4 Days in Yellowstone
Hey guys, 1st timer. I'm planning a 2-week trip from Little Rock to various points along the way (Sante Fe, Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands) winding up with 4 days in Yellowstone. I've read up on the various campground option in the park and have a few questions on a tentative itinerary.
I will need a combo RV (>30)/large tent campsite. We're traveling in a 22 ft. Rialta. I would really prefer to be able to reserve as many nights as possible. I know I can't see even close to everything in 4 days, and I DO NOT want to go through the park at break-neck speed. I want to enjoy and experience it..at least the portions we're able to see. I have 3 kids (12, 9, and 7). We want to see the geysers, hike a little, see wildlife (we won't fish, kayak, or do any major hiking in the park). I'm just getting familiar with the park, so what do you think about this plan:
- drive in from the south park entrance early on Day 1. Spend day 1 in Geyser Country, then camp in Madison on night 1;
- spend day 2 exploring between Madison/Norris - camp in Canyon on night 2;
- spend day 3 at Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (hiking) and vicinity; camp in Canyon on night 3;
- day 4 drive north into Roosevelt area via east side of upper loop; shoot for Lamar Valley in late afternoon and try to camp in Tower/Slough campground on night 4 (doesn't sound like this may be doable since we won't get up to that area early enough);
Exit park via Northeast gate on morning of day 5.
Basically a reverse "S" through the two loops. Please shoot holes in this plan as you see fit. Am I crazy for not spending time in Lake Country at all? Other key spots I should see over what I have above?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
I will need a combo RV (>30)/large tent campsite. We're traveling in a 22 ft. Rialta. I would really prefer to be able to reserve as many nights as possible. I know I can't see even close to everything in 4 days, and I DO NOT want to go through the park at break-neck speed. I want to enjoy and experience it..at least the portions we're able to see. I have 3 kids (12, 9, and 7). We want to see the geysers, hike a little, see wildlife (we won't fish, kayak, or do any major hiking in the park). I'm just getting familiar with the park, so what do you think about this plan:
- drive in from the south park entrance early on Day 1. Spend day 1 in Geyser Country, then camp in Madison on night 1;
- spend day 2 exploring between Madison/Norris - camp in Canyon on night 2;
- spend day 3 at Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (hiking) and vicinity; camp in Canyon on night 3;
- day 4 drive north into Roosevelt area via east side of upper loop; shoot for Lamar Valley in late afternoon and try to camp in Tower/Slough campground on night 4 (doesn't sound like this may be doable since we won't get up to that area early enough);
Exit park via Northeast gate on morning of day 5.
Basically a reverse "S" through the two loops. Please shoot holes in this plan as you see fit. Am I crazy for not spending time in Lake Country at all? Other key spots I should see over what I have above?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
