Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY

elvis · 07-15-2009, 06:27 PM

Hello fellow Nomad riders,

Me and my lady are contemplating on riding to Yellowstone National Park in about two weeks.

What should we expect as far as high altitudes, weather and road conditions go in the Yellowstone National Park area? Where to camp, any favorite lodging in the area? If you've ridden what were the highlights, must ride roads, loops, etc.?

Any relevant recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Elvis

duneseven · 07-15-2009, 08:22 PM

Yellowstone is great this time of year. The place will be crawling with peoplethough, roads will be busy but should be passable altitude isn't a problem other than it gets cold @ nite. There is a great KOA in west yellowstone indoor pool& nice location etc. I would recomend reservations this time of year @ all campgrounds and hotel &motels. Allow lots of time, there is A lot to see and experience there. Binoculars and camera are a necessity

MarkG · 07-16-2009, 10:57 AM

One of the most dangerous things in the Yellowstone area is the "rental motor homes." Usually clearly marked, but not always. These tourists have never driven anything larger than a sub-compact in their lives. Expect them to be straddling the double yellow line, they are scared to death of the edge of the road.

I found that I did not have enough time to walk around the various geyser areas. I'll plan for that the next time. I liked Artist's Point early in the morning. The view of the falls is spectacular. Overall I like the southern loop of the park the best when I have gone to Yellowstone.

More animals are usually out in the early in the day or later in the evening. Don't get in a hurry on the roads, you will miss a picture taking opportunity.

Beartooth Pass and the Red Lodge area just northeast of Yellowstone is supposed to be pretty good. Unfortunately I did not get to go over it last year because of bad weather. Something for another time.

Do not eat at the Old Faithful Lodge. The food was the absolute worst.

Definitely have reservations it is sometimes difficult to find someplace to stay.

cactusjack · 07-16-2009, 11:37 AM

Growing up in Salt Lake City, I've been to Yellowstone many times. Jackson Hole, WY is south of Yellowstone at the base of the Grand Tetons. The views are spectacular and Jackson Hole has some great places to eat and drink.

Traffic in Yellowstone can be tough. The roads are narrow and the thousands of rubber-neckers can make it very slow going. It is a very interesting place and is one of the "crown jewels" of the US National Parks system.

Netnorske · 07-16-2009, 01:10 PM

Exiting out the east end of the park at Cook City will take you up over Beartooth Pass, WY (Elev. 10,947') and back down into Red Lodge, MT....as MarkG says. My wife and I rode that this past June and it is spectacular! Do it on a sunny day and you will be simply amazed...but be careful...lots of slow twisties to keep you occupied.... ;)

! Only rode the north end of Jellystone and it was pretty slow with tourists in June....probably even more so now, but very beautiful for sure!

elvis · 07-16-2009, 06:16 PM

Excellent info. Thanks very much for your suggestions. Will update you about the trip.

elvis · 07-21-2009, 06:51 PM

In preparation to Yellowstone ride we did a 1000 kms trip to Penticton, BC and North Cascades. Was a fabulous ride.

**Cajunrider** · 07-21-2009, 07:22 PM

Thanks for sharing the great pics. Beautiful countryside.

**Idaho** · 08-05-2009, 05:35 PM

I need to check this page more often. CJ is right about the rubbernecks. Lots of slow going. One of the biggest, and I mean BIGGEST, issues in Yellowstone are the buffalo. They own the place. They like the roads. They are HUGE standing next to you on the road. "Please GOD don't let anyone hit a horn!!" Loads of thrills.

You will need to check ahead of time because there is a lot of construction in Yellowstone right now. Besides the regular slow traffic you will spend a lot of time waiting for one way traffic in the construction areas.

Nights are cold in Yellowstone, even at this time of year. You can easilly hit 32 degrees so plan for it if you are out late or early.

If you plan ahead you will have a good time. Just watch for the buffalo and those campers.

