Yellowstone Park help with planning!
Aug 5th, 2009, 01:19 PM
#42
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If you leave Roosevelt Lodge on day 6, drive the Beartooth Highway as far as you want (we left Canyon -- Beartooth to last lookout before you start going down to Red Lodge -- Chief Joseph through Cody and back to Canyon easily in one day with lots of stops), and then spend that night (6) at Lake Yellowstone you will save yourself alot of driving rather than going back to Roosevelt on one of your other days. If you are planning the Beartooth Highway trip as a day trip from and back to Roosevelt I wouldn't go all the way down the Chief Joseph and expect to spend time in Cody. That is a whole lot of driving and you will probably be rushed.
The nps.gov website has information on park road closures. They do road work very year somewhere in the park (only time they can do it is in the busy summer months). Watch that web site before you go.
The nps.gov website has information on park road closures. They do road work very year somewhere in the park (only time they can do it is in the busy summer months). Watch that web site before you go.
Aug 5th, 2009, 01:22 PM
#43
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we've always had food there late but i think i remember seeing one or two there. again, we eat late so maybe earlier on there were more. it's not a snooty place, if that's what you mean. i think the kids will be fine. what are the ages?
We just did the 2 night but we LOVED LOVED LOVED it! Oars did a fantastic job and the matt they have for sleeping with was really comfy, so much so that when we got back home, we bought thick matts (slightly thicker than what they had) to replace our inflatable mattress that we take camping. Our group included 2 families and a single guy. One of the families had 3 small kids from 5-11. They found out it was our first year wedding anniversary and in the morning before we set off to come back, they sang us a happy anniversary song that they apparently practiced when they got back to their tent. V.sweet. A very memorable trip. If you are doing the one to grass island, the views are amazing. Here's a link for some pics of that overnight kayak.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=1a54efdf2a
Do you know they do the lake yellowstone kayak too? Here's a link to those pics. I think the kayaking on lake yellowstone are towards the end.
Share this album with anyone by sending them this public link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=8f168ff615
We just did the 2 night but we LOVED LOVED LOVED it! Oars did a fantastic job and the matt they have for sleeping with was really comfy, so much so that when we got back home, we bought thick matts (slightly thicker than what they had) to replace our inflatable mattress that we take camping. Our group included 2 families and a single guy. One of the families had 3 small kids from 5-11. They found out it was our first year wedding anniversary and in the morning before we set off to come back, they sang us a happy anniversary song that they apparently practiced when they got back to their tent. V.sweet. A very memorable trip. If you are doing the one to grass island, the views are amazing. Here's a link for some pics of that overnight kayak.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=1a54efdf2a
Do you know they do the lake yellowstone kayak too? Here's a link to those pics. I think the kayaking on lake yellowstone are towards the end.
Share this album with anyone by sending them this public link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...6&l=8f168ff615
Aug 5th, 2009, 04:52 PM
#44
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OK, I am getting a little confused...just when I thought I had my trip figured. Originally we were going to leave Roosevelt Lodge and Head back to Jackson after 4 nights total in Yellowstone now I am thinking, (Mag, maybe you can comment as you wrote about leaving Roosevelt Lodge for Beartooth)...could I leave R. Lodge, around noon, take the Beartooth Hwy., stop over night in Montana (not sure where Cody is) and then drive back to Jackson Hole the next day? Is that doable? Would it give us enough time to see Beartooth Hwy.? I currently have booked: 2 nights at Yellowstake Lake Lodge and 2 at Roosevelt Lodge. Still cannot get though to xanterra to see if the road North of Ol Faithful will be closed next year, I will check out the webiste you mentioned.
Again, thank you and love learning about this area!
Again, thank you and love learning about this area!
