Road To Yellowstone April 12, 2017, 11:56:54 am Quite a few LDO folks are local to the Los Angeles area. Many on LDO have done extensive travel throughout the country. I am hoping that I can mine your collective minds to help lead me on my way to Yellowstone.My DW and I have reservations at Grants Village at Yellowstone Lake for the 8th of July. From Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles, I plan to venture North on the 15 toward Las Vegas. That's as far as I've figured so far. Where next? Continue North on the 15 to Idaho Falls and then the 20 to the West Gate of Yellowstone National Park or catch the 80 before Salt Lake City and head up past the Tetons? I'm allowing 2 1/2 days or so in travel time. I'll need to get two campsites/campgrounds for the first two days of travel. Any suggestions on camping? Should I take the straight and narrow path to the West entrance or what would undoubtedly be the more scenic route past the Tetons. This adventure will be all new to us, so any advice on travel direction, camping and highlights along the way would be greatly appreciated.It all seems pretty straightforward, but I can use all the advice I can get.Thanks in advance for any help all you LDOers can provide.Kent
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #1 – April 12, 2017, 12:50:00 pm I would include going through the Grand Tetons, either on the way up or on the return trip.It has a different scenery than Yellowstone NP.Inside the two parks, there is an awful lot to see and plenty of miles to drive.Hope you have a good chunk of time for exploration.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #2 – April 12, 2017, 01:00:28 pm If you are limited to only 2.5 days to get into Yellowstone, I suggest staying on 15, taking 215 around the eastern edge of SLC, then catching 80; Parley's grade is a bit of a pull, but certainly do-able. Take 189 east of Evanston, WY, through Kemmerer up to Jackson and through GTNP. (An alternative route is 89 [16, 30] out of Evanston through Cokeville, Afton, Alpine, etc., into Jackson; this route goes in and out of Utah and Wyoming).This is a long haul, and it can be slow going through Las Vegas, SLC traffic, over grades, and on the two-lane roads, and July is a prime travel, i.e., traffic and crowds, time. The Tetons are magnificent; the route through the park is a stunner, and it's slow going through GTNP and up into Yellowstone (which is a very big place!). Depending on what you want, there are many "camping" opportunities along any of the routes; several sources to check for these. Since you apparently have a small time window to get to Yellowstone, you might start by determining the specific route, allot a reasonable driving time (not necessarily the number of miles) for each travel day, stick a pin in potential stops in an area and search out what's available. (Many sources to do this.)JMHO, but I've made this and similar trips several times over the years (through different routes) and have never "planned" fewer than three days minimum travel time to GTNP from northern California. (If you have two drivers, it's easier, but still tiring.) But, as ever, YMMV.
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #3 – April 12, 2017, 01:08:04 pm You might want to consider approaching Yellowstone by way of Idaho Falls (I-15), thence over the ridge into Jackson, WY and then northward through the Tetons into Yellowstone. Two relatively nearby venues would be Cody, WY for the Museums and Lodge Grass, MT for Custer's Battlefield. 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #4 – April 12, 2017, 04:16:00 pm Just a heads up for Kent: "Over the ridge" between Victor, ID, and Jackson, WY, on Hwy. (33) 22 involves Teton Pass. This pass is not a big deal (IMO), but it's slow and it does have stretches of 10% grades, lesser grades, and plenty of curves on both sides of the summit. If one is not accustomed to "mountain driving", it might be a bit of a challenge. YMMV, of course. 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #5 – April 12, 2017, 04:30:50 pm Well this is encouraging. I just left AAA and pre booked a rental car at the Jackson Hole airport for our upcoming trip.Is this prudent? I kinda thought that getting around Yellowstone would be best facilitated by a smaller vehicle rather than tooling around in the LD.AAA even printed out a spiral bound Trip Guide and a couple of maps for Wyoming. It's been suggested that COSTCO can get better rates on rental cars. I suppose the easy part will be finding a place to stay the night for the first two legs of the trip. Never seems that I can get more than 400 miles in 12 hours so I really don't want to take that route.Still very interested in what you all have to offer. As always, my plans are never set in stone. As for travel time, I'm gauging 2 1/2 days (getting into Grants Village the evening of the 8th). I can add a day to travel so if 3 1/2 days seems more reasonable I can swing that without issue. Thanks for your input so far. Kent
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #6 – April 12, 2017, 04:36:42 pm Joan Perhaps a neophyte may grip the wheel a bit tighter but although I've been over that road into Jackson many times I've never given it a second thought. I'd been over that route just a few days before I discovered Jerry Galang in his 30'IB broken down with a disorderly hydro pump for his levelers. Plus, I've got a Cousin in Idaho Falls so that whole territory is familiar ground. 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #7 – April 12, 2017, 04:39:21 pm Kent, if you need an extra driver/ navigator/ errand boy/ whatever, let me know. I work for food and lodging! 2 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #8 – April 12, 2017, 05:19:58 pm Having a rental car (or toad) to tour Yellowstone and Grand Teton is a big plus. Most of the parking lots at the various attractions in the two parks are not sized to accommodate motorhomes. You often will not realize this until you pull into a parking lot and end up struggling to find a way out. Both parks will be crowded in July.Paul H.
