Yellowstone (the park not the show)

[Cooney]

Wife and I are planning to go to Yellowstone in the spring. I’m leaning towards May. I’m open to all advice. Which airports are best? Would it be cheaper to fly out of CLT ATL or maybe GSP? Where to stay? Should we stay several different places? This is probably my one time. So, I want to see it all. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Carolina Counsel]

I would go a little later and stay in West Yellowstone. May weather can still be iffy. Should be cheaper to fly out of ATL than GSP. Spend at least 1-2 days in Lamar Valley.

[DeerKilla]

We flew into Jackson Hole and stayed in Jackson Hole also. Not a bad drive to Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons. The Rustic Inn Creekside Resort is where we stayed. Walking distance to downtown.

[WhitewaterDuck]

I've never flown into a small airport like Jackson, WY, but I'm sure it will cost a premium. Bozeman and Idaho Falls are the next closest airports. Just go online and punch in airports you can fly from and compare rates. You definitely want to stay in at least two different lodging options at/around the park. The Tetons are southwest of the park just outside the park, and they are a must see/experience. Jackson Lake Lodge is one of the nicer places to stay near or in the park. Cocktails on the patio at the pub at sunset is spectacular. The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is as nice as you'll find in Yellowstone, and the dining is higher end for the park. Cheaper options are there, but they are all very minimalist and mid. Most lodging options offer a dry place to lay your head and that's about it, but that is all you need. Nothing is cheap. The smallest, least-nice room is going to cost you a pile more than you'd expect, but that's just the way it is. Book as early as possible. If you don't like doing your own internet surfing and figuring and planning, try to call and speak with someone who can guide you as to where to stay and help game-plan your trip.

[Chuck the Duck Slayer]

Go in September/october won’t be as crowded

[Catdaddy]

I would go a little later and stay in West Yellowstone. May weather can still be iffy.

Spend at least 1-2 days in Lamar Valley.

This^^^

I would start out at the Jackson Lake Lodge for a few days and work my way north into the park. All hotels in the park are controlled by the park. I didn't like the Old Faithful Inn but moved north to Mammoth Hot Springs.

Lamar Valley is a must and I would go twice. Remember to carry binoculars and a spotting scope if you can work that on. Eat a lot of buffalo.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKdXCGLyHURyNyHX7

[WhitewaterDuck]

Oh...dwfinitely agree with Chuck and Cat on the timing

[UPSTATEWATERFOWLER]

We flew into Jackson and spent a day in the Tetons. I’d definitely suggest a day or so in Jackson and the Tetons. We then worked our way north and spent a few nights in West Yellowstone. Finished up by driving north and flying out of Bozeman. Spent one night in Bozeman. The fall is really a great time -September was great for us. You’ll just need to check all the different flights and see what you can find. By flying into Jackson and out of Bozeman we didn’t do a bunch of backtracking. If you stay in west Yellowstone, drive up to Big Sky one night and eat at the River House. Beautiful drive and really good food. We went with VRBO houses in both Jackson and West Yellowstone.

[billbuster84]

Wife and I have been looking at this same trip. 10 year anniversary is this April. Is that too early for Yellowstone and the Tetons?


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[Cooney]

I appreciate the responses. We were supposed to do this last year for my 50th. But, a surgery set us back. We’re going to make it happen this time. I’m glad I asked here. I’m looking at June now. Thanks again!!

[aquaman]

Hotels in Gardiner, Montana at the north entrance would be one suggestion. Roosevelt Arch is there and neat little town. I’d plan a night in Cody, Wyoming as well, easy drive to park with lots of cool stuff there. Buffalo Bill museum, Irma hotel etc., coolest town we visited. Need more information let me know, allow yourself plenty of time.

[redhead25]

Definitely wait until mid-June at least. I love the Vrbo route around Emigrant/Gardiner

[mjiorle]

Fly into Bozeman, and drive down along the Gallatin to West Yellowstone. Also other places to see there just outside the park. (Slide area, Quake Lake)

[FEETDOWN]

Sent you a text. I wouldn't plan a whole trip around just the park. So much more to see with a lot less tourists to deal with on all sides of it

[eaglecliff]

Definitely go later, there can still be a ton of snow in May. If you hold off until September most of the summer crowds will be gone and elk will probably be bugling and going nuts. Recommend doing the Beartooth highway as well, most people miss that. Tetons are worth it as well, I prefer them over Yellowstone honestly. Less Asians to deal with

I live out here at the moment so can help with any other suggestions if needed.

[SC quacker2]

Go in September/october won’t be as crowded

And it won't be the mud season.

[FEETDOWN]

Go in September/october won’t be as crowded

Would also second this, we went in July this year and I'll never go near that place again that time of year. Went back in October and drove the Beartooth again on the 13th. Think the sign said they were closing it the next day. That is a must do....

[MolliesMaster]

Wife and I have been looking at this same trip. 10 year anniversary is this April. Is that too early for Yellowstone and the Tetons?


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I watched Old Faithful go off on my birthday, April 21st. It was the first week the park was technically "open". It snowed all day and most of the roads weren't plowed yet.

June is safer and you can still see snow then but not enough to mess things up.

[LabLuvR]

We went the week before Memorial day a few years ago. Crowd wasn't bad at all and all roads but one were open. Pro tip don't be a dumbass and try to pet the buffalo.

[Cypress]

We just went in April. Flew Southwest Airlines out of CHS to Bozeman. Rented truck at airport and stayed 2 nights in Bozeman. Then we drove to Air B&B we rented in Gardner right at the north entrance to Yellowstone. Enjoyed the town and food. Stayed a few days there and drove through the park everyday and saw the boiling springs and all the wildlife. Had a great time. Drove back to Bozeman for the last night enjoyed a nice dinner and flew out the next morning. Great trip looking forward to doing it again soon but want to drive the trip instead of flying next time.