Idaho Falls to CO Springs via Yellowstone

What I would do - take route 20 to the west entrance to Madison, then south to Old Faithful stopping at the geyser/hot spring areas on the way. The majority of the thermal features are between Madison and Old Faithful. If you have time for seeing the Yellowstone Canyon and the water falls, drive back north to Norris, then east to Canyon. To go to Colorado Springs, head south through Jackson Hole to see the Tetons (at least as a drive through) and depart south on route 191 to I80 to route 287 to I25.

You will want to go back.

Thanks Cloud! Is it easy to find a CG of some sorts on this route? We're not picky. We'll be doing it on 6-8 June.

Edit: ugh. Just did a quickie look at the CG in the park and they are sold out. Are there options? I'll wander over to the CG forum and search.

either stay on the west side at: Henry's Lake State Park, 15 miles south of Y. park entrance on 20, or on the south side of the park down at Gros Ventre campground in the Tetons park (it hardly ever fills up)

There are several FS CG's on 189 just south of Jackson, before it turns into 191. You won't have any problems fitting in there with your Class B+ or C. Google Pinedale, WY campground and you'll see several come up.

Baker's Hole Forest Service CG 3 miles north of West Yellowstone should have sites available. One loop with electric.

This early in the season, you may be more likely to find campsites in/near the park. Grizzly RV is also a good one in West Yellowstone. If you don't need hookups, there are several NFS and NPS campgrounds in the Tetons. Agree with the suggestion of entering Yellowstone through the west and exiting south, in order to head to Colorado Springs. It will be a LONG drive from Jackson to the Springs, but do-able.

CGs in Riverton and Lander, southeast of Jackson (haven't been there so I can't offer any recommendations), also in Rawlins WY. Not much to look at (the Rawlins CGs) but decent services.

Belgique wrote:
Bad planning on my part and I only have 3 nights on the road to get from Idaho Falls to Colorado Springs. I'd like to at least see a small part of Yellowstone. Suggestions (other than take more time :))?

Just head on in and Ask at the gate as to where you might stay, all this over planning - Good chance of a no show on Sunday Monday.

Come out going through Cody and try to get to Shoshoni - nice CG on the river - then a long day to CS.

So much to SEE just not enough time - You will be back!

Love to hear about the Winter in Mexico.

Busskipper

Or you could head South and catch some of Colorado - those snow caps are really looking Beautiful - and Trail Ridge will be open - not enough time to really do more than drive by's . Dino NM - Maroon Bells - Black Canyon - Ouray - Gunnison - Buena Vista - Then on over to the Springs.

Lot's to see. and you do have to come back for an extended trip to really see it all this Fall.

Just a thought.

Thanks all! Some great ideas here. Looks like we can get a good preview and come back later.