Grand Teton and Yellowstone preparation

Mar 09, 2006 15:38

Grand Teton

From trip advisor forum

Paula and Steve...I worked in the park a few months and spent a few weeks camping throughout the park. From my experience 7 years ago...The Jenny Lake campground is supposed to be one of the nicest for privacy and scenery, but it is also one of the hardest to snag. Colter Bay has numerous sites and has showers. Gros Ventre is a good one that is closer to Jackson, but no showers and not as nice (but still good) scenery. There are much-more secluded options in the surrounding National Forest (can't remember the name). Those are the only ones I can speak for.
If backcountry camping interests you then there are many more options. Some of my favorite day-hikes were Death Canyon (go at least 5 miles in to where the valley opens up), Cascade canyon that loops back through Paintbrush Canyon (long hike that could be a 2-day backpacking trip.
I also recommend hitting up a hot spring or two for an end-of-day soaking. Jackson is a great town to stock-up on supplies and get some local flavor. You can also pay to use their community center to shower off after a few days of camping. July/August will bring warm/hot days and cool evenings. I went back to GTNP and spent the first 5 days camping and the last few days in a moderatly priced Jackson hotel. Made for a relaxing end to a great vacation.
I have to agree that Jenny lake and colter bay would be your best bets. There is also Flagg Ranch which is in between the two parks. There are some hot springs within walking distance of Flagg ranch as well. Its Closer to West Thumb. I'd personally pick August as July is just busy. There's some great fishing at Jenny Lake. Colter bay is ok if you like boat fishing. Make sure to stock up in Jackson at the Albertsons and K-mart there before you get to the park. As supplies are even more pricy in the park. I'd also plan on doing a day trip to the town of West Yellowstone. I always like that town. The only advice I have is to make sure you have some kind of bear proof food storage if camping. I only saw 1 when I worked there but you never know. And don't forget to do a Friday or Sat night at the Million Dollar Cowboy bar just because. ;) Have fun...

Grand Teton camping
http://www.nps.gov/grte/pphtml/camping.html

Jenny Lake Campground
Open 05/15/2005 - 09/25/2005
Phone (800) 628-9988
8 miles north of Moose, 51 sites, tents only. This is the park's most popular campground and is generally full by 8 a.m. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake. Only one vehicle, less than 14 feet long, is permitted per site. Trailers are prohibited.

Colter Bay Campground
Open 05/27/2005 - 09/25/2005
Phone (800) 628-9988
Details
25 miles north of Moose, with 350 sites, 11 group sites, trailer dump station, showers, and laundry nearby. Fills about noon. Colter Bay is a wooded campground with larger sites and easier access if you are traveling with a camper, trailer, or RV. Close to Jackson Lake with plenty to do close by.

Flagg Ranch Campground (with reservation 30$/night)
Open 05/27/2005 - 09/30/2005
Phone (800) 443-2311
Details
Concession operated, located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, just south of Yellowstone National Park's south boundary and five miles north of Grand Teton National Park. 175 sites in the spruce-fir forest. Call for reservations for both trailer sites and tent sites.

ToDo in Grand Teton:
http://www.nps.gov/grte/pphtml/activities.html

YellowStone

Camping info from tripadvisor forum
Some Yellowstone information - Campgrounds do fill by early morning especially from early July to late August. Last year, there were a number of days when ALL available lodging (including campgrounds) in the Park was filled. There are 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park. Seven of these campgrounds are operated by the National Park Service at Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. Sites at these campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of campsites are reserved for hikers and bicyclists at all campgrounds with the exception of Slough Creek. Camping is not available at Old Faithful. Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311
Your best bet in Yellowstone may be to use a backcountry campsite. A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight stays. Each designated campsite has a maximum limit for the number of people and stock allowed per night. The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip Permits may be obtained only in person and no more than 48 hours in advance of your trip. Permits are available from most
ranger stations and visitor centers. Here is a web link to more information -
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/backpack/
Here is another link to campgrounds near the Park. http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/services/campoutofpark.htm

From May 27 these campgroungs will be open (http://www.nps.gov/yell/cal_locale.htm#Con):

Mammoth 85 sites, (flush toilets w/sinks on site. Pay showers w/towels at Mammoth Hotel--a short walk uphill)- open year-round ___ $12.00
This Yellowstone campground is located at low elevation, which means if you are planning on camping in spring or fall it would be one of your better choices with warmer temperatures. Five miles from Gardiner, Montana and walking distance to Mammoth Hotel, the visitor center, etc....
Showers and towels are available for a small fee at Mammoth Hotel.

