Grand Teton National Park

Hi there, I could give my opinion if you shared a bit more... A single photo isn’t enough. The only part of the US I’ve visited was Florida a long time ago, to take my son to Disneyland. Florida didn’t really wow me, but I’ve always had a bit of a "fantasy" about two states: Wyoming and Montana... no idea why, since I’ve never read anything about them...

Hi, I could give my opinion if you told us a bit more... A single photo isn’t enough. I’ve only been to the US in Florida a long time ago to take my son to Disneyland... Florida didn’t really wow me, but I’ve always had a bit of a "fantasy" about two states: Wyoming and Montana... no idea why, since I’ve never read anything about them...

True, I could say more. I was there in 2022... A travel journal? Why not. [;)]

Of course we have to go back [;)]

I was there in 2022 too... and heading back to Montana in 2024 to visit Glacier NP... and I can't wait to go back again and again You never get tired of it!

Of course we have to go back [;)]

I was there in 2022 too... and heading back to Montana in 2024 to visit Glacier NP... and I can't wait to go back again and again You never get tired of it!

At one point, I considered going back up there in 2026, including Glacier NP, a bit of Oregon, and Seattle, starting from Denver. With a stop in Yellowstone, of course. But—there’s always a but—the Prime Minister (my wife) isn’t on board for 2026. So we’re heading to Texas and Arizona instead. I had to compromise to be able to go to a tricky country this summer. That’s what we call politics!

Maybe, if the man upstairs lets us, we’ll go back up there in 2028.

You can hike in the mountains (outside the park?) without having to go through the "park entrance" with all the tourist crowds, car lines, paying the entrance fee, etc...

Are there places where you hardly run into anyone, like in certain areas of the Vercors, for example?

I’m picturing it like this: a national park with entry points and thus lots of people, or private properties where hiking freely is off-limits... I hope I’m wrong...

You can hike in the mountains (outside the park?) without having to go through the "park entrance" with the crowds of tourists, car queues, paying the entrance fee, etc... To get to places where you hardly meet anyone, like in certain areas of the Vercors, for example? I imagine places like this: a national park with entry points and thus lots of people, or private properties where hiking freely is forbidden... I hope I’m wrong...

The park covers an area of 1,254 km² and is accessible via a single road from north to south, Highway 191. There’s an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 that gives access to all National Parks. There are two checkpoints, north and south, and ranger patrols in the park.

By passing the cabins before the paid service hours (7 a.m., if I remember correctly), there’s no problem—it’s free.

With a good hiking map, you can discover some beautiful spots where there isn’t a soul around. And don’t forget the proper bear spray.

Grand Teton is a National Park. The private land belongs to the state.

When passing the cabins before the paid service hours (7 a.m., if I remember correctly), no problem, it's free.

Uh! Not really—there’s no control, but you’re supposed to either have the pass or pay and put what you owe in a box with an envelope and keep a record.

Well, well. I didn’t know about the box. I must’ve mixed it up with the reservation. My bad.

I must have mixed up the reservation.

Yes, that's right. Before 6 AM/7 AM and after 4 PM/5 PM (depending on the park), you can enter without a reservation in the parks that require one.

I must have mixed up the reservation.

Yes, that's right. Before 6 AM/7 AM and after 4 PM/5 PM (depending on the parks), you can enter without a reservation in the parks that require one.

Yes, absolutely, I messed up!!

Before 6/7 AM and after 4/5 PM (depending on the park), you can enter without a reservation in parks that require them.

What do they require? Reservations? How do you know? Do you need to reserve for Grand Teton? This is really important to me. I never book anything in advance... So if I show up at dawn on a nice day, I can just pass the entrance booth and get in? And after that, where and how much do I pay? It’s not exactly straightforward!

What I’d like to know is whether, in the area around the parks but outside their boundaries, you can hike without having to pay or make a reservation... In France, you can go wherever you want in our parks without having to "show your papers." Okay, in the US it’s paid entry, and sometimes you need to reserve, but not for all parks, right? But just outside the park boundaries, can you hike freely?

PS: If you’ve booked 2 or 3 days (or nights?) in a park... and you show up to terrible weather, what do you do?

Before 6/7 AM and after 4/5 PM (depending on the parks), you can enter without a reservation in parks that require them.

