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About John
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.
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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Trees > Yellowstone NP > yellowstone/grand teton parks
Expert: John
Date: 5/7/2008
Subject: yellowstone/grand teton parks
Question
I'm planning a trip in early Sept to Yellowstone/Grand Teton NPs. We'll be
flying into Salt Lake City and renting a car. The total trip will be 9-10 days
including travel time. We are very much budget travelers and don't mind
roughing it but will be unable to camp. I'd like to spend at least one night in
each of the parks and the remainder outside perhaps somewhere with a
kitchenette. We have two children who are good hikers (up to 15 mi a day if
broken up into shorter hikes). Our number one priority is to explore the
natural beauty of the parks. We're open to boat rides or horseback riding but
those aren't necessary. Could you suggest an itinerary for us?
Answer
Hi Sal
Great time of year to visit this area. Weather will be cool at night (20's) and warm in the day (70's)...pack accordingly. Salt Lake is about a 6 hour drive to Yellowstone and knock 90 minutes off that to reach Grand Teton. You should plan on spending 2 nights in Teton..either on your way in or out. Colter Bay Cabins are a great place to stay. I am not really familiar with great hiking trails there other than the Jenny Lake area. Rafting on the snake river out of Jackson Lake Lodge is great fun.
As for Yellowstone my passion is for geysers. They are primarily located in 4 main basins: Upper Geyser Basin (UGB), Mid-way Geyser Basin (MGB), Lower Geyser Basin (LGB) and Norris. The UGB is where Old Faithful is. The main geysers there are Grand, Castle, Riverside, and Daisy, all of which are predicted at the visitor center. Others to watch for Plume, Lion, Sawmill, Beehive, and Grotto. Giant Geyser is active right now and is erupting every 6-8 days. If you catch it, that is a real bonus. MGB has the crater of Excelsior geyser and Grand Prismatic Pool. LGB has Great Fountain and Fountain Geysers as well as the best mudpots in the Park. Norris is and unstable other worldly area well worth a hike through both the back basin and front.
The best hikes around the UGB include from the Inn to Biscut Basin then on to Mystic Falls. The Hike to Fairy Falls is very nice, especially early morning. Also the Hike to Lonestar Geyser (4 miles round trip) can be extended to include a back country basin called Shoshone (17 round trip) Start early and take lots of water.
Canyon is another great place to hike...southrim trails include Artist Point and Uncle Tom's Trail (here descend into the canyon itself...steep but well worth the effort). The North Rim include the Overlook and the rim of the Lower Falls. If you do all of these you will get a real workout.
Animals are abundant...wolves are best seen in Lamar Valley, Bears are sighted on Dunraven Pass. Hayden Valley is also great for viewing. Horses are available at Roosevelt.
Mammoth has beautiful Terraces and the Park museum.
Lake offers boat rides and fishing.
I would buy a copy of Yellowstone Treasures before going...it is a comprehensive guide to the park.
Accommodations: Budget Cabins at the Lodge at OF and at Lake run around $65 per night. You can get under $50 in West Yellowstone MT.
Enjoy your trip;
John
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