plkitchen wrote:
Late summer early fall of 2020 I am planning a trip through Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and I would appreciate input with regard to how much time I should allocate to be able to see and enjoy these parks.
As much as you can get - Honest - You will only just scratch the surface with just 7 days in each.
Yellowstone will not only be crowded but by September you might catch some snow - might get lucky and have 70's everyday, but plan for Cold and Damp and be Happy with Sunny and Warm.
Depending on your style - drive around walk a hundred feet get back in the car and hit the Next stop or find a Great hike - get away from the crowds enjoy the Calm and Beauty then Find a great spot for Lunch (You Bring your own right) and find one more hike before winding your way back to the Campsite, Next day repeat....
I am currently thinking of allowing a week for each park.
Try to get an extra 5 days in Yellowstone (12-18 would be nice) Likely steal a couple days from the Tetons and a few from Travel days (Drive a lot further on those travel days so as to have more time at the Park) Many people forget that Yellowstone is also Surrounded by Beauty - the Beartooth - Chief Joseph Hwy - Cody - Wind River Canyon - Red Lodge......on and on so you need to steal some time for them too. So with a week in Glacier that will allow you to see the East - West the Lakes some of Canada - Going to the Sun Road.......things are not close and speeds are a lot closer to 20 -25 than 50 most of the time. then down to Yellowstone I'd suggest Cody as the start, but West Yellowstone might be easier - Cody is filled with some side sights and drives, then into Yellowstone do the North Loop then down to the Geysers and then on through Tetons.
From there to Flaming Gorge NRA - Dino NM - Colorado Monument as possibly if not too late Aspen in Colorado :)
I know the size of these parks are immense and I want to be sure I spend enough time at each to fully appreciate what they have to offer.
Sooooo..... much to See and Never enough TIME!
Also we will be traveling with a 5th wheel and would like any advise that previous visitors have on where to stay.
At this late date anywhere you can find that works for your Needs, as the season goes well into October Now.
Hope this of some help,