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #9 – April 12, 2017, 05:43:31 pm Kent" I just left AAA and pre booked a rental car at the Jackson Hole airport for our upcoming trip."Okay, reading that I'd have to conclude that you are not towing, correct?And it is also quite apparent that you have no concept of the distances involved. Are you also not camping in your LD?
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #10 – April 12, 2017, 05:57:19 pm "" I just left AAA and pre booked a rental car at the Jackson Hole airport for our upcoming trip."Okay, reading that I'd have to conclude that you are not towing, correct?And it is also quite apparent that you have no concept of the distances involved. Are you also not camping in your LD?"Perhaps they intend to drive the rental vehicle separately, and staying in the closer-in campgrounds in the same manner as if the rental vehicle had been attached to the Lazy Daze from the start. We drive separately all the time, and have frequently thought of hiring a vehicle at the destination instead of bringing our own, but have yet to actually do it that way. It always seems to turn out that we would rather have our own very comfortable and spacious vehicle than hire one at the destination.Available travel windows may influence choices. Virtual hugs, Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West Today: Dragon Fruit, Guavas, and Pixie Tangerines *******************************************
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #11 – April 12, 2017, 06:44:13 pm Judie,We will traveling in our '15 RB and staying in Grants Village on Yellowstone Lake. We have, as of yet, not decided if we will ever tow. It seems logical that a small rental car will be our best chance to travel Yellowstone and see all that it has to offer. Although an larger car might be nice.Once the LD is set and level, I prefer to keep it that way. Couple that with the expected throngs of visitors and the LD doesn't seem to be a practcle mode of transportation throughout Yellowstone.It will be my DW, myself and a couple of backpacks of camera gear so the economy car should be fine for us. I figure the smaller car will be easier to get through traffic and discourage hitching hiking bears.AAA gave me a handy sight seers guide so I'll keep my eyes open for any Worlds Largest items along the way. Any tips on what to look for?With high anticipation of a wonderful journey,Kent
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #12 – April 12, 2017, 07:41:03 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - April 12, 2017, 06:44:13 pmJudie,.It will be my DW, myself and a couple of backpacks of camera gear so the economy car should be fine for us. I figure the smaller car will be easier to get through traffic and discourage hitching hiking bears.AKentWell, if you REALLY want to get through Yellowstone jams, try renting a motorcycle or scooter! Of course, it gets a bit dicey when the bison herd blocking the road is all around your open-air body. Ask us! 😬 -- Jon
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #13 – April 12, 2017, 08:32:12 pm "Perhaps a neophyte may grip the wheel a bit tighter but although I've been over that road into Jackson many times I've never given it a second thought."----Since I'm not familiar with Kent's RVing and/or mountain driving experience (or if he was towing), I just offered a FYI on that (and other) grade(s). You and I and many others may not be wary of or intimidated by many roads, and happily and comfortably drive whatever the rig can fit on, but I know of several who are fearful about driving mountain roads in an RV because they feel they lack experience and skills. I do suggest that if one drives an RV in the western U.S., s/he might want to get a copy of The Mountain Directory ; this essential (IMO) resource is available from the MD site and from Amazon. (The latest edition is 2006.) There is also an app available from the site. The Mountain Directory also publishes an eastern edition; it covers roads in VT, NH, MA, PA, MD, WV, VA, KY, TN, and NC. As ever, YMMV.
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #14 – April 12, 2017, 08:55:43 pm The Mountain Directory is a good book to have but rather selective as to area.I've encountered several low under passes in SW Massachusetts that were sqeekers.However, the one that really rang my bell was a railroad under pass headed into New Braunfels, TX on route 46B out of Fredericksburg. I noted the height warnings but figured I could make it easily. What I did not take into account was my AM/FM and CB antennas on the roof. When they hit the steel cross beam I thought the roof was coming off. I later had to straighten them back to vertical.
