AboutJohn Expertise My greatest passion in the natural world is Yellowstone National Park. I have been going there regularly since I was 2 (that was in 1953). I make a minimum of two trips a year there, and have visited in both the summer and winter. My area of real joy is studying and observing the geysers, primarily in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful. I belong to a group called GOSA (the Geyser Observation and Study Association) which has around 300 members. I have also acquired a passion for park history, much of it`s geology, I marvel every year at the wonderful canyon and experience such peace on the shores of Lake Yellowstone. I do love this park and if I can help make a families time there more fun and a greater learning experience I would love to do that.
Experience I am a founding member of both the Committee to Preserve Our Yellowstone Heritage, a group committed to preserving habitat and affordable accomodations, and I am a charter member of The Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). This added to my years of study and enjoyment give me a valuable base from which to share what I have learned over the years.
Expert: John Date: 5/22/2008 Subject: 3 weeks in Yellowstone/Grand Tetons
Question Hello,
My husband and I along with our twin 7 year old boys and dog have decided to take a 3 week road trip to Yellowstone & Grand Tetons leaving June 24th. We live in Northern California. We want to camp, hike, bike, swim and raft. The maps on-line of the area are a little overwhelming. It appears that regardless where we camp, we will have to do a lot of driving to get inside the parks and hike, is this true? We want to really explore the area and would like to camp in a few different campgrounds. What other areas should we see surrounding the National Parks? Are there any dog friendly activities? Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!!
Tami
Answer Hi Tami:
Sounds like a fun trip you are planning. The first thing to do is go buy a copy of YELLOWSTONE TREASURES by Janet Chapple. It is an all encompassing guide to Yellowstone covering the wide variety of activities in the park. Yellowstone is a HUGE place and for better or worse driving will be involved. If you are camping outside the park, West Yellowstone is the most convenient spot to minimize your driving. If you look back through some recent answers I have given on all/experts you can pick up on the sites I have found most interesting to me within Yellowstone.
Recommended campgrounds within the park are Madison Junction, Canyon and maybe Norris because of their central location. Roosevelt has a real western theme. Grant Village and Flagg Ranch (FR is located between Yellowstone and Grand Teton) are also possibilities you can use when exploring the southern parts of Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Outside the park activities include Cody Wyoming for some great western art history and nice museums. As to biking, most of it is restricted to sharing the road with cars. One very nice ride, however, is from Keppler Cascades to Lone Star Geyser. It's a paved trail about 5 miles round trip. Also, the trail through the Upper Geyser Basin (Old Faithful area) is an easy ride. The only allowed swimming hole in Yellowstone is located on the Firehole Canyon Loop drive near Madison Junction. The best rafting will be in Grand Teton on the Snake River. Guided Fishing tours can be hired out of Bridge Bay or Grant Village in Yellowstone and at Colter Bay in Grand Teton, which by the way has a great campground. Unfortunately, Yellowstone is not dog friendly at all. They CANNOT be in a geyser basin at all...very dangerous for them and other visitors. Almost all hiking trails do not allow them either...the same is true in Grand Teton. The rules are there and enforced because of the potential for wildlife harassment and diseases in doggy poop which can seriously infect wild animals. If you have a large dog, you may want to look at other options than bringing it along.
Good luck with your planning and have a great time;
