In preparing for our visit, I felt it important to find the best accommodations possible based on what we wanted to see. Yellowstone is quite vast at 2,000,000 miles, so we knew we would be traveling via car quite a bit and wanted to minimize the commute to/from our lodgings. Unfortunately I began my search for accommodations after the National Park reservation system had opened up, so the best dates/rates were already gone for accommodations inside the park. If this happens to you, there are so many options just outside the park that you’re sure to find what will work best for your family. With four entrances, be sure to find the best “home base” for your family so you can minimize traveling time as much as possible.
Category: Vacation Travel Blog
Tips and Hints for an enjoyable and SAFE vacation at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Follow the speed limits, signs, and rules regarding distances to animals at all times. The parks are amazing; however, if you don’t follow the rules you or the animals can get hurt. The animals are not caged, so you are entering their habitat. I saw many people forget that in the excitement of seeing elk, bear, wolves, and even bison.
- Did you know that more than 100 deer, moose, bears, elk, bison, & wolves are killed each year due to speeding vehicles?
- Did you know that while bison can weigh as much as 2,000 lbs, they are faster than you would think and can spring 30 miles per hour. More people are injured by bison than any other animal in Yellowstone. If you heed the wisdom of the safety rules, you are ensured to have an amazing time.
- Staying safe in Yellowstone’s superhot places. There are many hydrothermal areas. Water is often near or above boiling. The crust above the water is thin and easily breaks. The best way to stay safe is to follow all signs and stay on boardwalks and designated trails. They protect you and the delicate formations. If the wind blows some of your possessions away from the boardwalk, don’t try and retrieve it if it’s in a thermal area. Find a park ranger to see if they can help.
Two National Treasures in the United States…Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park
What one was better? If you only had time to see only one park what one should you choose? I must say if you are traveling that far and with the parks so close together, take the time to at least get in the highlights of both parks. It was quite the debate on our trip on which park is the absolute must see. My husband Mike was drawn to Grand Teton due to the awesome mountains and the famous Moulton Barn, while I thought Yellowstone won out hands-down due to the varied landscape and animals. Mike’s mom and her husband have gone to both parks as well and it was a similar debate with his mom preferring Yellowstone and step-father choosing the Tetons. I can tell you with 100% certainty you can’t take a bad picture of the Tetons or at Yellowstone, nor does any image you’ve seen do them justice. The scenery is beyond description. It’s one of those places you MUST see in your lifetime.