys experience nature in all of its glory. That being said, we want to take baby steps and keep the whining to a minimum and so mix the parks with some things we know they like- like pools and comfy beds! We have a total of ten days (not including travel days) and are flying into and out of Jackson. Based on friends' recommendations we will be staying at a Teton Village hotel for the bulk of the trip but want to spend at least 3 days in Yellowstone. All of the in park hotels are sold out (but I'm wary anyway given how rustic they seem) and so I am looking at the Clubhouse Inn in West Yellowstone. Confusion has set in as I am unclear as to the best location for us for purposes of visiting Yellowstone, particularly the geysers, considering we will be driving to/from Teton Village for our Yellowstone leg. Should we just stay somewhere closer to the south entrance and therefore nearer to GT? All input and suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 05:26 PM
#2
Teton Village is a long way from the action. I realize you're a little concerned about comfort but you'll quickly forget about it once you get into the parks.
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons parks are very large. It takes a long time to drive around. Also, you really don't want to be driving around in the dark and possibly hit an animal.
Many people going to these parks will stay in three different areas; two in YNP and one in GTNP.
Signal Mountain Lodge in GTNP is a very nice place and very central.
Old Faithful Lodge has cabins with or without bathroom facilities. There's nothing wrong with the ones with facilities. Of course, no tvs but I assume the kids will be tired of walking around.
Canyon is somewhat similar.
For YNP the Old Faithful area and Canyon are a good mix. Of course there are other ways to divide it up.
As far as getting lodging is concerned, I have never heard of a park that didn't have cancellations in the last month or few weeks.
People and tour companies reserve rooms a year out and then when they realize they won't be used the rooms are released.
And another reason to stay inpark and central. One of the highlights is seeing wildlife. Prime time is early morning and late afternoon (even dusk). If you have and hour or two to drive back to your lodging you will either miss this or be driving in the dark.
I've seen wildlife on Signal Mountain not far from the lodge.
Also, hayden Valley just south of Canyon is prime wildlife viewing.
To give you an idea of driving times.
Hayden Valley to Old Faithful Inn is an hour.
Teton Village to Old Faithful is 2:15. That's a long drive with kids in the car or not.
The two parks are quite different. I view YNP as an attraction park: Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife. While GTNP, although it has wildlife is more a scenery park. Beautiful views in many places.
There are a fair number of reasonably short hikes that the kids will enjoy and they'll create some adventure.
I realize I'm jumping around but I'm writing as I think of things.
For geysers, it's not just Old Faithful. There's a relatively short Geyser Loop and also a much longer route through the geysers fields.
They look completely different at different times of the day. Very early it's peaceful. Old Faithful is amazing especially before the wind comes up. Then it gets crowded (especially when the tour buses arrive just to see OF). Then late in the day it takes on the felling of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Or maybe the Hound of the Baskervilles.
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons parks are very large. It takes a long time to drive around. Also, you really don't want to be driving around in the dark and possibly hit an animal.
Many people going to these parks will stay in three different areas; two in YNP and one in GTNP.
Signal Mountain Lodge in GTNP is a very nice place and very central.
Old Faithful Lodge has cabins with or without bathroom facilities. There's nothing wrong with the ones with facilities. Of course, no tvs but I assume the kids will be tired of walking around.
Canyon is somewhat similar.
For YNP the Old Faithful area and Canyon are a good mix. Of course there are other ways to divide it up.
As far as getting lodging is concerned, I have never heard of a park that didn't have cancellations in the last month or few weeks.
People and tour companies reserve rooms a year out and then when they realize they won't be used the rooms are released.
And another reason to stay inpark and central. One of the highlights is seeing wildlife. Prime time is early morning and late afternoon (even dusk). If you have and hour or two to drive back to your lodging you will either miss this or be driving in the dark.
I've seen wildlife on Signal Mountain not far from the lodge.
Also, hayden Valley just south of Canyon is prime wildlife viewing.
To give you an idea of driving times.
Hayden Valley to Old Faithful Inn is an hour.
Teton Village to Old Faithful is 2:15. That's a long drive with kids in the car or not.
The two parks are quite different. I view YNP as an attraction park: Geysers, waterfalls, wildlife. While GTNP, although it has wildlife is more a scenery park. Beautiful views in many places.
There are a fair number of reasonably short hikes that the kids will enjoy and they'll create some adventure.
I realize I'm jumping around but I'm writing as I think of things.
For geysers, it's not just Old Faithful. There's a relatively short Geyser Loop and also a much longer route through the geysers fields.
They look completely different at different times of the day. Very early it's peaceful. Old Faithful is amazing especially before the wind comes up. Then it gets crowded (especially when the tour buses arrive just to see OF). Then late in the day it takes on the felling of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Or maybe the Hound of the Baskervilles.
