Valerie

Planning a trip from Cleveland, OH, to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Denver for two weeks end of July/early August 1999. Would appreciate any advice anyone has re accommodations, what not to miss, what to bypass, etc. Want to stay at least four days in Yellowstone. Traveling with two boys, 11 and 12, so a pool would be nice. Any info at all is appreciated.

Marilyn

Valerie,
We visited Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone several years ago about that time of the year. I don't remember the exact dates, but I recall that we had a very difficult time obtaining reservations around Mt. Rushmore as there is an annual "Bike Rally" at Sturgis. We changed our travel plans so didn't have a lot of notice. We weren't able to get accommodations (at any place I was willing to stay) around Mt. Rushmore so were unable to stay to see the night lighting. I've heard that is spectacular. However, you are planning in advance, so you will probably be able to obtain reservations.

Larry

Great places to visit. Don't miss the night lighting ceremony at Rushmore. Yellowstone is fantastic. I mostly camp so have no hints for motels. Might start at the NPS site for more info on the parks: http://www.nps.gov/parks.html

Bob Brown

Rushmore does present a problem because of two factors: popularity and scarcity.
The Sturgis disruption is, in my opinion, one to avoid totally and fully.

In the Teton - Yellowstone area I have stayed at the Old Faithful Snowlodge Cabins. If you call now, maybe you can get in. Also, there is a new facility for the Snowlodge which should be open.

The Old Faithful Inn, the "log cabin" has been spruced up and is ok, but all!!
accommodations in the park are expensive.

In the Tetons, try Signal Mountain Lodge. My son (age 39) stayed there and liked it.

West Yellowstone is full of motels, but the place is popular in the summer.
The Three Bear Motels seems to be ok.

Mike Miller

The toll free number for the Grand Teton Lodge Co is (800)628-9988. Website: www.gtlc.com

Lynne

We just made a similar trip this year. We stayed at the Best Western Executive Inn in West Yellowstone and they have an indoor pool. Very clean rooms. Bullwinkle's sports bar offers good food and occasionally wild game. There is a public swimming area in Yellowstone on the Fire Hole River. You can get there on Fire Hole Canyon Drive. There is limited parking which will fill up quickly. Hit the larger geyser basins early or late in the day as they will be crowded mid-day. Flagg Ranch is located just south of the South Entrance to Yellowstone and would make a good base to hit either park. west Yellowstone would offer more entertainment for the boys. In the Tetons, we've found that Signal Mountain Lodge offers the best food and the view from the lodge is great. If you go to Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon, go early especially if you take the boat across Jenny Lake. After 5:00 PM you will wait in line an hour to get back across the lake. To avoid the crowds, go to the west side of the Tetons to Grand Targhee Resort. The ski lift will be extremely crowd free and the views are wonderful. Check for days of operation before making the drive. The tram at Jackson Hole is cool, the views are amazing. You can ride up and hike down. Take Signal Mountain Road to watch the sunset or sunrise. We watched the sunset with only two other travelers nearby. Don't be afraid to take the less traveled dirt roads to view wildlife. Most roads do not require 4-wheel drive. Have a great trip!

Pete

Avoid the Black Hills during the Sturgis bikers rally at all costs. I believe it is the last or next-to-last weekend in July. Check this out before making any plans. The week after the bikers rally is much more serene.