We got out earlier as I posted earlier. Set up spotting scopes and around 7 we saw the wolves again. This time they were running! As I excitedly shouted I see one, I heard a familiar voice behind me ask where? Turned around to be face to face with Rick McIntyre!! He was so nice and spoke with all of us. He's quite charming as well as knowledgeable. A group of young people came up and he spoke with them, his enthusiasm is catching! He talked about the movie being made about the introduction of the wolves and asked us who we thought should play him😄we saw 6 or 7 wolves, and some of the group saw a grizzly. Throughout the day we saw a coyote, bald eagle, bison, pronghorn antelope,elk. We hiked out to see an elk skeleton with huge antlers. Tonight Doug Smith is giving a talk and coming out into the field with us tomorrow. I will continue to report live💜

My husband and I are headed to Grand Teton and Yellowstone for a week in mid-August. We know we'll have to get out early in the mornings to avoid the crowds and see lots of wildlife, and be somewhat flexible in case we get caught in traffic/bison jams. We've booked hotels and campsites.

Friday (Staying in Jackson)

• Fly to Jackson Hole
• Pick up car from airport

Saturday (Camping at Jenny Lake)

• Stock up on food and fuel (any recs?)
• Head to Jenny Lake, stopping at viewpoints along the way
• Optional small hike around Jenny Lake (will the lake be too cold for swimming?)

Sunday (Camping at Jenny Lake)

• Phelps Lake Trail

Monday (Camping at Madison)

• Cascade Canyon Hike
• Drive to Madison

Tuesday (Staying at Yellowstone Lake Lodge)

• Geyser Day
• Hike(s)?

Wednesday (Camping at Slough Creek)

• South Loop Day
  • Explore the lake/kayak
  • Hike in the Grand Canyon?
  • Mudpots

Thursday (Camping at Slough Creek)

• North Loop Day
  • Sunrise at Lamar Valley
  • Hike(s)?
  • Mammoth?

Friday (Camping at Canyon - might change to Mammoth if possible)

• Free day
  • More geysers?
  • More Lamar Valley?
  • Mammoth if we haven't seen it yet

Saturday (Staying in Bozeman)

• Gardiner
  • Horse riding and/or rafting
  • Hot springs
• Evening in Bozeman

Sunday

• Drop car at Bozeman Airport
• Fly home

We'd appreciate any feedback on what we've got planned, plus anything we're missing. In particular

1. We're unsure which Yellowstone hikes would suit us best - we're relatively fit hikers but also want as much variety as possible
2. Would the last Saturday be better spent in the park rather than Gardiner?
3. Is this all too much for a week?

Thanks!

Hey there! I'm planning a trip in July and wanted some advice on a kayaking tour. From what I can see online, we have the option to kayak on the Madison River or Yellowstone Lake. I was leaning toward Madison River because we are staying at the Madison campground, and it would be very convenient. We would still see the lake another day. Any strong opinions or recommendations one way or another? Thank you!

My partner and I are going on our honeymoon in June. We are renting a camper van and going to GTNP and Yellowstone. 6 nights total in Yellowstone.

I have a reservation for 6 nights at fishing bridge rv park but I also have a campsites booked in mammoth and canyon and Madison (I swear im not a crazy campsite hoarder lol there was no availability at fishing bridge when I was initially making reservations)

Is it worth it to stay at fishing bridge for 6 nights because of its central location and hookups? Or better to move once during the trip? If better to split up, what other campsite do you recommend?

We are doing a wildlife tour in hopes to see wolves/other animals day 1..other than that and seeing the mandatory stuff we are just planning to do some easy ish hikes. Any recommendations for other activities or specific hikes are also appreciated!

TY in advance!

1st day out we saw wolves!! The Rescue Peak Pack laying down watching 🦬 it was breathtaking! Our guides give us so much information about all the animals and the park. We also went to Mammoth Springs. It is amazing to be with a group so interested in wolves! I'll keep reporting throughout the week

My wife and 2 younger kids (4 and 7) will be stopping in Yellowstone the last week of May. I'm not scared of Snow (from Buffalo, NY). Obviously if the weather turns we'll adjust our plans. We're bringing things to be prepared and will pay attention to the weather forecasts (when possible). We're stopping in the Black Hills for a few days and then we're going to swing through Yellowstone. We will be staying in Wapiti the night before, then the plan is to get in the park early the next morning to visit the Canyon Villiage area that day. We're staying at the Lake Yellowstone hotel that night. Plan is to then visit the Geyser/Spring area the next day all day. Staying again at LYH. Then the next morning go to Tetons for the day, before leaving the park for a hotel that night. Obviously with smaller children we don't plan on venturing onto trails or seeing anything outside the touristy areas. Our main things is just to enjoy the time and scenery. Wife and I will have daypacks with bear spray. We will be bringing our cooler for food (stopping in Cody before). Plan on eating at picnic areas (will follow the rules on food and waste).

