(TGA) - Planning a family trip mid-June this year with our five yr old (well traveled) little girl. I have priced airlines and have found we will most likely fly into Idaho Falls or Bozeman (which is better?). I want the true WY/MT/ID vacation but without the tourists and chain hotels. Was thinkin of staying centrally located in West Yellowstone in a rental cabin or home and was wondering if anyone had recommendations that you wouldn't find on Expedia or Travelocity. Also, would there be a better town to stay at to see YNP and the Tetons. Planning on 6 days, is that enough time? We enjoy hiking and solitude, but yet close enough to restaurants, grocery, etc. ANY help is greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you.
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If you haven't already done so, be sure to post your questions on the Yellowstone forum (Wyoming) as well. We have stayed in West twice, and based on your descpription of yourselves, it probably would be your best bet since you like being near stores/restaurants. Others will tell you to look into staying in the park; however, June is fast approaching, and you would probably have to call Xanterra frequently to check for cancellations.
We liked the Alpine Motel in West Yellowstone. The innkeepers, Brian & Patty Watson, are wonderful and really cater to their guests. The motel is immculately clean.
West Yellowstone is fine for seeing Yellowstone, but you will want to move down to Jackson to see the Tetons. If you can add more time to your vacation (7-10 days), I think you'd get to take your time seeing the sights more.
Have a great trip!
Edited: 6:40 pm, March 04, 2010
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The main thing to remember is that it takes a long time to drive anywhere in the park. First, you'll want to stop a lot to see the attractions. Second, the roads are small and it is hard to pass, so everyone just ends up at a mosey.
Cody has some nice places to stay, too. Don't set yourself up for huge drive days if you can help it -- pack light and move around would be my recommendation. Second the notion for Jackson -- way too time-consuming a drive to go down and back.
From West, you might enjoy going up to the Big Sky Resort and riding the gondola up to the summit of the ski hill. There are also river rafting and horse back rides up in that area.
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I might say if you don't want tourists, don't stay in West Yellowstone. Perhaps look into Cooke City? There will still be tourists, but it is MUCH smaller than WY.
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If you stay in West Yellowstone (I recommend the Three Bear Lodge) then you can take advantage of a great little town and you are right at the West gate to Yellowstone National Park. You get the best of both.
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I took a liking to W.Yellowstone last summer. You`ll have a drive everyday but a leisurely drive through Yellowstone is a nice drive IMO. Maybe it`s just me but I don`t know if there`s any area of the park where I would need to stay more than 1 or 2 nights unless I was planning on doing some long hikes.
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I'm in your same boat, planning our 1st trip out west and looking for the same things as you. We found a neat looking place in Gardiner, MT. A small, authentic town, not touristy. The Flying Pig Rentals had some neat cabins, but we couldn't travel the few dates they had available. Please let me know if you hear any other good tips on neat places to stay!
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