Yellowstone Help Please
 

I've enjoyed reading all the recent posts on Yellowstone and found them very helpful. We are planning to go in August 2010 (we are prepared for crowds but it is the only time we can go); after a long time on line and on the phone I managed to secure two reservations--for two nights at the Old Faithful Inn and then the next two nights at the Canyon Lodge in a Western Cabin (which got decent reviews on TA). We have stayed in NPS lodging before so we are prepared for whatever we get. Here is my beginning question: can I build a trip around these reservations? We also want to see GTNP. Am assuming we should fly into Jackson, see GTNP, then head to Old Faithful? Any suggestions on where to stay to "do" GTNP would be appreciated. Also, it sounds like the Chuckwagon Dinner at Roosevelt is fun (Roosevelt with bathrooms is already totally booked), is Canyon too far away to do that dinner one night.

We went to Glacier last year and found the best way to start was to attempt to get park lodging and then go from there. Want to make I am correct in following the same strategy here.

Many thanks!

Mary in D.C.

Given the distance from West Yellowstone, Cooke City or Gardiner from the most visited sites in Yellowstone, I think you've got the right approach. Unless you want to do a lot of extra driving, staying in the park is the way to go (IMHO).

HI,

We are also planning a trip to Yellowstone next summer, but in mid June, planning to fly into Jackson. Like you I secured the NP lodging first, we are staying 3 nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, 2 nights at Mammoth Lodge and 3 nights at CAnyon. We are planning to do the Chuckwagon dinner too, so will be interested to hear if Canyon or Mammoth is too far from Roosevelt. We also are planning to go to GTNP for 2 nights, looking into Jackson Lake Lodge, I phoned them and was told they won't open up reservations for next summer until October. We are also considering staying in Jackson, still figuring this part out.


My parents went this past July and were able to secure the reservations they wanted by continuing to call and got SNow Lodge and Canyon when they called in May.
Good luck with your planning...

thanks to you both!

EBZ--did you already book the Chuckwagon dinner?

Good tip on the Jackson Lake Lodge--the park lodgings make you so paranoid but I think we probably have a little time on that.

I am thinking we may need one more night in Yellowstone which, of course, will require me to get on the phone again. I just snagged whatever I could that had a bathroom and figure it was good to have something.

Flying into Jackson makes the most sense - and is about the closest. As far as GTNP, we've spent a week at Jenny Lake Lodge and another time a week at Jackson Lake Lodge. Perferred Jenny Lake but should have - it's more expensive. Both were a great way to see the Tetons. Regardless of where you stay, plan at least one dinner at Jenny Lake's restaurant - extremely good food and service.

Think you're smart to start with lodging - we've done the same thing. You could go to GTNP first or plan to do it on return. [We had no problem getting from either hotel to the Jackson airport on the day of departure]. I'd allow at least 3 days.

Hi Mary,

No, we have not reserved for the dinner yet... Do we need to do that this far in advance? I thought I would sometime in the spring...

Beth

Beth--I think we can wait on the dinner, too. Just looked at Jackson Lake Lodge--that looks great.

I think we would like to poke around Jackson a little too so I will build that in. Can that be done from Jackson Lake or would we want to spend one night closer to Jackson then go to Jackson Lake? We learned the hard way about distances at Glacier and I assume that Grand Teton is no different--i.e. things take longer to get to than you realize.

Thanks everybody--Yellowstone seems so overwhelming so I'm obsessing about Grand Teton :)

Mary

Mary, Either the Jackson Lake Lodge or the Signal Mountain Lodge is a good base for Grand Teton. If you book Jackson Lake, be sure to ask for a cottage room with a view of the mountains (preferably a second-floor room). Many of the Lodge's cottage rooms have no view; your experience will be much better with a view room!

Also, I would encourage you to add another night in Yellowstone. We stayed for five nights in each park last year and didn't see everything (especially in Yellowstone).

Both parks are marvelous!

Beaucoup--thank you; I do think I need to add a night to Yellowstone, as well so I will tackle that tomorrow.
Thanks for the tip on Jackson Lake; did you poke around Jackson on your visit or just concentrate on the parks?

Thanks again,

Mary

We also returned from a similar trip this past July. I haven't finished my trip report - but I started one - click my name to look for it.
We flew into Jackson and spent 3 nights at the JLL in a cabin/cottage - cant remember what it is called. They are all one story with no views (just the parking lot really.) It was a good base. We spent some time in Jackson Hole and it wasnt that far of a drive. Everyone in my family loved eating at Billy's in JH - they said it was the best burger they had ever eaten. We then did 3 nights at OFI and 2 at Canyon in the cabin. I do think 5 days is the way to go - but would grab another night at Canyon and not OF. The Chuckwagon dinner isnt too far from Canyon. When we were there in July it got dark at 9:30 and the folks from the dinner were back at Roosevelt at 8:15 or so. I know it gets dark earlier in August.
HTH!!

