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 QUESTION: hi there
my husband and i are planning a trip from JFK to JAC ( renting a car) to go to grand teton np, yellowstone np to glacier np and back to JAC for a night's rest and then up early for a 7am flight back home to NY. we can plan to spend 10-14 days for the trip. I created a triptik via AAA and the trip back guided me from glacier thru I-15 thru Idaho to get back to JAC. It's almost a 600 mile trip and looks like a boring route to take. I don't mind coming back the way I went up but it may be possible that it takes many many more hours that way and that's why. Any suggestions or possible stopovers via that route to make it interesting? Or do yu suggest just going back the way we came since it is so scenic?
Thanks a bunch
ANSWER: HI Deb:
I would leave Glacier a day or two early and from Great Falls Mt., I would take US 87 to US 191 down to I-90. I would head East on 90 to Columbus and take 78 to 212 and drive over BEAR TOOTH PASS...it is spectacular. I would then drive to Cody Wy. for the night. The next day I would go back through Yellowstone via the East Entrance and turn right when I reached Fishing Bridge and head back to Grand Teton and Jackson via the South entrance. Way more fun and exciting than driving the interstate the whole way. That's just my 2 cents, but I think it will make for a more memorable trip. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
John
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QUESTION: Thanks for the guidance, sounds like a route we would prefer too. My second quiry asked about the lodgings ( cabin low end type) Do you suggest Lake Lodge, Canyon, OF, or Roosevelt? I read the descriptions of all but don't know what is best for a base. I will be there at least 3-4 nights. We will be there mid-late July if that is a factor.
Thanks again!
Deb
Answer Hi Deb:
I prefer the Lodge Cabins at Old Faithful. These are in the best shape and have the most to offer in terms of activities and services. The budget ones have a sink and heater with community shower and toilet near by. The Frontier Cabins are $25 or so more dollars per night but do have a shower and stool. Book Early...they fill up fast.
