I FINALLY was able to pin my son down to some dates (this is his graduation present trip) and get airline tickets booked using FF miles (what a royal pain in the a$$) and am now trying to finalize logistics. We'll be in the area for 5-1/2 days of fishing mid July.

Which location would you pick for a home base, Gardiner or West Yellowstone, for the closest access to the most Blue Ribbon water?

Currently thinking is:

Day 1 - (1/2 day) Explore on our own.
Day 2 - Wade trip to learn the area in prep for Days 3 & 4
Days 3 & 4 - Wade on our own
Day 5 - Float Trip
Day 6 - Wade on our own

I'd like to fish some of the larger dry fly hatches, Salmon Fly or the Drakes. In or out of the park, it doesn't matter. Any suggestions on rivers and lodging?