Aug 5th, 2009, 04:55 PM
#45
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travelpoor, the reason for letting the bears know is because apparently they tend to attack if they are surprised so make sure you make some noises so you don't surprise any in your hikes. just thought that would be a helpful tip. ;-)
Aug 5th, 2009, 06:56 PM
#46
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Here is a web site by another fodorite that you might find helpful if you haven't seen it already. He has an interactive map of Yellowstone that gives you miles and approximate driving times. You will be there in the busy season so driving times may be longer than you think.
http://www.alandsuejohnson.com/
You want to backtrack as little as you can. Red Lodge is in Montana, Cody is in Wyoming. From Roosevelt you go out the northeast entrance of the park to the Beartooth Highway. There are a couple of ways to get from Red Lodge to Cody. You can backtract along the Beartooth Highway and then turn onto the Chief Joseph Highway south before you reach the northeast entrance to Yellowstone again. The CJH will take you into Cody which is outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone. You will then come to Yellowstone Lake. To go back to Roosevelt that day you would have to go north across Dunraven Pass -- long way to go after a long day of travel.
You could leave Roosevelt, go over the Beartooth as far as you want, continue onto the CJH and spend the night in Cody if you want to spend some time there. You can go from Cody to Jackson the next day, but you said you had reservations at Yellowstone Lake.
I'd keep your reservations in the park for now -- you can also make one in Cody or Red Lodge if you want (one you can cancel without penalty) and then as you further plan your trip see what works best for you. I could be absolutely wrong, but I'm not sure Xanterra would know for sure what the road work will be like next year at this time. That is usually on the nps web site in the fall or winter before.
You're right there is a ton of information and also lots to do while there. Best thing you can do is have a plan (and an alternate one) for each day and then be very flexible.
http://www.alandsuejohnson.com/
You want to backtrack as little as you can. Red Lodge is in Montana, Cody is in Wyoming. From Roosevelt you go out the northeast entrance of the park to the Beartooth Highway. There are a couple of ways to get from Red Lodge to Cody. You can backtract along the Beartooth Highway and then turn onto the Chief Joseph Highway south before you reach the northeast entrance to Yellowstone again. The CJH will take you into Cody which is outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone. You will then come to Yellowstone Lake. To go back to Roosevelt that day you would have to go north across Dunraven Pass -- long way to go after a long day of travel.
You could leave Roosevelt, go over the Beartooth as far as you want, continue onto the CJH and spend the night in Cody if you want to spend some time there. You can go from Cody to Jackson the next day, but you said you had reservations at Yellowstone Lake.
I'd keep your reservations in the park for now -- you can also make one in Cody or Red Lodge if you want (one you can cancel without penalty) and then as you further plan your trip see what works best for you. I could be absolutely wrong, but I'm not sure Xanterra would know for sure what the road work will be like next year at this time. That is usually on the nps web site in the fall or winter before.
You're right there is a ton of information and also lots to do while there. Best thing you can do is have a plan (and an alternate one) for each day and then be very flexible.
Aug 6th, 2009, 01:05 PM
#47
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Maria, Thanks for sharing the pictures. You have a great eye. I love the ones of the yellow-orange spring in Yellowstone! At first, we were thinking of doing the Yellowstone lake kayak with OARS as well as the Jackson Lake 2 nighter. I think we've decided against the Yellowstone lake one though - just trying to do too much. Do you think the Yellowstone lake tour is worth it?
Maj, so you did a big loop from Canyon? You're suggesting that I do the same thing, but go from Roosevelt to Lake Yellowstone - saving the driving time between Lake Yellowstone and Roosevelt? I just want to make sure I understand - think that makes sense.
But here is my question - If I did that, would I backtrack on the Beartooth like you did before going south towards Cody OR should I go all the way to Red Lodge and head south from there? The reason I originally planned the round trip Roosevelt was so that I could hit both routes. But maybe it isn't necessary. Hoping I'm making sense. Thanks for all this wonderful information!!
Maj, so you did a big loop from Canyon? You're suggesting that I do the same thing, but go from Roosevelt to Lake Yellowstone - saving the driving time between Lake Yellowstone and Roosevelt? I just want to make sure I understand - think that makes sense.
But here is my question - If I did that, would I backtrack on the Beartooth like you did before going south towards Cody OR should I go all the way to Red Lodge and head south from there? The reason I originally planned the round trip Roosevelt was so that I could hit both routes. But maybe it isn't necessary. Hoping I'm making sense. Thanks for all this wonderful information!!
