Carson City to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

My thoughts....

Take the Interstates to Idaho Falls then route 20 to West Yellowstone. No mountain driving on route 20.

Shortest route to Grand Teton from West Yellowstone is through the Park. Some mountain driving involved, but nothing too taxing. Longer, but flatter route is to go back to Idaho Falls then take route 26 to Alpine and head north on 189/191 to Jackson.

From West Yellowstone to Sheridan, most level route is 191 to I90.

CLAlvarez1956 wrote:
Driving a 40-ft rig, towing a Jeep. Best roads to make the trip? I'm not excited about mountain driving, but we've done it. Would like it to be less stressful, even if longer. Thinking about going to Bozeman, in the north entrance, out the east to Grand Tetons. Then up to Sheridan to see some friends.

Thoughts?

TIA.

Here you go.................

CLAlvarez1956 wrote:
Okay. We went. We drove. We lived to tell about it. But man, oh, man, there was a lot of butt cheek clenching. We took 140 and camped in Mariposa and drove the Jeep in. It was MAGNIFICENT! I am so glad we went. We took the Jeep one day and did the 49er gold trail, up through Columbia. Great trip. Lots of fun. REALLY glad we didn't take the rig on that road! We then took the 99 north to the 5 to the 80 to the 267 heading toward Lake Tahoe and that's where the fun began. The GPS took us down into No. Lake Tahoe on Highway 28 (I use the word highway loosely) on a Saturday the last weekend of the music festival on one lane each way all around the lake, up and down, with cars parked where they shouldn't have been, and people not looking and walking out in front of us. GEEZ!!! I really feel like after doing Yosemite, and then into Carson City (where we are right now) I should be used to this, but now I'm planning up to the great Salt Lake and then into Yellowstone/Grand Tetons. Any great advice on the easiest way to go. Should we camp outside Yellowstone and drive in in the Jeep? We are 40ft, with the Jeep. Should I be scared? I'm thinking Bozeman and entering in the north, and exiting the east. What say all you experienced folks?

I’m thinking you have a conflicting view (You did buy a CASE of Wine) you know that half the fun of the adventures is the story afterword. (You are saying it was terrifying but I’m thinking it’s with a smile, that hint’s you really enjoyed it)

First if we are out of wine stop and stock up – if you thought that California had Mountain Roads – Just wait till you get to the Rockies, which by the way is the direction you are heading. Next head into a Wal*Mart and pick up a couple of Map Books, contrary to popular belief they still exist, the big thick roads/Interstates are usually good for getting from point “A” to “B” the double red lines are four lanes that often have lights (not really fast) then there are the red roads with dots running with them = scenic - those are the roads you will/should enjoy (to get the designation the road is usually up to a safe standard and is really scenic, with good asphalt)

OK that’s out of the way – SLC it is a must to head downtown and visit and see the sites (having spent 10-12 winters there skiing with the kids it is hard for me to get excited about the city, so I’ll leave that tour up to you) – and the GSL – then I would get over to Park City or head up to the Cottonwood Canyon and the ski resorts – should be pretty this time of year. (the best CG for a 40’ Coach is in Park City if I recall right on I-80 Park City RV Resort?) this would give you a base to spend a few days to unwind and relax – also Lake Jordanelle SP is nice- just usually full. The town of Park City is just FUN good Golf – Great restaurants – and shopping, you might be able to find a couple of good Hikes. If you have time and are up for the adventure head to Redford's (Provo mountains) place in the Mountains – Sundance – last time we were there it was still just Beautiful – and He was skiing, so the DW was happy.

Because you are so close to Rt 40 I’d suggest you take a slight detour and visit Dinosaur NM just outside of Vernal Utah – it always bring out the kid in me to see the Bones and hear the history – boondock right on the Green River in the park CG – then Head up to Flaming Gorge NRA just Beautiful, we prefer going on the West side and staying in the Marina CG right on the border. From there head to Jackson, Rt 191 is an easy drive into the town with just a little mountain driving at the end. From Jackson to Grand Tetons NP – usually by this time the Tetons will have the first coat of White on the top, making for great pictures – hike – boat – fish, just enjoy, one beautiful spot.

