Hi , my girlfriend and I are planning a Yellowstone/Tetons vacation for the end of August, about 7 days, I think we would fly into Jackson WY, do the tetons then Yellow stone and drive back to jackson, if that makes sense, can anyone help with where to stay, the route to take, and for how long in each place? Thanks!

Damian

The route you describe is very commonly done. The airport is on the north side of Jackson, toward the
Teton and Yellowstone.
My suggestion is divide your time on a ratio of 2:4 -- 2 days Tetons, 4 days Yellowstone.

My big concern is finding a place to stay.

There are accommodations in both parks, but they tend to sell out that time of year. There is right now limited availability on the web site. If there is nothing listed, try calling. I recently was successful in getting a room for 2 nights at Old Faithful Inn.

My preferred places to stay in the parks are Signal Mountain Lodge in the Tetons and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge cabins in Yellowstone.

Hi Damitin, We just returned from 9 days in the area you will be visiting. Yes, it is doable, as we flew into SLC. We started in Jackson. We thought the tram at Teton Village was worth it and we did the Cody Bowl hike. We spent one night in Teton and I loved the park. We spent two nights at Lake Yellowstone, but I think Roosevelt could have worked better. I highly recommend the Beartooth Hwy. It was awesome. We spent the night in Red Lodge, MT and then came back. We spent two nights at Old Faithful area. That part of the park was the most crowded. Heed the advice of getting on some hikes and you will literally lose 99% of the people. We went on a hike on Sat. July 5 (Cascade Lake) and only ran into 4 people!!, and it was classfied an easy hike.

If you have any specific questions, let me know. You will have a wonderful time.

My sister and I did this trip a few years ago. It may be hard getting in a hotel at this late date, but check for last minute ones. We stayed at the Lake Yellowstone hotel in the park. Coming back we stayed at the Colter Bay cabins right on the bay in the Tetons. We rented a boat. Also take any of the hikes offered by the park service. They are very informative and helpful about answering questions. We also stayed at the Jackson Lake Lodge. A great view from the lobby back window. From the back deck you can see the moose come to drink from the ponds. Also did an easy float trip on the river nearby. There is also horseback riding available at the lodge. Have fun!

If you can't find lodging in Yellowstone, then try at West Yellowstone, Montana. It's the best location for seeing all of the park and closest to the geyser areas.

Utahtea

Ditto Colter Bay and Signal Mt Lodge in Tetons. The do have cancellations, so call back often to check both parks lodgings. W. Yellowstone has many hotels and I wouldn't think you would have a problem getting into one of them. Don't bother with Mammoth Hot Springs. The last two times I was there it wasn't worth the drive nor the time. I would spilt my time with 4 days in Tetons and 3 in Yellowstone just because I prefer the Tetons scenery and hiking.

utahtea,

I would appreciate it if you would please elaborate on your comment that West Yellowstone is the best place from which to see the entire park. That's because I'm thinking of taking my nieces to Yellowstone next year, and because I'm thinking of renting an apartment rather than a hotel. Sometimes apartments are cheaper by the night when rented for a week, or are unavailable unless rented for the entire week. So, staying in one place for the week and taking day trips into the park is an option for which your advice would be very helpful.

Your thoughts are much appreciated, as always!

I would choose in the park over outside any day. BUT if you only want one location and you want outside the park then West Yellowstone is really the closest place outside the park to the geyser areas and other areas.

West Yellowstone to Old Faithful area is 30 miles. To Mammoth Hot Springs is about 50 miles and to Canyon area is 40 miles. You really can't say that about any other lodging outside of the park.

Think of the park roads as a figure 8 with two main loops. The lower and upper loop. West Yellowstone is just 14 miles from the middle of the two loops.

Utahtea

Thank you, Utahtea. That makes perfect sense and is very helpful.