Our Vaca Trip to South Dakota and Yellow Stone

[snowhammer]

Did the snow storm affect you?

Beartooth Highway near Yellowstone closed, snow removal halted over ‘safety concerns'

GILLETTE, Wyo. — For those planning a trip to Yellowstone this weekend, the National Park Service is advising of a major highway closure near the

capcity.news

 

[Racey]

This is what RV'n is all about, phenomenal trip! thanks for sharing with all of us!

 

[Done-it-again]

Did the snow storm affect you?

Beartooth Highway near Yellowstone closed, snow removal halted over ‘safety concerns'

GILLETTE, Wyo. — For those planning a trip to Yellowstone this weekend, the National Park Service is advising of a major highway closure near the

capcity.news

We have had rain off and on since Sunday evening and had some snow in the park this morning around 7am. But nothing that stuck besides the stuff that was already down form
overnight.

 

[Done-it-again]

So we are on our 3rd full day in Yellowstone at the west entrance. Here are some pics we took yesterday when we went inside in the afternoon.

Never been so we wanted to get the lay of the land.

 

[Done-it-again]

Some pics of this morning. We left the trailer at 4:30 am to try and catch animals roaming other than Buffalo.

It had snowed in the higher elv in the park and was 32-40 degrees till about 9am. Had some snow flurries here and there in early morning as well.

No bears or wolves just some Elk and more Buffalo.

 

[Done-it-again]

 

[Done-it-again]

Once 9-10am came around the park was busy as no rain was forecasted. I can’t imagine what it will be like mid-summer. No freakin way. You can get stuck in a traffic line for hours. We did yesterday for an hr and only went 2 miles when in reality it’s not “busy”.

Getting up at 4am again tomorrow and heading to a different part of the park. I like it when it’s not crowded. Will see what we find.

 

[snowhammer]

Some pics of this morning. We left the trailer at 4:30 am to try and catch animals roaming other than Buffalo.

It had snowed in the higher elv in the park and was 32-40 degrees till about 9am. Had some snow flurries here and there in early morning as well.

No bears or wolves just some Elk and more Buffalo.


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Man, what a great day to see the geysers

 

[Done-it-again]

Man, what a great day to see the geysers

It is, but at the same time you can’t always see the geyser pool’s true water colors as the steam coming off is too great.

 

[snowhammer]

It is, but at the same time you can’t always see the geyser pool’s true water colors as the steam coming off is too great.

I meant the blues sky, but yes the cool temps increase the steam.

 

[angiebaby]

Your first image of Old Faithful instantly reminded me of the classic NPS poster.

I'm extremely fortunate to say I've lost count of how many times I've been to Yellowstone. I've never seen a wolf. Elk, bison, deer, moose, black bear (never a griz), but not a wolf. Let us know if you happen to.

 

[Done-it-again]

This is what happens when you enter the park at about 9:30-10am

This line was about 4 miles long after getting in the west entrance.

 

[Done-it-again]

Here are some pics from yesterday. I did play with the color/saturation as regular pics don’t really do justice, so the colors here are really what you see in person.

 

[Done-it-again]

More from yesterday.

 

[rivermobster]

Try and check out Yellowstone Lake if you can. The views are absolutely amazing.

 

[angiebaby]

Try and check out Yellowstone Lake if you can. The views are absolutely amazing.

The ice on it just broke up this past week.

 

[Done-it-again]

Try and check out Yellowstone Lake if you can. The views are absolutely amazing.

The ice on it just broke up this past week.

We saw the west thumb side of the lake. Did not know it was that big, absolutely stunning. Never made it to the East entrance, but have to save something for next time.

 

[Done-it-again]

It’s getting hot today. Should be mid 70’s, we leave tomorrow for Utah for a couple of days and that’s going to be pushing 100. Yuck!!!!!

 

[renodaytona]

Thanks for sharing. We are in the midst of planning a Yellowstone trip for next year. Looks like we will follow your plan so we can enjoy the place with out the traffic issues.

 

[Done-it-again]

Thanks for sharing. We are in the midst of planning a Yellowstone trip for next year. Looks like we will follow your plan so we can enjoy the place with out the traffic issues.

Grizzly rv park in Montana (west entrance ) opens for 2023 October 1. They said that Jun/July are the busiest.

We have kids but so we need full hookups. Not sure the size of your rig but there are places in the parks too and typically have power but not always sewer or water. But have dump/water stations.

 

[Done-it-again]

Pulled in to Heber Ciry UT. DAMN it’s HOT.

Got 2 nights at mountain valley resort.