Require what? Reservations? How do you know? Do you need to reserve for Grand Teton? This is really important to me. I never book anything... So if I show up at dawn on a nice day, I can just pass the gate and get in? And after that, where and how much do I pay? It’s not straightforward! What I’d like to know is if, in the area around the parks but outside their boundaries, you can hike without having to pay or make any reservations... In France, you can go wherever you want in our parks without showing any ID or anything... Okay, in the US it’s paid, and sometimes you need to reserve, etc., but just outside the park boundaries, can you hike freely?

PS: If you’ve booked 2 or 3 days (or nights?) in a park... and you show up and the weather’s awful, what do you do?

No, you can’t just do whatever you want in American national parks. There’s an entrance fee, paid campgrounds because backcountry camping is prohibited, and campfires are banned in some areas. And if it rains, well, that’s just how it is—rain or shine. From what I remember, all national parks charge a fee. Most require reservations too. And Yellowstone, which is as big as Corsica, isn’t free either. It’s heavily monitored.

Entrance reservations, like in Moab where it gets crowded, help regulate the number of tourists. Some places even use a lottery system to control visitor numbers.

The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 for a car (up to 4 people) or one person on foot or a two-person motorcycle, and it lets you enter all national parks. After visiting three parks, it pays for itself. Otherwise, it’s $35 per park. And in tribal parks managed by the Navajo, for example, you have to pay extra because they’re the direct managers.

If you’re just outside the park boundary, there’s no fee. But make sure you have a good map because rangers and judges aren’t very flexible when it comes to protecting the parks. Whether you’re a tourist or not, the fine can be steep.

If you're on the outer edge of the Park, there's nothing to pay. And make sure you have a good map because the Rangers and Judges aren’t very flexible when it comes to protecting the Parks. Tourists or not, the bill can be pretty steep.

Well, I think I’ll pick another country. In Florida, I just got off the "highway" to take a side road (and by car!) A cop redirected me back to the highway for safety reasons, he said!

If you're on the outer edge of the Park, there’s nothing to pay. But make sure you have a good map because the Rangers and Judges aren’t very flexible when it comes to protecting the Parks. Tourists or not, the bill can be *very* steep.

Well, I think I’ll pick another country instead. In Florida, I just got off the "highway" to take a side road (and I was driving!) A cop redirected me back to the highway for "safety reasons," he said!

Yeah, they’re pretty strict about certain things. The funniest part is when you buy a bottle of alcohol—plastic bag inside a paper bag. And don’t even think about taking a sip on the way. From what I remember, there are exceptions: Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Beale Street in Memphis. In both cities, the streets reek of alcohol.[;]

If you're on the outer edge of the Park, there's nothing to pay. And make sure you have a good map because the Rangers and Judges aren't very flexible when it comes to protecting the Parks. Tourist or not, the bill can be steep.

Well, I think I'm gonna choose another country. In Florida, I just got off the "highway" to take a side road (and by car!) A cop redirected me back to the highway for safety reasons, he said!

Don't generalize [;)] If a cop redirected you for safety reasons, there was probably a good reason! And there isn't a cop in front of every side road just to stop you from going where you want [;)] That said, like everywhere, there are private properties, private roads, etc.

Around the parks, there are plenty of free-access trails and lots to see. It all depends on the state, the landscape, and the local wildlife, but in some areas, like around Glacier in Montana, where we were in September, we spotted trailheads outside the park, but these are poorly maintained trails, and in bear country, it's not exactly reassuring (not to mention snakes!).

But honestly, $35 lets you enter a park for 7 straight days—it's nothing... and most parks are huge, so it's easy to feel like you're alone in the world! The trails are well-maintained and marked, and that makes all the difference. Whenever a danger is reported (like a grizzly or rattlesnake), the rangers secure the area and warn visitors.

If you really don’t want to pay anything, then yeah, choose another country [;)]

I get why you didn’t like Disney, where everything costs extra. Honestly, when you’re paying for a trip to the US, the $80 entry fee for national parks isn’t much compared to the overall cost of the trip... What’s the point? Saving 80 bucks?

On the other hand, like everywhere, there are private properties, private paths, etc.

Yeah, that's obvious... but I once crossed half a country where there was nothing but barbed wire everywhere. Basically, what I wanted to know is whether, outside of parks, you can be sure you're not on private property, a private hunting ground, etc. I know it happens (outside parks), but personally, I go by instinct—I see a place that attracts me, a summit, a wild landscape, I can park without any problem off the road without blocking anything... I have my Garmin GPS with the right map, and off I go. I just don’t want to be breaking any rules...

