Yellowstone road trip! Tips, tricks, hints?

[Nathans_Dad]

Ok, I'm about to forge deeply into the abyss of planning a two week family road trip this summer. We will be gone in August. I have already made lodging arrangements but am looking for any tips on things to do/see.

Day 1: We leave D/FW and drive to Colorado Springs.
Day 2: Leave Colorado Springs and drive through the mountains to Vernal, UT. Planned stop around Vail for a break and some sightseeing. We also plan to stop at Dinosaur Natl Monument for about 3 hours.
Day 3: Leave Vernal, UT and drive to Jackson, WY. Check into condo #1 there.
Days 4-5: Grand Teton Natl Park. So far plans include stops at the visitors center/museum, hike around Jenny Lake up to Hidden Falls, drive the 43 mile scenic loop, white water raft trip down the Snake River and ride the tram at Jackson Hole up the mountain for sightseeing.
Days 5-10: drive up to West Yellowstone, check into condo #2. Yellowstone Natl Park: plans so far include 1-2 half day fly fishing opportunities, Old Faithful/geyser basin, Hike up to Fairy Falls, horseback ride/white water rafting combo trip on the Yellowstone River, see Grand Canyon of Yellowstone/Yellowstone falls (? Go down to Lower Falls), Grand Prismatic Spring, dinner at Old Faithful Inn.
Day 11: Drive east to Sheridan, WY. Will have time for a few more park activities that morning.
Day 12: drive to Mount Rushmore, try to fit in Mammoth Site at Hot Springs, SD and drive through Badlands Natl Park.
Days 13-14: return drive to D/FW.

The only things I have booked so far are the two raft trips.

What are things that are must do/see? Any tips or tricks overall?

[craigster59]

Nice to seee fly fishing on the schedule. Looks like you have most everything covered. In Jackson Hole there was some Chuck Wagon/ Dinner show that was pretty cool. Music and comedy, great for families. I'll see if I can find a link.

These guys: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-t-5-covered-wagon-cookout-jackson

And the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar to sit on the saddles and have a drink. Hey, I'm a cheap date.

[Nathans_Dad]

Oh yeah, no way I was going to Yellowstone without doing some fishing!

I'll look into the Chuck wagon dinner, that sounds perfect for my family!

[onlycafe]

do not take a selfie with a bear.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It's a seriously magical, amazing place. The distances between things are really deceptive. Thugs are REALLY spread out there. Do all the hikes you can stand. They're all good. Be careful - I saw coyotes and a grizzly (from about a quarter mile) when I was out hiking around on my own a few years ago. The buffalo are amazing creatures to behold. The entire place is just amazing.

I recommend bringing some bikes and just cruising the various roads too. You'll always see cool things. Be prepared for widen weather changes in summer (I got hit with a storm dropping half-inch hail that dropped the temperature from about 75 to about 55 for an hour or two - being out there soaking wet in 55 degree temps could be bad, even if only for a couple of hours).

The various springs / geysers are other-worldly cool. Expect it to take a FULL day to drive up there from Vernal. Distances are very deceptive and take on an entirely different meaning out there.

ENJOY! Lucky ducky!

[nota]

we went in late june-early july last year
it froze with frost on everything
there was still snow on the higher bits
we gather snow for the ice chest by the road sides

expect bear jams on the roads
and buffalo too

beartooth hyw Scenic Driving In The Beartooth Region | Beartooth Highway | Montana & Wyoming Scenic Drives
going east out of the park NE gate is a neat ride

[ckelly78z]

When in Colorado Springs you have to see the garden of the gods, the airforce academy chapel, and by all means do anything possible to go up pikes peak. I still remmber it like it was yesterday and it was 38 years ago.

[Cajundaddy]

Walk deeper into Yellowstone than the average 1.5 mile tourist. Once you get into the woods they open up a whole new world. Same with Grand Teton. An 8 mi RT from the Jenny lake ferry will yield serenity and amazing views without crowds. Go out early and catch the wildlife jams with die hard photographers and National Geographic film crews. I love that place but... must-move-beyond-crowds.

[jhc]

Just be aware of these trail closures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks: Popular parks trails closed down - Jackson Hole News&Guide: Local
Also you might consider going through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park instead, amazing trails at high altitude.

[flatbutt]

+1 RM Nat'l Park and Pikes Peak. I did them on the Ducati and they are very nice rides.

[Nathans_Dad]

Originally Posted by jhc

Just be aware of these trail closures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks: Popular parks trails closed down - Jackson Hole News&Guide: Local
Also you might consider going through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park instead, amazing trails at high altitude.

Great info, thanks! We're planning on the Jenny Lake/Hidden Falls trail so I'll keep my eyes out for updates. Thanks!

[dyusem]

ATV adventure on the Continental Divide in the Wind River Range.

[motion]

Don't forget to PM me if you get close to Red Lodge (at the bottom of the Beartooth Hwy)

Standing invitation for all Pelicans to stop by the Motion Homestead for camping and BBQ in the backyard