This year we are planning to head west on I-90 in mid to late Sept to Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Tetons, Bryce, & Zion National Parks. Then to Lower Antelope Canyon in NV. Then head back east along rte40. ( we have already been to Arches, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon). Only campground we know we want to stay in so far is Grizzly RV Park. But dont know how close it is to Yellowstone. We will be in our 31Ft Class C with a Motorcycle on the back for transportation. So... We are looking for helpful hints and places to stay, best routes etc...Thanks in advance

Grizzly RV Park is in West Yellowstone, right outside the west entrance to the NP.

It might be getting a bit late in the year to motorcycle in Yellowstone (and Glacier) comfortably by the time you get there. I remember as a kid tent camping in Yellowstone in mid-October. It was in the 50's during the day...and got down to 6 degrees the first night. The second night, we sprang for a motel room.I'd suggest also stopping at Theodore Roosevelt NP; it's beautiful badlands, a bit different beauty than the other parks you've listed but still magnificent.

September may be a little late to visit Glacier. Two years ago when we were there, the St Mary KOA closed September 25. The higher elevations are already getting snow by that time.Grizzly is about a mile from the West Yellowstone entrance to the park. That will put you about the middle of Yellowstone on the west side. The northern part may be starting to close by late September, especially the higher elevations around Mt Washburn between Canyon Village and Tower Junction. I don't think there would be a problem with Bryce, Zion or Grand Tetons as they are at a lower elevation though you may have to watch your route in order to get to them.

We were in Yellowstone NP in the last week of August a few years ago. Overnight temps were in the freezing range, had to scrape the frost of the cars windows, before going sightseeing. The day time temps were comfortable.Ken

Lower Antelope Canyon is in Page, AZ...unless there is another one in NV.By "rte40" I assume you mean I-40.In Page, you can stay the night at Wahweap campground overlooking Lake Powell, or boondock at Lone Rock beach right at the lake, or stay in town at Page Lake Powell campground. After Page, you could drive down 89 to I-40. When you get closer to Flagstaff, take the loop road off 89 to visit Wupatki Nat'l Monument and Sunset Crater NM. Bonito is a nice Forest Service campground just outside the Sunset Crater entrance. Or from Page, head over to 191 and go south to I-40. Along 191 is Canyon de Chelly NM in Chinle. There is a campground there. Also in nearby Ganado is Hubbell Trading Post Nat'l Historic Site.

Suggestions on our 2018 Great American Roadtrip

ohhell10339
Explorer
Jan 15, 2018
You won't be able to "see" any of the parks at that pace--you'll be able to glance at them as you whiz by, maybe. I strongly suggest spending all of your time in one area (Montana/Wyoming) or another (Utah/Arizona). You'll get more out of your trip, you'll spend less time driving (and driving and driving and driving and driving), and you'll actually get to know the parks.

Each area has its own positives that time of year. The desert is starting to cool down (and I would NEVER go there in summer--been there, hated that), while in Yellowstone, the wildlife are really active and the tourist crush has abated.

If there's one common thread in all these various discussions of "I want to go on this big trip," it's that the contemplated trip is just about always too big. It's MUCH more satisfying when you explore a few places in depth than when you zoom from place to place. Either half of your trip could easily keep you busy for weeks. It's better that way, and importantly, it'll actually feel like a vacation.
Padlin
Explorer
Jan 15, 2018
We've used and liked Kodachrome Basin State Park for Bryce.
accsys
Explorer
Jan 15, 2018
If you are going to be around Glacier in September, bring your passports so that you can jump up to Waterton Lakes and see the elk rutting. We stayed at the Waterton Lakes campground for two weeks in 2015 and had a great time. Pictures are on our blog.
suprz
Explorer
Jan 15, 2018
So far the order of things will be Glacier, Yellowstone, and then Grand Tetons. After those will be Bryce Canyon, and Zion and Lower Antelope Canyon. We might just go back and visit Monument Valley again... ( LOVE that place!). Maybe Mesa Verde, and Four Corners (Just to say we were there) and then, back east and then north. I wouldnt mind going back to Assateague Island Seashore again either! Oh well, we will have enough time and leave our plans open.... Please keep the suggestions coming!!
DrewE
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2018
GeoBoy wrote:
Addy15 wrote:
DrewE wrote:

I'd suggest also stopping at Theodore Roosevelt NP; it's beautiful badlands, a bit different beauty than the other parks you've listed but still magnificent.

TRNP is beautiful, but would be quite a detour from the route the OP appears to be planning...

Been to TRNP, beautiful? Like they say “ beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.

Well, this beholder thought it was beautiful, with the varied colors and patterns and shapes in the formations.

Click For Full-Size Image.

It is out of the way from I-90, but it's right on I-94, and it's all but the same distance and driving time for either I-90 or I-94. (According to Google Maps, I-94 is 21 miles longer and 8 minutes quicker from Madison, WI to Billings, MT.)
GeoBoy
Explorer
Jan 14, 2018
Addy15 wrote:
DrewE wrote:

I'd suggest also stopping at Theodore Roosevelt NP; it's beautiful badlands, a bit different beauty than the other parks you've listed but still magnificent.

TRNP is beautiful, but would be quite a detour from the route the OP appears to be planning...

Been to TRNP, beautiful? Like they say “ beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
Lauren
Explorer
Jan 14, 2018
I would like to add something here - all the info you have received is very good based on our experiences. Nothing more I can add!! But I would emphasize that anything after a week after Labor Day much will be shut down all along there.
Addy15
Explorer
Jan 14, 2018
DrewE wrote:

I'd suggest also stopping at Theodore Roosevelt NP; it's beautiful badlands, a bit different beauty than the other parks you've listed but still magnificent.

TRNP is beautiful, but would be quite a detour from the route the OP appears to be planning...
donkeydew
Explorer
Jan 13, 2018
they begin rolling the sidewalks up after labor day at glacier,yellowstone and tetons. by mid September a lot of the services will be curtailed and the snowplows tuned up.if it is a indian summer it will be cold at night but warm and beautiful during the day will a lot less traffic.
on your motorcycle be careful of the buffalo as they own the road and leave some very slippery deposits on the road
GeoBoy
Explorer
Jan 13, 2018
suprz wrote:
This year we are planning to head west on I-90 in mid to late Sept to Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Tetons, Bryce, & Zion National Parks. Then to Lower Antelope Canyon in NV. Then head back east along rte40. ( we have already been to Arches, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon). Only campground we know we want to stay in so far is Grizzly RV Park. But dont know how close it is to Yellowstone. We will be in our 31Ft Class C with a Motorcycle on the back for transportation. So... We are looking for helpful hints and places to stay, best routes etc...

Thanks in advance

Nice trip, but bad time to visit Glacier, Yellowstone and the Tetons. You are going to love Grizzly RV Park and the Town of West Yellowstone.
If you go to Glacier NP stay in West Glacier and do the Going to the Sun Road and lunch at Many Glacier Lodge.