Minimum stay at Yellowstone?

First time we stayed a week and that wasn't enough. Next time we stayed 9 days and that was better. However the entire area has so much to offer in addition to Y'stone you could stay a month and do/see different activities every day. It's a wonderful problem to have to plan for. We went out last summer (12) but not his year so we'll probably go out next summer to see something else.

We just did 3 nights at a RV park just outside the North entrance to Yellowstone (Gardiner, Montana) and 4 nights outside the west entrance to Glacier (Hungry Horse, Montana). Would have been nice to spend a couple more nights at Yellowstone and Glacier. This was our second trip to Yellowstone.

Glacier - we did the Red Bus tour on the Going to the Sun Highway - Crown of the Continent tour. The total time was 10 hours due to road construction on both sides of Logan Pass. It was great and well worth the money. I would have missed allot if I would have driven our truck (our truck is over the length limit of 21 feet by 1/2 foot).

If you are an avid hiker you'll want at least a week at each park. Get bear spray - came in handy for a few hikers this summer.

revump wrote:
Two weeks would be great ... enjoy

I see about 10 fastest then most do, so 1.4 days is two weeks for many.Maybe that is why my fuel cost is so high on a trip.

That's only a question you can answer. Since you've already spent 4 nights there last year you know what areas you might have missed or want to spend more time. If you're hikers there are lots of hikes to take your time.

We've been there multiple times and if in the area will always make a detour to visit again. We usually spend a week at Mammoth campground in the park for the northern half and then we move down to Madison or Bridge Bay for a week to poke around the lower half. However, we're full-timers and not on any schedule so some days are just meant for campground relaxing and enjoying the scenery. We've seen all the 'touristy' features so now when we go back we won't check out each one. There are plenty of backcountry thermal features that are equally beautiful without the crowds.

You know the park so you'll have to decide how much more time you'll want to spend there.

Unless you are avid hikers or like to spend considerable time in one location just soaking up the ambiance, one week is good for the first visit. Since you have already done the park once, 5 nights and 4 days will get you everywhere with time to visit most attractions. I like to keep seeing things and keep moving around so 4 nights worked for me on my last visit. If you don't need hookups at fishing bridge, I found that Canyon had the best amenities and dining choices. A long visit would mean lots of time spent in the campground and that's just not me.

We stayed there 9 days when we went, next time we'll stay 14, but if you really want to see Glacier, either make it a separate trip, or cut Yellowstone to a 7 day whirl wind tour, & head to Glacier, but you'll not be doing either one a justice.
I didn't see when you are planning on going ?

Lots of responses; here is another one.
Stay at Grizzly RV Resort in West Yellowstone.
1st day take the bus tour of the north loop.
Second day tour on your own to see more of the sights experienced the first day.
3rd day, take the bus tour of the south loop which includes Old Faithful.
4th day tour those areas experienced the 3rd day.
At the campground, during downtime, go next door to the Grizzly/Wolf Sanctuary and hide food for the Grizzly's.

I had planned on four nights there. arrived early, saw old faithful the first day of arrival. did the North loop, did the South loop, left a day early. the stench of sulfur pots was overwhelming. Now if you are hikers, etc. and have other things in mind, a longer stay would work. I would head for Glacier ASAP.
bumpy

revump wrote:
Two weeks would be great ... enjoy

x2!!!

My advice:

Spend 10-12 days, but spread your visit between Grand Teton National Park and then north to Yellowstone. You can spend 2-3 days at Grand Teton and then 7-8 days in Yellowstone. If you have a longer block of time, then sure, head over to Glacier!!

WoodGlue