Tales from the Road – Wyoming & Montana

Travel Expert, Rob Holmes, reports on his trip to Wyoming & Montana, where he explored the incredible Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks.

Which country and region did you visit?
I visited Wyoming & Montana for Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks.

How did you get there?
I flew from London Heathrow to Denver and then onwards to Jackson Hole Airport, which is the most convenient regional airport in the area. You cannot fly direct to any part of either Wyoming or Montana from the UK.

Where did you go?
I stayed in Teton Village, just outside of Grand Teton National Park, then onto North Yellowstone and finally, Big Sky.

When did you go and how long for?
I went in mid-May for 1 week. The perfect time to go, as it means you avoid the throngs of Summer tourists, yet the whole of the park is open (certain entrances are closed in Winter months).

Have you visited this part of the country before?
I have driven through Southern Wyoming, but never to the Rockier North, and Montana was a new State for me!

Which was your favourite…?

Place: Yellowstone is a simply incredible National Park. So varied with wildlife, views, active pursuits and more.

Hotel: Rusty Parrot Lodge in Jackson, Wyoming. This hotel was infamously burnt to the ground some years ago and the owners have spent years and many millions of dollars renovating it, with a recent opening in July 2024. It’s a family owned and operated property, meaning the service and small touches are thought out very carefully. The location, just two blocks from the town square, mean it’s quiet without being remote and it’s a perfect base from which to explore the surroundings.

Excursion: I went to a ranch in rural Wyoming to meet a world-renowned horse whisperer by the name of Grant Golliher. I have no experience in horses whatsoever, but the techniques and demonstrations he showed having taken a wild mustang from the hills surrounding his ranch were simply unbelievable. Top that off with an hours’ ride through the beautiful scenery and an authentic Cowboy lunch, it made for an amazing few hours.

What was your most memorable moment?
As above, riding a horse (for the first time ever), through some incredible scenery and guided by a true Cowboy in the heart of deepest Wyoming will take some beating!

Were there any surprises along the way?
I was taken aback at quite how varied not just the scenery, but the weather was in Yellowstone. There are canyons, geothermal springs, waterfalls, open prairies and lakes. The park is so vast that even in mid-May, there were higher elevated areas which were still blanketed in snow, some parts which required shorts and t-shirt and of course some rain, all within a few hours of each other on the same day.

What tips do you have for travellers planning to visit the same destinations?
It simply isn’t possible to do this area justice in a couple of days.  Do not try to cram too much in, as you will miss things – you’ll need at least a week to properly appreciate Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, especially when considering the time difference and flight logistics of getting there.

Additionally, the wildlife guiding is second-to-none in this region. They spot movement in the distance that you will simply miss if you’re on your own. Be prepared for some early starts, but this is when you’ll have best chance of seeing some of the more elusive animals.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?
Sunscreen – despite the cold weather in some months, the altitude means you will catch the sun if ill-prepared. A good camera for those iconic animal & geothermal shots.

Finally – patience. Some of the animals are more difficult to spot, but with a good guide and some luck, you’ll see the ‘Big 5’ of this area.

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?
Rocky Mountain Oysters – I’ll leave it there!

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?
Within the National Park, the food options are more limited, but within a relatively short drive, there are some great options. The food at The Horn & Cantle, at Lone Mountain Ranch is particularly great – very authentic Montana with lots of meats.

Sum up your trip in a sentence?
Awe-inspiring and bucket list – the experiences from this part of the world will live with me for a long time to come.