Need RV trip recommendations
We're a family of 5 from NYC, and would like to go on our first ever RV trip, for 10-14 days this coming June (2nd or 3rd week). We'd like to see as much wildlife as possible. Would really apprecia...
Forum Discussion
Hi. We have traveled to YNP and Grand Teton NP about 5 or 6 times, most recently in our 27 foot RV. If you are new to the national parks, especially YNP, keep in mind that you are traveling through the
WILDerness, and therefore the creatures are WILD, and not tame. To start, as noted by another, make your reservations ASAP, you are already kind of late. Yellowstone is huge, larger than a couple of New England states combined, so it will take some time to see it. Plan your trip so that you see one area completely before dashing off to another spot in the park. Plan for traffic jams when animals are close to or are on the road. If you see a bunch of cars pulled over and people looking at something, stop where you can safely pull completely off the road, and check it out. If you see a ranger pulled over with the others, they are probably watching a bear.
Speaking of bears, learn about bear safety before you go. Remember, bears can and will rip the doors off cars to get at something that smells good to them. So, when you check into a lodge, don't leave food, toothpaste, perfume, or anything smelly in the car. Be cautious of food crumbs in the car. If hiking, go in groups and make noise while on the trail. If you spot a bear stay well back and do not attempt to get in close for a camera shot. Use a zoom lens. If you are really hiking in the back woods, talk with a Ranger about bear siteings and consider taking some bear spray with you.
Other big animals can be dangerous too, especially if there are young amimals with them. Sometimes they can be very close to the walkways and trails. Avoid the urge to get too close.
Plan for cold weather even in June, so take some cold weather gear for all. We have been there one June and awakened to a big snow storm, so the Rangers kept us in-place until the roads were able to be cleared. In June of 2013 it dropped to freezing a couple of nights.
As noted by other posters, plan on interrupted cell phone service, and you may not have internet access.
If you have completed YNP and time permits, do drive a couple of hours south to the Grand Teton NP. The town of Jackson is immediately south of the park, and offers much to see and do as well. Do consider taking a raft trip down the Snake River, and you might see some wildlife on the banks of the river and nesting eagles in the trees or circling over head. Consider taking a boat across Jenny or Jackson Lake (can't remember which), and taking a moderate hike to hidden falls or higher up to a panoramic view of the lake. Check out the areas surrounding the Moose Visitors Center, to spot for (what else?) Moose.
If you have more time, consider driving out the East entrance of YNP and visit Cody. It is a true old western town with a fantastic museum, the Buffalo Bill Museum. It is actually several museums in one large building and it is affiliated with the Smithsonian. Check out the Irma hotel, and consider the rodeo.
Lastly, consider flying in and out of Salt Lake City. Rent you car there and in only a few hours you can drive to Jackson Wyoming via Idaho Falls.
Best wishes on your trip.
WILDerness, and therefore the creatures are WILD, and not tame. To start, as noted by another, make your reservations ASAP, you are already kind of late. Yellowstone is huge, larger than a couple of New England states combined, so it will take some time to see it. Plan your trip so that you see one area completely before dashing off to another spot in the park. Plan for traffic jams when animals are close to or are on the road. If you see a bunch of cars pulled over and people looking at something, stop where you can safely pull completely off the road, and check it out. If you see a ranger pulled over with the others, they are probably watching a bear.
Speaking of bears, learn about bear safety before you go. Remember, bears can and will rip the doors off cars to get at something that smells good to them. So, when you check into a lodge, don't leave food, toothpaste, perfume, or anything smelly in the car. Be cautious of food crumbs in the car. If hiking, go in groups and make noise while on the trail. If you spot a bear stay well back and do not attempt to get in close for a camera shot. Use a zoom lens. If you are really hiking in the back woods, talk with a Ranger about bear siteings and consider taking some bear spray with you.
Other big animals can be dangerous too, especially if there are young amimals with them. Sometimes they can be very close to the walkways and trails. Avoid the urge to get too close.
Plan for cold weather even in June, so take some cold weather gear for all. We have been there one June and awakened to a big snow storm, so the Rangers kept us in-place until the roads were able to be cleared. In June of 2013 it dropped to freezing a couple of nights.
As noted by other posters, plan on interrupted cell phone service, and you may not have internet access.
If you have completed YNP and time permits, do drive a couple of hours south to the Grand Teton NP. The town of Jackson is immediately south of the park, and offers much to see and do as well. Do consider taking a raft trip down the Snake River, and you might see some wildlife on the banks of the river and nesting eagles in the trees or circling over head. Consider taking a boat across Jenny or Jackson Lake (can't remember which), and taking a moderate hike to hidden falls or higher up to a panoramic view of the lake. Check out the areas surrounding the Moose Visitors Center, to spot for (what else?) Moose.
If you have more time, consider driving out the East entrance of YNP and visit Cody. It is a true old western town with a fantastic museum, the Buffalo Bill Museum. It is actually several museums in one large building and it is affiliated with the Smithsonian. Check out the Irma hotel, and consider the rodeo.
Lastly, consider flying in and out of Salt Lake City. Rent you car there and in only a few hours you can drive to Jackson Wyoming via Idaho Falls.
Best wishes on your trip.