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #15 – April 12, 2017, 09:15:14 pm RV travel takes us in many directions and over many terrains. Mountain roads have never intimidated me, but if given the opportunity I will do what I can to avoid them barring a long distance work around.Rough broken concrete bumbs me out far more than the hills and dells. Not that I have traveled as many mountain roads as some of my LDO cohorts. I have, as of yet, not experienced any difficulty traveling those I've traversed in the LD.I do remember coming down a grade into Visalia CA once with my 27' TT that had me clutching the steering wheel and gearing down as my truck breaks slowly gave up the ghost. That was decades ago and it still has me thinking. The LD is a much more pleasant RV to drive through the hills.But I know there is always the chance that I will see a sign along a mountain road that will say, "You ain't seen nothing yet"! 🐔 Who me?Kent
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #16 – April 13, 2017, 08:25:28 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - April 12, 2017, 06:44:13 pmJudie,We will traveling in our '15 RB and staying in Grants Village on Yellowstone Lake. We have, as of yet, decided if we will ever tow. It seems logical that a small rental car will be our best chance to travel Yellowstone and see all that it has to offer. Although an larger car might be nice.Once the LD is set and level, I prefer to keep it that way. Couple that with the expected throngs of visitors and the LD doesn't seem to be a practcle mode of transportation throughout Yellowstone.It will be my DW, myself and a couple of backpacks of camera gear so the economy car should be fine for us. I figure the smaller car will be easier to get through traffic and discourage hitching hiking bears.Kent, setting up a base camp and using a small vehicle is great way to see Yellowstone. It is much easier to navigate the roads, find parking spots and quickly pull off for photos. Just be prepared for a LOT of driving and big crowds in July. If wildlife is a goal, it tends to be more active close to dawn and dusk, but we've seen thing at all times of day. We like prowling the Lamar Valley for wildlife, but that is a long drive from Grant Village. On our visit last September, we base camped in West Yellowstone for a week and then moved our base to Gardiner for another week. We still put a lot of miles on our tow car. Do make sure to visit the major thermal basins, and the Mammoth Hot Springs area.And if you haven't been through Jackson Hole, I also highly recommend entering or leaving that way.Art 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #17 – April 13, 2017, 10:22:53 am Tetons and Yellowstone were my introduction to the US national parks. We arrived in the dark. The next morning my eyes popped out of their sockets at the sight of the Grand Tetons - amazing. The wildlife was fantastic. We also ventured into the wilderness of southern MT. It's definitely a place I need to get back to, which is not something I do often, as I was overwhelmed with it all on reflection...Needless to say, you should have an amazing time whatever you do. If you can, get into the "backcountry"; it's incredible how few people ventured out there on our trip.Matt 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #18 – April 13, 2017, 10:27:38 am A few years ago we camped in the GTNP then drove into Yellowstone. Had a very long talk with the local camp host. She suggested West Thump. It's one of the lessor know places. Beautiful and very colorful . The lodge has a very good breakfast.West ThumpEnclosed is a few images of a male Bison. As luck would have it I was the first 'car' so I got some very good shots. There was at least a 15 mile backup and a three hour wait to get into the park at the west gate because of him. I was thinking this is one hardy animal. The males live by themselves during the winter - defending themselves from wolves and bears. So a human or a car is not a big deal to them. 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #19 – April 13, 2017, 11:03:10 am Just offering a suggestion on planning a visit to any national park: (IMO) the individual park's website is the most comprehensive source of current information, and is an excellent first step in the whole process. The "Plan Your Visit" tab is a good starter point; exploring the whole site (and checking back frequently for updates before one's trip) will provide a great amount of information! No need to do a search to find a national park's website; national parks' URLs are consistent. Each URL begins with NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service) Following the "slash" is the park designation, i.e., if the park has a one word name, e.g., Yellowstone, the first four letters of the park's name follows the slash. Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)If the park's official name is two words, the first two letters of each word of the name form the designation, e.g., Grand Teton.Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service)Have fun! 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #20 – April 13, 2017, 11:23:56 am " She suggested West Trump. It's one of thelessor know places. Beautiful and very colorful . The lodge has a very goodbreakfast. [West Trump](West Thumb and Grant Village Area - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National...)"