How to Plan a Trip to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons NP (Cody: motel, living)

[MysticalDream]

Howdy all.. I am wanting to plan a trip to Wyoming, mainly to see Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. I am also planning on spending a couple weeks in Idaho to venture around the state, as I am planning on maybe relocating there.

Anyway, I have never been to Wyoming and especially not to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I don't really the procedure as to how I would plan a trip there, it seems like it would be somewhat an adventure. I am travelling on a budget and cannot afford to spend money at expensive 5-star resorts, although I don't necessarily want to rough it in a tent the entire trip. I probably won't have many opportunities to see Yellowstone again, so I would like to plan the trip in a way where I can make the most of it. I wouldn't mind travelling with a tour or others, if I felt I could really get the full experience of the place. However, I might be interested in hiking around the trails and getting to experience some of the solitude of the place. I would like to s

I also would love to see the Grand Tetons. I'm thinking I would like to do a lot of hiking in the Grand Tetons, as it seems to be a more mountainous place that is more geared to hiking and adventure and less to touring, like the great open plains of Yellowstone.

Also, I am wondering considering this is the end of July, if I am too late to reserve or make a trip out to Yellowstone. I'm hoping that staying in Yellowstone is not like Yosemite where you have to make a reservation a year in advance. I'm thinking considering that it is so far in the middle of nowhere and so much bigger this would not be the case.

Anyway, I'd be very eager to hear anyone's advice on the best manner on planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons where I can experience as much as possible in these areas for the most affordable budget. I think I can can spend 1-2 weeks total in both parks.

[Coldjensens]

We just got back from there. I reccomend staying in Red Lodge (there is a great B & B there). Enjoy the town for a day or so and then drive the Beartooth highway into Yellowstone.

If you have kids, or just love old west history, a couple of days in Virginia City/Nevada City is worthwhile.

[jody_wy]

we just get up early in the morning fix a picnic and go.... we do keep a map and click off every where we have stopped, one can only handle so many geyser basin in a day

[georgiainwyo]

Yes, making reservations is something that needs to be done well in advance for Yellowstone and most surrounding towns during the "tourist" season. You MAY be able to find lodging in Red Lodge, West Yellowstone, Cody, or Livingston on short notice, but it's risky. Almost everything in the park or close by is expensive during the tourist season, too. I don't know if your budget would allow you to spend a lot of time there. Idaho Falls might be your best bet for lodging if you are going as far south as Teton Park. I agree with Jody that taking a cooler & lunch with you is a good idea as food is pricey within the park. I also agree with him that you don't have to stop at every little thing in the park. Choose the sites you most want to see and take time there. Of course Old Faithful is something everyone wants to see, but when I was there last week it wasn't very "faithful". The eruption was the shortest I've ever seen and the time between eruptions has grown to close to 2 hours. When I was a kid it was about an hour. I would suggest you not miss the lower falls and "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone". The view of the falls is my favorite in the park. I also enjoy the buildings at Old Faithful and Lake Lodge. You may run into wildlife anywhere. Last week I didn't see many buffalo,which is unusual, but did see deer, elk, coyote (people thought it was a wolf, it was so funny!!!), and even a black bear. Going over the Beartooths we saw a nice sized heard of mountain goats. Prioritize what you really want to see after researching the park before you go. Have a wonderful trip!!!

[NDak15]

Your best bet really is to stay in a tent while you are there. That and getting your own food in one of the gateway towns like Livingston or Cody will save you some money. As has been mentioned, it will be tough to find a motel near the park at this point in the summer.