June 2023
This was my third trip to Wyoming. I seem to stick to Yellowstone, the Tetons and Jackson/Jackson Hole and would put these on the must visit list to everyone, at least Yellowstone and the Tetons. The weather can be unpredictable and I have ended up hiking as the snow fell and the temperature dropped as well as watching lightning surround me followed by lovely blue skies. I have also suffered from mosquito attacks which required my taking Benadryl just to be able to sleep at night.
JACKSON & JACKSON HOLE / GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK. Jackson is a city in the valley and Jackson Hole is up in elevation and where you will find the ski lifts. Both have their charms. Jackson has art, boutiques, bars and restaurants (Bin 22 being my favorite) centered around the square, and bike trails and hiking trails. Lots of money here and a not inexpensive place to visit but luckily my friend Karen lives here so I have not only a place to stay, but also someone with whom to enjoy the area. Jackson Hole has ski resorts, bike trails, and ski lifts and a few bars and restaurants but not of the caliber found in Jackson. Just outside Jackson are the massive, steep mountains called the Tetons and if you can catch them when the skies part, awe inspiring. Great to hike, though best not when bears are going into hibernation as they need to fatten up for the winter and if coming into spring, saturate yourself in bug spray).
YELLOWSTONE. This park is well worth multiple visits at different times of the year. It has mountains, lakes, boiling water, boiling mud, geysers, wildlife, you name it. Much of the park sits atop an underground volcano constantly releasing water with temperatures exceeding 400°F. Pretty amazing geology. In addition to all the thermal activity, on my drive in in June I was able to see a bear (at a safe distance), grey wolf, and bison all hanging out in the same area. If you can swing it, staying in the park is helpful to get started before the crowds. There are many campgrounds but they book out early. One in between option if available (you can try day before or day of as I did and book a cancelled room) are the bathroomless cabins at Old Faithful Lodge which do have electricity and a sink as well as bedding. Bathrooms/showers are campsite style but otherwise you have a place to sleep and can walk to the main lodge as well as be right at Old Faithful to watch it perform.
