Expert: Janet Chapple - 11/2/2009

Question
We will be arriving in either Salt Lake City or Jackson Hole and would like to spend two days in Yellowstone.  Can you tell me where to stay?  What route is take see the most?  I particular what to see the falls and geysers. Thank you for your help.

Answer
To have the most time to enjoy both the Tetons and Yellowstone, you will want to fly to Jackson, WY. If you have only two or three nights to stay in the area, I would advise getting a room or camping at Grant Village in Yellowstone (reservations through Xanterra at 866-439-7375). From Grant you can go northwest on the Grand Loop Road to see lots of geysers and hot springs between Old Faithful Village and Norris Geyser Basin on one day, and go north along beautiful Yellowstone Lake on the other day to see the falls of the Yellowstone River and its amazing canyon, passing through Hayden Valley, where large herds of bison are usually seen—and may cause traffic jams on the road.

You are sure to want to go back for a longer visit another time. For complete advice on what to see and do in both parks, have a look at: http://www.yellowstonetreasures.com and see my guidebook of the same name: "Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler's Companion to the National Park."

And have a wonderful trip!

Janet Chapple