Madison Campground (concession)
A central location for camping in Yellowstone National Park, this site is just 14 miles east of the West Yellowstone entrance and 16 miles north of Old Faithful near the junction of the Gibbon, Madison and Firehole Rivers. Offers a sanitary dump station but no utility hook-ups or showers.
A pretty nice campground, and only 14 miles from West Yellowstone, and 16 miles from Old Faithful. Lots of tree's and walking distance to the Madison , Firehole, and Gibbon Rivers. A large bison herd hangs out in the area up until about mid-July, and elk are common in September.

Slough Creek Campground (National Park Service) - no showers, 29 sites, (outhouse only). The smallest campground in Yellowstone, and one of the more remote "frontcountry" campgrounds. A 6 mile gravel road for access, and located in the northern range of the park, and on the banks of Slough Creek. Not far from Roosevelt Lodge / Tower Junction. Grizzly bears are common in the area. Some tree 'd sites and some open sites. Wolves are often heard howling at dusk and dawn.

Norris Campground (National Park Service) - no showers; 116 sites, (flush toilets and sink)
A pretty neat campground, with lots of tree's. A historical cabin/museum is located at the campground. Close to Norris Geyser Basin and one of the more centrally located campgrounds within Yellowstone Park. Elk are often found in the open meadow next to the campground in Sept. and bison during summer. An easy 12 mile drive to Canyon.

Tower Fall - Store; Campground (National Park Service) - no showers, 32 sites (outhouse only, food and store nearby) A pretty nice campground, and within walking distance of Tower Falls. An easy drive to Roosevelt Lodge. Black bears are common during summer. Sites are fairly open, but there are a few tree's. A nice hiking trail starts at the entrance road into the campground which you can hike to Roosevelt Lodge and Lost Lake.

Bridge Bay - Dock Rental; Campground (concession) - with reservation
Bridge Bay is situated near Yellowstone Lake, 30 miles from the East Entrance to Yellowstone. It's also conveniently adjacent to Bridge Bay Marina and store. A sanitary dump station is available but no utility hook-ups. Pay showers and a coin laundry are also within four miles. Group sites are available. Bridge Bay Campground is open May 26- September 17, 2006.
430 sites, (flush toilets, ice, small store, marina, ) $16.00 per night.
This Yellowstone Park campground is located right on Yellowstone Lake and at Bridge Bay Marina. The elevation is about 7500 feet. Expect colder temperatures at this campground. Not many tree's and the sites are very open. A great hiking trail starts at the campground, back to the "Natural Bridge". This is a short hike, only about a mile in length--one way.

To make a reservation
concession parks - http://travelyellowstone.com/how-to-make-a-reservation-117.html
nps - first come, first serve

As a backup there is a lot of camping out of park http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/services/campoutofpark.htm

what to take with us
http://www.yellowstoneassociation.org/institute/backcountry/backpacking/equipment.aspx

Things to do
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/index.htm

Ranger Led programs http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/ranger/summerprograms.pdf

The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces-Walk May 30- ... 9:00 a.m.
Explore Yellowstone's colorful geologic past and present through the rainbow hues of Mammoth Hot Springs. Learn how these dynamic terraces of travertine are unique among the park's thermal basins. Approximately 1-1/2hours.

Yellowstone Lake Reflections Walk May 30- .. 10:30 a.m.
Yellowstone Lake offers evidence of the powerful forces that continue to shape the face of Yellowstone. Walk through meadow, forest, and along the lakeshore to learn more about the largest lake at high elevation in North America.
Approximately 2 hours.
Where: Meet at Indian Pond, 3 miles east of Fishing Bridge.