Now into Yellowstone in September – still a good bit crowded but the young kids are back in school – your timing is great – the Sky is as blue as you have ever seen and the nights are Cold and will likely require a blanket and heat in the AM, The only time better than now would be Indian Summer 50-60 days later, just take as much time as you can as every day will be special and every day will be different.

Continuing up into Yellowstone I would Exit North and spend the night taking the Jeep on the Beartooth Highway then Driving the Coach on Chief Joseph Hwy to Red lodge and then on to Cody. Just great drives ( couple of things I forgot to mention always take a Camera with extra Memory and extra Batteries, always take two or three pictures and use different setting to get that one “just right”) Edit(missed the trip to Sheridan - I'd take 14 but you better take 16 (lot of Pucker on 14 if you are not into mountain driving) to Buffalo to get to I-90 and up to Sheridan. If you are not heading up to Glacier then head Back to Thermopolis and continue the trip South.End of Edit

Thinking it might be a little late to push up to Glacier – but if the forecast is still good, go for it. If not let’s head down to RMNP thru Thermopolis and Shoshoni – the Drive through Wind River Canyon is an all-time favorite with a CG right at the end on the Canyon, right on the River. Then on to Colorado – for me the city of Craig then on to SteamBoat –many State Parks to use as a base along with Grand Lake. Take the Jeep to Estes and do a few Hikes – the Beetle Kill has left its mark on the forest but the Mountains are just Special.

Seem to have gotten carried away – but was fun to relive my favorite areas again – if this works out then you might get in to the Colorado Mountains before the passes get heavy snow and see the Aspen change in the last week of September, but that will be a whole new adventure.

Hope this is of some help, enjoy the travels,

I'm not sure I understand East entrance to Teton. The East entrance is not exit to get to Teton NP- that would be South entrance and that is easy drive. This year we started in W.Yellowstone at Grizzly RV and then drove through park to Fishing Bridge E. Yellowstone. That was not difficult drive-just takes time if you get caught in "bear jam" but that's part of the Yellowstone experience. From Fishing Bridge we took S.entrance to Teton's ( Colter Bay) Going home we traveled from Jackson to Alpine Junction and then on to Idaho Falls. Very easy drive.

WOW! You guys are great! THANK YOU! Busskipper, I am printing your post! FABULOUS! I may do this trip EXACTLY as you have laid it out. You know, if it ain't broke... But you're right, I'll probably do 16 instead of 14! HAHAHAHA! I will be buying some maps in Walmart tomorrow! I'll keep you posted! Thank you all, honestly, from the bottom of my heart! This community is so great!

CLAlvarez1956 wrote:
WOW! You guys are great! THANK YOU! Busskipper, I am printing your post! FABULOUS! I may do this trip EXACTLY as you have laid it out. You know, if it ain't broke... But you're right, I'll probably do 16 instead of 14! HAHAHAHA! I will be buying some maps in Walmart tomorrow! I'll keep you posted! Thank you all, honestly, from the bottom of my heart! This community is so great!

The Info that is shared on the forum is Great - I have learned so much from all.

It's a "WE" thing, that allows you to gain so much from everyone here.

Check out this, Stan Parker's web site for a great photo Album of one members travels that is organized so well it allows you to see where you are headed through another person's eyes.

I will often just search a state to see what I need to include.

Enjoy the trip, and let us know how it goes, and what is next, Colorado in late September - early October - Aspen - Little Snow and Cool Crisp Nights - is just the best!


BOL,

Busskipper

Hey Busskipper,

We just rolled into Elko, Nevada from Carson City. Took the 580 N to 80. Easy, peasy! Didn't even have to break out the wine!! We are staying here tonight and tomorrow night and then I've scheduled 5 days in Park City at the park you suggested to do SLC/PC/Sundance. Then on up to the Tetons. I will definitely check out that website! THANKS again. You are the best!

Edit: But I did break out the Belvedere once we leveled and slides out!! LOL!

CLAlvarez1956 wrote:
Hey Busskipper,

We just rolled into Elko, Nevada from Carson City. Took the 580 N to 80. Easy, peasy! Didn't even have to break out the wine!! We are staying here tonight and tomorrow night and then I've scheduled 5 days in Park City at the park you suggested to do SLC/PC/Sundance. Then on up to the Tetons. I will definitely check out that website! THANKS again. You are the best!

