Yellowstone National Park Sees Record Traffic in 2010

Joetta - yes, lodging can be tricky to find, especially in Gardiner, West Yellowstone or the Park itself.  I suggest trying the Murray Hotel in Livingston or Chico Hot Springs Resort in Emigrant.  Both are less than an hour from the Park and take you through a scenic drive through Paradise Valley.  Both are steeped in history and the Murray is right downtown in Livingston, directly adjacent to restaurants, a museum and a few proper watering holes.  If you decide to come up, send me an email and I'll help make some suggestions based on what the family enjoys.

Brad - I agree, these treasures were preserved for the public to enjoy, and enjoy them we should.  Yellowstone is an endless trove of new discovery.

All best,
Jason Frey

Bob - It really is a wonderful place to see.  My biggest recommendation when you come, it to bring your hiking shoes and get off of the beaten path.  One of the glaring statistics that I read the other day stated that well over 90% of the visitors to the Park never get off of the road network, which only shows you 2% of this wonderland.  

As far as the increased traffic goes, I think recreating in our national parks is a very cost effective family vacation and people are finding that while they still want to take the family somewhere, coughing up the cash for 4-5 plane tickets can't be justified when you can spend a week exploring several areas by car for a fraction of that....even with hotels.  Another aspect of life that I have found, especially in people my age (35-45) looking for property in Montana, is the desire to reconnect (and some, connect of the first time) with an area that is still natural and wild or to show their kids mountain sunsets and wildlife in a manner that not even the Discovery Channel can compete with.

All best,
Jason Frey

Debra - without sounding cliche, I can honestly tell you that it really cannot be described but has to be experienced.  Here is another photo from one of the thermal features -