>Does it make sense to book 2 now nights in Colter bay ($289) and go back and forth doing the east loop?

Sure it does; just be home before dark. The loop (or just the east or west portion of it) isn't really that long, and even if you need to backtrack, it's a beautiful drive. And you'd face the same backtracking issue if you stayed in Jackson. Lastly, there's nothing quite like waking up and starting your day inside the park.

Bill

Colter Bay is a great choice. Unlike Yellowstone, things are close in GTNP. In Yellowstone it's good to have a place on the upper loop and then a place on the lower loop.

In GTNP it's just about an. hour from the town of Jackson to Colter Bay. No problem using any place in either (or in between) as a base for the Tetons.

Have a great trip! One of my favorite places in the world.