My wife and I are planning our first trip up north to the national parks. We are undecided on the date, but are deciding between mid June and late august. We are going to have 14-15 days, but several of those will be driving since we are coming from Alabama. We were wanting to swing by Mount Rushmore on the way, and then on to the parks. I don't think there will be enough time to visit glacier, Yellowstone , and grand Teton. Which 2 of the 3 would make the best trip?

You can easily spend 3-5 days seeing Yellowstone. It takes about 6-8 hours to see each of the loops, but don't forget to get out of your vehicle and walk. Some of the hiking trails are wonderful. Many are difficult but lots of them are pretty easy. Be aware the altitude is high, so take your time and enjoy the scenery and animals.

If you really can't hit all three, I'd do Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Grand Teton is a nice drive from Yellowstone. You can even do lunch in Jackson Hole.

Welcome to the forum. I would highly recommend that you visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons National Park because they are so close together. Spend the majority of your time in Yellowstone because it is so big, there are so many critters to see, and there are so many different sights to see and visit. Then it is a short trek to the Tetons for the scenery. Glacier is beautiful, but save it for another trip. Have a great trip.

I agree with Tucson Jim. We've been to Y'stone a number of times and always find something new.

National parks trip | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
If your doing Yellowstone, start working on reservations now/
katleman
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Yellowstone and Grand Teton make a good pair. 1-2 days at GT, and the rest at Yellowstone.

As for times, mid June is far better crowd wise, than August. But you will need reservations for either times.

Only downside of mid June is its colder. I have experienced dusting of snow each of my three visits in mid June. But the days still warm up.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jan 06, 2014
You asked about site size: Our 40' motorhome and Jeep easily fit into Yellowstone at Mammoth, Madison and Bridge Bay campgrounds. At Grand Teton in Colter Bay campground (different than the RV park next door) and at Gros Ventre campground.
Hiking_Hunter
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Corndawg, you haven't said what your age is, but if either you or your wife are 62 or older, get a Federal Senior pass for ten bucks (if you haven't already). It will get you free admission to ALL the (National Park) destinations you have mentioned. Saves a bunch of money.
AlabamaTraveler
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
gat75 wrote:
The "grand canyon of Y-stone" & "bear tooth pass" is 2 places you must see.

We have seen many great places in our USA. In my opinion, Bear Tooth Pass is the most beautiful drive in America. Happy camping.........
bikendan
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
tll wrote:
If you can stay at Fishing Bridge campgrounds, there are many longer spots. We could not stay there as we have a hybrid camper and they are not allowed there.

this is not quite true. a hybrid IS allowed to stay at Fishing Bridge, IF the canvas bunk ends are not deployed.
this is called "turtling" in the hybrid community and means you sleep on the dinette and/or sofa, as you would in a smaller travel trailer.
monkey44
Nomad II
Jan 06, 2014
I'd skip Glacier and add Custer State Park - a great park, and less out-of-the-way ... 'stetwood' mentioned Custer too, and that's good advice.

Mt Rushmore is very commercial - and well, a few faces on a rock. Much more fun in and Custer, Tetons, and very specifically Yellowstone. You could spend weeks just in Yellowstone. Badlands deserves a drive thru on the way as well.
Dick_B
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Mount Rushmore is the least important of any (most) of the national parks. It can be experienced in less than three hours. I'd skip it and head for some of the others.
Take a look at the Adventure Caravans Tour of the Great Western Parks to see where they go.
Yellowstone is a must.
Search this Forum for the National Park of your choice.
tll
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Corndawg75 wrote:
I have noticed that all campgrounds but 1 in Yellowstone have a combined length limit of 40'. My truck and trailer will exceed this by a couple feet. Are the spaces that small, or are they just trying to deter larger coaches?

I had that exact same question as when set up, my camper and truck total 48ft. I called and indeed they are that short. What they don't tell you is that there are double wide spots availalbe. Call them directly to reserve one of these spots. These spots are mostly available at Bridge Bay or Grant campgrounds. If you can stay at Fishing Bridge campgrounds, there are many longer spots. We could not stay there as we have a hybrid camper and they are not allowed there.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Jan 06, 2014
Some numbers for you:
Birmingham(I guessed) to east entrance to YNP via Rapid City 1,900 mi. (one way and using Interstates)
1 lap around YNP 140 very slow mi.
Down to the Grand Teton entrance 50 slow mi.
On to Jackson 30 mi.
And Mid June thru August school's out, so crowds will be at their peak. Keep in mind that if you had twice as much time, you'd still feel like you missed something. But you're allowed to go back. :)

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National parks trip

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