It all depends on the state, the landscape, and the local wildlife, but in some areas, like around Glacier in Montana, where we were in September, we’d spotted trailheads outside the park, but these are poorly maintained trails, and in bear country, it’s not exactly reassuring (not to mention the snakes!).

I’ve done this in tons of countries: the Golden Triangle in Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, Cameroon, Colombia, Bolivia, Mexico. Closer to home and easier, with no one to bother us: Bulgaria, Romania, Albania...

The trails there are maintained and marked, and that makes all the difference. As soon as a danger is reported (like grizzlies or rattlesnakes), rangers secure the area and warn visitors.

Exactly what I’m trying to avoid...

National parks do tempt me, but the few photos I’ve seen with lines of cars, crowds waiting, people admiring a geyser, all the manicured stuff, opening hours, reservations to make—none of that is for me.

I can see why you didn’t like Disney—everything costs extra there.

What’s the point? To squeeze out $80?

We’re really not on the same page... Even if someone paid me to go, I wouldn’t. If my grandkids had no one to take them and *really* wanted to go, I *might* make the effort... but for me, it’d be a real chore!

No, I confirm, we’re definitely not on the same page. I travel solo most of the time, and I rarely run into the kind of tourists you’re talking about. Honestly, you really shouldn’t consider the US as a destination. There’s a lot of negativity in what you’re saying, and that should tell you something [;)]

Indeed, you shouldn’t be aiming for the USA as a destination. There’s a lot of negativity in what you’re saying, and that should be enlightening.

I don’t prioritize visiting a country just for its landscapes. I already went to Florida 40 years ago—the goal was Disneyland for my 6- or 7-year-old son (I knew it wouldn’t make me happy, but he really enjoyed it, and that’s what matters). I didn’t particularly like Florida, though I did appreciate some aspects of the country, especially the human qualities of certain people—their availability, their attentiveness. I still remember that supermarket cashier who took her time to explain things to me and gave me tips on what to see, where to eat, and places to visit. People there aren’t as stressed as in France—even behind the wheel, no random honking or road rage... I was also surprised, imagining this state as cutting-edge modern, to end up in pretty outdated hotel rooms, find mini-supermarkets that were quite basic and poorly stocked, and experience low-quality dining where quantity (or even overkill) took priority over quality! And so on...

About twenty years ago, I seriously considered going to the American West—I still haven’t given up on it... The wide-open spaces and untouched nature are my top priorities. Back then, I had my heart set on the Grand Canyon region. As a hiking fan, I’d done a lot of research and found one trek that really appealed to me: descending to the bottom of the Canyon and continuing along the riverbed to emerge several kilometers downstream. I never book anything in advance so I’m free to change my mind if the weather turns bad or if I stumble upon something better on the spot. But in this case, I understood the need to reserve. So, I tried to book (if I remember correctly) a campsite at the bottom of the canyon, and I started looking six months ahead! Yet, I couldn’t find any camping or lodging—apparently, I should’ve booked even earlier! Given the demand, I imagine I wouldn’t have been alone at the bottom of the canyon! So, I decided to change my approach and find routes outside the park to avoid overcrowding and not book anything in advance. What do you do when you’ve reserved accommodation (hotel, campsite, etc.) to hike near your stay, and during your reservation, there are thunderstorms or it’s pouring rain?

I get why you didn’t like Disney—everything costs money there.

What’s the point? To scrape together $80?

We’re really not on the same wavelength... Even if someone paid me to go, I wouldn’t. If my grandkids had no one to take them and *really* wanted to go, I *might* make the effort... but for me, it’d be a real chore!

Politically and practically, the U.S. just isn’t for you. Like Asia isn’t for me... To each their own dream.

If I had to consider the political situations of the countries I've visited, there are plenty of others I would've avoided! That said, I imagine that among all those who regularly go to the US, not everyone is a fan of Disneyland? I certainly hope not! I'm talking about adults who are past their thirties or forties...

If I had to take into account the political situations of the countries I've visited, there are plenty of others I would've avoided! That said, I imagine that among all those who regularly go to the US, not everyone is a fan of Disneyland? I certainly hope not! I'm thinking of adults who are in their thirties or forties...

Reducing lovers of the USA to Disneyland is heresy and a profound ignorance of the country. Total nonsense.

I’m not here to lecture you, though... but I humbly suggest you read the following books:

Alexis de Tocqueville, *Democracy in America* Howard Zinn, *A People’s History of the United States* And to finish, *The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Discovering the Westward Passage.*

While you're at it, revisit the great history of the Founding Fathers—you’ll be surprised, no doubt. Don’t forget to read both the Constitution, the Amendments, and especially the lived experiences of the signers of that Constitution, like George Washington, who was the largest slaveholder in the 13 colonies.