**Idaho** · 08-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Follow this link for current info:

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

Also be aware that going out the south end into Teton NP will find lots of slowdowns in Teton. That road is really torn up right now.

elvis · 08-10-2009, 02:11 PM

After riding for 2 weeks, 3 National Parks, 5 states and 6000 kms; we’re back home. Will write up a summary later but wanted to thank everyone for hints and tips you gave us before we set on our “ride of a lifetime” journey.

Cheers,

Elvis

elvis · 08-16-2009, 02:28 AM

Trying to attach some photos: West Summit, 10927' Beartooth HWY

elvis · 08-16-2009, 02:30 AM

Trying to attach some photos: KOA in Red Lodge, Montana

elvis · 08-16-2009, 02:32 AM

Trying to attach some photos: 10K kms

elvis · 08-16-2009, 02:40 AM

On the way to Anaconda, Idaho

07-15-2009, 06:27 PM	#1
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Hello fellow Nomad riders, Me and my lady are contemplating on riding to Yellowstone National Park in about two weeks. What should we expect as far as high altitudes, weather and road conditions go in the Yellowstone National Park area? Where to camp, any favorite lodging in the area? If you've ridden what were the highlights, must ride roads, loops, etc.? Any relevant recommendations are greatly appreciated. Cheers, Elvis Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-15-2009, 08:22 PM	#2
duneseven Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: spokane WA. Posts: 535	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Yellowstone is great this time of year. The place will be crawling with peoplethough, roads will be busy but should be passable altitude isn't a problem other than it gets cold @ nite. There is a great KOA in west yellowstone indoor pool& nice location etc. I would recomend reservations this time of year @ all campgrounds and hotel &motels. Allow lots of time, there is A lot to see and experience there. Binoculars and camera are a necessity
	0

07-16-2009, 10:57 AM	#3
MarkG Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 1,255	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY One of the most dangerous things in the Yellowstone area is the "rental motor homes." Usually clearly marked, but not always. These tourists have never driven anything larger than a sub-compact in their lives. Expect them to be straddling the double yellow line, they are scared to death of the edge of the road. I found that I did not have enough time to walk around the various geyser areas. I'll plan for that the next time. I liked Artist's Point early in the morning. The view of the falls is spectacular. Overall I like the southern loop of the park the best when I have gone to Yellowstone. More animals are usually out in the early in the day or later in the evening. Don't get in a hurry on the roads, you will miss a picture taking opportunity. Beartooth Pass and the Red Lodge area just northeast of Yellowstone is supposed to be pretty good. Unfortunately I did not get to go over it last year because of bad weather. Something for another time. Do not eat at the Old Faithful Lodge. The food was the absolute worst. Definitely have reservations it is sometimes difficult to find someplace to stay. __________________ Mark Griffin 2021 Manhattan Metallic K1600GTL 2016 Silver K1600GTL - sold 2015 Red/Blk Cross Country Tour - sold 2008 Red/Blk Nomad - sold KE7HG VBA 00176, IBA 65686, MOA 211564 Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Maggie Valley '11\|Kanab '12\|Estes Park '13\|Red Lodge '16\|Custer '18
	0

07-16-2009, 11:37 AM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Growing up in Salt Lake City, I've been to Yellowstone many times. Jackson Hole, WY is south of Yellowstone at the base of the Grand Tetons. The views are spectacular and Jackson Hole has some great places to eat and drink. Traffic in Yellowstone can be tough. The roads are narrow and the thousands of rubber-neckers can make it very slow going. It is a very interesting place and is one of the "crown jewels" of the US National Parks system. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