We stayed at Signal Mountain Lodge (the motel like section) and liked it very much. Their restaurant was fine and they have cabins also. You don't need to spend as long as you may want to do at Yellowstone but the view from the restaurant/lodge is great. There are just not as many "things" to check off your list. If you are flying in you might want to try an open jaw flight if that is possible. Signal Mt Lodge also has rooms with a view. Yellowstone Lake Lodge is a nice old style place to stay on the East side of Yellowstone.
Both parks are great.

IMO you can easily do day trips into Jackson from the lodges mentioned in GTNP - and the view is so much better from the Park!

We stayed at the Canyon this summer and went to the Chuckwagon dinner. It's not far on the map, but remember the speed limit is low and there are usually animals and scenery to look at. It was dusk when we returned and had to dodge bison on the roads. As we were leaving the park we saw a grizzly on top of Mt. Washburn that was pretty close to the road. Of course people were out with their cameras. The bear was close enough (no rangers in sight) that he could have been on us within a couple of seconds.
We paid for the dinner soon after we got the reservations for the cabin. They didn't ask for any additional money down since we had already done that. The dinner was full and they do have a limited number they can take. We saw some bison on the way to the dinner (expected) but we also saw a bear too. That was pretty exciting.
We enjoyed staying in the cabins. The only problem was the rutty road getting back to them.

Agree -- it is easier to plan your trip around lodging because there is so much to do there it can get very confusing trying to plan and it gives you a starting point. I like the two places you have picked as far as locations. If you want to add another night I would do Canyon (location) or if you don't mind moving try Mammoth or Gardiner (only about 5 miles from Mammoth). You can make a reservation at most places at Gardiner (or even West Yellowstone or Cooke City if you are planning on the Beartooth) that you can cancel without charge nearer your trip if you find a place in the park opens up that you want. I definitely wouldn't panic now about another reservation in Yellowstone because places open up nearer your travel time probably more than you will see now. I think you've done great getting the ones you have. And as you plan your trip more you will see where you want to add one.

Canyon is not far from Roosevelt, but you go over Dunraven Pass which is a twisty mountain road -- great to see, but if it will be dark and you're not used to it could be kind of scary I would think. It wouldn't bother us, but just wanted to warn you.

As far as Jackson, we have done it both ways. It really doesn't matter since you definitely want to go into Jackson. Jackson is only about 20 minutes or so away from the southern end of the park (and it takes at least that long - actually longer -to get to that part of the park from JLL). Last time we stayed in Jackson the first night (walked through the town, went to Albertson's, ate dinner, etc.), then the next AM wandered around that end of GTNP, stopped at some viewpoints along the way and ended up at Old Faithful. Probably depends on when your flight comes in. At the end of our trip we stayed at Signal Mountain Lodge. We have been there 4 times (so far) and have done it a different way each time depending on what we wanted to do -- and honestly IMO it really doesn't matter. Jackson Hole airport is right before you go into GTNP and very close to Jackson.

Have fun planning -- I'm sure you will enjoy it while you are there.

This is all very good feedback. SO maybe I should make the chuckwagon reservations soon... Does anyone know which area would be closer, Mammoth or Canyon?

Thanks,

Beth

If you know you want to do the cookout and which day I see no purpose in waiting to make the reservations. Not sure what the cancellation policy is on those.

Both these sites have interactive maps with mileage. Looks like it is about the same distance. Only thing I would caution is that if you are driving back in the dark IMO Mammoth would be an easier drive. But, again, I would have no problem driving back to Canyon either.

http://www.alandsuejohnson.com/yello...ne_top_map.htm

http://www.nps.gov/archive/yell/inte...emap/index.htm

Thanks so much for all the great info. Love all the talk of bears-- when we were in Glacier last year there were frequent Bear Jams as people pulled off the side of the road to see the bears; we always knew if was a legitimate sighting if the Park Rangers were there too keeping everyone at a distance.

The one indulgence we will do (except of course the whole trip!) is my husband and daughter want to take a guided fishing trip; if anyone used a great guide, esp. one good with kids, I'd love the name and if anyone has an opinion on whether to do that outside the park or in, I'd love to hear that, too.

Many, many thanks for taking the time to give us all this great info!

Mary

Mary, Sorry to take a day to respond. Yes, we did poke around in Jackson (and Bozeman) during our trip; we had an expensive and not-very-good lunch at the Cadillac. Jackson--the town--did not impress us; its attractions pale by comparison to the parks.

We did see Grizzlies at Oxbow Bend in GTNP and between Bay Bridge and West Thumb in YNP.

Enjoy!

Beaucoup, thanks, appreciate your thoughts on Jackson.

I am sending this back up in case someone has info. on fishing.

