Any Yellowstone budget tips and advice?

[3boymthr]

When we went to Yellowstone we were on a cross country camping adventure from MA to CA and back. Because of the restrictions on tent camping with the bears we did elect to stay in the cabins in Yellowstone but we definitely had food in our van the whole time and never had a single problem. We've also stayed other areas that have bears (in NH we had a bear sniffing the side of our tent) and again never had a problem with the food in the car. Just make sure to throw away wrappers in the bear safe trash cans when you are done and to make sure that you clear away crumbs.

 

[MrsPete]

I've never heard this warning at Yellowstone. Perhaps you are thinking of Yosemite?
The only limits I know of, are that they limit some campgrounds to hard-sided campers due to bears.
We always take a cooler of food. This is my best tip for anyone traveling to Yellowstone. Not only will it save money, but sometimes you can be far away from a restaurant when you want to eat. Also the restaurants can be crowded and take awhile to prepare your food. It's great to be able to stop and enjoy the scenery while munching on a sandwich.

Nope, Yellowstone -- I've never been to Yosemite. It's been a couple years since I was in Yellowstone, but they warned us multiple times about bears. My favorite exhibit at the Wolf and Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone was the display of trash cans and other containers that bears had managed to open.

I agree that bringing a cooler is a budget option, but it might not be a good value in the long run. Too dangerous.

 

[MrsPete]

When we went to Yellowstone we were on a cross country camping adventure from MA to CA and back. Because of the restrictions on tent camping with the bears we did elect to stay in the cabins in Yellowstone but we definitely had food in our van the whole time and never had a single problem. We've also stayed other areas that have bears (in NH we had a bear sniffing the side of our tent) and again never had a problem with the food in the car. Just make sure to throw away wrappers in the bear safe trash cans when you are done and to make sure that you clear away crumbs.

Once, when I was a teenager, we unzipped our tent and found a bison sleeping literally right outside our door. We were terrified. We waited quietly inside 'til he woke up and went away -- what choice did we have? Logically, I know we escaped without injury and this is highly unlikely to happen again . . . but I've never tent-camped again in a place where this could happen again.

We took a buffalo safari tour in Custer State Park (which is nicer than Yellowstone, though less diverse in terms of geography), and our driver showed us the RV park where many of the summer employees live. He said occasionally a bison comes up to someone's trailer and uses it at a scratching post for his back, and the people inside just sit still and wait for him to go away!

You can't go wrong by having a healthy respect for wild creatures.

 

[Earstou]

Nope, Yellowstone -- I've never been to Yosemite. It's been a couple years since I was in Yellowstone, but they warned us multiple times about bears. My favorite exhibit at the Wolf and Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone was the display of trash cans and other containers that bears had managed to open.

I agree that bringing a cooler is a budget option, but it might not be a good value in the long run. Too dangerous.

Sorry, but I've been to Yellowstone a number of times, including a week in the park for my honeymoon, and NEVER had trouble with food in the car. We've even had food in open boxes, visible.
I was there a couple of years ago, too, and never heard any warnings.

Now trash cans are another subject.

 

[pigletto]

I am bumping up this thread. It's not too old and we're planning a trip!!

See that August Disney ticker down there? It's going away (maybe after I post this).

While we have loved our Disney trips I have always said when we're done we'll know.. and we are done for awhile.
I had already booked the flights for this August though. But they were with Southwest .
So we have spent the better part of the last 3 days discussing where we want to go next. I won't bore you with the details but we've priced out cruises, beach trips and other options and we all instantly got excited when we thought of Yellowstone!

So I am reading this thread with interest. I realize from the research I have done that I am leaving it very late to stay in the park itself, but as of today I still had a few options and I am also going to book the Signal Mountain lodge for a few days. If all the options in Yellowstone are booked by the time I make my reservations in a few weeks I will book just outside the park somewhere.

I am loving this thread and all of the helpful info. The sheer amount of information makes Disney planning look like a cake walk in comparison! I did order 2 books today. One was the Lonely Planet one.. I can't recall the other right now.

We'll have 10 days for this trip with the first and last nights being spent in Salt Lake City as that is where our flights will be. I've already secured a car rental that I can live with somewhat though I do hope to see it lower.

We're going the last week of August and I hope the crowds will have thinned a little at that point.

 

[hsmamato2]

Budget tips for Yellowstone:
- Finally, don't skimp on activities. You're traveling a long distance to a place that you may never visit again. I completely understand needing to stick to a budget, but do the Roosevelt horseback dinner ride, do raft the Snake River in Grand Tetons. The memories will last a lifetime.

Thanks for the tips! so I guess I'll stick with our cookout plans..... maybe try some sort of boating, though I'm thinking canoes or kayaks on Jackson laek to save my clothes.....are there any laundry facilities at Old Faithful,or canyon lodging areas?

