YELLOWSTONE
Places we stayed...
Many times I select places to stay based on the property, even if a little out of the way. This ended up being a gamble at 45 minutes from the North Entrance of Yellowstone, but family and I agree...it was well worth the extra splurge in time and price. We flew into Bozeman, MT and drove to Pray, MT. We stayed here two nights. We spent the first afternoon on-property fly fishing and mountain biking. The next day we took advantage of still being on EST, got up early and drove to the North Entrance of Yellowstone. We were able to see half the park. The next day we checked out and visited the remaining sites on our list on our way to the Tetons. (The laundry facilities on-property were also a big perk.)
Jackson Lake Lodge Grand Teton National Park,Wyoming
This was one of the biggest regrets on this trip. Big disappointment. It was dirty and dated and we paid at a premium since it was inside the park. The only thing going for it was the location. Thankfully it was only one night. If I was to go back, I would check out this place instead, Turpin Meadow Ranch. A friend recently booked it and loved it.
Huff House Jackson, Wyoming
We chose this as it was highly rated, close to town and we had a suite with plenty of room for four to spread out. The breakfasts here are amazing and the owner was very hospitable. Adorable backyard with hot tub and fire pit. They have since added onto this property.
Glamping at Conestoga Ranch, Bear Lake, UT
This was a pleasant surprise! We originally only booked in for one night because we were skeptical, but EASILY could have stayed longer. They have a fantastic restaurant, games tent AND a fire pit butler.
Marriott Mountainside, Park City, UT
This was our final stop. We spend two nights here in a two-bedroom suite. It was in a great location and had a kitchen and laundry in the unit.
Things we did...
Yellowstone National Park - Map of Park
Day 2: Drove from Hope Lodge along the right side of the '8' to our furthest point south, which was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Artist Point. On the way, we saw our first bison and a black bear! It was pretty exciting. Additionally we saw Yellowstone Lake Lodge (stopped for lunch), Uncle Tom's Trail and then drove back up and ended the day at Mammoth Springs and the North Entrance.
Day 3: We checked out of our hotel and drove the left-side of the '8' and spent the day checking out all the geysers starting with Norris Geyser Basin and then to Grand Prismatic Spring. Lunch at Old Faithful Inn with viewing of Old Faithful (see tip below) and then we saw West Thumb Geyser Basin on the way to Grand Tetons.
Since we were short on time, we did not do any hikes.
Grand Tetons National Park
Day 4: We woke up and did a quick hike at Lunch Tree Hill on property at JLL. We checked out the Teton Point Turnout and took the Jenny Lake Shuttle to hike the Jenny Lake Loop/Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point. We then made our way to Jackson (saw moose on the way!) and checked in to our next hotel. That evening we went to the Jackson Rodeo - a must do! - buy tickets in advance.
Jackson Hole, WY
Day 5: We headed out after breakfast to Jackson Hole Arial Tram (pack a light jacket - it can be cold up there!) and did some shopping in town before heading out for dinner.
Bear Lake, UT
Day 6: This was a driving day. Our plan was to stop at the Butch Cassidy Bank Robbery Museum in Idaho, but it was closed. We checked into Conestoga Ranch at Bear Lake and spent the afternoon exploring the property and playing games and reading by the campfire.
Park City, UT
Day 7: Another driving day down to Park City to check-in to our last stop, the Marriott Mountainside, and spent the afternoon by the pool.
Day 8: We spent a very fun day in Olympic Park where we ziplined, tubed, bobsledded, etc.
Day 9: Today was a travel day but we had a late flight and needed to checkout in the morning so we spent the day in Salt Lake. We visited the Tabernacle organ recital and also spent some time in the ancestry research building.
Places we ate..
Montana
The Fireside Room at Sage Lodge - great restaurant right on-property. Made it easy at the end of a long day.
Wyoming
Lunch at Yellowstone Lake Lodge - good ambience and location within the park
Lunch at Old Faithful Inn - take-out sandwiches on the porch while waiting for the geyser
Dinner at Blue Heron Lounge at JLL
Lunch at Dornan's in Moose on way to Jackson
Beers at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson
Dinner at Pinky Gs Pizzeria (Triple D favorite)
Bar T 5 Chuck Wagon Show (image above). Drove the wagon on ride back.
Lunch at Figs
Utah
The Campfire Grill at Bear Lake
Moochie's (Triple D favorite)
Tips we have...
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Download the Gypsy Guide for Yellowstone from the Apple or Google store. This was one of the best tips we received before traveling (thanks JC!)
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Hard to describe how to find, but we watched Old Faithful from a porch at the Old Faithful Inn. Arrow pointing to location below. (Image above taken from that location.) We had our own private viewing area with no crowds and a cool breeze on a hot day. We picked up sandwiches and ate them on the porch while we waited for the geyser.
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Try to map out a 'rough' itinerary before you go. There is lots to see in Yellowstone! You can try to time the geysers by seeing when they erupt ahead of time.
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Rent a large SUV. We had a Tahoe and were grateful to have the extra space. LOTS of driving so you want to be comfortable.
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When looking for a last minute place to eat, sometimes we will use this Triple D location site for ideas.