Thanks!

Mary

Might also look at flying into Billings and entering the park over the beartooth pass hwy and then exit the park thru the Tetons. You will have more options flying into Billings. could still fly out of Jackson, might check prices and schedules if you don't have tickets locked in. In any case you should try to work in the Beartooth Pass

Good thought Jere1mt, I don't have tickets yet and was trying to figure out the Beartooth pass.

thanks!

Mary

Mary, I just made the cookout reservations!!

I will also look into flying into Billings, since it would accomodate the beartooth Pass HWY. Might try to still fly out of Jackson on return...

Great tips everyone...

Thanks again.

EBZ--I did a quick search on Expedia and going into Billings and out of Jackson for me was the same fare so I think it is a great suggestion.

Thanks!

Mary

We did this trip 8 years ago with teenagers. Spent 2 nights at Signal Mountain Lodge (loved it) 3 nights at Old Faithful(loved it) and 2 nights in Jackson which my kids actually liked as they had a break from "all of the scenery". It was a great trip and I hope that your family has a great time.

We had an awesome trip in mid June 2009 to Yellowstone and GTNP with our entire family of 10 for 9 days.
Things to share:
We stayed at the Old Faitful Inn Snow Lodge cabins which was nice. The car drive from Old Faithful to the remaining areas of the park was not bad at all. I would recommend just staying put in one area as oppossed to moving base while in Yellowstone. Old Faithfuls has much more to offer in terms of ammenities than the Canyon atrea. Basing our trip out of the Old Faithful area worked out very well for us.

At GTNP we stayed at the Signal Mountain lodge and got a lakehouse lodge and the views were beautiful. Well worth the cost. We rented a boat one day and got very close views of the Tetons.

The highlight of the trip was the Yellowstone Canyon area. We planned a cookout picnic at Cascade Lake in the fire pits. It was well worth it. Don't miss Artist Point. Geyser Hill and the Geyser Basins were a close second.

The Lowlight was the Roosevely Cookout. Very expensive, and the wagon ride was very short with very average scenery. When they annouce the food to be served, you better have you running shoes on to get near the front of the line because if not your food will be cold, and the steak was very average. The meadow for the cookout was not much to look at. The people serving were very nice but it just was not what we expected. If you go, make sure to bring mosquito repellent.

The highlight of GTNP was Jenny Lake although the boat ride is a rip off. The hike around the lake is pretty long but I would save the money and enjoy the hike, It is a beautiful area.

We also went whitewater rafting with Lewis and Clark expeditions out of Jackson Hole and that was very fun.

Overall, a great trip and would highly recommend this National Park to all. The diversity of the sites in this park was incredible, not to mention the abundance of wildlife viewing.

We just returned from 9 days in both parks...5 nights total between Gardiner (North Entrance to YNP) and Old Faithful Inn, followed by 3 nights at Signal Mtn Lodge with an amazing view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons from our door. No problems with any of our locations and driving in the park was not a problem as we were able to explore the northern loop very easily from Gardiner and then the southern loop from Old Faithful Inn. The only thing I'd change is maybe adding a 3rd night to OFI to give us a little more time to really explore the areas east and west of Old Faithful. Some research really helped us with a manageable itinerary during the trip and we really got to see a lot without too much running around.

Regarding cowboy cookouts, we originally were going to book the Roosevelt stagecoach cookout but found out that there were 2 better (and cheaper) options in Jackson...Bar J and Bar T5, I think. In the end, we scrapped the cowboy cookout thing in lieu of going to the JH Rodeo, which was fun after dinner in the very cool town of Jackson (although if we go back, I'd try one of the Jackson cookouts as they both get good review for their entertainment).

Good luck with your planning!

Just a quick thought for those who are considering flying into one city and out of another. Check the cost of your rental car. Picking up and dropping off in different places can be expensive.

Enjoy GT and YS. Two of our favorite places.

Everyone has provided really great advice here, and I've enjoyed reading about your experiences. My husband and I are planning a marathon driving trip in early October, starting in Atlanta. We will get to the Yellowstone area on October 9th, after the OFI closes. We only have two days to explore YNP and GTNP - hardly enough, I know, and my husband has never been there. Can anyone make a suggestion for a place to stay based on only two nights, and the must-do/must-see areas? I wish we could leave sooner, but with work and other obligations, we are locked into these dates.

After YNP, we will drive toward Denver, so we can go through Jackson on the way "out."

Thanks!
Jennifer

hi:
while in the tetons try and stay in the grand teton lodge.
the chuckwagon dinner was lots of fun. all you can eat ribeye
steak and the fix'in. you may want to book early if it something you want to do because it stays booked.
my wife and i spent 27 days in yelowstone back in 2007 in different areas of the park, we had a great time.
if you have any question please email me.
[email protected] refence yellowstone