National parks trip
My wife and I are planning our first trip up north to the national parks. We are undecided on the date, but are deciding between mid June and late august. We are going to have 14-15 days, but sever...
Forum Discussion
jkjenn wrote:
I think Yellowstone and the Tetons are quite hard to wrap your arms around until you visit, not that you shouldn't research, but it will be easier to plan your second trip... which, no doubt you will want to make after your first visit. I am now planning my second visit. My first was late last September and my trip this year will be in July. I am wondering how much I will dislike the crowds.
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I've been four times in the last 10 years, including last year in August, and look to be going again this June.
Knowing your way around and the scale of the parks helps quite a bit, sizing up a bear jam, worth stopping for, etc. Animal viewing is generally best at dawn and dusk, thermal features don't care about time of day so much.
My first three visits were in mid/late June, based on advice from others ( school not being out for kids prevented earlier). Went in August for the first time last summer. Was more crowded, but to my surprise not overpoweringly so. But that may be in part because I know what times to avoid doing things, based upon past visits. It really does pay to visit areas with limited capacity early in the day, or late in the day, which is why I prefer inside the park for lodging.
When driving in the park, assume it will take you 2 minutes per mile traveled., to account for most jams, or other slowdowns.
