Lodging if YNP not available

Thank you to all of you for the flight info. We decided to fly into Jackson Hole--a little more expensive until the extras were added in. I did however end up using my credit card points and that helped considerably.

On to my next question: I have been unable to get reservations in Yellowstone although I do continue to call them. At this point, we are staying in Jackson Hole for the first two nights, in West Yellowstone for the next three, two nights are open yet, and our final night will be back in Jackson Hole. I was aiming for either Canyon or Lake Yellowstone for the two open nights for proximity to the eastern half of the park. As a backup measure (if those calls are never answered), I need to make reservations for those two remaining nights. Which town is the best bet: Gardiner, Cooke City, or Cody? (we would like to see Cody at some point) I also have the option of extending our stay in West Yellowstone. Distances/travel times are deceptive and we want to make the best use of our time.

Thank you for everyone%26#39;s input and, AKJ, you have an awesome website.

Lodging if YNP not available

I like Cody because of the awesome museums and Cody rodeo. There is not much in Cooke City except for hotel or two. Gardiner would be my second choice because it is at the park entrance and you do not have to travel 50 miles to get into the park like at Cody. These are just my personal preferences. Others might have different ideas!!!

Lodging if YNP not available

Where you stay depends on your interests.

For example, are you planning to do wolf watching while here? If so, Gardiner or Cooke City are your best locations. You need to be up early and in Lamar Valley early in the mornings (sunrise has worked best for us), or there in early evenings for the best sightings (and howlings).

If you are looking for bears, you will want to be in the Dunraven/Tower area or Lamar Valley again earlier in the morning, so northern locations work better.

If you are into photography and waterfalls, you would want to stay in the West Yellowstone area so you can get to Canyon and hike to the spot you want by mid-morning (10:30 AM is roughly the best) for lightning.