If the two of you are nature lovers, Yellowstone can be a dream come true. This sprawling park is one of the gems in the National Park System. Budget as much time as the two of you can for this massive park to take advantage of its many hiking trails and scenic vistas.

How Do We Get There?

Yellowstone has five entrances. From Jackson, Wyoming, take US 89 to the south entrance. From Cody, Wyoming, take US 16 to the east entrance. The west entrance is accessible from US 191 from Bozeman, Montana; you can also travel US 20 from Idaho Falls, Idaho. The north entrance can be reached from US 89 off I-90 at Livingston, Montana. From Billings, Montana, travel US 212 from I-90 or from Cody, Wyoming take Highway 296 to the northeast entrance.

What's Romantic?

Yellowstone is filled with hiking and sightseeing options including miles of trails perfect for everything from lung-expanding climbs to hand-holding strolls. You can’t come to Yellowstone without watching Old Faithful spew at least once. The park is dotted with other geysers and hot springs as well. and save time for at least a look (if not a stay) at Old Faithful Inn; it's a romantic classic.

When Should We Go?

Summer is certainly the number one time to visit Yellowstone. Summer temperatures average in the 70s so days are very pleasant, although nights can cool off into the 30s. During late summer, look for afternoon thunderstorms. At a minimum, budget two days in the park and restrict yourself to just one area, probably the Old Faithful region. Be sure to realize that there will be crowds during the summer season so book your hotel or campground accommodations early if at all possible.

Although by far most guests visit during the summer months, in the winter the park has a magic all its own and, thanks to much, much lighter crowds (and plenty of excuses to snuggle), the cold months are great for romantics. Activities include snowshoe tours, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Equipment is available for rent in the park or visitors can bring their own.

What Are We Doing Next?

Although Yellowstone certainly has enough activities to fill a honeymoon or romantic getaway, save some time for a look at nearby Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Filled with vacation options ranging from guest ranches to rodeos to float trips, Jackson Hole can make a great base for your vacation if you don’t want to stay in Yellowstone. From here, you’ll also be able to visit Grand Teton National Park. Glacier National Park is also another nearby destination.

For more information on Jackson Hole, contact the Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box E, Jackson, WY 83001 or Tel. 307/733-3316; www.jacksonholechamber.com. Another good source of information is the JacksonHoleTraveler.com, a resource with lodging, activity, dining, shopping, and travel coverage.

Where Should We Stay?

Yellowstone is home to one of the best-known and loved lodges in the national park system: the Old Faithful Inn. This classic lodge is a popular choice so book early; for reservations call Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, Tel. 307-344-7311. The inn is open from early May to mid-October.

During the winter months, only two of the park’s hotels are open. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, (Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, Tel. 307-344-7311) on the north side offers 96 guest rooms from late December through early March (as well as mid-May to early October). Built in the 1930s, the hotel has a Map Room which contains a large wooden map of the US made of 165 woods from nine countries.

The Old Faithful Snow Lodge (Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, Tel. 307-344-7311) accepts winter visitors from mid-December to mid-March (as well as mid-May to early October). This hotel is built in the style of Old Faithful Inn.

Camping is one of the most popular accommodation options in the park. They’re so popular, in fact, that many campgrounds fill up by early mornings during the peak summer months. We’ve listed reservations numbers for those campgrounds which accept reservations; for others plan to be in place early. Remember that you’ll need to bear-proof everything at the campgrounds. Here are some of the campgrounds available:

• Bridge Bay Campground (mid-May to mid-September); reservations Tel. 307/344-7311.
  
• Canyon Campground (early June to early September); reservations Tel. 307/344-7311. Includes showers and laundry facilities.
  
• Grant Village Campground (mid-June to early October); reservations Tel. 307/344-7311. Includes showers and laundry facilities.
  
• Madison Campground (early May to late October); reservations Tel. 307/344-7311.
  
• Fishing Bridge RV park (mid-May to mid-September); reservations Tel. 307/344-7311. Includes showers and laundry facilities as well as water, sewer and electrical hookups. This park is only for RV campers; no tent camping or tent trailers allowed.
  
• Mammoth Campground (year round); first-come, first-served.
  
• Norris Campground (mid-May to late September); first-come, first-served.
  
• Indian Creek (early June to mid-September); first-come, first-served.
  
• Lewis Lake (early June to late October); first-come, first-served.
  
• Pebble Creek (early June to end of September); first-come, first-served.
  
• Slough Creek (late May to late October); first-come, first-served.
  
• Tower Fall (mid-May to end of September); first-come, first-served.
  

Practical Information

Address: Yellowstone National Park, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168
Telephone: 307/344-7381
Operating Season: year round although only the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana is open from mid-December through mid-March
Hours: daily
Website: www.travelyellowstone.com