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.
Question My husband and I would like to plan a trip next September to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. We have a place to stay in Driggs, Idaho. I belive we could visit the Grand Tetons and drive back to Driggs in the same day. Please confirm this is correct. Yellowstone seems farther away. We have 7-8 days total for the trip and would like to stay the last two nights in Yellowstone. Where would be the best place to fly in and out of? Could you give us some advice on the best route to take from Driggs, where to stay in Yellowstone and the best route to take if we only have 2 days in Yellowstone?
Answer Hi Brenda:
sorry about my delayed response...I was in Yellowstone all week and got home last night.
In terms of arrival, Jackson Hole would be your best option...you might want to check out Idaho Falls...I am not sure whether there are commercial flights into it. You are correct about being able to drive to Grand Teton, just go over Teton Pass and drop into Jackson. Yellowstone is also a fairly easy drive, you just need to start earlier in the day. Yellowstone has a road system that makes a figure 8. The day you decide to do the Northern Loop, I would head north out of Driggs to Ashton an take hiway 20 north to West Yellowstone Mt. and enter through the west entrance. On the Southern loop, I would go over Teton Pass and head North through Grand Teton and enter Yellowstone through the south entrance...a much more scenic route.
I always have liked the Old Faithful area because of my interests in geysers. The Old Faithful Inn has rooms ranging from around $90-$260 per night. You can also check The Old Faithful Snow Lodge or the Lodge Cabins at OF. Lake Lodge is also a beautiful place to stay; it sits on the shore of Lake Yellowstone and is an easy drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Hayden Valley for animal viewing. You should book early as the rooms fill quickly.
I would also recommend buying a copy of Yellowstone Treasure by Chappel...it is a great guide book and will help enhance your trip. Have a great time.