 

[jsmith]

I lived more than half my life in Cody,Wyomng-im literally laughing outloud at the people who say food in your Car is OK-i have seen black bears take the doors of cars-however-that was back in the garbage dump days. Food in your car is safer than food in a tent-never ever put food where you are going to sleep. And don't tempt fate,by doing things like rolling down your window while eating a sandwich stuck in a bear jam.

 

[hsmamato2]

I lived more than half my life in Cody,Wyomng-im literally laughing outloud at the people who say food in your Car is OK-i have seen black bears take the doors of cars-however-that was back in the garbage dump days. Food in your car is safer than food in a tent-never ever put food where you are going to sleep. And don't tempt fate,by doing things like rolling down your window while eating a sandwich stuck in a bear jam.

I don't pretend to be a bear expert,in fact,I'm scared to death of coming across one... But from what I'm reading, we store our food in a bear box, and take it out for a hike or whatever,right? I mean, people bring snacks on hikes,right? (been reading about bear spray,and just making lots of noise and staying on main trails,etc too) b/c in Yosemite that's what we were advised to do.....

 

[SendLessRain]

We'll be in YNP in July, staying at Canyon Lodge. Can anyone tell us what the rooms are like there?
We spent a day and half at the Park last summer, traveling through basically. All I can say is Wow! Had to go back this summer for more time there to see/watch more wildlife.

Favorite things:
bison walking down the middle of the road right past us
Norris Basin
bison at Mud Volcano
Paintpots
Old Faithful area
snow/sleet/hail storm going from the Lake to Old Faithful (felt sorry for the bikers)

saw moose, grizzly, black bear and cub, tons of bison, elk, mule deer, birds, and a black wolf

Want to do the Beartooth Highway again too!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We'll be in YNP in July, staying at Canyon Lodge. Can anyone tell us what the rooms are like there?
We spent a day and half at the Park last summer, traveling through basically. All I can say is Wow! Had to go back this summer for more time there to see/watch more wildlife.

Favorite things:
bison walking down the middle of the road right past us
Norris Basin
bison at Mud Volcano
Paintpots
Old Faithful area
snow/sleet/hail storm going from the Lake to Old Faithful (felt sorry for the bikers)

saw moose, grizzly, black bear and cub, tons of bison, elk, mule deer, birds, and a black wolf

Want to do the Beartooth Highway again too!

We stayed in Dunraven Lodge at Canyon Lodge about five or six years ago and they seemed new at the time. Nice little bedroom with a smallish bathroom, but the bathroom was in the room, interior corridors. No television or internet at that time. I still think no television or internet. Fairly comfortable beds. This was a three story building I think with an elevator. One lodge did not have an elevator.

We stayed in a Western Cabin about two years ago and it was a little more rustic, but still comfortable. Bathroom was still inside the room, but heat was provided by electric space heater. One story. Exterior corridors.

We also stayed in the older cabins about 20 years ago and they were very rustic, but we did have a bathroom in the cabin.

 

[buzz2400]

If anyone has specific Yellowstone questions, I live and work in Yellowstone

I know you work in yellowstone but you might be able to answer my question.
My parents want to visit the whole area (montana, wyoming, idaho). They were thinking of September. Is September doable? I just looked at a cabin (Roosevelt Lodge Cabins) and it states they are only open june through August. Half of the vacation they were planning on being in national parks and then travel to other towns along the way. I just want to make sure that they won't get stuck with everything closed.

 

[jsmith]

Im not Suzann but-September is a spectacular time to visit the northern Rockies although there is some risk of early snow. They should not have issues with Lodging at places like Old Faithful, Mammoth, Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake in early to mid sept unless things have changed greatly in the last few years. The less used places-and those less appropriate to cooler spring and fall weather like Roosevelt cabins, west thumb and so on are usually only open during the peak season from Memorial Day to Labor day. The traffic drops off greatly after that and things are a bit slower paced. Some attractions like the rodeo's in Cody and Jackson will shut down on Labor day weekend-again the risk of less than favorable weather for that type of activity goes way up. Things like museums will have shorter hours but most dont close til after the 1st of October and outside the park many remain open until after the close of hunting season.

 

[hsmamato2]

I am thinking of booking the whitewater rafting trip... for the 'experts here. which is a better choice, the snake river below Tetons, or out of Gardiner? we'll be in both places on our trip..... and company names?
Also decided not to do the cookout, my teens have told me it sounds like' all the things they dislike the most' all in one event...

 

[descovy]

Like a previous poster, we are driving from Houston (for us... Houston to Amarillo next day Ft Collins, CO, 3rd day Jackson Hole)

However, we are en route to WA state for a "duty-cation" (visiting family). We cannot afford time to stay over in Yellowstone, but in an interest to make our WA road trip interesting, would like to drive through Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Maybe give us a taste for a real vacation in the future.

The plan is to stay (June 7) at the Quality Inn in Jackson Hole. Finish the day in Bozeman, MT. Drive, stop, look around, etc... For the day.

