yellowstone

"For The Tetons we stayed in Riverton WY at the Wind River RV Park. Not fancy, but a short drive to the Tetons."

Short? It's about 135 miles. Maybe just east of Dubois?

If you are coming across I-70, avoid Denver altogether by running north from Limon on CO 71 to Brush, west on I76 and US 34 to Greeley. From there, on west to I-25 or north on 85 to CO 14 then west to Ft Collins. There is barely air, much less fuel or food, on CO 71. Be prepared for 70 miles with no resources.

It is capably of snowing any month in Yellowstone, I was there one time at the 4th of July and it was snowing very lightly! But the good news is they have excellent road crews that are dedicated to keeping all roads clear if possible. Last time that I was there it was mid October and it was low 70*s during the day a freezing at night we would leave early in the morning to site scene in the high country and all the roads were clear of snow at first light and the Bison were out dragging there bellies in the snow out in the meadows. All the animals were out especially the Bull Elk bugling and fighting other males at the Mammoth Ranger Station. This is a great area to stay at in the Fall, especially with all the vivid colors! Great Camping (NPS) and there is a restaurant, store and a gas station right inside the Park in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. I've been all around that Park many times and have seen the most animals in the north end of the Park. It is Hands Down the most beautiful place I ever visited in the World. Have Fun!

Lots to advise about it but I will start with the best tool for finding places to stay Link

There is soooo much to see and do the best advise I can give is pick one "must see" for each day and let the journey dictate the remainder.

Another great place to stay is the Ponderosa Campground at the western edge of town. Only a long 1 block walk to the Buffalo Bill museum.

Do not miss Cody just before you get in the park before the east entrance, the nicest real Cowboy town I have seen. Go to the Buffalo bill restaurant and to the hotel for the gun show, music and nigth dance on the balcony and walk downtown to some restaurants and bars. There is also other attractions and you can stay at Walmart.

On the way to Yellowstone by the east there is also some inexpensive campgrounds.

In Yellowstone, I would suggest a side road when you come from the north entrance going south toward old faithfull, the is a warm water river, but damm, I cannot remember the name. You also can go to the hot river near Mamoth Hot Spring, you must park beside the road near the park North Entrance and you walk to the hot spring, very nice and cool to very hot water.

From Yellowstone going south to Teton, this is a very nice drive and Teton is spectacular.

I was there in 1979 and took my mom to see the park. Ive been there so far about 13 or 14 times....mom had not been there since 1937.!! ( Need to say a few things ha changed since she remembered them)

It was the week of the 4th of July and it snowed on us to accumulate more than 3 inches and the next day we were snowed in because they didnt have the roads cleared but we got free the next day. Great trip!

smlranger wrote:
My advice is based on our trip there in the early fall a few years ago. Stay at Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, MT. It is less than 1/4 mile from the west entrance to the park.

The park is huge and we only had 5 days there. You could easily spend a month there and not see everything so the more time you can stay the better.

Travel into and out of the park can be a real adventure and scenic depending on the route you select. For some great suggestions on routes to travel (and avoid) in that area, check out rvcruzer.com. His website is very informative and includes some stunning photos of that part of the country.

Enjoy the trip.

I agree with you 100%

n7bsn wrote:
*Time, before the 4th of July or after Labor Day.
*Recall that the park is at 5000 ft, far north of you. Spring comes late (it still might snow in May) and Fall comes early (snow in late Sept is not unknown)
*How long in the park depends on you. If you just want to "car tour", two days is about enough. If you want to hike, watch wildlife, etc. A week is not too long.

I lived near the park for many years and visited every month of the year, each time I got to see something different.

Yellowstone elevation is about 8,000 ft.

I went in mid May and it was great. It was late enough in the year that the parks and roads were open, but before the crowds really started arriving. I spent a month and stayed in Cody, Wyoming, Gardiner Montana, and Idaho. I still wish I had spent more time. I went to the park four or five times each week and saw something different every time.

bsinmich wrote:
Snow comes later than May. We were there for Fathers Day a few years ago and all our pictures of Old Faithful were in a blizzard. The NE pass was closed also for snow. ....

I've seen is snow every month of the year, but it's more the exception then not.

That pass is also over 10,000 ft. It frequently isn't open at all until July