Mud Volcano Exploration Walk May 30 - ... 1:00 p.m.
Early explorers described the Mud Volcano area as "the greatest marvel we have yet met with." Find out what these intriguing mudpots have to tell us about Yellowstone's explosive past and future. Moderately strenuous.
Approximately 2 hours.
Where: Meet at Mud Volcano parking area.

Geyser Discovery Stroll May 29 - ... 5:30 p.m.
Learn the ins and outs of one of the rarest geological features on earth - geysers! Accompany a park ranger through the Upper Geyser Basin exploring the world of geysers.
Approximately 1.5 hours.
Where: Meet at Castle Geyser, half mile west of Old Faithful (15-minute walk from the visitor center).

Geysers Galore! May 28 - .. 12:15 - 2:15
Take a quick look at Yellowstone's fascinating and visible geologic story. Offered daily every half hour from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m.
Approximately 10 minutes.
Meet in front of Old Faithful Visitor Center.

Geyser Hill Walk May 29 - ... 8 a.m.
Yellowstone has more hydrothermal features than anywhere else in the world. Learn about Yellowstone's volcanic history and explore the world of hydrothermal features on this 1-1/4 mile walk.
Approximately 1-1/2 hours.
Where: Meet at Old Faithful Visitor Center.

Old Faithful Evening Program May 29 - ... 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy an illustrated program about Yellowstone's cultural or natural history. Check the bulletin board in the Old Faithful Visitor Center for titles and descriptions of nightly programs or call 545-2750.
Approximately 45 minutes.
Where: Meet a park ranger in the Old Faithful Visitor Center Auditorium.

The Yellowstone Canyon Talk May 29 - ... 10:40, 11 a.m.; 2:00, 2:20, 2:40, 4:00, 4:20 and 4:40 p.m.
From a classic viewpoint, enjoy the Lower Falls, the Yellowstone River, and the spectacular colors of the canyon while learning about the area's geology and history. Discover why artists and photographers have been drawn to this special place. Join the park ranger on the lower platform at Artist Point on the South Rim Drive for this short talk.
Approximately 10-15 minutes

Hidden Stories Talk May 30 - ... 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Discover behind-the-scene stories of Yellowstone's fascinating wildlife, geologic curiosities, and natural processes. Explore the complex challenges of preserving and protecting these dynamic features for future generations. Topics may include bison, wolves, lake trout, geysers, thermophiles, and fires.
Approximately 20 minutes.

Windows into Yellowstone Walk May 29 - 10 am
Experience the muddy caldrons, acid geysers and clear pools of Norris Geyser Basin! Join a park ranger for a walk through this magical land and learn about the park's geologic past, present, and future. Bring water, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Approximately 1-1/2 hours.
Where: Meet at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum.

Explore Yellowstone! May 28 - 9:30 am
Would you like ideas on how to spend your time in Yellowstone? Meet a park ranger at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in West Yellowstone, Mont., (corner of Yellowstone Avenue and Canyon Street) for a talk about what to see and do in the park.
Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Where: Meet a ranger at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, corner of Yellowstone Avenue and Canyon Street.

Madison Evening Program May 29 - 9:30 p.m.
Each night a park ranger will present an illustrated program highlighting a different aspect of Yellowstone's wonders. Inquire locally on bulletin boards and at the Madison Information Station for program titles and descriptions.
Approximately 45 minutes.

Forum with a lot of info:
http://www.yellowstone.net/forums/index.php
Trip advisor

Lodging, in case of very cold weather
Yellowstone Village Inn, Gardiner 77$/room map
Loging
Loging in May
Colter Bay Village Daily Rates - 1 or 2 persons $40 One Room
all through Xanterra
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
Room Without Bath 2 Double Beds 5/27 - 6/1 79.00 + 10 + 10 = 100$
Budget Cabin Without Bath 2 Double Beds 5/27 - 5/29 68.00
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins
Frontier Cabin 2 Double Beds 5/27 - 5/28 106.00 3

Bears
Bear Attacks

Camping with bears

yellowstone, us, grand teton, travel

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