Grand Teton vs. Yellowstone: Which Is Better for Vacation?
Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming. Both parks showcase the American West’s stunning beauty and the pristine natural wilderness that defines the wonder and adventure of the natural world. Since both parks are near to one another, and both can showcase similar attributes of the western wilderness, which is better for a vacation?
Yellowstone National Park is an iconic section of the vast American wilderness that is renowned all over the world. Grand Teton National Park is sometimes overshadowed by Yellowstone yet offers a less-crowded and more intimate experience for adventure seekers and sightseers alike.
| Category | Grand Teton | Yellowstone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Person (one week) | $970 | $1,000 |
| Main Attractions | Hiking and sightseeing at Grand Teton Peak, Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Taggart lake Trail, Mormon Row Historic District | Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, Tower Fall, Yellowstone Lake |
| Food | A variety of fine dining and casual restaurants that feature American staples and worldly cuisine | A variety of fine dining and casual restaurants that feature American staples and worldly cuisine |
| Weather | Cool and arid conditions are common throughout the year with harsh winters | Cool and arid conditions are common throughout the year with harsh winters |
| Safety | Grand Teton National Park does not feature large amounts of criminal activity; snowstorms and wild animals are two natural occurrences to be mindful of | Grand Teton National Park does not feature large amounts of criminal activity; snowstorms and wild animals are two natural occurrences to be mindful of |
| Transportation | Having a vehicle is essential to experience all that the park has to offer | A vehicle is essential to experience Yellowstone; Xanterra Parks and Resorts offers guided tours |
| Customs | For international travelers, a valid passport and a visitor visa is needed to vacation in the United States | For international travelers, a valid passport and a visitor visa is needed to vacation in the United States |
Both of these parks are sure to fulfill your love of nature and desire to experience an adventurous and fulfilling vacation. Therefore, this article will explore these neighboring parks through a range of categories to help make your decision easier in choosing which offers a better vacation. Read on to find out more about these parks and all of the different attractions available at both.
Cost of Stay
You do not necessarily have to stay at a hotel or resort when you vacation in either Grand Teton or Yellowstone; the parks are open to the public granted you pay an entrance fee. But unless you live within reasonable driving distance to either park, accommodations will be necessary to get a full experience of either location.
A typical one-week vacation in Grand Teton National Park averages roughly $970 for one person. This includes the cost of daily living and lodging in one of the park’s numerous hotels or lodging facilities. Grand Teton offers a large variety of lodging choices, from resorts to cabins and even campgrounds. Therefore the cost of your stay can be easily calculated, which leaves your average daily expenses to consider.
A typical one-week vacation in Yellowstone National Park averages roughly $1,000 for one person. Xanterra Parks and Resorts is a longtime contractor with Yellowstone. This company offers the standard benefits you can expect with a typical resort with a more communal and naturalistic lodging atmosphere. Meals are included, which can be a great way to reduce your overall expenses.
Affordable Hotel Options
If high-class lodging is not a necessity (and let’s face it, Grand Teton and Yellowstone are the main attractions), you can rest assured that there are some affordable hotels in both parks to consider.
Although space is limited, the Teton Hostel HideAway located just 75 minutes from Grand Teton National Park is a great option to consider. This is shared, communal living, and you will have to travel to the park each day, but the daily rate for a private room is roughly $100 depending on the time of year and as low as $35 for the shared dorm.
Staying in a cabin when at Yellowstone is a vacationer’s rite of passage, and you will be pleased to know that some of the cabins offered at Yellowstone have attractive rates for budget travelers. The Headwater’s Lodge & Cabins located at Flagg Ranch (right in-between both national parks) is a great option to consider. The cabins are rustic and comfortable and offer a great way to experience the surrounding nature with traditional lodging comforts.
No matter which affordable option you choose, most hotels in either of these destinations are similar in price ranges overall.
Main Attractions
Both parks are attractions in and of themselves, but there are a few main attractions that cannot be missed:
- Old Faithful In Yellowstone National Park. If you are an American, you have likely heard of Old Faithful. This iconic geyser erupts in a sea of steam and mist every 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. If you are looking for a bit of a guided exhibit when in Grand Teton National Park, consider stopping into this museum to tour some fascinating exhibits from the history of the park, as well as a survey of the natural environment throughout the park.
Food
Both parks feature various restaurants to choose from that span many of the regional varieties of American cuisine. The Grant Village Dining Room in Yellowstone is a traditional, buffet-style eatery that offers the park’s stunning views. The Jenny Lake Dining Room in Grand Teton offers locally-sourced offerings that will add to the surrounding atmosphere to great effect.
Weather
Both parks are located within the same general region. Expect cool and wet conditions throughout most of the spring, summer, and early fall. Snowfall occurs as early as September in both parks. You will want to avoid either park in the winter months unless you are specifically participating in some of the winter activities that may be offered by either destination.
Safety
You will not really have to worry about crime when you stay at either park. The major safety concerns are related to the surrounding wilderness. Both parks are teeming with various types of wildlife, which in some cases can be dangerous. Always follow the park rules and regulations to avoid any encounters with wild animals or possibly falling from cliffs.
Transportation
Getting around both parks is best-suited for a vehicle; if you do not have a vehicle, you may want to consider renting one for your vacation. You can choose to partake in a guided tour offered by either park if you wish to be transported to popular attractions.
Customs
If you are an international traveler, you will need to make sure you have a valid passport and a visitor visa to enter the United States. Entering both parks will require an entrance fee, and each park also has rules and regulations that need to be followed to avoid fines or prosecution.
Conclusion: Grand Teton vs. Yellowstone
So, which is better for a vacation, Grand Teton or Yellowstone? Price ranges are roughly the same for both parks, with Grand Teton being slightly cheaper. Both parks are defined by the serene natural beauty that surrounds you as far as the eyes can see. Therefore, it is a coin flip as to which park can be called the best.
Be sure to stay in the summer months for the best overall experience.
