towing in Grand Teton NP

[danimal53]

getting really excited for this trip, unfortunately still 1 month away. We're going to Deadwood, then to Grand Teton NP. For that drive, what would you recommend for going into GTNP? I have a small TT and TV combo, and I'm not too worried about steepness but is there anything I should be aware of towing into/out of GTNP? will be taking 26 both ways. We're staying at Headwaters/Flagg ranch, which seems kind of pricy but nicely situated between Yellowstone and GT, so seemed a good place to setup. Also, anything to be aware of in the Black Hills area? Thanks in advance!

[danimal53]

yikes, thanks for the heads up. maybe we'll spend more time in Grand Tetons and come back to Yellowstone on another trip.

[bcsslc]

We just got back from Yellowstone and there is major road construction threw out the park. Plan on some 60 min delays.

[danimal53]

thanks we'll be sure to check out Jenny Lake loop. Yes, TT will be unhooked, one reason why I wanted to stay between the 2 parks, only have to setup and unhitch once.

[kknowlton]

September is not that much less crowded there, but somewhat. Weather is usually good, so that's a plus. Yes, there's a lot of driving in Yellowstone, but that's true no matter where you stay. Flagg is not optimal for YNP but if you wanted one base camp for both parks, it's a good location. x2 on taking the Jenny Lake loop, but only in the tow vehicle/toad, NOT with the RV. It's a one-way loop, and parking is likely to be limited there this year due to construction, but the scenery is not to be missed. Take the boat across Jenny lake to the trail to the falls (and beyond, to Inspiration Point, if you're so inclined) - definitely worth it. Enjoy!

[rexlion]

Unhook TT and explore Tetons without it. Expect construction at Jenny Lake and limited parking there. Take cameras!

[danimal53]

jrp wrote:
Hwy 26 is a very good road and the easiest approach route.

Blackills -
Other than all the well known Black Hills attractions, to get away from the crowds for a day, take a drive down Alt 14 south of Spearfish, through Spearfish Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls.

Look up the Devils Tower National Monument, right on your route from SD to WY, just north of I-90 near Sundance Wy exit. Its well worth a stop, even for one day/night.

Unless you're taking your Harley along for the Sturgis Rally, I hope you wont be there near Bike Week, Aug 8-14 this year. The whole area is over run with 500,000 bikers from a week before to a week after bike week.

YS & GT NP-
I never go until after Labor day to avoid crowds. Until the kids go back to school expect it to be crowded & lots of traffic jams in Yellowstone where everyone stops in the middle of the road for any wildlife sighting.
I usually stay at Colter Bay between the 2 parks and spend 2 weeks in GT and 2 weeks in Yellowstone. I've also stayed in several of the West Yellowstone campgrounds. It really depends on what you like to see and do, we all have different preferences.

thanks for the tips! I am aware of the Sturgis rally, and it's about a month before so I'm good there. Rates for CGs are crazy around that rally! The side attractions sound great too.

we are going to GT after Labor day (actually leaving Chicago Sep 1) so I'm hoping it will be a little less crowded. And we'll have about 5 days so a couple in each park (i wish there were more time, but, you know, work and stuff...). I'm certain this won't be our last time going that way!

[Andy_F]

Two Hands wrote:
You don't realize just how big Yellowstone National Park is. You will waste so much time driving to and through the park that you won't have time for even short hikes. Then trying to drive down to the Tetons for a day! Way too much time driving instead of looking. I highly recommend you consider staying in or immediately outside Yellowstone for at least three days then go down to Tetons National Park for a minimum of two days. Staying between the parks to see them both can definitely be done, but not if you want to really experience the parks.

X2

We have stayed at Fishing Bridge in YW park and then moved outside to the West Yellowstone KOA. Next time we'll skip West Yellowstone and stay at Fishing Bridge and Colton Bay. Driving times in the park are longer than you expect, especially with any traffic jams which were hard to avoid NW of Fishing Bridge due to how animal sightings on the road side affect traffic.

[jrp]

Hwy 26 is a very good road and the easiest approach route.

Blackills -
Other than all the well known Black Hills attractions, to get away from the crowds for a day, take a drive down Alt 14 south of Spearfish, through Spearfish Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls.

Look up the Devils Tower National Monument, right on your route from SD to WY, just north of I-90 near Sundance Wy exit. Its well worth a stop, even for one day/night.

Unless you're taking your Harley along for the Sturgis Rally, I hope you wont be there near Bike Week, Aug 8-14 this year. The whole area is over run with 500,000 bikers from a week before to a week after bike week.

YS & GT NP-
I never go until after Labor day to avoid crowds. Until the kids go back to school expect it to be crowded & lots of traffic jams in Yellowstone where everyone stops in the middle of the road for any wildlife sighting.
I usually stay at Colter Bay between the 2 parks and spend 2 weeks in GT and 2 weeks in Yellowstone. I've also stayed in several of the West Yellowstone campgrounds. It really depends on what you like to see and do, we all have different preferences.

[Two_Hands]

You don't realize just how big Yellowstone National Park is. You will waste so much time driving to and through the park that you won't have time for even short hikes. Then trying to drive down to the Tetons for a day! Way too much time driving instead of looking. I highly recommend you consider staying in or immediately outside Yellowstone for at least three days then go down to Tetons National Park for a minimum of two days. Staying between the parks to see them both can definitely be done, but not if you want to really experience the parks.

[skipnchar]

Smooth sailing. Relax and enjoy the trip

[danimal53]

thnaks! still haven't decided on Deadwood CG, but KOA is on my list. Going to book in the next week i think.

[Marine_By_Choic]

No problems in Grand Tetons or Black Hills. Roads good. Just a lot of scenery when driving can be distracting!!

If you need a campground around Deadwood the KOA is highly recommended. Great people, free shuttle to & from town, and a nice facility. Plan a couple days in Deadwood! Two museums are awesome.

Se safe.