Yellowstone 1st trip

WE were there in 2011. Came south from Glacier and set up camp in the National Forest CG just outside the west entrance. A lot cheaper and a whole lot more privacy than Grizzly or any cg in the park. We dry camp plenty so lack of hookups, other than electric, was no issue for us.

We spent a day in Cody at the museum, which is five museums under one large roof. We saw most of three of the museums, never got to the firearms or native american sections in 5 hours! Rodeo was a hoot. We traveled east on US 20 through WY Nebraska and Iowa just for laughs and giggles. Of course we are retired and had no time limit.

We travelled from MI to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, etc. last September/October. Many have already shared great tips like Grizzly RV Park and Yellowstone visitation strategies. Our route took us north across the Mackinac Bridge, then west across upper MN, which was just stunning in their vast glades of prairie grass and related ecosystems. I highly recommend making time to stop at Theodore Roosevelt NP in Medora, ND. What we experienced was a total surprise, and in a very, very good way. Work your way to Cody, then take a day and drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway north of town, but NOT in your MH!. This has to be one of the most beautiful drives on our good planet. Soak in one of the many hot pools in Thermopolis. Take as many state highways as you possibly can, and enjoy the real America.

Have a blast!

You will like Yellowstone a lot. We have visited 3 times now, and will go back again next time we get a chance. We stayed at the headwaters at Flagg Ranch. Very convenient - just outside the South entrance of Yellowstone, and just north of Grand Teton. The gas station at the park had the best gas price in the area when we were there last (2011). Attractions on the way (there or back) include Rocky Mountain National Park, The Black Hills, Devils Tower, Cody, Sturgis, and more.

You are arriving at the end of the summer, so be prepared for cold weather, and possibly snow. Be sure to bring a decent set of binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. Keep your distance from the animals. When you go into the park the rangers tell you that on average, 3 people per year are killed by getting too close to the wild animals.

Yellowstone is our favorite National Park so far (we haven't made it to Alaska yet). Have fun.

MRUSA wrote:
"Not much else to look at in that part of the country. Besides, it's kinda like going to Quartzite...gotta do it once. "

Well, I beg to differ. If the OP is taking I-90, there are a number of outstanding things to see along the way. Badlands National Park is amazing. The whole Rapid City area is wonderful, especially Custer State Park which is more interesting and more beautiful than many national parks. Of course, Mount Rushmore. The Crazy Horse monument. Devil's Tower National Monument, and one of my favorites, the Minute Man Missile National Historic Site

I was referring to the area between Mitchell and Wall. As you mention things get more interesting to the west.

The Corn Palace is great to see when you consider that all of the art work on the outside is redone each year and is entirely made with corn. When we were there a ffew years ago we saw a wild animal hunt when one of the booths found a mouse in a box. The entertainment was great and free.

"Not much else to look at in that part of the country. Besides, it's kinda like going to Quartzite...gotta do it once. "

Well, I beg to differ. If the OP is taking I-90, there are a number of outstanding things to see along the way. Badlands National Park is amazing. The whole Rapid City area is wonderful, especially Custer State Park which is more interesting and more beautiful than many national parks. Of course, Mount Rushmore. The Crazy Horse monument. Devil's Tower National Monument, and one of my favorites, the Minute Man Missile National Historic Site

2gypsies wrote:

DonBaja wrote:
Pastor Charlie says "If you only have the MH there are several areas that you will not be able to drive." Only you likely won't know til you're already there. A full width MH is a nightmare in certain sections. Not only is the road (built in the 1920s?) narrow but they were nice enough to border this narrow road with little 6" high stone curbs. As I remember, coming from Grand Teton, you get into trouble fast.

Huh? We've driven our 40' motorhome and towed vehicle through Yellowstone on a number of occasions with no problems....especially from Grand Teton I can't think of anything that would be problematic. We would recommend though that a large RV not use the northeast entrance..now that's a problem.

There are many side roads to beautiful areas that a MH his size will not go safely. Main roads will be ok. There is a lot more to be see than just from the main loop.

PastorCharlie wrote:
If you only have the MH there are several areas that you will not be able to drive.

The Corn Palace an Wall Drug are two of the biggest tourists traps I have been unfortunate to visit. I saw items in the Corn Palace from 6 different countries, a bleached cow skull was from China.

At least they admit the business was started to draw tourists to the area.

Not much else to look at in that part of the country. Besides, it's kinda like going to Quartzite...gotta do it once.

DonBaja wrote:
Pastor Charlie says "If you only have the MH there are several areas that you will not be able to drive." Only you likely won't know til you're already there. A full width MH is a nightmare in certain sections. Not only is the road (built in the 1920s?) narrow but they were nice enough to border this narrow road with little 6" high stone curbs. As I remember, coming from Grand Teton, you get into trouble fast.

Huh? We've driven our 40' motorhome and towed vehicle through Yellowstone on a number of occasions with no problems....especially from Grand Teton I can't think of anything that would be problematic. We would recommend though that a large RV not use the northeast entrance..now that's a problem.

While you are that close, check out Cooke City. There be bears there! Then take the toad over the Bitteroots Mts to Red Lodge Mt. Don't worry about retracing your route back into Wyo. cause it that road is so beautiful, you will WANT to see it twice.