Is this possible? Is it doable? Mapquest says so. We're talking an entire day to go 200 miles. Any tips?

My Dh and I lived in Helena, MT for 3 years. Never visited Glacier or Yellowestone. Either the weather was bad, work was busy, or it was too "touristy". Sad we didn't take the chance when we could.

We have 1 extra travel day between Houston & Spokane... Thought a day spent at Yellowstone is just as good as any! Are we deluding ourselves? If it is possible, what are the must see highlights?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know you work in yellowstone but you might be able to answer my question.
My parents want to visit the whole area (montana, wyoming, idaho). They were thinking of September. Is September doable? I just looked at a cabin (Roosevelt Lodge Cabins) and it states they are only open june through August. Half of the vacation they were planning on being in national parks and then travel to other towns along the way. I just want to make sure that they won't get stuck with everything closed.

When in September? Yellowstone is higher elevation and it snows early there.

 

[3boymthr]

Like a previous poster, we are driving from Houston (for us... Houston to Amarillo next day Ft Collins, CO, 3rd day Jackson Hole)

However, we are en route to WA state for a "duty-cation" (visiting family). We cannot afford time to stay over in Yellowstone, but in an interest to make our WA road trip interesting, would like to drive through Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Maybe give us a taste for a real vacation in the future.

The plan is to stay (June 7) at the Quality Inn in Jackson Hole. Finish the day in Bozeman, MT. Drive, stop, look around, etc... For the day.

Is this possible? Is it doable? Mapquest says so. We're talking an entire day to go 200 miles. Any tips?

My Dh and I lived in Helena, MT for 3 years. Never visited Glacier or Yellowestone. Either the weather was bad, work was busy, or it was too "touristy". Sad we didn't take the chance when we could.

We have 1 extra travel day between Houston & Spokane... Thought a day spent at Yellowstone is just as good as any! Are we deluding ourselves? If it is possible, what are the must see highlights?

It's doable if you plan for a VERY long day, leaving very early in the AM and arriving late in the PM (call ahead to arrange a late check-in - say after 10PM). The one thing we discovered is that the drive times are VERY slow thru the park and in the surrounding areas because of the volume of traffic and the animals and the winding roads. I'd also plan to pack a lunch for that day so you don't spend a lot of time in restaurants waiting to eat. The waits in the YNP quick service restaurants can be long. We didn't make it to the Grand Tetons but my must sees in YNP were Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, but whatever you do GO BACK! There's so much more to see and do.

 

[descovy]

It's doable if you plan for a VERY long day, leaving very early in the AM and arriving late in the PM (call ahead to arrange a late check-in - say after 10PM). The one thing we discovered is that the drive times are VERY slow thru the park and in the surrounding areas because of the volume of traffic and the animals and the winding roads. I'd also plan to pack a lunch for that day so you don't spend a lot of time in restaurants waiting to eat. The waits in the YNP quick service restaurants can be long. We didn't make it to the Grand Tetons but my must sees in YNP were Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, but whatever you do GO BACK! There's so much more to see and do.

Thank you! Because of your post, I checked hotels again. I found a Super 8 in Gardiner for the same price as the hotel I reserved in Bozeman. This will cut 1 1/2 hours off our drive. We plan on a long day (leave early - arrive late) but also view the journey as part of the experience too!

And yes, we want to plan a "real" trip back to Yellowstone someday! I just couldn't pass up Yellowstone again in favor of another stretch of I-25

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you! Because of your post, I checked hotels again. I found a Super 8 in Gardiner for the same price as the hotel I reserved in Bozeman. This will cut 1 1/2 hours off our drive. We plan on a long day (leave early - arrive late) but also view the journey as part of the experience too!

And yes, we want to plan a "real" trip back to Yellowstone someday! I just couldn't pass up Yellowstone again in favor of another stretch of I-25

Eat at the KBar Pizza in Gardiner if it is still there. We thought they had great pizza.

 

[jsmith]

I am thinking of booking the whitewater rafting trip... for the 'experts here. which is a better choice, the snake river below Tetons, or out of Gardiner? we'll be in both places on our trip..... and company names?
Also decided not to do the cookout, my teens have told me it sounds like' all the things they dislike the most' all in one event...

"whitewater is going to depend on the time of year and how much snow we had during the winter but i would definately go with with Snake South of Jackson if you want rapids-the Yellowstone out of Gardiner will be nice but not really what i would define as a whitewater raft trip. You will get rapids on the Snake even in August after the water level drops ( rivers in the west run much much higher and faster Mid-May to early july do to run off)

 

[tylerzmommy]

When in September? Yellowstone is higher elevation and it snows early there.

I grew up outside of Cody,WY and it snowed on my mom's birthday one year. Birthday: June 13th. So, in my opinion (and experience!) there is no time of year that is "safe" from snow when it comes to planning in Wyoming! Just pack for everything and expect whatever comes your way!