TravelGuides

(TGA) - I posted last month about planning a 13 day trip including South Dakota. On the advice of posters, we're cutting out SD and just concentrating on only Yellowstone and GTNP.
This is for June 2010. Dates are somewhat flexible. I have 3 nights at Canyon booked that I don't think I want to change. Those dates are June 11-14.
June 11-13 Canyon Village Room (booked)
June 14- only Canyon room available (not booked yet)
June 15- Lake Yellowstone & Grant Village available OR Cody?
June 16- Lake Yellowstone cabin available.
June 17-19 Jackson Hole hotel, not sure which one yet.
I've read through many threads on lodging on the park and I know the advice is always call, call, call. But i won't feel comfortable booking airfare until I know my lodging is complete. If i cancel something or move it around later if something becomes available that's okay, but i need to work with what's available now.
thanks!
Colleen
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I liked your first plan with the adjustments Casa suggested. I have seen many people post plans for SD & YNP trips with fewer days than your time frame. I would just reduce SD 1 day and add it to YNP-especially if you don't expect to return to the area. With 14 days (and flying into RAP and home from Jackson), you could spend 3 days in SD have 1 day to drive to Cody, spend a day there and still have over a week for YNP & GTNP. 5 days YNP and 2 days GTNP would be more than most people have for the area. Only you know what is best for your family. You have a lot of time either way. I didn't see your original plan as exhausting. Either way, you will have a great trip. YNP has great cancellation policies. Book rooms now and adjust as better options become available.
Edited: 1:39 pm, February 06, 2010
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Definately enough time to do South Dakota Yellowstone and Tetons
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Thanks for the replies. I appreciate that we would have enough time to do both SD, Yellowstone, & GTNP, but now we are also unsure of taking that much time off work.
What about this revised plan? Does it look okay?
Thanks!
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You have plenty of time to have a great visit to YNP/GTNP. I think the plan is a good one.
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I would do lake Yellowstone x 2 nights..:
Canyon 6/11-13
Cody 6/14
Lake Yellowstone 6/15 7 16
I also recommend Signal Mountain Lodge GTNP
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If the weather should turn on you, toward the end, return early. But, I don't think you will regret this particular trip.
And if you are taking kids, depending on ages, but any over 4, all will thank you.
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That is a pretty good plan, Im very happy to see you are smart enough to spend most of your time away from Old Faithful area, its hard to get people to realize that 99% of YNP is away from Old Faithful.
As far as GTNP, I would look also at Jackson Lake Lodge, as it is my favorite place to watch the scenery and for wildlife in front of the lodge. The scenery is spectacular, food is pretty good, and has a real bar (unlike many lodges in National Parks).
For more info on different places to see in yellowstone, check out http://www.usparkinfo.com/yellowstone.html and http://www.usparkinfo.com/grandtetons.html
Jeff
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Thanks everyone for the advice.
Lodging is booked!
3 Nights at Canyon (the hotel there, not cabins) though I'm not exactly sure which hotel...
1 Night at The Cody in Cody, WY
2 nights at Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins (Backside Room 2 Double Beds)
3 Nights in Jackson @ the Lexington Trapper Inn & Suites.
Hope this works out!
Colleen
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