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(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 read the "Top Questions" - upper right on this page - that's a good place to start - lots of good info there.
Between your 2 flight choices, I would pick Bozeman - much closer to Yellowstone.
As for seeing both YNP and the Tetons, your best plan will be to divide your time between the 2. They aren't close enough to access easily from from one location - even thought they do adjoin each other.
West is a good location for visiting YNP, but you'll need to move to Jackson or GTNP itself for that area. If you'll be staying 6 days, I would suggest 2 for GTNP and 4 for YNP, which is much larger. Mid June is a great time to visit - lots of baby animals out, and not quite as crowded as July/Aug.
Have you discounted staying in the parks? That might be a good choice for you, if you can obtain lodging now. If not, go on the Chamber of Commerce sites for whichever gateway towns you choose and you'll find lists of options - motels, cabins, rentals, etc.. You also might check VRBO for rentals, although they generally like to rent for a week or more.
When you have a plan worked out, come back for more help with specifics of things to do etc.
Good Luck!
Edited: 5:43 pm, March 04, 2010
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With only 6 days I would spend 4 days in and around Yellowstone and 2 days in Tetons. So much to see, you need even longer if you want to venture to places like Cody WY, Ennis & Virginia City MT or even into ID.
I would fly into Bozeman, depending on the time you arrive, you may want to stay there for the night. If your kid is into dinosaurs, visit The Museum of the Rockies. Or just drive to West YS. Spend the next 4 days visiting the main spots of YS, Old Faithful, Lake YS, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the YS, Tower Falls, Lamar Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs. Check www.nps.gov/yell for more ideas.
Then head to Grand Teton National Park, consider flying out of Jackson if it is affordable and the car drop off fee is not too much.
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