Yellowstong/Tetons Area Sept. 2016
 

I am just getting started planning a trip for late Aug./Sept timeframe 2016 to the Yellowstone and Teton Area. We will be pulling a TT abt. 30'. Hoping to choose the best places to camp while there. I am completely ignorant. :) I have been reading some of the posts and suggested itineraries others have used. That has been so helpful. We will also be traveling with a small dog, a Jack Russell, that is very old. We understand that he will be left in the camper while any hiking is going on..unless someone has info/suggestions otherwise, except for boarding. That is not an option. We don't have a specific time frame that has to be set in stone. We are retired and can take our time. I have researched only a small amount on Fodor's, Good Sam's, Tripadvisor. I like one of the itineraries that was posted that suggested doing the following: Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Yellowstone, Tetons…But was also thinking about Bryce, Zion…That may all be WAY too much though. I may not be asking or providing enough information, or being specific enough. I will be happy if anyone just answers! Thank you.

PWB,

First piece of important info is how long do you have for the trip? Where will you be driving from? That makes all the difference if you also want to visit Bryce and Zion.

Also, Zion will probably be too hot to leave your old dog in the trailer unless you have AC and plan to reserve a full hook up campsite. Also if you know your Ac unit is absolutely reliable.

Dayle - thank you for responding. We are traveling from Tri-city area of upper east TN. We don't have a time frame that we have to adhere to, as we are retired. We can take as long as we want. But - having said - I realize that snow will be around the area and we don't want to get caught up in something that we cannot handle there. I am thinking that we should start earlier in August to allow for more time?? We do have AC, but had trouble once in Charleston with a site in the full sun and it couldn't cool enough, so thanks for that advice. We may leave off Zion and Bryce. I've been told that much of the area around Tetons and Yellowstone closes up in Sept. too.

>>We understand that he will be left in the camper while any hiking is going on..<<

Unfortunately that isn't allowed in most National Parks.

Meant to say -- they can't be left unattended and that means even inside a camper.

Yellowstone is a bit more lenient than many parks but even there . . . from the NPS Yellowstone website:

>>3. It is prohibited to leave a pet unattended and tied to an object.
It is illegal to leave pets in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation and other basic needs are inadequate. So while it is possible for pets to remain in your vehicle while you are viewing attractions near roads and parking areas, it is strongly recommended that a party member remain behind to personally ensure your pet's well being.<<

So a short time for photo ops, etc -- but would preclude leaving him while you are off hiking.