Yellowstone National Park...Summer 2009

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cbmontgo

cbmontgo

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I have always wanted to go to Yellowstone, and so we are planning a trip for this summer. Any advice on what to do and see while we're there? I've got two small kids, so we are probably going to stay in a hotel or a cabin (if they have cabins for rent).

Is this the sort of place where you can drive for an hour without seeing anyone or is it fairly populated during the summer months?
 
Yellowstone is packed during the summer.I have been a few times even during the 4th of July.The best way to see it is to get off the beaten path but you can still drive and have a great time and see most of the major stuff.You cant go any where on the roads and be away from people but it is still worth putting up with all the people because it is so amazing..There are some cabins you can rent and there is a really cool new place to stay that has a bunch of cabin type rooms to rent..Make sure you get up as early as you can and start into the park..
 
We have been going for the past several years but summers are crowded. Some people don't mind this but I do. We go late October after the crowds are gone and we just take the kids out of school. It's colder but that's ok with us and wildlife viewing is better. I'm not sure the best places for bear or wolf viewing in summer, I'd guess Lamar Valley. In fall more animals are coming down from the high country. The geothermal features are pretty cool, the kids will have a blast. Bubbling mud pots are always a big hit and dragons mouth spring. We generally camp at Madison campground near the west entrance. The only way to get away from people is to go into the backcountry but be aware of the animal and natural hazards such as thin crust, but stay on trails and you will be fine. You may want to consider Sept. as there may be less people and weather not quite as cold/fickle as late Oct. My 2 cents. Hope it helps.
 
CO_Hunter said:
We have been going for the past several years but summers are crowded. Some people don't mind this but I do. We go late October after the crowds are gone and we just take the kids out of school. It's colder but that's ok with us and wildlife viewing is better. I'm not sure the best places for bear or wolf viewing in summer, I'd guess Lamar Valley. In fall more animals are coming down from the high country. The geothermal features are pretty cool, the kids will have a blast. Bubbling mud pots are always a big hit and dragons mouth spring. We generally camp at Madison campground near the west entrance. The only way to get away from people is to go into the backcountry but be aware of the animal and natural hazards such as thin crust, but stay on trails and you will be fine. You may want to consider Sept. as there may be less people and weather not quite as cold/fickle as late Oct. My 2 cents. Hope it helps.
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I definitely appreciate the help there. We will probably be shooting for August, but September may work too. From where you are, it's probably about 7 hours, right? I figured it's about 6 hours from where I live just south of Denver.

This place also looks BIG. I have made several trips down to Big Bend, which is huge, but Yellowstone looks like even bigger.
 
There

book now! everything fills up.

Spring is a good time to see baby everything... Summer is warmer (hot is places with biting flies and misquotes) the crowds move in... and the herds often move up and down around everywhere. Early fall (after school starts) the park is emptier again and the animals are gathering back up in their rut.


Yellow Stone was designed for the drive through with it's big figure 8 loop. Most of the visitors don't stop, get out and explore anything but the major attractions. If you stop at the little attractions and walk in a few blocks on these trails you will find very cool stuff (geysers, mud pots...) that you have to yourself. I can't remember the name of it but there is one stop that is designed for the blind. It is hard to explain just how cool it is but ask around and stop at it. very few people will be there and it is a cool way to experience the features of the park.

What ever time of year you go the trick is to get out on the road as early as possible (5:00, 6:00 or 7:00) You will see big herds right next to you since they haven't been pushed back by all the visitors yet. Sunset drives are the other time to really enjoy the drive through with lots less folks on the road.

If you fish... spring is amazing but the water is a little high (and very cold) Summer puts you on the bigger rivers and the lake or outside the park... surprisingly not that many people fish the park rivers.

If you hike the trails you'll see a lot more.

Yeah I've been their a lot. one of my favorite parks. If you can... also head up to Glacier... the Going to the Sun highway is an experience.
 
cbmontgo said:
I definitely appreciate the help there. We will probably be shooting for August, but September may work too. From where you are, it's probably about 7 hours, right? I figured it's about 6 hours from where I live just south of Denver.

This place also looks BIG. I have made several trips down to Big Bend, which is huge, but Yellowstone looks like even bigger.
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This past fall we left at 7:30 pm from the Springs and got there about 6:30 am (Lake Yellowstone at sunrise) about 630 miles. The Park is large and we have underestimated travel time in the past just looking at the boundary. The roads in WY are generally good but at night it slowed us down a bit. The speed limits are lower in the Park, 45 mph, due to the numerous animals. There are many animal deaths each year due to excessive speed. Those deer, elk and bison can put the hurt on your car and you if hit one.
 
