Forum Discussion

wjlapier's avatar
wjlapier
Explorer
May 22, 2017

GNP>W Yellowstone>Tetons

What can we expect when we hit Yellowstone on our way to the Tetons. Pulling about 30ft TT. I'm wondering how much time does it take from West Yellowstone to Colter Bay. I haven't been in Yellowstone since the early 90's. Planning on staying at Grizzly RV for three nights and Colter Bay for four nights before heading back to Washington state via Missoula for two nights there. Oh, yes, driving from GNP>West Yellowstone. Anything we should be aware of to plan for?

Hoping to make this a once in a lifetime trip for our kids who are getting older and don't want to travel with mom and dad to Glacier anymore. Would like to have as smooth a trip as possible.
Roads and Routes
  • wyocowboy00's avatar
    wyocowboy00
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2017
    wjlapier wrote:
    donkeydew wrote:
    it only take one bear itching his behind or one bison taking a stroll to stop traffic and cause a major back up, just sit there and enjoy the scenery,just part of the fun of being in nature with about a million other visitors and lots of local inmates


    Baby mountain goats stopping traffic on Going To The Sun Rd is always nice. Love the view from up there, so stopping for "wildlife" in Yellowstone with other travelers isn't going to bother us much.

    Looking into some fly fishing for me too. I'll fish my usual places around Glacier, but need to find something in Yellowstone and Teton area.


    The Madison River will probably be the most likely fishing on your route. Nymphs probably work best right now. Brooks Stone, Black Rubberlegs, Wooly Buggar - #2 - 6 or a Beadhead Emerger # 14 - 18.
  • bobsallyh's avatar
    bobsallyh
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2017
    Most speed limits in YNP are 45 mph and some at 25 mph, add in one lane traffic at some repair areas, forget about how long. What the heck is the rush?
  • wjlapier's avatar
    wjlapier
    Explorer
    May 23, 2017
    donkeydew wrote:
    it only take one bear itching his behind or one bison taking a stroll to stop traffic and cause a major back up, just sit there and enjoy the scenery,just part of the fun of being in nature with about a million other visitors and lots of local inmates


    Baby mountain goats stopping traffic on Going To The Sun Rd is always nice. Love the view from up there, so stopping for "wildlife" in Yellowstone with other travelers isn't going to bother us much.

    Looking into some fly fishing for me too. I'll fish my usual places around Glacier, but need to find something in Yellowstone and Teton area.
  • donkeydew's avatar
    donkeydew
    Explorer
    May 22, 2017
    it only take one bear itching his behind or one bison taking a stroll to stop traffic and cause a major back up, just sit there and enjoy the scenery,just part of the fun of being in nature with about a million other visitors and lots of local inmates
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    May 22, 2017
    re West Yellowstone to Colter Bay.... 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and not counting sight seeing stops (like Old Faithful, etc)
    older kids are tough because they are addicted to their I phones and won't be happy with limited service in the parks. If they like action, try a horseback ride up in Yellowstone and a white water river ride in Jackson. Or the ski lift in Teton Resort. Also, you can get a chuck wagon hay ride/dinner deal in Jackson..not sure about Yellowstone. And Jackson has a rodeo and a shootout on the Square.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    May 22, 2017
    The time will vary depending on 1) road work, and all high altitude parks are always repairing some roads. 2) Rubberneckers blocking traffic every time a chipmunk or larger critter comes into sight. 3) The general slow traffic flow in the park. I'd allow 4 hours if I needed to plan for it.

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