Wyoming - Cody, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone
Sept 2023 - Photo: I like Ellen's look when she's flying 1st class
While I don't like the expression: "Bucket List", this was kind of a bucket list vacation. We'll have details about each area below. We like to travel before Memorial Day, or after Labor Day. The travel sites said Yellowstone weather would be better in September.
It was a good choice,
BUT some activities shutter by mid Sept AND most everything is closed by Oct 1. FYI. Of course, this is a trip you need to plan up to a year in advance. We got most everything 9 months out, but where not able to book the Old Faithful Inn (which is right next to Old Faithful).
Getting there
After much research regarding cost and travel time, we decided to fly into Cody. Good choice! There are only TWO gates in the Cody airport, so that part was easy.
I've talked with several people who had the time to drive all the way, or drive in from Salt Lake or Denver. We like to "get where we are going."
Other close airports include Jackson Hole and West Yellowstone, Montana.
Where to stay
For the National Parks, you'll need to plan well in advance. There are several different price points, ranging from simple camp sites to several levels of hotel quality and price. At this point in our lives we chose some nicer accommodations. We picked The Cody Hotel and were very happy with that property. It's about a mile from downtown Cody, so everything was easy to access.
And, even though Cody is a "small town", it was nice staying away from the town center.
Of course, booking in the National Parks is a very different experience. When you go, you'll find out.
Meal planning
a) Cody. Since Cody entertains so many tourists, there are some decent and interesting places to eat. Of course you should have one meal at the Irma Hotel. Lots of charm. Cassies Steak House has an interesting ambiance. However, we WALKED OUT of the Trail Head restaurant. It was too noisy, and the tables are too close together.
b) As for the National Parks, your best bet is eat in the hotel. The only other food choices in the Parks is like going into a big convenience store. If you are driving into the Parks, best to buy your food/snacks outside.
Things to do
We'll put some ideas into 3 sections below. This is a "once in a lifetime" adventure, so it's hard to go wrong.
You'll want to get Bear Spray. We didn't encounter any bears, but were glad we got the 40 foot spray with an 8 second release.
On our next trip to Wyoming
We really enjoyed our time in Cody, and would spend more time there on our next visit.
And, the views, geological features, and splendor of the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone would call anyone back.
Cody photos
Ellen takes a break with Buffalo Bill
The dining room at the Irma Hotel. It's not fancy, but it is charming and historic.
The crew after the nightly 6 pm shoot out next to the Irma Hotel.
Can you spot Wyatt Earp?
During the show. It was fun!
The Museum has FIVE sections, each one is as big as a football field. You MUST go. (They give a 2 day ticket.)
Actual stagecoach used in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show circa 1900
We saw this mama Bighorn sheep and kids on our drive in Bighorn Canyon, just over the Montana border.
John gets some Sage advice from Buffalo Bill.
The Grand Tetons
What a view for our breakfasts and dinners!
Yummy dinner! We have a video about the mural in our video section.
On the Jackson Lake cruise, under the Grand Tetons
At Moose Pond, near Jenny Lake
Video of this is below
Ellen and the Grand Tetons -
Pano photo; turn phone sideways.
The Continental Divide
We hope we were on opposite sides of the Divide!
The Continental Divide runs from Alaska to Mexico!
Part of this lake drains to the Pacific side, the other part drains to the Atlantic side!
A better photo of Isa Lake, which splits the Continental Divide!
These people got here on horse back!
The Grand Pismatic
a) You get more color w/ sunlight
b) They told us to go a trail above ; otherwise it's hard to see the colors.
Some bison. We found a fun facebook page called "Idiots of Yellowstone"
https://www.facebook.com/people/Idiots-of-Yellowstone/100066836623237/
So, don't get too close!
Yellowstone canyon. In the upper west corner of the park.
Yellowstone falls