Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

[87Warrior]

At the end of September my fiance and I will be headed up to WY for our honeymoon. Neither of us have been to this part of the country before so it seems like a good idea. We'll be driving from Garden City, KS to Steamboat Springs, CO then on up for 4 nights. We'll stop in Woodland park on the way home at her grandparents cabin before ending up back in Garden.

 

I am seeking the thoughts and opinions of anybody who has been in the area. What I would like to know is, do we need a plan? Usually we go camping in CO then just head out on the trails in the Jeep with a map and some vague destination in mind. Will the same mentality prove usefull at the Parks? She is a photographer and I am a sucker for natural landscapes.

 

Also, is it worth it to drive the TJ up there vs her Camery? I did notice there are some outfits that rent Wranglers. Are there any trails that would be worth a day or so exploring?

 

We don't really like crowds and should be there during the off season. Are there any particular times of the day/week to avoid some of the well known attractions?

 

Just looking for any advice from those of you that have visited this section of the country.

[1990 Pioneer 4x4]

We went to Yellowstone in the early to middle of Sept. a few years ago. It’s nice to travel when the kids are back in school. Also, it’s nice getting the non-peak season hotel rates. :cheers:

 

...plan... you can't see it all in a few days. Limit your expectations or stay awhile.

...drive the TJ, there's always opportunities for excersions

...weekdays are always less crouded than weekends

 

:smart:

[deziped]

This time of year all you need is the Camry. Best to bok a room ahead of your arrival. I been in that place when you couldn't get a room unless yuh knew someone. And they got a ton of rooms there. I'm not familiar with camping in that area.

[Pete M]

I'll see if I can dig up the places we stayed, but in lieu of that info, search for campgrounds that are tent-only. :thumbsup:

[87Warrior]

Thanks for the info. We'll be there Monday-Friday.

 

I actually have a room at one of the lodges for our stay. Decided this would be easier than camping. Usually we just do trail side camping out in CO.

 

Are there any trails to take a Jeep on within the park? Due to our limited time up there, we probably won't venture to far out of the parks. If so, where should I find information? Still trying to decide if its worth it to take the TJ. Normally I would take my folks XJ because the TJ gets such terrible mpgs, but it has been acting strange lately. Driving the whole way with a 33mpg Camery sounds pretty good too. And yes, we BOTH agree the TJ is more comfortable on long trips.

 

I want to avoid the whole, why didn't we do/bring THAT, once up there.

[Dave Stark]

Try Duncan Lake, it's a smallish lake way up in the hills. I went there years ago & the only way to get to it required a pretty heavy duty 4wd. We used our Power Wagon & it had a 3'' lift & 33" tires & had little difficulty getting there. Probably the most beautiful place I've ever been, Hopefully it's not all turisty now...