Yellowstone National Park is the most stunning and diverse natural wonder in the United States. With hundreds of miles of trails, dozens of geysers, and 14 lakes, it offers something for everyone. Whether you want to hike, kayak, camp, or just enjoy the scenery, Yellowstone National Park along with adjoining Teton National Park is a destination you won’t forget.
But planning a trip to Yellowstone can be challenging, especially if you want to make the most of your time and avoid the crowds. Here are some of the best tips and tricks to help you plan a successful and memorable trip to Yellowstone.
## Lodging must be your first priority
My first piece of advice if you’re going to Grand Teton and Yellowstone is to plan early. Lodging inside the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks books up quickly, with the most desirable lodging snapped up as soon as reservations become available, sometimes more than a year in advance. Our trips were driving to the parks and arranging for a camp site. I made reservations for both trips. The first trip we stayed at a campground in Grand Teton. The choice was made because it is at a lower elevation and that meant warmer weather. But at 6,800 feet it is cold even in the middle of the summer. Fishing Bridge RV Park in the middle of Yellowstone is at 7,800 feet and is definitely colder. I know. My first visit to Yellowstone was in a cabin there (cabins are now gone).
## Research to decide the things you want to see
Everyone drives very slowly in the parks because everyone in your car along with you wants to see everything. In addition bears, bison, moose and other animals like to walk along and across the roads.
For me a must-do activity in Grand Teton National Park is a float trip down the Snake River. It has beautiful views, opportunities for animal-sightings, and great park information from the tour guide. Several concessionaires offer these trips in the park, including Signal Mountain Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge. You can book them right along with your accommodations.
All of these photos are old 35mm slides with the exception of the picture of the bear family.
Bison seen from the float down the Snake River
If you like hiking, you’ll love Grand Teton National Park. One of the best hikes—Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls—was closed while we visited because of a fissure in one of the rocks above the trail, but the trail re-opened in August 2018, after the park service found the area safe. If you go, don’t miss it.
You can take a short boat ride across Jenny Lake to access the Hidden Falls trailhead or you can hike around Jenny Lake to get there. The benefit of the hike around the lake is that you might see some wildlife you might not see elsewhere.
Everyone wants to see Old Faithful Geyser but in that area you may see many other geysers. They do not spray water on a daily basis. There are other geyser basins that also include hot pools. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States. Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park. Then there is Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It is another extraordinary thing to see.
## Be ready to change your trail plans
Yellowstone/Teton is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and moose. While seeing these animals can be a highlight of your trip, it can also pose some risks. Sometimes, trails may close because of bear activity, or because of other hazards, such as snow, rockfall, or fire. To avoid disappointment, you should always check the trail status before you head out, and have some backup options in case your preferred trail is closed. You can check the trail status online, at the visitor centers, or by calling the park hotline.
Not my photo but a great one of a family of bear
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is not to be missed
## Consider West Yellowstone as your home base
This is a town that is at the entrance to the park and provides a variety of stores, gift shops, motels and nearby campgrounds. There is a live theater there that provides entertainment.
## Conclusion
Yellowstone and Teton National Parks is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and for good reason. It offers unparalleled beauty, diversity, and adventure. But to make the most of your trip, you have to plan ahead and be flexible. By following these tips and tricks, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks.
Happy travels!
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