2024 Trip Planning

craig7h wrote:
The more I look the more confused I get, hopefully I can get some guidance from you folks. Time frame is no real concern, will be leaving Iowa around mid July heading west on HWY 2

1) What to see along hwy2 before getting to Montana and how much time to spend at those spots?

2) Once in Montana is it worth it to go into Canada and up to Calgary? Main reason seeing the Canadian Rockies. How much time is needed

3) Glacier NP how much time needed

4) Yellowstone NP how much time needed

The DW and I DO NOT hike, or bike. We pretty much drive get out see the sights and move on. We need FHU sites so for the most part it will be at private campgrounds i think.

Any help with this adventure will be appreciated

We are just working our way back from Montana on a similar trip but starting in Michigan.

1) Is there a reason you are going up to US-2? From Iowa, I would cut across I-90 WB and then I-94 on the return (Obviously divert from the highway where it makes sense but in general terms). This gives you access to the Badlands NP, Blackhills (& Mt. Rushmore), Big Horn Mountains on the way to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. On the return, you can add in Teddy Roosevelt NP.

2) Absolutely worth it to go Banff & Jasper and if you are going in July, you can hit the Calgary Stampeed. We were just there last week. Stayed about 25miles south (no issue getting a campsite & tickets last minute), then we used the free park & ride lot to catch the commuter train which drops you off right outside the Stampeed. Banff & Jasper are spectacular.

3/4) If you aren't into hiking, I would give 2-3 days (not counting travel days) for each park...with the exception of Yellowstone. We spent a week staying at Fishing Bridge in the park and it was just enough time to do all the drives (the park is massive).

Our trip also included Alaska/Yukon/BC. If you aren't pressed for time, consider, adding in down days maybe one day per week where you don't travel or sight see. It's easy to go into overload and a down day can let you rest and reflect.

Our biggest issue: by the time we got to Glacier earlier this week, we felt really bad...The mountain views are spectacular but we've been seeing spectacular mountain views since last fall.