Advice on trip from OK to Yellowstone

Updated: Trip was awesome. Thanks for the help. I'm working on all the pictures but here are some. Im teaching a long range rifle class up in SLC Utah again this month and thought I would take my family with me and drive up this time. I've got a buddy in CO I'll stop and stay with to help break up the trip and then our first sight seeing stop will be at Dinasaur National Monument in NW CO/NE Utah. From there it's to SLC area and then after a few days we will drive up to Yellowstone. I'll spend 3 days there (not enough time but it's all we have) and then begin the trip back. I will probably rent a small pop up camper somewhere in that region to use since most the hotels and lodging are booked solid. My question is for those that have been or go often. What should we see? Obviously there are the majors (old faithful, waterfall, toms stairs etc) but what else is around? Its my first trip to Yellowstone so I simply don't know what I don't know. Any advice is appreciated.

 

For the drive up to the park, I'd go through Jackson, WY and checkout the town for a little. Then catch Teton Park Rd instead of just Hwy 26 the whole way to the park entrance. It'll take you to the foot of the Tetons and by Jenny Lake. Some great views to be had. When you leave I'd go out the East entrance towards cody. Good chance for mountain goats and otters. As well as a great view of the lake at the Lake Butte Overlook.

As for in the park. While you're doing Tom's Stairs at the canyon take the extra walk up to Artists point. Gives you that great view you always see in pictures of the canyon. If you can, requires reservations, take the boat tour at Bridge Bay. They take you around part of the lake and give you a history tour of a number of things. Including the old zoo, lake hotel, and an interesting history of a couple of the islands. There is also the Chuck wagon dinner out at Roosevelt lodge but might be hard to swing in your time frame, also pricey but really fun to do. I'd also make a stop to see The Grand Prismatic and Norris Geyser Basin while you're down near Old Faithful. If you find yourself up at the north end check out mammoth. Besides the water features the town has a lot of history to it. As it was the original Fort and starts of the park management operations. Usually the thing to do is the loops. The park is basically a big figure 8. Do the south loop one day and the north another.

If time permits another way out of the park that is great but does take you out of your way home, is the north east entrance. It'll take you out through Cook City, MT on the Beartooth Highway and down the Beartooth Pass. The is a ton of great views and a few trails to hit if you're up to it.

 

Off Topic but welcome from BA

Sounds like a great trip you have planned - Have fun!

 

I've been several times. I assume you're bringing a spotting scope since your a long range shooter, if not, get one. Last year I went in Early June. Stayed in Cook city, awesome place, BTW. The Lamar valley is located just near the northeast entrance. Go early and glass as much area as possible in the Lamar valley. In one day we saw 16 grizzly bears, 1 black bear, 5 wolves, and tons of sheep and other less exciting animals. There's a lot of wildlife in that area.

Also, check out west Yellowstone. It's a cool town. They have an IMAX and they show a bunch of cool Yellowstone documentary type movies. It's a very touristy place with lots of shops and whatnot.

Yellowstone is badass

 

Thanks guys for all the help. I really appreciate the input. We were planning to go in from the south entrance since I'm coming from Coalville Utah but maybe we can leave through the east entrance. I'll have my photography equipment which works good and I might bring a spotting scope as well. I've got one of the new Swarovski's which would work but takes up room in the taco.

Any suggestions on where to camp? I believe we are going to camp out now instead. My girls really want the experience.

 

Thanks! Glad to meet another local taco owner!

 

Again off topic, but here is the current local Okies thread. There's a few of us on here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/index.php?threads/Any-Okies-in-here?.41777/

 

Camping in the park?? Bring bear spray...

 

You need to drive the Chief Joseph Snenic Highway and the Bears Tooth Highway.

OMG, the most BEAUTIFUL drive we've ever taken!!! (I'm from the East Coast and we just don't get stuff like this over here - LOL)
SNOW IN JULY!


A fun road to drive....LOL Take notice to the speed limit - there's no way in hell.


Elevation at the highest point

 

You might have a really hard time getting a spot in the park this late. Reservations tend to fill up months in advance. However there are a number of first come first serve camps in the park and West Yellowstone has a number of campgrounds around town. If you're ok with a little drive back and forth to the west entrance. You can also camp out in Island Park/Henry's lake area. Its just west of West Yellowstone in ID.

 

On that note, Hebgen lake is right near west Yellowstone and it's gorgeous. Lots of camping spots there as well, no payment or reservations or anything like that.

 

Thanks. I've read your thread a few times. Good stuff. Ordered the map you suggested. Thanks for the information. I appreciate your input

 

I'll try that area. Thank you