We were enjoying the parks so much that we decided to stay an extra night in Gardiner at Yellowstone Tipis, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made! For the first time, I was grateful for my 4 AM wake-up call. The night sky, illuminated by a full moon and countless stars, was absolutely breathtaking. We spent an hour outside, mesmerized by the beauty of it all, with elk calls echoing in the distance.
The tipi itself was perfect. We stayed in late September when the temperatures dipped into the low forties at night, but the heated beds made all the difference. I kept my side of the bed off while my husband turned his all the way up, giving us the flexibility to customize our comfort. The electric heater kept the space cozy without ever feeling too warm or cold. There was also a well-placed power strip for charging devices or plugging in a CPAP or other medical equipment.
The bathroom is just a short walk away, well-lit, and very warm—no need for a flashlight thanks to the lit pathways. There’s also a lovely seating area both inside and outside the tipi for relaxing.
But the real highlight of our stay was the incredible managers. They were so kind, friendly, and accommodating—we felt like we made lifelong friends. It was a bit sad to leave, but we’ll absolutely be back for a longer stay next time.