Aug 6th, 2009, 01:57 PM
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thanks travelpoor. i actually paint abstract art as a hobby and show at a gallery and some of these i made large prints of and got framed in and now hangs in a series at my husband's office. i just love the colors of the thermal pools, especially the ones in the midway geysers (grand prismatic, excelsior, etc).
to be honest, i was not impressed with the lake yellowstone tour. perhaps it was because the tetons one was such a success. for the lake yellowstone one, you basically skim the coast from the boat ramp area (near the cabins) to the west thumb basin features (boardwalk near the geyser where a guy used to draw tourist and cook fish in (the geyser, i mean)) then turn around. The water is significantly colder than the tetons and it was cool to feel the warm water by the geysers. so if you have to choose one, i say do the tetons one, hands down.
to be honest, i was not impressed with the lake yellowstone tour. perhaps it was because the tetons one was such a success. for the lake yellowstone one, you basically skim the coast from the boat ramp area (near the cabins) to the west thumb basin features (boardwalk near the geyser where a guy used to draw tourist and cook fish in (the geyser, i mean)) then turn around. The water is significantly colder than the tetons and it was cool to feel the warm water by the geysers. so if you have to choose one, i say do the tetons one, hands down.
Aug 6th, 2009, 03:12 PM
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Maria, can you recommend a good camera? I have a cheap Canon SD1000 right now without a good zoom lense. I want to get something better before our trip next summer.
Also, did you guys have binoculars or a scope with you on your trip?
I'm glad the Lake Yellowstone tour wasn't all that special. Now I won't feel like I'm missing anything.
My kids will be 10 and 13. I think I'll play the Snake River Grill by ear - not sure what we'll feel like by the end of our trip.
Also, did you guys have binoculars or a scope with you on your trip?
I'm glad the Lake Yellowstone tour wasn't all that special. Now I won't feel like I'm missing anything.
My kids will be 10 and 13. I think I'll play the Snake River Grill by ear - not sure what we'll feel like by the end of our trip.
Aug 6th, 2009, 04:39 PM
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Another website if you don't have it.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2281/index.html
It was our third trip to Yellowstone before we made it to the Beartooth (it was closed on our other visits in the fall) so it was kind of a priority for that trip. We left Canyon around 6:45 stopped for a few animal sightings along the way, drove to Roosevelt, Lamar Valley and had breakfast in Silver Gate. We left there around 10:15. We stopped and walked up the Old Fire Overlook then continued on to Vista Point. We left there about 1:30. We were tentatively going to go to Red Lodge, but decided not to at that point. I had wanted to see Chief Joseph Hwy. We stopped a few times on our return via the Beartooth to some viewpoints we hadn't stopped on the way in. When I say to avoid backtracking when you can -- you will probably have to do some no matter where you are. We continued on the CJH, stopping at some viewpoints along the way and arrived in Cody around 5PM. We continued on the East Entrance (were stopped for a while because of construction they were doing on that road that year), stopped to watch some otters at Fishing Bridge and arrive back in Canyon after dark. We ate dinner at Canyon.
When I say we did it easily, I may add that we were really tired when we got back. Also, we are adults (without kids along) and just ate snacks and peanut butter we had with us while driving so didn't stop anywhere to eat. The road from Yellowstone Lake to Canyon isn't long, but to go from Canyon back to Roosevelt along Dunraven Pass (which I love but is best seen in daylight) when you are tired and probably in the dark (it is a windy mountain pass with dropoffs) doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Also you were talking about spending time in Cody --you might be better off staying there. The East Entrance to Yellowstone (with the hoodoos, Lake, etc.) is beautiful, but also best seen in daylight and not really a short distance.
There are so many different ways you can do this. You can leave from Roosevelt, go to the Beartooth and back to Roosevelt the same way (which wouldn't be a bad idea--travelling through the Lamar Valley both ways). I think you can also go to Red Lodge and then take a highway back down to Cody for a faster trip if you really want to include Cody. Personally, I wanted to see the CJH, but would not go back -- I think it may be more impressive if you saw it before the Beartooth, but IMO (without knowing what your kids are interested in) I think it would be a lot of driving and looking at scenery and they would be bored. I know others feel differently, but that is just my opinion.
