Wow, where to start. I just got a bit lucky losing one job, finding another, and managing to sneak in a month of time off before I start back up again to do whatever. Don’t get this opportunity often and decided Yellowstone here I come one way or another. Just decided this in the last few days and not much time to get everything researched like I usually do … plan on heading up next week roughly 11th-25th. My wife or friends cant come as none of them have the vacation time from work. So, here are some of the million questions:
- Going alone … am I stupid ??? Not the way I really want it but I am a photographer on the side so sometimes being alone is the best too as I am not rushed. Better sititng in Yellowstone than in hot AZ summer, right !!! But, if anyone is up there and wants to meet up let me know …
- Towing the big heavy 5th wheel toy hauler is going to be a little intimidating. I have no problems handling it and often go on trips to the sand dunes by myself with it 200 miles but never anything close to a 2,000 mile round trip, neverless trying to get it into a tight RV spot by myself as I store it at my house. Again, am I stupid and should I just take the Jetta diesel that gets 40mpg’s+ and stay in a hotel ??? I have actually never even parked it in an RV park period so no real clue here either.
- Two weeks by myself too long ??? Only reason I ask as I am open to hitting another location or two the way up and/or back. Any suggestions where ??? I am thinking Monument Valley as not doen it yet even though its close. Might also bring along a quad to hit a riding area elsewhere as I could still keep it inside and live in the TH no problem while in the YS park.
- Any comments on roads from Phoenix,AZ to YS … still don’t even know the route LOL … sure there will be some good hills somewhere. I think the Dodge will handle it just fine as done some in AZ too but nervous going this far alone(tranny, blow outs, etc). Can you tell I worry a little too much and this "alone" thing is a little out of my element LOL.
- How will the crowds be this time frame … I think its ok as school is back in, right ???
- Still gotta hope I can find a reservation at RV park and still clueless on where I will stay in terms of what region or if I should try to go to a couple different parks. Also plan to see the Tetons. Would like to be fairly close to restraunts, store, etc. and unhitch and drive to the sites … any suggestions ???
- A spot that gets mobile phone reception and perhaps mobile web (possible ?) would be great … thinking of getting my mobile phone setup as modem so I can also be “connected” to do some research when I get there as its such short notice. Of coarse any good book to pick up that covers Yellowstone sights thoroughly would be appreciated too and am sure I can find a ton of info from the park people.
- Bugs bad this time of year. RV park around water would be nice but I almost forgot about the bugs issue since from AZ with few to none … are they bad in YS ??? This might make me lean a little more to just hotel'n it.
- I assume this is a little early to see the most wildlife as assume they are waiting to move around much/stock up for winter … any suggestions/places to see the most wildlife ???
- Going to pick up a new Garmin GPS for the vehicle … this should help some. Any additional software for it I should consider for RV parks, attractions, etc. Still gotta research this too … I have Garmin with topo maps for the ATVs so a little familiar with this stuff …
- Anyone shopped the hotel/motels lately ??? Vacancy this time of year ??? What price should I expect average so I can do the fuel vs. hotel vs. convenience, etc. calculations to determine best way to do this trip.
Thanks for any input … this is overwhelming this short of notice plus doing it alone … sorry, I know lots of info out there and have read some of it ... I will keep searching too ...
- '06 Weekend Warrior 5th wheel 31LE fiberglass, blue graphics, tan int., flipped axles
- '05 Dodge 2500 CTD QC 4x4 AT SB XLT beige, Valley 16K hitch, 3500HD Timbrens, Prodigy BC
- '07 Suzuki LTR450
- '08 Polaris RZR
Wow, lot of questions. It is worth the visit. I don't know if I would take a rig all alone with the passes you cross. If you go, you will get some wonderful pictures. It was the best place we visited on our trip 4 years ago. So much geology in one park!