If you want to see cool yellowstone style stuff add grand teton natl park to your list. There's free museums, less people, and far better camping options. More moose too. It's worth a day or two.

To REALLY enjoy yellowstone I would recommend three legs. Depending on which way you enter I'd say South gate/geyser basin/firehole basin and out the west gate first day. From west gate/Madison (sweet fishing) head north to mammoth (good griz sites) and then double back out the east gate the second day. If you wake up at the east gate campground you're ten minutes from the lamar pack; it's worth getting up at dawn. Third day I'd start with wolves and work back the east side and see the waterfalls and hit the lake for a picnic. If you break your trip into sections you can find hotels at any one of the four gates.

PM me if you want some local insight on planning. Jackson is 50 miles off the south gate. I go there regularly.-Josh
 
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Hi - went there twice, once as a student in July-August '93 and back in my 80 with two small kids (2 yo and 6 mo) in May '08. First of all, I got snow each time:eek:! So pack some heat, hem, warm clothes.
Like the others said, this place can be the backdrop of one of the trips of your lifetime, but summers are indeed very crowded. Queuing for half an hour just to find a parking space near the geysers/bison herds kills a lot of the fun.
So since you might have the choice to go there in September, just do it and enjoy.
With kids (and strollers?), there's still plenty of fun things to do, on top of my list are Old Faithful, Lake Area and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Remember that tourists are often shamelessly lazy, so walking 10 minutes often makes the pedestrian traffic disappear.
Should you want to try something more challenging with kids walking along or in a backpack-type carrier, the river trail next to the Yellowstone river heading north to Gardiner is a fond memory.

As far as accomodation is concerned, and unless you're loaded and can afford the luxurious Lake Hotel or are camping (remember, altitude is roughly 6,000 ft and it's cold even in Summer), I'd advise you to spend your nights in West Yellowstone, there are plenty of cheaper motels and nice restaurants to dine in. Some might say that "commuting" every day to your destination of choice will be a pain, but I beg to differ as the landscape and wildlife changes a lot from one day to another. And kids love bisons/coyotes/birds!

As far as wheeling, there are no trails whatsoever in YNP, but the forest in the NW of the park (whose name I don't remember) has lots of them. The Grand Teton NP has a "river trail" but I was told that this one isn't exactly challenging.

Anyway, enjoy and take pics!
:cheers:
 
The INN next to "old Faithful" is very cool to see. (and stay at). There are some great hikes to do. Be prepared, we were there 2 years ago on June 29th and there was a small blizzard! But Yellowstone is an awesome place, tons of things to do!
 
Wow...hard to believe that it still gets that cold in the summers there. I am hoping that we can shoot for some time in September if possible, but it hinges on my folks' plans and when we are going to meet them in Montana.

Are there any cool cabins that anyone has stayed in and recommends in or near the park?
 
You should book now if you want to stay in the park. The company that runs the camps is Xanterra, they have a website, some of the booking can be done through them.
The later, the better as far a the crowds go. If you can wait until after Labor day I would. I would recommend driving in the park as little as you can. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get across the park during touron season. Pick an area to stay overnight and park your car there. Then get out and walk. If you are willing to hike a little, you will be rewarded.
Make sure you lock your s*** up. You feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, but you are surrounded by others that feel the same way. Easy pickins for shady characters.
Be prepared for weather. I have been there in the end of July when it was over 90 degrees, then a storm blows in, in about 20 minutes it will be snowing. This is not an exaggeration. Good outerwear is recommended. If you have any specific questions, let me know. I live about an hour north of the park. Good luck, Jason
 
Hey, sounds like a great trip!! I think I bought my sliders from you, haven't installed them yet. My 60's been out in Grand Junction at Safari-Ltd getting some love. Are you going to Cruise Moab?
 
I'll be there the second week in July for a few days and then will be in Grand Teton for a couple more before heading to Colorado. We are tent camping in Canyon. If you are equipped to camp you can reserve a site for about $18 a night. That beats the $150+ for a horrible motel that is an hour drive from anything.

You want to be getting reservations ASAP. Most Yellowstone hotels and cabins are already booked solid.
 
Summer is terribly busy. Go very early or very late in the season or you will think that you are at the mall. Mike
 
alpendubber said:
Hey, sounds like a great trip!! I think I bought my sliders from you, haven't installed them yet. My 60's been out in Grand Junction at Safari-Ltd getting some love. Are you going to Cruise Moab?
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Glad you got them! You were in Glenwood Springs, right?

I am really looking forward to the trip; can't wait. I really appreciate everyone's advice here on this board.
 
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