YSNP Trip - Mid-July

We are planning a mid-July trip to YSNP for 3 days, with additional 1 or 2 days in Grand Teton (either in beginning or end of the trip). Today we called for lodging at YSNP %26amp; (luckily) got 4 nights in Canyon Lodge (7/16-7/19) Yay!!!! The only flight going into Jackson Hole (for us) lands there at 8 pm %26amp; return flight leaves at 8 am. SO we have to work around these timings. We are flexible on our fly in – fly out dates as we have not yet booked our flight. Once we figure out logistics, it will help us finalize the route we take. Therefore my questions below:

1. On the day we land, do u think it is advisable to drive a bit into Grand Tetons at night and stay somewhere there, so we have a head start? Or should we just crash at JAC the night we land and start driving the next morning?

2. What would be a good way to “see’’ Grand Teton? Is it enough to drive leisurely %26amp; take in the interesting sights as we’re driving through Grand Teton on our way to %26amp; from YSNP? Or do you recommend we spend 2 days/1 night exclusively for G Teton? If so,

3. Given our flight times, does it make sense to cover G Teton in the beginning or the end of our trip, considering the lodging (7/16-7/19) we already booked in YSNP?

4. Canyon Lodge seems like a central location to cover most of YSNP from what I see on the map %26amp; also from the forums on here. Also, I understand drives inside the park can get long. Staying in Canyon Lodge should we be able to manage it without feeling like we r living in the car, or do u think I should try to break our lodging in the park, by spending 2 nights elsewhere, to make it more convenient?

Thanks in advance for any input…

YSNP Trip - Mid-July

Sounds like fun. I think you have great lodging for your visit. If you can get the first 2 nights at Old Faithful, that might be better, but may not be possible.

Day 1 I would fly in 7/14. Spend the night in Jackson. No need to drive at night, too far, plus Tetons are beautiful in the morning!

Day 2 Tetons all day. 7/15 See if you can get lodging at Jackson Lake Lodge or in Colter Bay. If not stay in Jackson

Day 3 To Yellowstone 7/16

Day 4 YS 7/17

Day 5 YS 7/18

Day 6 YS 7/19

Day 7 YS to Jackson WY 7/20 Have a fun dinner, do some last minute shopping etc.

Day 8 Depart

YSNP Trip - Mid-July

Hi Thanks for your suggestions, but sadly we dont have 8 days to spare - max we can do is 5 days. That%26#39;s why we%26#39;re trying to plan ahead of time, but at the same time trying not to pack too much each day, as we also like to relax %26amp; take it easy while on vacation...So here%26#39;s what we have so far...

7/16: Land in JAC at night, crash in Jackson Hole

7/17: Start driving through Tetons in the am (hopefully catch a short hike in G Teton), Check into Canyon Lodge (YSNP) by evening

7/18: Explore Old Faithful area Geyser area

7/19: Explore North area of YSNP (Valley etc) what else ??

7/20: Check out of Canyon Lodge, Explore more YSNP or G Tetons (not sure what), Stay night somewhere near G Tetons or JAC

7/21: Catch flight in early am

I know there are a lot of blanks, which Im hoping to fill with suggestions from the forums..But its kind of hard to estimate the general direction and realistic driving distances...

Also, Im reading about Beartooth highway, to or from YSNP, which direction seems feasible? How much time should we plan to really enjoy the drive?

Does this above plan seem too short? We %26#39;MAY%26#39; be able to add an extra day before or after, as our air tickets are not yet booked. what do the experts think?

I think you%26#39;ve got a decent plan for the time you have available.

One thing, on your first day you plan to visit Old Faithful and that area. Before you do, drive down through Hayden Valley to Lake and back up to Canyon. You never know what you%26#39;ll find down that way. There%26#39;s more wildlife out early in the morning than later. You can spend the rest of the day doing geysers or whatever you want.

Here%26#39;s a link to some sample itineraries we put together. They may not be what you want but will give you something to think about.

www.alandsuejohnson.com/ynp_itineraries.htm

The menu to the left also has a Grand Teton link that might have some information to help you get oriented down there.

This sounds like a fun trip. You might be short changing your time in Grand Teton a bit, if you are seeing GTNP and driving to Canyon the same day. It can take 3 hours to get from Jackson to Canyon depending on traffic an wildlife. I would spend some time walking around Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, maybe lunching at colter bay or jackson lake lodge (which has wonderful teton views).

Just driving to Canyon you will pass by some wonderful YNP sites, and Hayden Valley. You can expect wildlife jams on your drive through the valley. Canyon is a great central location to see the park. We stayed there last summer, and it worked out well. The area doesn%26#39;t have the classic ';parkarcitecture'; that you will find in some of the other areas, but it does have lots of services. If you can spend the first night in the Old faithful area, it would be worth it.

Given the choice between staying in Jackson hole on 14th night after landing and moving ahead on 15th to grand teaton or staying two nights (14th and 15th) in colter bay or jackson lake lodge, what would be your recommendation?

How is the drive from Jackson hole airport to colter bay or jackson lake lodge? Can it done in the night as we land at 9:00 PM on 14th? It is safe?

Thanks,