Forum Discussion

bukhrn's avatar
bukhrn
Explorer III
Dec 14, 2014

Jackson to West Yellowstone

Leaving Jackson, Wy. in mid July, heading to West Yellowstone with a 29' Class C with the V10, towing a Ford focus on a dolly, which way is best, I know going over Teton Pass is shorter, but would really rather not do that unless absolutely necessary.
So my question is, would it be better to take 26 over to 20 at Rigby Id. which is longer, or go back through Yellowstone & out the West entrance, looking for the easiest, not necessarily the shortest.
Roads and Routes
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Dec 15, 2014
    No, you don't want to mess with Teton Pass. Went up there last year, just the truck. We have done some beauts in our travels including Slumgullion Pass, Monarch Pass & a bunch of others. Glad we did not do Teton with the trailer. Saw a few breakdowns each way.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2014
    Been over the Teton Pass with our class C, no toad. Will never do that again!

    As others have said, driving through Grand Teton and Yellowstone is the shortest route and the grades aren't all that bad. Route 26 to 20 is much longer, but very little in the way of grades.

    I would go through the Parks.
  • C-Bears's avatar
    C-Bears
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2014
    We came from West Yellowstone and then camped in the Tetons, visited Jackson, then cut down to I-80 to start heading east this summer. Really didn't think any of those routes were too bad if you watched your speed and stayed in the right gear.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Dec 14, 2014
    Agree - go through Yellowstone. It's definitely the most direct, and the passes inside the parks aren't bad at all. 26 is a pretty ride, but it will take you all day between Jackson & West. YNP, probably 1/2 day or slightly more.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 14, 2014
    I was referring to the road through Yellowstone US 191. 26 and 20 can burn out brakes and transmission if you do not take it slow.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2014
    enblethen wrote:
    The pass is not that bad. You are already up in altitude so the rest is easy. Lot better then going over 26 and 20.


    What am I missing worst road I ever took - smoked the breaks going down in my 2008 V10 gasser - I took 22 31 26 Never again
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Dec 14, 2014
    It sounds like you're not planning to stay in Teton Nat'l Park. You really should, if possible. It's altogether different than Yellowstone. Regardless, from Jackson, go through Yellowstone. Leave early morning to avoid crowds and possibly seeing some awesome critters.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 14, 2014
    The pass is not that bad. You are already up in altitude so the rest is easy. Lot better then going over 26 and 20.
  • richarfg's avatar
    richarfg
    Explorer
    Dec 14, 2014
    I would go through Yellowstone. Slower, but less stressful on you and the coach. I had a similar setup with a 39 foot MH towing a Jeep. No way was I going to go over Teton after having gone over Monarch Pass in Colorado. Too much un-needed stress!

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