Wyoming in the spring

If you don't mind talking about it, how did you lose the fiver in 2010?

RoyF wrote:
If you don't mind talking about it, how did you lose the fiver in 2010?

Don't mind at all. I often repeat the story when the great debate of SRW vs DRW rages on here.

In 2010 just west of Elk Mtn pass we lost our 5er to a blowover. Tore the kingpin right out of the 5th wheel & the trailer barrel rolled down a 50' embankment. The truck stayed upright & did not go with the trailer.

No injury to us but a good shaking up. Believe the extra stability of the DRW saved us that day.

This trip will take us right past that spot about 1st week of May, the same week as 2010. We did not have a smartphone then to keep tabs on the weather. We do now. Still, it would be nice to hear some local knowledge.

Just be aware that some fairly major roads in that area will not be open, I think the Snowy mountain pass between Laramie and Saratoga does not open until about June 1st.

I80 will have construction Hwy 30 through Medicine Bow is a bypass.
Construction Projects
2017-Apr-17 2018-Aug-31 Grading, draining, milling plant mix and concrete, placing crushed base and bituminous pavement surfacing, plant mix wearing course, bridge replacements, electrical and miscellaneous work on 2.18 miles on I-80 beginning at RM 400.58 between Cheyenne and the Nebraska State Line at Pine Bluffs. Currently there is a 14' width restriction for I-80 East & West bound between RM 400.58 to RM 402.7. & 400.58 to 402.78 Paved Various delay conditions

At Cheyenne take a right and go up I 25 thru Casper over to Dubois and continue on. Wind is just part of Wyoming.

Big difference between April and May. I wouldn't even consider Teton/Jackson in April and probably wouldn't travel that way any earlier than late May. Teton Pass going west from Jackson will be almost impassible with anything other than a serious 4x4 most days. It will likely still be deep winter at elevation during your timeframe.

at that time of year, I would take I 80 over to Salt Lake, then 84 up and over to Portland and north to Seattle on I 5.

Veebyes wrote:
Headed west, MD to Seattle area late April/early May.

Not interested in Yellowstone again this time but considering Laramie, Rawlins, Dubois, Grand Teton, Jackson, Idaho & westward. This will take us right past the very bit of highway where we lost our first 5er in 2010 at Elk Mtn between Laramie & Rawlins. There is some apprehension about this route.

Time is not so tight that we can't sit out weather for a few days but what are the chances of wind or snow along this route?

If possible check out the Wind River Canyon- between Shoshoni and Thermopolis.

Love the drive - could swear it looks like the River runs up Hill.

And yes you will likely run through some snow - Last year in Colorado - they got most of the Snow in April and May - Didn't open Trail Ridge till after Memorial Day - 17' drifts.

But Oh do those Rocks look good in their Winter Whites.

Enjoy the trip,

Definitely take time to check out Thermopolis, WY, and the Hot Springs State Park, with its bath house and bison herd.

westernrvparkowner wrote:
Big difference between April and May. I wouldn't even consider Teton/Jackson in April and probably wouldn't travel that way any earlier than late May. Teton Pass going west from Jackson will be almost impassible with anything other than a serious 4x4 most days. It will likely still be deep winter at elevation during your timeframe.

Teton pass is bypassed. Drove up that one from Jackson, without trailer, last time we were in the area. Killer hill from the east. Would not subject my truck to that unless the trailer was at least 3000# lighter. Saw more than a couple class A & large 5ers broken down on the side.

The long way round on 26 is a must.