07-16-2009, 01:10 PM	#5
Netnorske Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Everett, Washington Posts: 5,709	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Exiting out the east end of the park at Cook City will take you up over Beartooth Pass, WY (Elev. 10,947') and back down into Red Lodge, MT....as MarkG says. My wife and I rode that this past June and it is spectacular! Do it on a sunny day and you will be simply amazed...but be careful...lots of slow twisties to keep you occupied.... ;) ! Only rode the north end of Jellystone and it was pretty slow with tourists in June....probably even more so now, but very beautiful for sure! __________________ *Kris Olsen* VBA #0691 2017 HD Ultra Limited Low 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 2012 1700 Vulcan Voyager 2008 1600 Vulcan Nomad 1997 Vulcan 800 Classic *"Growing old is mandatory,* *but growing up is optional"* Custer 2009\|Kalispell 2010\|Cortez 2010\|Crescent City 2011\|Kanab 2012\|Canmore 2012\|Estes Park 2013\|Orofino 2014\|Lake Tahoe 2015\|Red Lodge 2016 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-16-2009, 06:16 PM	#6
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Excellent info. Thanks very much for your suggestions. Will update you about the trip.
	0

07-21-2009, 06:51 PM	#7
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY In preparation to Yellowstone ride we did a 1000 kms trip to Penticton, BC and North Cascades. Was a fabulous ride.
	0

07-21-2009, 07:22 PM	#8
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Thanks for sharing the great pics. Beautiful countryside. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

08-05-2009, 05:35 PM	#9
Idaho Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 5,241	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY I need to check this page more often. CJ is right about the rubbernecks. Lots of slow going. One of the biggest, and I mean BIGGEST, issues in Yellowstone are the buffalo. They own the place. They like the roads. They are HUGE standing next to you on the road. "Please GOD don't let anyone hit a horn!!" Loads of thrills. You will need to check ahead of time because there is a lot of construction in Yellowstone right now. Besides the regular slow traffic you will spend a lot of time waiting for one way traffic in the construction areas. Nights are cold in Yellowstone, even at this time of year. You can easilly hit 32 degrees so plan for it if you are out late or early. If you plan ahead you will have a good time. Just watch for the buffalo and those campers. __________________ Idaho (aka Curmudgeon) Blue Knights Idaho III VBA #110 VROC #24864 IBA #49753 2007 Nomad 86,000 miles Bud Smalley Pocatello, Idaho Idaho Jack Adapter
	0

08-05-2009, 06:02 PM	#10
Idaho Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 5,241	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Follow this link for current info: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm Also be aware that going out the south end into Teton NP will find lots of slowdowns in Teton. That road is really torn up right now. __________________ Idaho (aka Curmudgeon) Blue Knights Idaho III VBA #110 VROC #24864 IBA #49753 2007 Nomad 86,000 miles Bud Smalley Pocatello, Idaho Idaho Jack Adapter
	0

08-10-2009, 02:11 PM	#11
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY After riding for 2 weeks, 3 National Parks, 5 states and 6000 kms; we’re back home. Will write up a summary later but wanted to thank everyone for hints and tips you gave us before we set on our “ride of a lifetime” journey. Cheers, Elvis
	0

08-16-2009, 02:28 AM	#12
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Trying to attach some photos: West Summit, 10927' Beartooth HWY
	0

08-16-2009, 02:30 AM	#13
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Trying to attach some photos: KOA in Red Lodge, Montana
	0

08-16-2009, 02:32 AM	#14
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY Trying to attach some photos: 10K kms
	0

08-16-2009, 02:40 AM	#15
elvis Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,785	Ride to Yellowstone National Park, WY On the way to Anaconda, Idaho
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Questions about Yellowstone	schoeney	Rides/Trip Reports/Travel Information	22	05-18-2011 11:06 PM
Group ride to National?	minst7877	NorthEast Group	10	01-03-2011 06:35 PM
Mt. Baker and Olympic National Park	Netnorske	Rides/Trip Reports/Travel Information	19	09-09-2010 03:35 PM
Arches National Park	nomad561	Rides/Trip Reports/Travel Information	10	07-31-2010 11:34 AM
Glacier National Park	trip	Rides/Trip Reports/Travel Information	5	09-27-2008 03:19 PM