So my best friend texted me last week and wants to hit up Yellowstone this summer. So we're going to Yellowstone - I've been before but he hasn't. We're meeting up in Salt Lake City and driving up from there. We're staying the first night at a Forest Service campground near West Yellowstone (about 10-15 minutes from the park) and the second night at Grant Village campground in YNP. Still figuring out the rest - it's five nights total and probably the last night or two will be in Grand Teton National Park. Last time I was there I spent a day in each park and this time we'll have six days total so I'm excited to see some new places. Obviously the main sights like Old Faithful are on the list - any suggestions for what else to see?
I've been there twice. Once pre-kids, and once post-kids. I prefer the Tetons over Yellowstone and would try to spend no more than 3 days in Yellowstone, which gives you plenty of time to hit the major sites. I'm just not a big fan of the busloads of tourists, and animal-sighting-caused traffic jams everywhere. The Tetons are even more beautiful, with fantastic hiking opportunities. No matter where you are in that area, be aware of bears and carry bear spray. Don't put anything in your tent will attract them (including deodorant, toothpaste, clothes you cooked in, etc.). Also, afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common so plan accordingly.
My favorite spots in the Tetons:
- Jenny Lake to inspiration point - a very easy, short hike, that provides beautiful vistas. You can take the shuttle boat across the lake or hike around it depending on preference. We saw a grizzly on the edge of the lake the last time we were there. If you want a longer, even more beautiful hike, continue on into Paintbrush Canyon. We hiked into it on our first trip and saw a black bear.
- Hidden Falls trail - there were bear warnings when we hiked it, but we didn't see any (fortunately). We saw people camping at the falls overlook.
- White water rafting on the Snake River
If you can, stop in Jackson WY. It's touristy, but it's a nice throwback town with some very good places to eat (Merry Piglets, Billy's Giant Burgers).
WRT to Yellowstone, we've only really done the touristy spots, so I probably can't tell you anything you don't already know. We focused our last visit on Norris, Canyon, and Mammoth areas, we did go out the north gate and checked out Gardiner Montana (just past the gate) to say we were in Montana!
Oh, I'm jealous.