You will get all sorts of different opinions. I personally don't think there is a wrong way to do these parks. I think your last comment "not sure what we'll feel like by the end of our trip" sums it all up. You actually will change your mind during the trip.
Ok -- I am now overloading you with web sites.
http://forums.yellowstone.net/index....9352a407be71cf
Great information and pictures. Tons of posts about photography and people to answer questions about cameras, etc. -- pick their brains. You will not believe the camera and scope equipment people have out there. People have great spotting scopes and most will let you look through them (usually at wolves). I wouldn't worry about getting one for this visit. Definitely take a binoculars and a good camera.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2281/index.html
It was our third trip to Yellowstone before we made it to the Beartooth (it was closed on our other visits in the fall) so it was kind of a priority for that trip. We left Canyon around 6:45 stopped for a few animal sightings along the way, drove to Roosevelt, Lamar Valley and had breakfast in Silver Gate. We left there around 10:15. We stopped and walked up the Old Fire Overlook then continued on to Vista Point. We left there about 1:30. We were tentatively going to go to Red Lodge, but decided not to at that point. I had wanted to see Chief Joseph Hwy. We stopped a few times on our return via the Beartooth to some viewpoints we hadn't stopped on the way in. When I say to avoid backtracking when you can -- you will probably have to do some no matter where you are. We continued on the CJH, stopping at some viewpoints along the way and arrived in Cody around 5PM. We continued on the East Entrance (were stopped for a while because of construction they were doing on that road that year), stopped to watch some otters at Fishing Bridge and arrive back in Canyon after dark. We ate dinner at Canyon.
When I say we did it easily, I may add that we were really tired when we got back. Also, we are adults (without kids along) and just ate snacks and peanut butter we had with us while driving so didn't stop anywhere to eat. The road from Yellowstone Lake to Canyon isn't long, but to go from Canyon back to Roosevelt along Dunraven Pass (which I love but is best seen in daylight) when you are tired and probably in the dark (it is a windy mountain pass with dropoffs) doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Also you were talking about spending time in Cody --you might be better off staying there. The East Entrance to Yellowstone (with the hoodoos, Lake, etc.) is beautiful, but also best seen in daylight and not really a short distance.
There are so many different ways you can do this. You can leave from Roosevelt, go to the Beartooth and back to Roosevelt the same way (which wouldn't be a bad idea--travelling through the Lamar Valley both ways). I think you can also go to Red Lodge and then take a highway back down to Cody for a faster trip if you really want to include Cody. Personally, I wanted to see the CJH, but would not go back -- I think it may be more impressive if you saw it before the Beartooth, but IMO (without knowing what your kids are interested in) I think it would be a lot of driving and looking at scenery and they would be bored. I know others feel differently, but that is just my opinion.
You will get all sorts of different opinions. I personally don't think there is a wrong way to do these parks. I think your last comment "not sure what we'll feel like by the end of our trip" sums it all up. You actually will change your mind during the trip.
Ok -- I am now overloading you with web sites.
http://forums.yellowstone.net/index....9352a407be71cf
Great information and pictures. Tons of posts about photography and people to answer questions about cameras, etc. -- pick their brains. You will not believe the camera and scope equipment people have out there. People have great spotting scopes and most will let you look through them (usually at wolves). I wouldn't worry about getting one for this visit. Definitely take a binoculars and a good camera.
Aug 6th, 2009, 07:02 PM
#52
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Thanks so much maj! The only problem with doing the Beartooth from Roosevelt Lodge to Lake Lodge is that since the drive would take so long, we wouldn't have any time to explore the lake at all.
I don't really care about seeing Cody. It just seemed like a good place to stop for a while. What if we went from Roosevelt Lodge to Red Lodge via the Beartooth; went directly south on the highway to meet the Chief Joseph. Then take the Chief Joseph back to Roosevelt Lodge. That eliminates the stop in Cody and a small section of driving.
