Yellowstone Entrance Suggestions
 

I started a topic earlier about which NP to see, and we've decided on Yellowstone from all of the wonderful comments. Now we can't decide how we should go about seeing the park in a few different areas. We are planning to fly into Billings or Bozeman (depending on price), and out of Jackson. Questions:

Is Gardiner and West Yellowstone close enough where we should choose one or the other to stay in, or should we stay two nights in Gardiner and two nights in West Yellowstone? There are some nice looking B&Bs in Gardiner, but not so much in West Yellowstone. We don't want to end up staying in the same spot for 4 nights and having to drive long distances to see different areas of the park. We aren't planning to stay in the park due to a) price and b) availability. Consider us tight-wads. :)

Instead of splitting the time between Gardiner and West Yellowstone, should we stay somewhere near the Northeast entrance instead, and then choose either Gardiner or West Yellowstone?

We plan to drive down to see Mt Teton NP the last couple of days we are there, if that makes a difference in your advice/opinions.

Thanks!!

You should check on the park's website for info about summer road construction as that could have a significant impact on your driving times to various parts of the park. All other things being equal I'd do Gardiner and the Northeast entrance area.

In this case you'll pay a high price in driving time by not staying inside the park. Even staying inside the park, there is a lot of driving time since the speed limits are quite low (35-45 mph as I recall) so you don't get anywhere quickly. Add to that 'bearjams' and slow-moving RVs and the driving gets even slower.

I'd suggest, at a minimum, 2 night at the Old Faithful area, 2 nights at Mammoth and two nights at Canyon. There are some economical lodging choices. Also, while it may appear to be booked solid, cancellations are common but the only way to pick up on an cancelled room is to call every day and talk to someone in person. You need to persevere but it has always worked for us.

I wish I was going!

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/yellowstone_06

>> All other things being equal I'd do Gardiner and the Northeast entrance area.

(Sorry for the double post)

>>All other things being equal I'd do Gardiner and the Northeast entrance area.

Is Gardiner close to the Northeast entrance? I thought it was right at the North entrance. Or do you mean we should stay Gardiner two nights and somewhere near the Northeast entrance two nights? Is Cody closeby, or is that too far?

We would consider staying inside the park, but I've heard the accommodations aren't great, and seem pricey for what you get. I don't mind a 10 minute drive to the entrance early in the morning.

Thanks!

It's not the "10 minute drive to the entrance," that you would be concerned about it's the HOURS long drives to get around the park. The west entrance is right in West Yellowstone; however, to get from there to the north and east sides of the park and back, it is an all-day journey, without anywhere close to seeing all the highlights. You could split your trip up like this: 2 nights Gardiner to focus on the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valleys and waterfalls and other features in the north; 2 nights in W. Yellowstone to see the Old Faithful area and the myriad of different and fascinating geothermal areas in the west, then 2 nights in Jackson to see Grand Teton. Cody is WAY too far and difficult a drive from the East entrance to base yourself there.

The distances in the park may not look too far on a map, but the travel time is slow, slow, slow! But that's OK; if you're caught in a bear jam, just look around and keep reminding yourself, you're not on the freeway back home!

I disagree with staying at Gardiner (north entrance) and the northeast entrance (probably Cooke City). If you are splitting nights (which is a good idea), I would pick either Gardiner or Cooke City and West Yellowstone. You would want to cover the upper loop while you are north. You may have time to see Canyon (or at least part of it also then). There is lots to do/see on the Old Faithful to Madison part of the loop. You can spend the better part of the day at Canyon also if you walk down all the viewpoints, but you will probably go by it on the way to West Yellowstone (due to the construction near Norris) so you could split your time there. There really isn't much to do at Lake (unless you are planning to do something on the Lake). You definitely want to see it, but between Lake and the south entrance (except for West Thumb -- I'd stop there on the way to the Tetons -- doesn't take long) it is pretty much a drive through (with views of the Lake along the way). Definitely don't stay at Cody -- too far.

We usually start out the day with a plan in mind, but generally change it somewhat along the way. I don't think there is a totally right or wrong way to see these Parks -- there is so much variety there and people like different aspects of it. The best parts for us usually are the things we see or do while travelling from one sight to another.

We're hoping to do more than just drive and stop - hopefully hike one or two days, and possibly kayak on the lake one day as well. We're not the average person that goes to the parks and just drives around without actually getting out and doing stuff.

You could substitute Gardiner for Mammoth but I believe it is about an hour's drive from West Yellowstone to the OF area with little of interest in between. That's a two hour commute each day just to save a few $$. Not worth it IMO.

Cody? No way...too far...even worse that West Yellowstone.

With all the wonders to see at Yellowstone I'd skip the kayaking on the lake in favor of other activities. If you go for extended hikes be aware that there are bears out there so study up on how to react to them before you go. Also check with rangers about recent bear activity where you're planning to hike.

Another vote for staying inside the park. You are going to waste so much time getting to each area. Also, the park is so much nicer in the evening and early morning when the daytrippers have cleared out.

If you decide to stay in West Yellowstone, I'd recommend the Alpine Inn. Motel type establishment, but very cheap and clean with great owners.

We went in early September, and drive times to the western section of the parks (Norris, Old Faithful) is a breeze. Canyon area is also very easy. Lake Yellowstone area, Mammoth and definitely Lamar Valley are longer drives.

The Northeast Entrance = Cooke City..... That is where we normally stay when not camping...

http://www.colorado-west.com/cooke/

Price that one way rental before you book those airline tickets. You may find you have no choice but to fly in/out of the same place. Do that before you book rooms and finalize your itinerary. That one way rental will likely cost you waaaayyy more than the priciest suite at the old faithful inn.

Enjoy your trip to my favorite place. Yes, I'm a little jealous.

MMMG, It's weird that you mention that, because a rental for one way (Billings -> Jackson) is actually cheaper at one company. Strange.

Reserve it!

I'm with MMMG on booking that rental car ASAP. Maybe it's still early enough in the season they need to relocate some cars from Billings down to Jackson.

And I'm with maj on either Gardiner or Cooke City for the upper part of the Park and West Yellowstone or inside at Old Faithful area for the lower part. Since you're probably going to be driving down from Billings, then Cooke City could be a logical place depending on the time of day you get there. We did that on our first trip to Yellowstone, got up before dawn the next morning and drove into the Park. Saw our first elk (of that trip) grazing right beside the road, and our only wolf (of either trip) on that early morning drive. We found that the earlier we got out each day the more animals, and the fewer people, we saw.

Have a great trip to one of my favorite spots.

Just reserved the car... I can cancel anytime in case I find a better deal.

Personally, I'd stay in West Yellowstone one night, then either the east gate or Gardiner for the 2nd night. West is a good base for the Grand Tetons/Jackson as well.
I've stayed at the Pahaska Tepee Cabins just outside the east gate and also Three Bear Lodge in West (www.threebearlodge.com).
I'd recommend both.

I would recommend taking the Beartooth Pass (if open) from Red Lodge to Cooke City. The views are incredible. You could stay in the Cooke City area and enter the NE entrance where there's relatively no traffic unlike the West entrance.

I agree Take the Beartooth. Stay "in park" if at all possible. I would suggest Roosevelt Lodge and Old Faithful Inn. You will want to spend the most time in Canyon and Old Faithful area, at least that is my opinion. Other good places are Hayden and Lamar Valley, Tower area, Lake area, and other geyser areas. Mammoth is certainly worth seeing, but was our least favorite area. You can see a ton of Elk there, though. Colter Village in tetons is a reasonably priced place to stay, heck, you might even try a "tent cabin".