Parents who still don't know anything
Twins in college who know everything
Clover the Westie who just sleeps
1999 Ford F 250SD 7.3 TD Lariat
2007 Jayco Eagle 291 RLTS
twvette wrote: Wow, where to start. I just got a bit lucky losing one job, finding another, and managing to sneak in a month of time off before I start back up again to do whatever. Don’t get this opportunity often and decided Yellowstone here I come one way or another. Just decided this in the last few days and not much time to get everything researched like I usually do … plan on heading up next week roughly 11th-25th. My wife or friends cant come as none of them have the vacation time from work. So, here are some of the million questions:
- Going alone … am I stupid ??? Not the way I really want it but I am a photographer on the side so sometimes being alone is the best too as I am not rushed. Better sititng in Yellowstone than in hot AZ summer, right !!! But, if anyone is up there and wants to meet up let me know …
- Towing the big heavy 5th wheel toy hauler is going to be a little intimidating. I have no problems handling it and often go on trips to the sand dunes by myself with it 200 miles but never anything close to a 2,000 mile round trip, neverless trying to get it into a tight RV spot by myself as I store it at my house. Again, am I stupid and should I just take the Jetta diesel that gets 40mpg’s+ and stay in a hotel ??? I have actually never even parked it in an RV park period so no real clue here either.
- Two weeks by myself too long ??? Only reason I ask as I am open to hitting another location or two the way up and/or back. Any suggestions where ??? I am thinking Monument Valley as not doen it yet even though its close. Might also bring along a quad to hit a riding area elsewhere as I could still keep it inside and live in the TH no problem while in the YS park.
- Any comments on roads from Phoenix,AZ to YS … still don’t even know the route LOL … sure there will be some good hills somewhere. I think the Dodge will handle it just fine as done some in AZ too but nervous going this far alone(tranny, blow outs, etc). Can you tell I worry a little too much and this "alone" thing is a little out of my element LOL.
- How will the crowds be this time frame … I think its ok as school is back in, right ???
- Still gotta hope I can find a reservation at RV park and still clueless on where I will stay in terms of what region or if I should try to go to a couple different parks. Also plan to see the Tetons. Would like to be fairly close to restraunts, store, etc. and unhitch and drive to the sites … any suggestions ???
- A spot that gets mobile phone reception and perhaps mobile web (possible ?) would be great … thinking of getting my mobile phone setup as modem so I can also be “connected” to do some research when I get there as its such short notice. Of coarse any good book to pick up that covers Yellowstone sights thoroughly would be appreciated too and am sure I can find a ton of info from the park people.
- Bugs bad this time of year. RV park around water would be nice but I almost forgot about the bugs issue since from AZ with few to none … are they bad in YS ??? This might make me lean a little more to just hotel'n it.
- I assume this is a little early to see the most wildlife as assume they are waiting to move around much/stock up for winter … any suggestions/places to see the most wildlife ???
- Going to pick up a new Garmin GPS for the vehicle … this should help some. Any additional software for it I should consider for RV parks, attractions, etc. Still gotta research this too … I have Garmin with topo maps for the ATVs so a little familiar with this stuff …
- Anyone shopped the hotel/motels lately ??? Vacancy this time of year ??? What price should I expect average so I can do the fuel vs. hotel vs. convenience, etc. calculations to determine best way to do this trip.
Thanks for any input … this is overwhelming this short of notice plus doing it alone … sorry, I know lots of info out there and have read some of it ... I will keep searching too ...
First off – two many questions to answer in print – look at this web site for some other closer options;
Stan Parker/ photographer has done a lot in the west so you might just look at some of the spots and follow his lead.
Think about just heading up the road to the San Juan’s – Much closer, great 4X4 trails, lakes and wild areas where you can camp.
Lots to see and do along the way Phoenix to Flagstaff to Page/Antelope Canyon to Monument Valley to Mesa Verde to Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Telluride to Lake City to Creede to South Fork then head back home. You will save a lot of miles see some unbelievable country and certainly cool off.
Just my $.02,
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
MDX-FMCA--M&G Brake
States traveled in this Coach
Thanks for the promo, busskipper. You are always too kind.
I would love to have a couple weeks out there by myself to concentrate on photography. (Actually, I often hike alone in the wilderness areas since my wife can't hold out that far.)
You can easily pull your rig to Yellowstone and back, staying in RV parks with pull-thru sites or getting help from the park staff to back into a site. Don't let this stop you.
