A family came into our office yesterday to ask about where to stay in Jackson.  Our office is on the southern end of town, and we are the first major sign of civilization.  We talked for a while and found them a place to stay in Jackson and then helped they get reservations in Yellowstone.  Based on their vacation schedule and their interests, Oly Olson and I made some suggestions about what to do and how much time to budget.  We gave them about four days of things to do in 24 hours, so they should be able to keep busy

I realized how much fun they would have over the next few days.  The weather has been rainier than usual, so the number of tourists in Jackson Hole is down.  But the rain is making the vegetation especially green, and the photo opportunities with the sun and the rain and the clouds should make for some memorable photos.  The rain never lasts for long, since summer is typically the driest time of year, so if they get out when it clears and then do something indoors when there is a cloudburst, or do some driving to get to their next destination, they should make the most of their time during their vacation.

The early summer is when they will be able to see the most baby animals in the park, and when the wildflowers are at their peak.  The busiest time for tourists is between July 4 and the middle of August.  Fall colors are best in the second half of September and early October.  They should be spectacular this year with the extra moisture this spring.  The parents were already planning another trip back without the kids.