Not liking America is your right. Not wanting to understand it is a mistake.

Reducing lovers of the USA to Disneyland is heresy and a profound ignorance of the country. Total nonsense.

Read carefully what I write before replying... You have a strange way of interpreting my messages. I’m not naive enough to reduce the US to Disney. I was simply responding to a comment someone made about this amusement park and said they’d have to pay me to go back. (At Disney, not in the US!) Just because the US isn’t one of the countries that attracts me most as a visitor or tourist doesn’t mean I hate the US! If I had to leave Europe for political or other reasons, I’d much more easily go to the US than Russia (where my ancestors are from), China, or even Argentina or Chile!

The parks might tempt me too, but the few photos I’ve seen with lines of cars, crowds waiting, people admiring a man-made geyser, set schedules, reservations to make—none of that’s for me.

I don’t know where you’re finding your photos, but you need to change your source! Taking a look at the many travel journals on the forum will give you a completely different perspective ;)

Wide-open spaces and nature that’s still "untouched" are my top priority.

I never book anything so I’m free to change my mind if the weather turns or if I stumble on something better along the way.

Impossible to find a campsite or lodging… I was told I should’ve planned further ahead! With the demand, I imagine I wouldn’t have ended up alone at the bottom of the canyon!

What do you do when you book a place to stay (hotel, campsite, etc.) to hike near where you’re staying, and during your reservation, there are thunderstorms or it’s pouring rain?

I’ll admit, I’m having a hard time understanding what you’re looking for—you’re full of contradictions! You want untouched nature where you could be alone in the world, but at the same time, enough campsites or hotels near the spot you’re interested in so you don’t have to book ahead, yet not too crowded so it doesn’t ruin your solitude, *and* with the option to cancel on rainy days (or a backup plan, I guess…).

You should check out the North Rim of the Grand Canyon—it’s wilder and less crowded than the South Rim ;). But even there, you’ll need to plan way ahead to find lodging! It’s not about overcrowding, just limited options to protect the nature ;)

I don’t know where you get your photos, but you need to change your source! Taking a look at the many travel journals on the forum, you’ll get a completely different perspective

Well, actually, from a travel journal... In Yellowstone, the person who wrote it even said it was overcrowded.. On VF, I still managed to find reliable info (thanks to Marati) about hiking possibilities outside the parks (with descriptions to back it up), and I’m grateful for that. Still, I feel more drawn to the states of Montana and Wyoming. If I could find the same kind of info for those states, that’d be awesome!

I admit I’m having trouble understanding what you’re looking for—you’re full of contradictions! You want untouched nature where you could feel like you’re alone in the world, but at the same time, enough campgrounds or hotels near the spot you’re interested in so you don’t have to book ahead, yet not too crowded so it doesn’t ruin your solitude, and with the option to cancel on rainy days (or a backup activity, I guess...)

Yet I think I’ve been clear. I wasn’t and still am not looking for campgrounds or hotels. I wanted to hike in the US, like in the Grand Canyon, the way I do in our Alps (Écrins, Beaufortain, Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors, etc.) and in other countries (Romania, Bulgaria, etc.). I live in a village in the Vercors. If I want to hike for several days (in the nature park, which covers over 17,000 hectares), I’ve led groups there multiple times. No need for reservations or entry tickets. I go wherever I please without restrictions. In the evening, we can bivouac (not camp!). We pitch the tent at night, cook our meal, and at dawn the next day, the tent is taken down and everything is left clean—that’s the only rule. (That’s what bivouacking is.) In the Grand Canyon, that’s not possible (oh well, no big deal). So I’d need to find a hotel or, failing that, a campground at my destination. But for that, I’d have to book a year in advance! (That’s what I was told!) I only made my request JUST 6 months ahead... For me, 6 months is already a huge lead time! I only book accommodation in exceptional cases. The last time I did was in Albania (Dinaric Alps) with my wife. I booked (as a precaution) a mountain hut one day’s hike from our starting point (trekking). But on the day we were supposed to leave, there were violent storms, and we were forced to stay put. Luckily, the very kind Albanians running the "hut" understood our situation and didn’t charge us for the stay... I don’t think things would’ve gone the same way in the US...

Your life must be so sad...

