What to do in Jackson Hole/Yellowstone/Grand Teton

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

So you never ask for recommendations? Huh. Maybe the travel forum is not the place for you.

Of course I ask for recommendations but they're typically more specific in nature. But going to one of the most amazing national parks in the US and asking "what do I do there?" is so utterly irksome to those of us who love and fight to protect our national parks; to those of us who don't need an agenda when exploring national wonder. It's not Disney--it's Yellowstone. Go and explore, get out of your car and hike. Oh and don't approach the wildlife!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

How does researching and crowdsourcing 6 months in advance mean that I am clueless. I’m actually a hyper planner and love ideas from all sources.

People generally pick a vacation location that matches their interests. They don't pick a vacation location, then try to figure out what there is to do there. If they do the later, it seems to signal a level of cluelessness.

I have never in my life chosen hikes and restaurants before I chose the destination. You’re talking out of you a$$ here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

So you never ask for recommendations? Huh. Maybe the travel forum is not the place for you.

Of course I ask for recommendations but they're typically more specific in nature. But going to one of the most amazing national parks in the US and asking "what do I do there?" is so utterly irksome to those of us who love and fight to protect our national parks; to those of us who don't need an agenda when exploring national wonder. It's not Disney--it's Yellowstone. Go and explore, get out of your car and hike. Oh and don't approach the wildlife!!!

They we’re very specific in asking about which hikes, restaurants, and activities you would recommend. That’s 3 specific requests.

[Anonymous]

I'll give one specific recommendation for breakfast burritos at D.O.G.

Be prepared to do less than you think you will at Yellowstone, with the crowds and bison delays on the roads.

[Anonymous]

Rafting on the Snake River is fun. We like hiking in the Rockefeller Preserve in GTNP -- a bit less crowded, especially if you go in the morning. There's a trail that goes by a swimming hole, which is lovely. In Yellowstone, there are so many great hikes; agree with PPs who've suggested you take a look at the NPS info that's out there and readily available. Just keep in mind that Yellowstone will be crowded in August, so you'll want to try to get out early in the morning to have some peace and quiet. We've stayed at the Old Faithful Inn and enjoyed just hanging out on the porch in the evenings -- you can have cocktails or dinner out there, play cards or read a book.

Posters on this forum are usually pretty helpful, so I'm not sure why your question has gotten such a negative response. It was open-ended, yes, but that's often true of initial posts asking for advice -- e.g., "Where should go in Italy?". I'm wondering if the fact that you're traveling with adult kids prompted the dismissive tone?

[Anonymous]

I liked Old Faithful Inn and the many smaller geysers that are walkable from there. Also rafting and picnic on the snake river. And liked the ferry at Jenny lake and the hike to the waterfall. Kids were 5 and 10

[Anonymous]

also the wolf discovery center in west Yellowstone

[Anonymous]

Two highlights of our trip to that area a few years ago:

1. We stayed at this ranch, which is about an hour from Jackson. It was lovely, but too far so I really don't recommend staying there unless to get away from it all. However, they have amazing horseback riding. We did a half-day ride, and it was just our family with a guide. We rode through absolutely beautiful country - forests, mountains, streams - it was gorgeous and we never would've found it on our own. I'll always remember that ride. The restaurant is really good too, so you could ride in the morning and have lunch there afterwards.

Here is the ranch: https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/

The ranch also has fishing expeditions.

2. If you or your kids are adventurous, DD and I went paragliding off the top of the mountain at Jackson Hole. It was a blast. We took the gondola up and literally ran off the top of the mountain (attached to an expert, of course!) and then you drift all the way down with great views. Here's the link: https://www.jacksonhole.com/paragliding


We also did rafting and it was fun - pretty calm in the summer but quite scenic.

Lots of great hikes everywhere of course, and also lots of buffalo! Enjoy OP - we had an amazing family vacation there.

[Anonymous]

jackson - Do a dawn wildlife tour. Also go out to Mormon Row and see the herds of buffalo that can be right up by your car. Do not get out of the car if there are buffalo there. I can sit there all day. My family cannot. We have always loved this restaurant in Jackson. https://www.calicorestaurant.com/

Yellowstone - all the normal stuff, but look online for directions for the hike up above the grand prismatic spring (it is not marked) so you can see it from higher and truly appreciate its magic. Honestly one of the most lovely things i have ever seen.

Never sleep in. All the best stuff is in the morning or dusk in these places.

[Anonymous]

We are doing the same trip in august. There are some great itineraries online. I hear horseback riding is great in both places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

Yes, OP, if you are not born with the knowledge of what to do in Jackson Hole, then you are not welcome!

[Anonymous]

Tip - if you take the gondola in Jackson up to the top of Rendezvous Mountain it is much colder up there than at the bottom. Like wind and snow still sometimes colder so at least a fleece. I didn’t think the Couloir restaurant was anything special but I’m not really a food person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

How does researching and crowdsourcing 6 months in advance mean that I am clueless. I’m actually a hyper planner and love ideas from all sources.

People generally pick a vacation location that matches their interests. They don't pick a vacation location, then try to figure out what there is to do there. If they do the later, it seems to signal a level of cluelessness.

This isn’t necessarily true. If you don’t have anything but snark to contribute, why even respond? What do you win being a brat to someone asking for vacation ideas?

[Anonymous]

-Dave Hansen does great rafting trips that are fun for the whole family. That late in the summer the rapids are doable for younger kids. In the late spring/early summer when the snow melt is happening, it would be too rough for young ones.

-The Snake River is also great for fishing. You can catch whitefish and rainbow trout.

-BrushBuck Wildlife tours has those open safari vehicles and it’s SO much fun for little kids. They’re amazing at spotting bears, moose, pronghorn, and smaller critters too.

-Teton Village has fun summer stuff like rock climbing and a bungee thing. You can take the gondola up for great views. Teton Thai has surprisingly good Thai take out if you want an easy meal after a day of adventures.

-Jenny Lake will be crowded but has beautiful easy hikes that kids can do. Brings bear spray just in case!

-Yellowstone is amazing. Tons of great hikes and sights to see.

My family loves Yellowstone, but we especially love the Grand Tetons. You’re going to have an amazing trip, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask then maybe that’s not the place for you.
I hate clueless tourists in National Parks.

How does researching and crowdsourcing 6 months in advance mean that I am clueless. I’m actually a hyper planner and love ideas from all sources.

People generally pick a vacation location that matches their interests. They don't pick a vacation location, then try to figure out what there is to do there. If they do the later, it seems to signal a level of cluelessness.

This isn’t necessarily true. If you don’t have anything but snark to contribute, why even respond? What do you win being a brat to someone asking for vacation ideas?

+1 ... I'm embarrassed for the snarky types on this thread.