********************************I hope the correct word "T-word" here is "Thumb".Virtual hugs,Judie <-- Sierra Vista, ArizonaAdventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the WestToday: Dragon Fruit, Guavas, and Pixie Tangerines******************************************* 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #21 – April 13, 2017, 11:27:44 am Last time we went to Yellowstone was 20 years ago in our 24' motorhome. We cruised all over the park in the motorhome and didn't have any issues with parking or anything else. Sure sounds like things have changed now days. Have fun on your trip!! 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #22 – April 13, 2017, 12:43:48 pm Quote from: Duro - April 13, 2017, 11:27:44 amLast time we went to Yellowstone was 20 years ago in our 24' motorhome. We cruised all over the park in the motorhome and didn't have any issues with parking or anything else. Sure sounds like things have changed now days. Have fun on your trip!!I think the key to an enjoyable trip to one of our public treasures is timing. I like to avoid weekends, school summers and vacation times, and holidays. Our recent trip in February to Grand Canyon, one of the most visited National Parks, was actually quite pleasant without the throngs of people there. The trip before that in May, not so much! 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #23 – April 13, 2017, 12:49:47 pm Thank you all so very much for the invaluable tips and wonderful stories and personal insights. Keep 'em comin' if you don't mind. Needless to say I have bookmarked this thread...just so many great ideas.I have extended our drive time to Yellowstone and will be picking up the rental car in Jackson Hole. Just getting that far is an intriguing adventure on its own.We will have a total of 9 days at Grants Village. I hope this will be enough time to take it all in (probably not). Being so close to the lake is intoxicating enough, but venturing into the deeper regions of the park is utterly entrancing. September seems like a wonderful time to visit the area and, like Yosemite, it would appear that the visitor saturation should diminish after the holiday. Now I'm really gettin' excited...or maybe it's just my morning coffee talkin'...KentP.S. Just to add to what Greg mentioned...While choosing the correct time to travel to avoid the crowds is a practical solution, we can't always time shift our trips and Mother Nature waits for no one. A prime reason, I imagine, why July is such a popular travel month. 1 Likes
Re: Road To Yellowstone Reply #24 – April 13, 2017, 01:22:39 pm "Judie,We will traveling in our '15 RB and staying in Grants Village on Yellowstone Lake. We have, as of yet, decided if we will ever tow.It seems logical that a small rental car will be our best chance to travel Yellowstone and see all that it has to offer. Although an larger car might be nice.Once the LD is set and level, I prefer to keep it that way. Couple that with the expected throngs of visitors and the LD doesn't seem to be a practcle mode of transportation throughout Yellowstone." ********************************Seems perfect to me. When we visited Yellowstone ~25 years ago, my son and his wife, and another couple, flew into a nearby town and rented a 28-foot motorhome. Although we were then in our 22-foot TK, we were set up in Fishing Bridge campground and we took their motorhome on all of the sightseeing excursions during the week we were there. The other couple stayed in a cabin within the park, so there was a lot of driving hither and yon picking up and dropping off folks. But I must admit, it was quite convenient to have a full-service motorhome everywhere we went, particularly since all I had to do was go up and down the stairs to get in and out of the vehicle !!! Win-Win!I wouldn't want to do it, but my son was in his early 30's, and things look a lot different at that age! He found it to be no trouble at all. Not to say that it wouldn't be more difficult today no matter one's age, because of changed circumstances at the park. Admittedly, it was convenient to have on-board food, bathroom, and resting facilities for six people all day long.So, yes, I would much prefer to have a small vehicle to tour around in just to avoid the hassle of finding places to leave a larger unit while enjoying the attractions. The older I get, the higher my need for "hassle avoidance". I'm thinking of a few tours that I have been on where the participants are disgorged and the driver remains with the vehicle until it is time to go on to the next stop. No parking hassles at all, and usually it is possible to return to the vehicle for a respite. I've done that on occasion, i.e. a safe place to take a quick snooze, have a home-grown snack, and use the on-board facilities.Each circumstance brings with it a personalized solution. Our travel style (if at all) is so much different nowadays, that having our Sportsmobile van camper along for day trips seems to combine the best of all worlds. We don't drive far from home, so taking the extra vehicle along is a no brainer. So, once again, it is YMMV! ;-> Virtual hugs, Judie 2 Likes
Topic: Road To Yellowstone (Read 1167 times)
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Topic: Road To Yellowstone (Read 1167 times)
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