Yellowstone National Park Travel Forum

My family is traveling from Bozeman Montana to Jackson Wyoming. I'd like to drive thru Yellowstone and spend one night somewhere in Yellowstone. Not familiar with my options at all and what the kids would enjoy (ages 16,14,12,10) . Keep in mind we are doing a White Water rafting trip on the Snake river when we get to Jackson. Any ideas?? I really sound like an East Coaster don't I!! Thanks in advance

It's been many years since we've been there, but the main part is to know how long it will take you to arrive at one of the lodging destinations (see link) http://www.travelyellowstone.com/transportation-&-travel-resources-195.html

There are many activities, so just for a day you need to determine what area you'd like to focus on. It's also possible to drive thru the park, but it's many, many miles and the road is in the shape of the number eight - so you really need to calculate your preferences.

Also, make sure you keep your gas tank filled! Don't go much lower than 1/2 tank. When we were there we had a close call. Not sure if things have changed, but just be safe.

Sorry for forwarding you to a link, but I'm not sure which activities or areas you will enjoy more - hope the link helps!

If you can get in stay at the Old Faithful Inn. An amazing building and within walking distance of many geysers.

UK

I went to both parks last Summer. I don't know your dates but for us (7 people) it was impossible to find enough rooms for all inside the park even months in advance.
The best options for your would be to stay at Old Faithful or the Lake Yellowstone. Check Xanterra website http://www.xanterra.com/ with your dates.
Coming from Bozeman you won't miss Mammoth Hot Springs. Drive to Norris and join the loop road left to Canyon Village. Donīt miss the waterfalls.
The kids will enjoy mostly Hayden Valley with loads of bison. It's on the way from Canyon to the Lake. This is really outstanding, dangerous at times when people stop the cars and some bison want to cross the road. The warning signs are clear and danger can be avoided with a bit of common sense.
Continue on the loop road along the lake via Bridge bay to Old Faithful.
The walk of the geysers is interesting even for the teenagers. Have a huge ice-cream at the Lodge before or after and they will be delighted!
Check this website for the top ten spots at YNP.
http://www.yellowstone.net/topten/
Also check the day hikes at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
There are a few short hikes with a ranger that you can probably do during your short stay: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/rangerprog.htm

Driving from Old faithful to the Tetons is a good morning drive. Grand Teton Park is absolutely beautiful. Stop by at the Lodge for a coffee and a great view from the Terrasse. We stayed there for two nigths, so we could enjoy the best time of the day, that is early morning: colors of the mountains and wildlife coming to feed nearby.
We did the Snake River rafting as well. You'll be fine with all ages. My son was 6 and did well. The river is not too strong. The only cons: the price of the pictures and CD's (USD80 + 12 per extra pic)and the fact that they are unable to copy 5 digital pictures onto a CD on the spot. They still mail it! We gave up.
Have fun!
Maria

>>If you can get in stay at the Old Faithful Inn<<

The Old Faithful Inn is the main area that people come to in the park because it's near the geyser which is the park icon. Having said that -
- If you don't mind a more crowded, touristy place the Old Faithful Inn may be just fine - it will give you access to the famous geyser and be more centric
- If you want to get a nice, woodsy feeling and some peace and quiet, I would suggest staying near the Mammoth area - much quieter.

So it really depends on your preference.

Note that the hotter summer months like July there are these little squirrely critters that get under the cabins and urinate - I am not sure if they have controlled them by now. When we were there one of them had gotten inside someone's car, and the person was taking the trunk apart. They're some species of squirrel. It was comical seeing the person with the car taken apart and the little guy was hiding some place in there - but they could not leave with it in the car.

Accomadations inside Yellowstone, hotels, inns and cabins book well in advance. They go 6 months to a year in adance. If you know the exact day you want to stay there try booking now.

However, if do wait you can still get lodging inside the park even on the day of your arrival. There are always cancellations. Just go to one of the lodging locations and they should be able to find where there is a vacancy. There is one operator for all the lodging within the park so they are inter connected via computer. You may not get the lodging of your choice and it may be clear across the park but you can find lodging at the last minute. I was able to find accomadations for 3 nights a few years ago by doing this.

Staying on the outside, but feeling like the inside, sits West Yellowstone, Montana. Spent 3 nights at the Holiday Inn, Sun Spree Resorts, in West Yellowstone, just a few blocks to the west entrance to Yellowstone. Visitor center for the park is only a block away. They do have family suites. We did one loop of the Park in one day and went through Yellowstone, sightseeing all the way, right along side the Snake River and the Grand Tetons, on the way to Jackson, Wyoming. You could enter via the north entrance at Mammoth, tour on down to Tower Falls, Canyon, Norris

Continue: After Norris, down to Madison and out the west entrance of the Park at West Yellowstone. A nothern loop of the Park. There are many other hotel/motels in West Yellowstone and it is a small town with shops and restaurants. The next morning, back in and take the southern route out going by Old Faithful, West Thumb, Grant Village to the south exit and on to Jackson. See website: www.doyellowstone.com