You could easily spend two weeks at Yellowstone and Tetons, or visit places in between. It all depends on what you want to photograph. From Phoenix to West Yellowstone (Grizzly RV) is a pretty straight shot that takes you by lots of stuff, such as Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Salt Lake City, etc, etc. Too much to do in two weeks, or even two months. Make your picks and stay long enough at each spot to fully enjoy it, you will go back.
Once you pick your spots, come back for campground recommendations.
I can't help with the route, as I've never come that direction. If you take the TH, I would recommend Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone. Large pull thru sites, WIFI available, many restaurants and stores, and less than a mile to the west gate, then 12 miles to the Grand Loop at Madison Junction.
Since you have this extended "vacation" time, I would certainly head for YNP/GTNP. You can visit the closer places when you have less time away from your new job.
I've traveled over 30,000 miles by myself and its no big deal. Make sure you have an emergency road service provider and then take off.
I had cell phone service in West Yellowstone, but not in many places inside the park, due to the terrain.
AS far as photography, dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife. For a good reference, check out Max Waugh's wildlife map. Also, check out Yellowstone Net discussion Forum. Lots of good information.
Also, check with the ranger station at Madison for the latest animal sightings.
Be sure to take warm and cold weather clothing, as it gets chilly at night, even in August.
I don't know about any ATV trails in the area, but there must be some. You're gonna have a ball, and wish you had more time. PM me if you have any other questions.
Do call ahead (or email) for reservations in/near YNP - it amazed me how many people just show up expecting to get a site (Grizzly was turning people away when we were there). You may get some last-minute cancellations, but that's if you're really lucky. Grizzly is a good spot to stay if you need hookups and a place for a large RV, as it's the closest CG to YNP with those attributes. Nice folks that work there, good facilities, walkable to the town of West Yellowstone (some decent restaurants in town).
There are no off-roading places in YNP. If you plan to do some of that on the way there & back, then take the TH; otherwise I'm not sure I would. OTOH, if you'll be more comfortable staying in the TH, then go with it, as hotels & cabins in the park may be booked solid (again, call ahead to Xanterra & keep checking for cancellations). Remember that a large rig won't fit in many of the NF/NPS CGs if you can't find a spot in the private CGs. Expect CG prices to be relatively high (we paid $45/night FHU at Grizzly, but some others can be more expensive.)
It's true that cellphone coverage & WiFi are unavailable inside Yellowstone, for the most part. (You may be able to get some cell coverage near Old Faithful - depends on your service whether it will be roaming or not.) It is available in West Yellowstone.
Don't you have any kids,grandkids or neices and nephews that may want to go along? Man,I would have loved to go along on a trip like that when I was a kid.They can help you with some of the things you worry about like backing into a site. I have used my 7 year old grandson to help with that.
Go get 'em. Been to YNP twice this year and always a treat. I live in the SLC area and enjoy driving north to Idaho Fall stop for lunch along the Snake river just blocks east of I-15. Cont north along Hwy 20 thru Ashton and into West Yellowstone. Plenty of camping in Island Park then about 28 miles west of the park is a camping area right there close to Henry's Lake and again in the KOA about 3 miles west of the park (YNP). Enter into the park and we like to stay in Canyon Village which you'll see is centrally located and close to numerous attractions. Artist point...Upper and lower Falls...Uncle Toms Trail which is unique. We enjoy the Hayden Valley overlooks just south of Canyon Village before dusk with wine and cheese and had seen numerous Grizzly over the years and alot of wildlife. Then travel south into The Grand Teton N.P. What a beautiful place as well. Check out the Gros Ventre campground about 5 miles east of Moose Village. Right on the river and lots of Moose and more stars at night than any place else which makes the trip aside from everything else. Hike from the south Jenny lake visitors center to Hidden Falls although the boat ride across the lake is more fun. Oh lucky you. Can't wait to go back myself.
I've never been to Yellowstone, so I can't answer much of what you've asked. However, I can tell you that I was able to reserve a pull through site at Grizzly for next week and that I was told I was unlikely to have cell phone reception (I have AT&T). I heard that folks with Verizon and someone else (Alltel?) might have reception there.
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