Tinyhouse wrote:
in July 2021 we are planning a trip from East Texas to Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming.
The most NW stop will be Polson Mt. from there we would like to see Yellowstone and the Tetons.
What is the easiest route from Butte Mt to Yellowstone and Tetons and where would you suggest as a base.
we would like one base for both and use tow car to travel the parks. Thanks for the help.
Just a note about July - it is the most Popular Month for Yellowstone and the Tetons! You do also Know that Going to the Sun Road often does not open in "Glacier NP" until after July 4th.
Being this is your first time and one of the Main roads in Yellowstone is closed, you need to do a lot of Research as to what you might enjoy in the Park, as you will have a Lot of Road Time, as nothing is Close.
We have been many times and in 2020 we went with our two sons and 5 Granddaughters - Our last trip was in late Fall, Indian Summer, Perfect weather - No People - Easy to get where we wanted to be - Pretty Much Perfect - what became apparent was How BIG the Park is - it requires a lot of planning as many places are more popular than they have parking spaces in July and August! - add to that that the stops are not close and the traffic will likely be heavy, really Heavy! - you really need to spend a considerable amount of time planning the exact way you wish to Attack this challenge, otherwise you will become frustrated and the experience will not be as rewarding as it should be.
We also made no reservations and were only able to get into the park buy getting to the sites Early - so as a result, it was not easy - we had three separate RV's - so nothing was easy. We enjoyed Island Park and Victor in Idaho, negative on this was the fact that the Hour drive every morning got Old, in a Hurry, While we spent a week in both YNP and the Tetons the Girls enjoyed the Side trips to the Lakes and Streams as much, if not more, as they enjoyed the Parks - they love the water.
On a side note - our Group enjoyed the Tetons and Idaho almost as much as YNP - some great areas - Cody and the Wind River area are both Awesome - Jackson is IMHO a ZOO - One of the lesser known areas that was a Highlight of our trip was Flaming Gorge - We were able to drive right on the Beach to swim for the day - Girls Loved it, and I suggest you make an effort to visit.
If you are on the Cody side there are many Lakes and Reservoirs to enjoy - Chief Joseph Highway and the Beartooth are there to enjoy in the Toad - the Drive in to the Tetons from DuBois on RT 26 is special, when cresting the Continental divide and see the Tetons is Just Special so if possible you might want to try to work that in. The point I'm trying to Make is that while the National Parks are the target, the area is Target Rich so you too may find that the outside of the park is Pretty Amazing Also. JMHO
The Idea of One Base is not likely wise - JMHO - as the driving time will will be a waste. Read up as much as possible about the two Parks - figure out what YOU will enjoy and Go for it - in July it is going to be Crowded really Crowded - traffic is a pain - Only way to beat it is to Get there Early - No Really Early and avoid the crowds - Get off the main Roads and Hike - Try to Pick One or Two spots each day and then get out of the crowds and enjoy the many options outside the parks.
As for the drive - just Google it or Use Waze - generally all the routes work - and I'm sure many have already given the answer to that.
Plan - Plan - Plan - Read - Read - Read - It is Big - Big - Big so you need to be really smart in your attack.
Best of Luck.
