Planning Yellowstone/Teton Trip (from Iowa)

IA-Outdoors wrote:
We're beginning our plans for next year and we've settled on YNP and possibly Teton NP. Right now thinking 5 days in YNP and 2 days in TNP. Does that sounds about right?

Regarding YNP, looks like Fishing Bridge is the only in-park option at YNP with full hook-ups but curious if there are others adjacent to the park that folks would recommend. We're thinking we'd stay in one campground while at YNP but should we consider splitting time from east/west side of the park? I know some of this also depends on attractions we plan to visit so any input there is appreciate as well.

As far as Teton NP goes, haven't thought that far ahead but I'll have the same concerns (where to camp, attractions).

I know this is a broad post but, again, we are just getting started so if there are resources on YNP or TNP you recommend I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance!

We just came back from a trip that included those stops. You'll love it.

As to Yellowstone, if it's your first time, 5 days is probably about right. I recommend giving yourself a little longer than the typical drive-by time in each area. I forget the statistic, but something like only 5% of visitors go more than 1 mile away from a road, which means if you get out and walk for an hour or so, you'll be surprised how much of the park you can have to yourself, even during peak season. You'll want a day to see the Geyser Basin area, a day in Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and a day in the northwest corner (although Mammoth Hot Springs ceased flowing in 1998 (I think) so I find the area less interesting than it used to be). I'd add several portions of days for ranger talks and guided hikes (plan them out from the visitor newspaper). And I'd add a day for the Lamar Valley; it's not as popular but we found the area to be completely interesting. If you like hiking (especially long hikes) or fishing, you'll quickly fill up the time.

As to the Fishing Bridge campground, be careful. As you can see from the reviews (see here: http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/wyoming/yellowstone-national-park/fishing-bridge-campground-nps-campground), there are two areas of that campground and one (unfortunately the one we stayed in) is without a doubt the worst National Park campground I've ever stayed at. Crowded, unlevel, weirdly configured, and a combination of dust and mud so severe that I found the campground to be uninhabitable. Some people say that staying at Fishing Bridge, despite its shortcomings, is worth it because Yellowstone is so big. I'm not so sure. Just do your homework first.

Our little blog posting about Yellowstone is here, if you're interested: http://skiprd.com/?p=952.

As to Grand Tetons, if you are at all into hiking and exploring, I suggest two days is not nearly enough. We spent five days there and wished we had more. There are multiple day-long hikes, and by the time you add the ranger talks guided hikes, you can see how quickly you can fill up a week. And I especially recommend doing a ranger-guided walk at the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve. And again, add fishing to the mix and you're definitely booked.

We stayed at the Colter Bay (the RV park area) and I highly recommend it. Centrally located, great campground, and full hook-ups. Just make your reservations well in advance.

Here's our travelogue: http://skiprd.com/?p=961.

Have a great time. We're already planning another trip back.
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