Jul 23rd, 2012, 08:02 PM
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Huge Huge mistake. Stay in the parks. Call you will find cancellations eventually. The rusticness is part of it. Be prepared for it and you will enjoy it.
We always did trips like you mention. When my daughter turn 10 we started doing National Parks. We have been to 29 of them now(going to 3 next month). We absolutely love them.
We always did trips like you mention. When my daughter turn 10 we started doing National Parks. We have been to 29 of them now(going to 3 next month). We absolutely love them.
Jul 24th, 2012, 01:03 PM
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If all you can find is a hotel in West Yellowstone, take it for one night. Start from Jackson and see Old Faithful etc on your way to West. On your way back to Jackson the west side of the lower Yellowstone loop to Canyon and then back to Jackson and see Lake, West Thumb etc.
Any time in the parks is better than no time at all.
I will say, though, that even my TV and pool obsessed children survived 3 nights in Yellowstone lodges
But they were soooo happy when we got to Jackson. Have fun!
Any time in the parks is better than no time at all.
I will say, though, that even my TV and pool obsessed children survived 3 nights in Yellowstone lodges
But they were soooo happy when we got to Jackson. Have fun!
Jul 24th, 2012, 04:35 PM
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kbeths,
We have a Worldmark timeshare in West Yellowstone, so that is where we stay for the bigger part of our YNP visits. Yes, you will have a drive into some of the park areas, but it is MUCH closer than Teton Village. The Clubhouse Inn looks nice.
For visiting the Tetons, I do like Teton Village over Jackson. You can take the back road right from the hotel you are probably staying at into the park - don't go into Jackson to get into the park.
I agree with other posters that being inside the park is the best. However, given that you want to take baby steps, I agree that you might want to take baby steps. Plan to have a nice meal at one of the lodges and spend some time exploring the public area. Then head for your base with the tv and pool - this trip. Next year, slide in a lodge along with some fun activity, so you can stay in a "real lodge."
My DH and the couple we travel witht had some rough times adjusting to places w/o tv. I loved it. Had I forced the issue early on, they would not have been willing to expand their comfort zone after the initial exposure.
Timewise, I would plan on 2/3 in YNP and 1/3 in GTNP.
We have a Worldmark timeshare in West Yellowstone, so that is where we stay for the bigger part of our YNP visits. Yes, you will have a drive into some of the park areas, but it is MUCH closer than Teton Village. The Clubhouse Inn looks nice.
For visiting the Tetons, I do like Teton Village over Jackson. You can take the back road right from the hotel you are probably staying at into the park - don't go into Jackson to get into the park.
I agree with other posters that being inside the park is the best. However, given that you want to take baby steps, I agree that you might want to take baby steps. Plan to have a nice meal at one of the lodges and spend some time exploring the public area. Then head for your base with the tv and pool - this trip. Next year, slide in a lodge along with some fun activity, so you can stay in a "real lodge."
My DH and the couple we travel witht had some rough times adjusting to places w/o tv. I loved it. Had I forced the issue early on, they would not have been willing to expand their comfort zone after the initial exposure.
Timewise, I would plan on 2/3 in YNP and 1/3 in GTNP.
Jul 24th, 2012, 04:51 PM
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Thank you all so much for your perspective and detailed responses! I am taking some advice from each of you. We are going to stay in Teton Mountain Lodge for 3 nights and do some activities around Jackson and the Grand Tetons (baby steps). I booked white water rafting and the lazy river trip so far. You convinced me to stay part of the time at the inpark hotels so I called today regarding any cancellations. There weren't any other than a very very expensive suite. I will keep trying. I just hope we can find something else if nothing opens up but I'm counting on an opening. Maybe I'll book the clubhouse inn for one night just in case and do stantonhyde's suggested itinerary. The driving times were so helpful so thank you. Again, a huge help all around so thanks so much.
Jul 24th, 2012, 06:10 PM
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We were in GTNP/Yellowstone last year August. We were able to drive the entire Yellowstone and GTNP all in one day...the distances are not that far. Yes there will be some waits for wildlife traffic jams and construction but it is not that far.
We stayed at Snake Rive Lodge, almost next door to where you are. They have a very large indoor/outdoor pool.
I would suggest you stay at Teton Mountain and do day trips picking one destination, per day in Yellowstone/GTNP taking picnics. Be sure to fill up with gas.
Maybe alternate drive days with days in Jackson hole for example the gondola is fun to ride and there is a little tiny cafe at top that serves great snacks. You can also hike a little way with adults down one of the paths.Be sure to take water.
We saw a much more varied animals in GTNP and we loved the lodges in GTNP much beter..food is not great in either but GTNP better.
We stayed at Snake Rive Lodge, almost next door to where you are. They have a very large indoor/outdoor pool.
I would suggest you stay at Teton Mountain and do day trips picking one destination, per day in Yellowstone/GTNP taking picnics. Be sure to fill up with gas.
