Carson City to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

Belgique wrote:
Busskipper: you're a true Gentleman for the time you take to post such descriptive ideas for us flatlanders. Loved reading this thread and the great counsel you gave me in response to my PM. Thanks!

Thank You,

The information shared on this site is second to none, I have learned SO much and it is just a pleasure to share with others.

Thanks for the kind words,

Bill

Busskipper: you're a true Gentleman for the time you take to post such descriptive ideas for us flatlanders. Loved reading this thread and the great counsel you gave me in response to my PM. Thanks!

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!

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.

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:
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,

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:
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

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!

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.