Just when you think you're done planning . . .
I don't really care about seeing Cody. It just seemed like a good place to stop for a while. What if we went from Roosevelt Lodge to Red Lodge via the Beartooth; went directly south on the highway to meet the Chief Joseph. Then take the Chief Joseph back to Roosevelt Lodge. That eliminates the stop in Cody and a small section of driving.
Just when you think you're done planning . . .
Aug 6th, 2009, 07:34 PM
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Chief Joseph Hwy goes from Cooke City area to Cody. Not sure if a road comes into it. You can't take it directly back to Roosevelt, but would go back through the Lamar Valley (which is a great drive for animal sightings and worth travelling more than once). There are posters on this site that live in that area and knowledgable in the roads, etc. and I don't notice any of them on this post. I would probably start a new post more pertinent to this question. Sometimes people will read a post once and never come back to it. This one is getting kind of long to read through anyway. If no one answers in a few days just put ttt as a reply and it will place the post at the top of the list. Some people are weekend posters and some answer during the week.
Aug 8th, 2009, 06:16 AM
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Aug 10th, 2009, 03:01 PM
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Travelpoor, I was finally able to get someone at Xanterra. The lady I spoke with said as far as she knew, the road North of Ol Faithful was not going to be closed next July. My original plan was to stay there one night, but when I was told by the guy I spoke with at Xanterra, the road would be closed I changed my itinerary! I think I will keep what I have (2-3 nights Jackson Hole, 2 nights Lake Yellowstone and 2 nights Roosevelt and think I will go the Beartooth Hwy. when I check out of Roosevelt, stay the night probably in Montana, then head back to Jackson Hole. Good luck with your plans!
Aug 11th, 2009, 08:56 AM
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leeam, I think your plan sounds good. We've decided to do 2-3 nights in Jackson as well. In Yellowstone, we're staying 2 nights in the Old Faithful area, 1 in Canyon (cause I couldn't get Roosevelt for that night), 2 nights at Roosevelt Lodge, and then 1 night at Lake Yellowstone before heading back to Jackson.
After you check out of Roosevelt and do the Beartooth, if you arrive in Red Lodge earlier than expected, you could head south to Cody (only 1:15 from Red Lodge). Then your drive to Jackson the next day wouldn't be quite as loooong. Just a thought.
I'm not quite sure how we'll do the Beartooth yet. I think we have plenty of nights booked - think we'll just play it by ear.
Good luck!
Jodie
After you check out of Roosevelt and do the Beartooth, if you arrive in Red Lodge earlier than expected, you could head south to Cody (only 1:15 from Red Lodge). Then your drive to Jackson the next day wouldn't be quite as loooong. Just a thought.
I'm not quite sure how we'll do the Beartooth yet. I think we have plenty of nights booked - think we'll just play it by ear.
Good luck!
Jodie
Aug 12th, 2009, 05:28 AM
#59
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Travelpoor, I spoke with the Chamber yesterday in Red Lodge and I have nixed that idea now! I was told it is about 6-8 hours from there to Jackson, you have to go through the Park or it is even longer. My husband I decided, it would be to long of a day driving that far, and we did not want to do another night in the Park. So, we will have to see the Beartooth next time. I think we will see enough scenery in the Park itself. This will give us extra time in the Jackson/Teton area which we want. Have you booked the chuckwagon dinner at Red Lodge? We booked that and the horseback riding the following day. Any new tips/info. you get, let me know! Thanks, I'll do the same.
Aug 12th, 2009, 05:38 AM
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We went to Yellowstone and Grand Teton last June. In GT we stayed in Jackson Lake Lodge and we loved it. Our room was just in front of Grand Teton and one morning, at 5 a.ma we woke up with one big moose just in front of our window. In Yellowstone we stayed at Old Faithful Lodge, we had to book it in Deceber 2008, and we had to wait for a cancellation. But we didn't like it, it's very expensive, 240$/night, and the service is owsy, as well as the room, the bed was very small. I rather prefer the Snow Lodge. Don´t miss the Canyon and Lamar and Hayden Valley. The geysers area are obligatory.