And you're right, don't go to the USA. It's not a country for you. Drawing a parallel between US parks and French parks is a mistake. At best, it's foolish.

I'll stop here with you. No point in continuing.

"What do you do when you book accommodation (hotel, campsite, etc.) to hike near your place of residence and then on the days of your reservation there are thunderstorms or it's pouring rain?"

I don’t sleep at the hotel, but in my vehicle. I don’t book anything except parks that require a reservation. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, I change my destination and happily forfeit the few euros I spent on my booking. Again, when it comes to the cost of the trip, I don’t stress over a few euros, and even less over a last-minute cancellation of my plans.

Your requests are too confusing. I won’t be responding further. Maybe just stop overthinking it. Plan things out and see how it goes.

I don’t think my life has been sad—it’s just been pretty eventful! I still love adventure in all its forms, even if I don’t do what I was doing 20 years ago, like crossing part of the Himalayas on foot and crossing passes over 6,000m, crossing borders illegally, climbing all the peaks in the Écrins... Living is about taking risks—measured ones, of course. Besides, I don’t see where I compared Disney Orlando and Disney Paris—you’re imagining things, I think? Orlando was more than enough for me. No need to add more, even though I used to live 10 km from Disney Paris. Just to add a detail: out of the three parks in Orlando, I found one less cheesy than the others—the one where they film movie tricks (Epcot? Or MGM Studios?). Back then, you could see how some Indiana Jones scenes were filmed. Interesting and impressive, sure, but one day would’ve been more than enough for me. Being carted around in little cars gets old fast—I saturate quickly. Have a great trip to the US and have fun! 😊

I don’t stay in hotels, but in my vehicle. I don’t book anything except for parks that require a reservation.

Okay, clear and sensible answer. The car: a great idea I hadn’t thought of.

Again, when it comes to travel costs, I don’t stress over a few euros, and even less about last-minute cancellations to my plans.

A few euros? I was initially wondering about Grand Teton National Park—it really speaks to me, especially with those mountains in the background of Mitch341’s photo... I checked booking sites, and the cheapest I found was a tent for $115, while all other accommodations start at $200. No big deal—I don’t expect an answer. I’ve got what I need in the southern states thanks to Marati, whom I’d like to thank again.

"What do you do when you book accommodation (hotel, campsite, etc.) to hike near your place of residence and on the days of your reservation there are thunderstorms or it's pouring rain?"

I don’t sleep at the hotel, but in my vehicle. I don’t book anything except parks that require a reservation. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, I change my destination and happily forfeit the few euros I spent on my booking. Again, when it comes to the cost of the trip, I don’t stress over a few euros, and even less over a last-minute cancellation of my plans.

Your questions are too confusing. I won’t be responding further. Maybe just stop overthinking it. Plan and see how it goes.

Dear fellow Adventurer who reminds me of my youth so long ago, don’t waste time arguing with someone who reduces America to a theme-park tour of Florida. Our shared passion for America goes beyond the political observations and restrictions of a few doom-and-gloom naysayers. You’re on the right track. The real deal.

And you see, this mix of politics keeps me from sharing some of my stays in a Middle Eastern country that I’m sure you’d love. And I put Biggie in the same basket as lovers of the West.

By the way, Usafan, could you step in at the Marché Provençal in Antibes to lower the prices? I’m not American, for crying out loud!!

Haha! It’s been ages since I last went to a Provençal market. I’ll admit I have no idea about the prices. But since it’s super popular with tourists, I imagine it’s not exactly a bargain... [;)] The most expensive part is the parking near the Antibes ramparts. Last time I parked there, I paid 17.50 € for an evening. I swore I’d never bring my car there again

Anyway, thanks for your message! These days, I rarely stay in hotels and hardly book anything except my car and one night upon arrival. I love the freedom of sleeping pretty much anywhere without necessarily knowing where I’ll spend the next night. And most of all, I adore waking up with the sun. I’ll admit I couldn’t stand lounging around at the hotel in the morning anymore—those are the best hours to enjoy the scenery.

Don’t let anyone stop you from sharing your adventures, even if some people have something to say. Just focus on the positive. I travel *chill*—meaning I roughly know what I want to see, and if I miss something, it just gives me a reason to come back.

Happy to share this passion with other enthusiasts like you. [;)] I’m heading out soon for my 18th road trip. It’s gonna be awesome this year—mostly about soaking in the landscapes without rushing and camping to keep that thrill of freedom. [;)]

I'll be generous today. I slept for zero euros at Grand Teton National Park thanks to the "ioverlander2" app. With this, you shouldn’t break the bank anymore. Happy travels

In Yellowstone, the person who wrote the travel journal mentioned it was overcrowded...

