From Indiana to Yellowstone

Here's the official national park pass site - lots of options. Keep in mind that if one of you is 62 or over you can get a lifetime pass for $10 which is good for all the national parks and various other parks.

National Park Pass

Thanks for all the info, I think I might just drive straight thru the park to West Yellowstone. Are the National Park Passes good for just one year?
Brent

Yep...I missed the gist of your post.

2gypsies wrote:

Busskipper wrote:

bjburkhalter wrote:
We are in the early stages of planning our trip out west next year. Will be in a 38ft gas Motorhome, my main concern is driving thru Yellowstone to get to our destination, which is West Yellowstone. Should we go thru the park or up North around it and then drop back down to W. Yellowstone? Thanks for the answers and ideas.
Brent

Not going to get into any argument from me - If it were me and I was going to West Yellowstone, I'd drive through - If I were going to the Tetons, I'd Drive Through - if I was going to Jackson, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Glacier, I'd Drive Through - If I were going to Reno, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Flaming Gorge, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Salt Lake City, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Dinosaur NM, I'd Drive Through.

I think you might be getting the Idea - If I am anywhere close, I'd Drive Through.

So suffice it for me to say - Drive Through Yellowstone - never miss the chance.............

JMHO,

You wouldn't be driving through Glacier with your motorhome. You're much too long. :)

You missed the point of My Message -- if I were going to Glacier NP I'd drive through Yellowstone NP - But you are correct today no - But on one trip in my 1978 GMC we did drive through Going to the Sun Road, over and back, and on that trip we also drove through YNP both coming and going. If my tires are in Wyoming more than likely I'll drive through Yellowstone NP.

Thanks for the reminder,

Busskipper wrote:

bjburkhalter wrote:
We are in the early stages of planning our trip out west next year. Will be in a 38ft gas Motorhome, my main concern is driving thru Yellowstone to get to our destination, which is West Yellowstone. Should we go thru the park or up North around it and then drop back down to W. Yellowstone? Thanks for the answers and ideas.
Brent

Not going to get into any argument from me - If it were me and I was going to West Yellowstone, I'd drive through - If I were going to the Tetons, I'd Drive Through - if I was going to Jackson, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Glacier, I'd Drive Through - If I were going to Reno, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Flaming Gorge, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Salt Lake City, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Dinosaur NM, I'd Drive Through.

I think you might be getting the Idea - If I am anywhere close, I'd Drive Through.

So suffice it for me to say - Drive Through Yellowstone - never miss the chance.............

JMHO,

You wouldn't be driving through Glacier with your motorhome. You're much too long. :)

bjburkhalter wrote:
We are in the early stages of planning our trip out west next year. Will be in a 38ft gas Motorhome, my main concern is driving thru Yellowstone to get to our destination, which is West Yellowstone. Should we go thru the park or up North around it and then drop back down to W. Yellowstone? Thanks for the answers and ideas.
Brent

Not going to get into any argument from me - If it were me and I was going to West Yellowstone, I'd drive through - If I were going to the Tetons, I'd Drive Through - if I was going to Jackson, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Glacier, I'd Drive Through - If I were going to Reno, I'd Drive through - If I was going to Flaming Gorge, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Salt Lake City, I'd Drive Through - If I was going to Dinosaur NM, I'd Drive Through.

I think you might be getting the Idea - If I am anywhere close, I'd Drive Through.

So suffice it for me to say - Drive Through Yellowstone - never miss the chance.............

JMHO,

I assume that if you will be staying in W Yellowstone a number of days, and touring the park with the tow/toad. Staying on I90 till Montana and driving south to WY will be the easiest is you are uncomfortable with mountain driving with the whole rig. Entering from the east requires crossing the Big Horn Mtns (US16 from Buffalo). That's not bad, but you do need to know how to control your speed on long grades. Then there's Cody to contend with (tourist trap, etc.), and finally a long grade to the park's east entrance. Big RVs do it all the time, but people also whimp out. The rest of the way through the park is flatter, but with enough curves and gawking traffic that you'll take it slow.

And as others say, there are sights to be seen along the other entrance routes - from the north via Gardener and Mamonth Hot Springs, and from the south via GTNP. NE Beartooth is the only one that requires expert mountain RV skills.

Don't go out of your way. You can easily drive right through. Even if it might be slower it will give you an added chance to see more critters. We drove through one time when the rangers were on horseback herding the bison to another part of the park. They rode right next to us which was neat and it was fun watching them wrangle in a wandering bison.

As mentioned, definitely include Grand Teton Nat'l Park in your stay. They're right next to each other. If you hit the Teton first from the south it's an easy shot north through Yellowstone to West Yellowstone. The Tetons have a couple huge 300-site dry campgrounds and we've always gotten a spot without reservations. Gros Ventre is our favorite. There also a full hookup in the park called Colter RV.

Have a great trip! We've been to both often and never tire of them.

My opinion is to go in through the south entrance after taking in GTNP. Then drive through the park to W. Yellowstone. It's an amazing drive. You won't believe the enormity of the park.

By all means, go around. Traffic doesn't move very fast in YNP. Lots of things to see. If you don't already have a National Parks Pass get one, preferably before you leave home. It gets you through the entrance(s) faster each day. I always stay at Yellowstone Grizzly RV park when I visit. They have FHUs, and free coffee every morning. And you're two blocks from the west gate. West Yellowstone also has more than one grocery store, so prices are reasonable. Or at least more reasonable than in the park. One other thing. Each morning, a herd of Bison cross the west entrance road, headed for a big valley to graze. Do not try to drive through them. Their skulls can put a pretty big dent in your vehicle and they won't feel a thing. If you don't plan on taking a camera, change your plan. Photo opportunities are everywhere.
You didn't say how long you intend to stay, but if you have the time, visit Grand Teton NP, just south of Yellowstone. The beauty of GTNP will take your breath away.
And on your way home, you can start planning your next visit. :)