First trip out west

The Eagle Creek campground outside Gardiner is nice and less likely to be crowded, but not in the park. In August the smaller park campgrounds like Pebble fill up before 10am, cruising the loop and asking folks eating breakfast if they've leaving that day is the norm to get a spot. If you want to stay in the park and not have to deal with that paying to reserve a spot in one of the big, crappy campgrounds is probably the only way. Last big summer trip in Yellowstone my group reserved a spot at Canyon for the night before, which was worth it as we were on the trail by 9am.

The Eagle Creek CG is quiet, I will agree.

–B.G.–

If you go down into the Tetons the Gros Ventre Campground is less likely to fill up, I camped there last minute a couple times. If it does fill up you can drive 30-40 minutes to NF campgrounds or dispersed camping outside the National Park (go east).

After your first trip there are place in YNP where you can pay for showers and get internet for like $5. I know I did that at Canyon last year.

After the YNP hiking trip what is next? Do you want another 5 day trip in the mountains? Do you want to car camp a few days?

I might suggest you order maps of any area you think you might want to hike in. Things like forest fires might force you to change last minute and you don't want to be driving all over Wyoming looking for a trail map.

"I might suggest you order maps of any area you think you might want to hike in. Things like forest fires might force you to change last minute and you don't want to be driving all over Wyoming looking for a trail map."

A really good point, especially this year.

A 5 day backpacking trip in the mountains would be ideal. I am only going to bring my backpacking equipment, so it's not like I would be car camping in luxury.

I ordered the 4 Yellowstone Maps and the Grand Teton Map. Do I need more coverage than that?

" Gros Ventre Campground "

One of my favorites.

–B.G.–

Maybe get the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness map. That might be a good backup option.
I have not done it but you might check the Teton Crest trail or the Teton High Route.
Remember to budget time for the mandatory safety video in YNP.

I ordered the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and Bozemn, Big Sky, Bridger Range maps as back ups. Who makes the best maps for the Wind River Range?

I am going to do the Teton Crest Trail in 3 days leaving me 3 more to fill. Any suggestions on a short trip to the Winds? I will be flying out of Jackson Hole.

The Beartooth Publishing Wind River Range maps are easy on the eyes and contain all the trail and topographic information you would need.

Short time-period trips into the Wind Rivers are not plentiful unless you can grind out big mile days or you are happy with less-spectacular views. Two ideas come to mind. First is the Stough Basin area starting from Worthen Reservoir. Second is to park at the Big Sandy trail head and walk into the Deep Lake area. Both areas have options for exploring on and off trail.

Island Lake/Titcomb Basin and Cirque of the Towers could both be reached in one or one plus days by medium strong hikers; you could set up camp short of those goals and day hike to reach those points. I am speaking as on older/slower guy and I usually carry a heavy pack with 5 to 7 days of food so those goals seem tougher to me; your 3 days of food and lighter pack make the idea sound more palatable!