Maybe alternate drive days with days in Jackson hole for example the gondola is fun to ride and there is a little tiny cafe at top that serves great snacks. You can also hike a little way with adults down one of the paths.Be sure to take water.
We saw a much more varied animals in GTNP and we loved the lodges in GTNP much beter..food is not great in either but GTNP better.
Jul 24th, 2012, 06:54 PM
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What spirobulldog said re: in park lodges. Yellowstone will give you the most bang for your buck for classic Yellowstone.
1JAR - we have found that it takes a full day to do the "figure 8 loop" in Yellowstone. That is considering occasional roadwork and animal jams. That is NOT considering getting out to actually visit some of the sites and maybe take a very short hike/walk. At most, I would look at either the upper or lower loop on a single day.
kbeths - your experience will of course depend on your interests, and how that intersects with your schedule. So many of us explorers have found that our initial visits required follow-up explorations after intial explosure. At pretty much any/all national parks.
1JAR - we have found that it takes a full day to do the "figure 8 loop" in Yellowstone. That is considering occasional roadwork and animal jams. That is NOT considering getting out to actually visit some of the sites and maybe take a very short hike/walk. At most, I would look at either the upper or lower loop on a single day.
kbeths - your experience will of course depend on your interests, and how that intersects with your schedule. So many of us explorers have found that our initial visits required follow-up explorations after intial explosure. At pretty much any/all national parks.
Jul 24th, 2012, 08:05 PM
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Well, as spiro said, Signal Mountain Lodge is a possibility. We have a relative who works there and loves it, but will back away from most voting as we have no direct experience. Except that we had good nachos here, thought the location/positioning was good, and their "green" program was somewhat promising.
Buuut... for a compromise between "great outdoors" and "familiar," try:
Hatchet Resort http://www.hatchetresort.com/
No pool, but awesome view of the Tetons, affordable, with a rustic cowboyish feeling, and a restaurant where (when we were there) they cooked your ribeye steak on a grill out back. Definitely rustic, but there was some tv and wifi (some), and we felt sortof connected to both worlds.
Buuut... for a compromise between "great outdoors" and "familiar," try:
Hatchet Resort http://www.hatchetresort.com/
No pool, but awesome view of the Tetons, affordable, with a rustic cowboyish feeling, and a restaurant where (when we were there) they cooked your ribeye steak on a grill out back. Definitely rustic, but there was some tv and wifi (some), and we felt sortof connected to both worlds.
Jul 25th, 2012, 07:48 AM
#14
1JAR,
I hope the day you spent doing the whole figure "8" was just to get an overview and not intended to check Yellowstone & Grand Tetons off you list.
I assume your trip was longer than one day in length.
I hope the day you spent doing the whole figure "8" was just to get an overview and not intended to check Yellowstone & Grand Tetons off you list.
I assume your trip was longer than one day in length.
Jul 26th, 2012, 03:51 PM
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Ok how is this? Teton Mountain Lodge for the 4 days, then was able to book one night at Lake Yellowstone Hotel (in the Lodge not the cabins). The agent read me a long list of info and it was only after I booked that she told me that I can't add on a night at that particular location even if one opened up but could still try for 2 nights at another in park location? (sounds odd to me but this is the same woman who told me things dont open up and i had to book a year in advance before i made her check for openings based on the great advice above). I'd like to stay 3 days/2 nights in Yellowstone so will call about other listings and i didn't see this particular place on the top of anyone's list. But i didn't see snow lodge either and that looked great online. Finally, 3 nights at the Lexington Hotel in Jackson (the only reservation I could pretty much get over Labor Day weekend).
Is there a particular white water rafting company to go with and also, top picks for restaurants in Jackson as my husband turns 45 while we are there? Thanks all again.
Is there a particular white water rafting company to go with and also, top picks for restaurants in Jackson as my husband turns 45 while we are there? Thanks all again.
Jul 26th, 2012, 05:59 PM
#16
If Snow Lodge is what's available at OF take it. When I went there for some reason I ask for that and it was booked so I took OF cabins instead.
The Inn is historic and some people want it for the views (?) and look of the inside lobby. But the Inn, Lodge and Snow Lodge are all right beside each other. A few minutes walk.
Just make sure the rooms have the bathroom facilities you want.
I've never stayed at Yellowstone Lake so others may comment.
It appears to be a bit far from old Faithful but pretty close to canyon. And very close to Hayden valley and its wildlife.
The Inn is historic and some people want it for the views (?) and look of the inside lobby. But the Inn, Lodge and Snow Lodge are all right beside each other. A few minutes walk.
Just make sure the rooms have the bathroom facilities you want.
I've never stayed at Yellowstone Lake so others may comment.
It appears to be a bit far from old Faithful but pretty close to canyon. And very close to Hayden valley and its wildlife.