Edit: But I did break out the Belvedere once we leveled and slides out!! LOL!

If you are into a really good dinner one night La Caille is a place we would always catch in the winter, the Sunday or Monday Special makes it a good deal if you are looking for a break, and feeling like a dress up night. It is right off the road to Little Cottonwood Canyon, and was a place we would go to every year when were Skiing - It's good food and a fun atmosphere that is slightly Male oriented (My older son actually wore his glasses in public here)

Just a suggestion if you are into really good food and a dress up night - Park city also has a number of really good places you can just walk into off main street. It has been a number of years but Little Cottonwood canyon used to have a 4X4 trail over to Park City - Your 5 days will fly by in SLC and all there is to see and do.

Enjoy,

Thanks for the tips! We will definitely check out some good restaurants.

Now, for more road suggestions! We aren't going to do the dinosaur/Rte. 40 this trip. Maybe with the grandkids. We are going straight from Park City to Jackson, WY (then taking the toad into Yellowstone/Grand Tetons, etc.) May not be able to do the Beartooth (I don't think I could stand it!!!) but may take the toad on Chief Joseph's Hwy, but we'll decide that later. Best route? The GPS is taking me 80 east, to 150/89 north, to 16 No. to 30 to 191. What do you think?

CLAlvarez1956 wrote:
Thanks for the tips! We will definitely check out some good restaurants.

Now, for more road suggestions! We aren't going to do the dinosaur/Rte. 40 this trip. Maybe with the grandkids. We are going straight from Park City to Jackson, WY (then taking the toad into Yellowstone/Grand Tetons, etc.) May not be able to do the Beartooth (I don't think I could stand it!!!) but may take the toad on Chief Joseph's Hwy, but we'll decide that later. Best route? The GPS is taking me 80 east, to 150/89 north, to 16 No. to 30 to 191. What do you think?

For the life of me I can't find your route? Could you list the towns you will be going through?

The route is not really anything but what looks good to you as it is Jackson Hole - Totally surrounded by MOUNTAINS.

Because I actually look for those Mountains to drive in I am having a hard time remembering a level, easy way in. But in trying to locate your route this is what looked EASY (which I think is your route)

I80 to Evanston, WY then 89/16 to Woodruff, UT then East on 16/89 to 30/89 at Sage, WY then North on 89 to Alpine, WY then Heading northeast on Rt 26 along the Snake River to Hoback Junction and taking Rt 189 into Jackson. (I'm pretty sure this is the route you were describing - flat and follows the river into Jackson so it should be a beautiful drive, that is free of any fears.

Jackson is really not my sort of place, unless you have ski's on your shoulder - just reminds me of Estes but more money, and just too touristy. So a walk through and around the town square and then get me as close to Jackson Lake as possible.

If you can get into Yellowstone lodge for a night, they usually have a number of cancellations so we always try it, as IMHO, the lodge is a BIG part of the history of YNP, and it is always a great story later (Walls are paper thin so speak softly) . Also I hope you are Staying in the Park in the Coach - It is a BIG AREA, and driving in and out is, IMHO, crazy, so even if you have to Dry Camp, try to stay in the Park.

Jealous of you all, this is one of the BEST TIMEs to visit Yellowstone - Crowds should be lighter and the sights are so much more fun when you can park without waiting 30 minutes, as in the summer season. Again every time you go to take a picture, take at least 3, Make sure you have waterproof gear and some fleece - might see a little ICE when you wake up some mornings, and like I said the Tetons should get the first coating while you are there.

Hope this is not too confusing, just my rambling on about your great trip.

Best of Luck,

Did I say to TAKE a LOT of PICTURES - you will be amazed at how many things you missed when you look at them after you get back home.

THANK YOU!

I think you're right. Going back to my GPS, this looks like the route it's taking me. Whew! I know there will be some mountain driving, but trying to limit it as much as possible. We are staying in Jackson (meeting some friends) for a week. We are going to take the Jeep into Yellowstone sometime during that trip and decide where we want to stay the week after, but with your suggestions, that lodge may be on the list! Thank you for that tip! I'll let you know how it goes.

Really, honestly, thank you for all your time and trouble. You've been a blessing!