Day 1 - Canyon Village
Day 2 - Geyser Basin
Day 3 - Tetons

Thoughts? Advice? I've done some research just want to make sure there's nothing major I'm missing or warnings I didn't see.

Hello, I’m planning a trip in mid May to Grand Teton and Yellow Stone and noticed that the circled roads are currently closed due to winter. I have not been able to get any clarity if these roads will be open or not in mid May. I do want to drive the 9 hour route. Can anyone help me out? I am flying into Salt Lake City and departing from the same location.

Hey all, sorry in advance for another itinerary-optimization post.

Over the weekend I finished up bookings for a September visit to Yellowstone with my mom, with three full days allowed for the park. One booking is a morning wildlife tour with YWP. Going in, I had hoped to get this on day 3 with a plan of "do this, then spend the afternoon revisiting places from the upper and lower loop days we maybe wanted some more time with." Unfortunately, booking availability for the date range available to us didn't allow for this and the tour will instead be on day 1. This is ultimately fine, I'm just now trying to figure out what the best use of the rest of the day would be after we return to Gardiner and there's only so much you can really glean from looking at maps. My immediate thought was that this might be a great excuse to make sure we're around Old Faithful in the evening time and maybe just dedicate that afternoon to the Upper Geyser Basin in general, but I'd love to get some thoughts from people familiar with the park on the feasibility of that idea as well as potential alternatives to consider. I appreciate any help!

I took this picture early on my first morning in the park. We spent the next three days cramming everything we could in. It was enough time to see all the major attractions but we were on the move from sun up to well after sundown each day. We are returning this May for 10 days to see grand Teton and the hidden gems we didn’t have time for the first time. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Taking my 10 year old daughter on her first real road trip, since Covid, the others were to FL. There is too much already on my list and I need to narrow it down A LOT! I’ve lived all over the country, but haven’t visited yellowstone or grand tetons. My dad (has been 3 times, Sturgis a bunch etc, and has visited every state except ND, and my stepmom is adventurous in some ways, but I’m not sure what her interests will be. I think seeing sights and horse back riding, with some fun activities and resting sounds good. (They are 61) Not too much history/museum, and I like to explore but can’t hike if it’s a bunch of uphill. My daughter will likely already be bored without a tablet lol and complaining her legs hurt.

Questions: Big Horn or Thermopolis? What outfitter to horseback ride near GTNP? Is Devils Tower worth going out of the way, Or just truck it on into Buffalo…?

1. Get in between noon and 3; drive Badlands and visit Wall Drug, go to Custer to sleep

2. Wind Cave? Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wall Drug (if not day 1), Deadwood?, Devils Tower, go to sleeping spot near Devils Tower or in Buffalo

3.a. Buffalo, Story, Sheridan, Big Horn drive to Cody (buffalo bill, big boy statue, hayden arch bridge, spirit mountain) then Madison CG to sleep

3.b. Devils Tower, Medicine Lodge archaeological site, Thermopolis, Gooseberry Badlands, drive to Madison to sleep

1. Yellowstone North/East, return to Madison camping

2. Yellowstone South/West, drive to Gros Ventre CG to sleep

3. horseback and/or Jenny Lake, rest, Gros Ventre camping

4. Snake River Canyon, head home- maybe stop in cheyenne to sleep before finishing the drive the next day

Family and I are taking a trip out this way. We'll be staying in Island Park, ID at a rental. We'll arrive April 25th and likely leaving May 3rd. This is the furthest West we have traveled. We plan on going to Yellowstone and the Tetons, at a minimum. Would have liked to go a little later, but work commitments and a preplanned, 2 years prior, trip to Acadia took up most of our summer.

As a result, especially with the unpredictable weather, I'm looking for advice on what to wear. I've seen layers, starting with a base layer and going up are recommended, but there is so much out there and so many different recommendations that it is a bit of information overload. We will be staying in a rental with heat, hot tub, etc.....

I've got 4 children, 2, 4, 7 and 11. For the time of year we are visiting, what are your thoughts on base layers, mid layers, etc.... I have a nice pair of boots already and some lighter weight hiking pants, but I'm wondering if fleece-lined, wind/water resistant would be worthwhile or to just go with layers and normal wind/water resistant pants. I'm trying to avoid things that are skin tight and suffocating, but not super baggy either.

Looking for suggestions on layers, tops/bottoms, socks, hats, gloves (if needed) that won't completely break the bank. Suggestions for the kiddos would be nice too, if available.

Appreciate the help.

My family and I are planning a trip to Yellowstone in July. I've never visited before and could use some advice on a few different lodging options I have available to me (I have them all booked already). And yes, I wish we had longer, but this is part of a bigger trip (Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff), so it is what it is.

Option A: 2 nights at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Cabin (with private bath) and 1 night at Roosevelt Cabin (Private bath).

Option B: 1 night at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Cabin (with private bath) and 2 nights at Roosevelt Cabin (Private bath).