That person probably didn't go far from the parking lots.... Yellowstone covers 9,000 km² (bigger than Corsica), so there's plenty of space ;)

I wanted to hike in the US in the Grand Canyon like I do in our Alps. (Écrins, Beaufortin, Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors, etc.)

You can absolutely hike in the US, but on a different scale. Besides the national parks, which have a paid entrance, there are plenty of national forests and state parks that are free.

I live in a village in the Vercors. If I want to hike for several days (in the nature park, which is over 17,000 hectares), I’ve led groups there multiple times. No need for reservations or entrance tickets...

I live at the foot of Mont Blanc—I know the mountains ;) But you’re trying to compare the incomparable! 170 km² for the Vercors nature park versus 5,000 km² for the Grand Canyon! US national parks are highly regulated, and yes, they’re paid. But nature in the US isn’t limited to these parks.

I go wherever I want without restrictions. In the evening, we can camp anywhere.

Even in France, especially in nature parks, wild camping is regulated ;) You’re not free to camp everywhere. In US national forests and state parks, wild camping is possible, but not in the Grand Canyon ;)

I booked (for safety) a refuge one day’s hike from our starting point (trekking), but on the day we were supposed to leave, there were violent storms, and we were forced to stay put. Luckily, the very nice Albanians running the "refuge" understood our situation and didn’t charge us for the stay... I don’t think it would’ve gone the same way in the US...

On the contrary, I think it *would* have gone the same way in the US—and certainly elsewhere too—if violent storms had prevented you from reaching the refuge!

A few euros? I was initially considering Grand Teton National Park, which really inspires me with those mountains in the background in Mitch341’s photo... I checked booking sites, and the cheapest I found was a tent for $115, otherwise all accommodations start at $200.

Usafan was talking about reserving the park entrance (for those who need one), not lodging since they sleep in their car. Entrance reservations usually cost around $2! And as Usafan so wisely said, stop overthinking it and plan a little trip ;) ... the Vercors will seem tiny when you get back!

Here’s a link to a beautiful forest in Montana where you can camp freely (well, almost!)—just watch out for grizzlies ;) https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/recreation/camping-cabins

And there you go—a little link to a beautiful forest in Montana where you can camp freely (well, almost!).... and watch out for grizzlies www.fs.usda.gov/...ation/camping-cabins

Thanks for the link!

In Yellowstone, the person who wrote the travel journal mentioned it was overcrowded...

That person probably didn’t go far from the parking lots.... Yellowstone covers 9,000 km² (bigger than Corsica), so there’s plenty of space [;)]

Yeah, I know the sizes... A good hiker needs two full days to cross Vercors Park from north to south via the most direct trails—that’s more than enough for day hikes, and it’s rarely crowded except for the northern part around ski resorts (Villard-de-Lans, Autrans, etc.). Plus, the advantage is you can enter from anywhere. I’ve always struggled to picture American parks... From what I understand, there are only two "entrances"?... Actually, there are even more—it’s at the "entrances" that things get tricky, right? Even though the park is huge, I guess there must be long lines of cars at those entrances in the summer, no? Anyway, thanks for the info

PS: I spent about ten days in Passy (Rue du Lac Vert) last June... what a gorgeous area! I did some amazing hikes there! Otherwise, the region is still more urbanized than the Vercors. I thought you were from Passy near Auteuil!😄

I’ve always had a hard time picturing American national parks... From what I understand, there are only 2 "entrances"?... I’ve heard there are even more—isn’t the bottleneck at the "entrées"? The park might be huge, but I guess in summer there must be long lines of cars at those entrances, right?

The number of entrances varies, and yes, the lines are obviously at the entrances during peak season! But the U.S. isn’t just about its most famous national parks. It’s true that Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon get really crowded in summer, but much less so off-season... and you can also find stunning landscapes in lesser-known national parks—or, as I mentioned, in forests or state parks, which are free!

PS: I spent about ten days in Passy (Rue du Lac Vert) last June... what a gorgeous area! I did some amazing hikes there! Though the region is still more urbanized than the Vercors...

Yes, it’s a gorgeous area, but so polluted and way too crowded! ... and definitely more urbanized than the Vercors, that’s for sure [;)]

I thought you were from Passy near Auteuil!😄

Oh no, how awful—I can’t stand big cities!