From Moran Wyoming to eventually Montana

BIG Thumb.....WEST Thumb....

Oh well, you get the idea.

Sorry, too many place names, too little memory.

A

ivylog - the Old Faithful parking lot is a great place to stop. We've done that, where DH stays with the dogs in the RV while I go and shop for souvenirs, then we eat when I get back.

I go from south to west entrances often. I usually stop at old faithful and have lunch waiting for it to blow. Traffic is not bad until after old faith... not that many pull outs before. The only good pull is from West Thumb to the Continental divide... not that steep. No way would I go that far south to go north, especially from Moran.

I would go through the park. We came South from W Yellowstone to Green River (WY) through the park in June and it was fine. The Bison were out near Big Thumb.

From Norris you could go North to Mammoth and out via Roosevelt Arch to Gardiner if you are headed toward Glacier.

I agree with kknowlton's suggested route. We also have a heavy fifth wheel of 35' and have driven both routes, with the route through the park being shorter. With the speed limit and likely traffic, it'll take you a little longer, but take the time to enjoy the drive.

You could go through Yellowstone - in South Entrance, out West Entrance. The distance would likely be shorter (depending where in Montana you want to go) but the time would probably be similar to taking 26. No steep grades on 26 to Idaho Falls and if you head north on I-15 from there, you have Monida Pass on the border between ID & MT, which is a long shallow climb, and another gradual descent on the north side - no biggie at all. Some construction on I-15 between Idaho Falls and the MT border, by the way.

Jackson to Alpine Junction is mainly downhill, following the Snake River through a canyon. No steep grades. Been awhile since we drove 26 to Idaho Falls, but don't recall any significant grades on that road either.

Don't be tempted by the shorter route over the Teton Pass west of Jackson. 10% grades plus sharp curves. IMO no fun at all.