Option C: 1 night at Old Faithful Snow Lodge Cabin (with private bath), 1 night at Canyon Lodge cabin and 1 night at Roosevelt Cabin (Private bath).

I hear good things about Roosevelt, and we have the cowboy cookout booked for the last night. I just don't know the best way to break up the park in three full days. I hesitate to stay in three different places, sounds like a pain. Canyon Lodge logistically makes the most sense, but I hear it's crowded and kind of bland.

What would you do?

Hey, thanks so much for all the helpful advice on this sub! I will be in Yellowstone with my family for five days at the end of June. We have campsites at Canyon and Madison campground for two nights each. We’re considering to also do a backcountry hike for one day and have a reservation spot on the 20th. Do you have any hints? I was looking into Shoshone lake, but there might be a lot of of mosquitoes… We are decently experienced campers and hikers. Thanks a lot!

My family and I are staying at Old Faithful Inn in late July. We were planning on packing a lunch when we go hiking, but I was not sure what the situation. How much is available in terms of groceries? What kinds of foods are available?

I have been to Yosemite General Store many times recently, and it is decent, if a bit overpriced. Is the Old Faithful General Store comparable?

Looking through the photos on Google Map, I did not get a clear idea of what was available.

Any information you can give me on what kinds of groceries are available in Old Faithful would be greatly appreciated?

Just booked flights and rooms for a trip to Yellowstone in August. 2 nights at Canyon Village and the last night in Cody. Our big priority is to keep the time in the car to a minimum, as we will be traveling with a baby. (i.e. try not to drive extra distances) I’m wondering how those of you with lots of experience in Yellowstone would plan this. I do have my own outline of how it should go but I don’t want to miss something. My wife and I are hikers and we will have a baby carrier, but my parents, age 78 and 75 are not. So we might be able to do a short hike if they had a nearby visitor center to go to (or they could shuttle us) We would love to know some good picnic spots, and maybe a recommendation on where to eat in Canyon Village and Cody. We must be at the hotel by about 6pm each night to put the baby to bed. (Though some of us will venture out after that). Thanks!

Day 1

Land in Billings 1ish local time Drive to Livingston ~1.5 hours Stay overnight Livingston Where to eat?

Day 2

Enter park early via north entrance

Explore park

Check in- Staying 2 nights @ Canyon Village

Day 3

Explore park

Day 4

Check out of Canyon Village Explore park then head out east entrance for Cody. Want to be in Cody by 2pm to see Buffalo Bill Museum Overnight in Cody

Day 5

Head to Billings

Can I use boiled water instead of distilled water in the place of

Is there a significant difference in crowds in weekdays versus weekends? Our group is in Gardiner Friday to Friday but we have someone in our party only staying Friday to Monday and she really wants to see the thermals and geysers. Is it going to be super crowded on a weekend day versus weekday? I’d love to make this happen for her but not if it’s going to be a nightmare. Traveling in mid July.

Planning a trip to the park in June. I’d like to see as much as I can in a week or 2, mostly backpacking. What are some locations or trails I should make sure to see?

Edit: I know about the permitting process. I’m looking for people’s opinions on where to go and what to see.

Hi all,

I have my backcountry permit booking access on 11 April and I'm still unsure on what trails to look at. We're a group of 2 looking for a 3 day / 2 night backpacking route in August. I'd like a route that would be good for wildlife and, to a lesser extent, landscape photography. We're not too concerned about seeing geothermal features. Happy to do 10-12 miles a day (more might be ok depending on elevation) and probably not crazy elevation (probably not more than 1200 meters over 3 days).

Any recommendations for routes/trails? Am coming from overseas. I usually use Alltrails to find my routes - are there better options for the US?

Should I be looking at the Slough Creek area if there is availability?

Thanks!

I read somewhere that Moose Falls, just a bit north of the South Entrance, is now closed off because it is too hot.

Anyone know what its status is?

Hi all, planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs in early July (around the 4th- expecting it to be packed and to practice lots of patience) want advice mostly just about the campgrounds im staying at location wise, also if you want to throw in any hike recommendations (5+ mi) I’d appreciate it!

Flying in and out of Bozeman- is it realistic drive time wise to stay in colter bay and drive up to Bozeman in the morning for a 5:30pm flight? I will be returning a rental car, is this typically a long process at Bozeman (I’ve never rented a car before)? Thanks in advance

7/1 * Fly into Bozeman (get in around 11am) * Pick up rental car and drive to ynp * stay at Madison campground

7/2 * Hike in Yellowstone * stay at Madison campground

7/3 * hike in Yellowstone * stay at Madison campground

7/4 * morning drive to Jackson hole * explore town of Jackson * Stay in town of Jackson

7/5 * Drive to GTNP * hike in Tetons * stay at gros venture campground

7/6 * hike in Tetons * stay in Colter Bay campground

7/7 * Hike in Tetons * stay in Colter Bay campground

7/8 * morning drive to Bozeman * return rental car- flight at 5:30 pm