Yellowstone Grand Tetons

Flying isn't what it used to be. Used to be gentlemen wore suits and the ladies wore dresses. Today I wouldn't even refer to the passengers as ladies and gentlemen. Several won't even bathe before boarding an aircraft. In short, the air stinks! The risk of catching some disease is high. A huge reason I got my RV is because I know how clean public places are, like airplane cabins, hotel rooms, restaurants.

We can bring it all when we go in the RV vs flying as well. How disappointing to make it to Yellowstone and have forgotten your binoculars or other important item. My RV is packed for adventure, so nothing is left behind. I can even bring a firearm. Try to do that on a plane.

We are in MA right on the NH border and are actually planning the same trip. However we have added in stopping at Glacier NP. My vote is to definitely take the motorhome. It may be a little more expensive but the experience will be worth it. Our trip out includes stops at Niagara Falls, Badlands NP, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons. And when we start coming home we will are going to hit Dinosaur NP, Canyonlands NP, Arches NP, Mesa Verde, and Sand Dunes NP. Right now we are planning 4-5 weeks or so. There is so much to see. I can't imagine not camping when going cross country.

An armed guard isn't going to frisk you when you enter your motor home.

We did a similar two-month trip from the east coast with a motorhome in mid-August to October 2013 - I definitely recommend it!

We met up later with friends who flew to the Black Hills, rented car, and drove to Yellowstone. We realized after talking to them that we saw so much more, there was just no comparison. If you have the time and the RV, this can be a trip you’ll never forget.

Some highlights:

Followed part of the Lewis & Clark Trail, camped along the Corps of Discovery route, stopped at numerous markers and museums including the great one at the St. Louis Arch.

A week in the Black Hills of South Dakota at Custer State Park - many area things to see.

A couple of days in Cody, definitely! Yellowstone (we camped at Fishing Bridge), and Grand Teton (at Colter Bay RV Park), Both CGs are inside the parks and have electric hookups.

Headed south to some great places - Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray Colorado, then drove down to New Mexico.

Anasazi Heritage Center, Canyon of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument, Aztec Ruins NM, Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Had a fun day riding the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Taos was a highlight including the High Road. We camped at a very low cost at Riana Abiquiu Lake Campground (Army COE.) Visited Georgia O’Keefe’s home and Ghost Ranch where she painted. Went down to Santa Fe, one of my favorite places in the West, Toured the Bradbury Science Museum at Los Alamos.

Grand finale - the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. What a trip. Loved every minute of it.

Just an example of all that’s available in our big country to see once you hit the road. Even if you come straight across from the north both ways and ignore the Colorado and New Mexico parts we enjoyed, I think you’d have a wonderful trip!

I always go high on my estimates. I'd rather feel like I've spent less or saved money.
You could zig zag a bit, and see a lot of stuff out that way, and still stay within your round trip estimate. Devil's Tower, Mt Rushmore, there's plenty to see and do, once you get going.
Go for it, take the big rig and the toad.
We're going to do pretty much the same thing when we get our new "diesel puller" in a few weeks. We really enjoy west of the Mississsippi for our adventures. :B

MDKMDK wrote:
Google maps says it's around 2400 miles from Manchester to Yellowstone. You'd really have to take some seriously off course side trips, to add 3500 miles to that distance, but you could do it. 2400 miles back, plus 1200 miles in side trips. If you counted on $50/day for 60 days of commercial camping, you'd add another $3000 to the cost, before food and sundries, and entry fees.
I'd still take the RV, but that's me.

Yes I guess I miscalculated the mileage and I should have said I wanted to visit Cody, Wy area if time permits.

wtmtnhiker wrote:

We're in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Yellowstone,

Grand Tetons,

Custer State park and

other POI's on the way.

If we leave from New Hampshire in our motorhome it will likely be a 6 to 7 thousand mile trip

since it's almost 6k just out and back without side trips etc.

What we are really trying to decide is if we should take our motorhome,

drive or

fly and would like the opinions of those who have made the trip and what they think in hindsight of the way they chose to get there and if they would do it different next time.

Seems like taking the motorhome would be the most expensive option since

I figure 6000 miles would cost $3000.00 in fuel alone.

We have enough airline points to fly for free.

We are retired so we have the time for any of the options.

Thinking if we motorhome it we'll be gone 2 months.

Plan is to leave May of 2019

but understand that reservations will need to be made soon.

Lots of Questions here, but the answer is - take the MotorHome - shoot for 4-6 months- enjoy yourself - see more and might even move out of Vermont.

I mean this is a simple question - you Have it so Use IT.

We fly out to Colorado to get a Grand Kid Fix 5-8 times a year - but nothing beats the trips in the MotorHome.

You do know - You can Boondock - Your can Use Wal*Mart - you can drive just short distances and you can enjoy a Whole Lot More.

It is a little drive to get to the West but that's just a few of the days.

So the Real Question should be - What Else Can I see when I drive out WEST?

We'll follow and add to the discussion later - But GO in the MotorHome - go longer and see MORE.

Best of Luck,

Google maps says it's around 2400 miles from Manchester to Yellowstone. You'd really have to take some seriously off course side trips, to add 3500 miles to that distance, but you could do it. 2400 miles back, plus 1200 miles in side trips. If you counted on $50/day for 60 days of commercial camping, you'd add another $3000 to the cost, before food and sundries, and entry fees.
I'd still take the RV, but that's me.