Help with Yellowstone itinerary & hotel

My wife %26amp; I are planning to go to Yellowstone for the first time. We are flying to Bozeman, arriving on Thursday Sep 4th at 3:30 PM, and leaving on Monday Sep 7th at 3:00 PM. I thought to stay the first and the last nights in Gardiner to be close to the airport. I’m not sure where we should stay the other 2 nights. I checked Xanterra, and except for the Lake Lodge, %26amp; Old Faithful, the other accommodations are still available inside the park. We like to see the falls, the geysers, do easy short hikes (max 2 miles), drive the scenic routes, %26amp; watch the animals. Do you have any suggestions of what to do and what areas of the park to visit? Where should we stay for the middle two nights? Should we stay in West Yellowstone, or should we stay inside the park? If inside, then which area? Our budget for the hotel is max $170 per night. What is the temperature like first week of September? I would appreciate your input.

Help with Yellowstone itinerary %26amp; hotel

I would suggest staying in the Park those 2 nights. It will make it easier for you to get out and see the sights in the time you have available. Canyon and Lake would be the most central locations and you should be able to get a cabin under your max at either place. If you call Xanterra rather than relying on the website you%26#39;ll get more current availability. Cancellations occur frequently and they can%26#39;t always keep the website updated to reflect them.

Here is a link for the facility closing dates, as some will be starting to shut down by then: nps.gov/yell/…open_closedates.htm

If you click on the ';Plan your visit'; link on the left of that page, you%26#39;ll get ideas for hikes, etc. You can also pull up the map of the park to help you plan. Be aware that part of the road between Madison Junction and Norris will be closed for repairs after Aug. 17th.

Weather at the beginning of Sept. is usually beautiful. It cools down a little by then, but is still generally in the 70%26#39;s during the day. Also, the crowds are thinning by then as kids go back to school.

Come back with any further questions as your planning continues - and Have fun!