 

[Done-it-again]

Did the Tetons on Thursday. Didn’t know what to expect. We found out real quick that “hiking” was the thing to do. We visited Jenny lake and that was the hot spot to hike the Tetons. You take a boat across the water and off you go. We are not prepared hikers, so next time we will get our shit together. At least we will look the the part, physically that can be determined. Lol

Only a few pics of the mountains.

 

[Done-it-again]

Also did Jackson Wy, walked the town and had dinner at gun barrel steak house. Had a great Buffalo prim rib and a elk steak. Sorry no pics only of the horn arch in Jackson

 

[angiebaby]

Looks like you got lucky with the timing of your trip. Disaster struck last night ad this morning.

 

[Done-it-again]

Looks like you got lucky with the timing of your trip. Disaster struck last night ad this morning.

No kidding, just a few days later and we would be in the midst of it. Have been following your post and the wife has been looking at Instagram about it as well.

 

[Done-it-again]

Well, we are home. We did 2 nights in Heber City UT and just hung out. Did absolutely nothing ( well, I had a few to many bourbons the first night) and the kids swam cause it was 100. Nothing like coming for 50’s for weeks and hitting 100. I was miserable. But the kids liked the pool.

We left Heber this morning as the rain was rolling in, the high was going to be mid 50’ far cry from the 100 the day before.

We had a camping reservation in Vegas and dinner, but plans changes when it was 105 and DAMN windy. I decided to screw it and just drive home.

Nothing but wind from UT all the way to Fontana.

Coming in to Victorville , dust bowl.

Here is the milage and hours of the trip.

 

[LC925]

No kidding, just a few days later and we would be in the midst of it. Have been following your post and the wife has been looking at Instagram about it as well.

We have had this tripped planed since Sept 30th when bookings opens for Grizzly RV park, 8 RV’s worth… What days?! 6/22-6/29 leaving SoCal this coming Monday 6/20. We’re making stops in Beaver, UT and the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID. Well, after seeing what’s going on we are scrambling to figure out what now? Might extend the Snake River stay in hopes there is time to clean up some parts of the road. Not even sure if it’s worth still trying to get into the park.

The one time I plan something ahead of time, and I should have known better lol.

 

[Ducksquasher]

We have had this tripped planed since Sept 30th when bookings opens for Grizzly RV park, 8 RV’s worth… What days?! 6/22-6/29 leaving SoCal this coming Monday 6/20. We’re making stops in Beaver, UT and the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID. Well, after seeing what’s going on we are scrambling to figure out what now? Might extend the Snake River stay in hopes there is time to clean up some parts of the road. Not even sure if it’s worth still trying to get into the park.

The one time I plan something ahead of time, and I should have known better lol.

Us too...supposed to leave Friday for West Yellowstone. Not sure now?

 

[LC925]

Us too...supposed to leave Friday for West Yellowstone. Not sure now?

Heading out from where? Not sure if you’re solo or with a group, can reach out with itinerary after we see the assessment statement Wednesday/Thursday?! Will shuffle things around depending on the outcome. Sounding like the North loop might be the one affected long term.

 

[renodaytona]

My wife's co-worker and family are mid Yellowstone vacation right now. Couldn't imagine being in the middle of that on vacation.

 

[angiebaby]

We have had this tripped planed since Sept 30th when bookings opens for Grizzly RV park, 8 RV’s worth… What days?! 6/22-6/29 leaving SoCal this coming Monday 6/20. We’re making stops in Beaver, UT and the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID. Well, after seeing what’s going on we are scrambling to figure out what now? Might extend the Snake River stay in hopes there is time to clean up some parts of the road. Not even sure if it’s worth still trying to get into the park.

The one time I plan something ahead of time, and I should have known better lol.

That is heartbreaking. I would certainly continue to stay at Grizzly Park, but if YNP is completely closed some alternatives are to head north up 191 through the Gallatin Valley. It's one of my favorite drives. Bozeman is a day trip up 191, and if you like the Yellowstone series, that is where most of the town shots are set. It's a fun town. Do you have kids with you? Lewis & Clark Caverns are a couple of hours north of there up Hwy 287. So is Virginia City, the first territorial capital of Montana and a cool old mining town, (make sure to get the homemade ice cream). Ennis has a great distillery, Willie's, and an AMAZING meat market! Unfortunately, fishing will be worthless in this world-class fishing region for the time being. There are some lakes nearby for swimming/kayaking/etc. And, you might get lucky and have the lower end of the park open. The north end (Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs to the Lamar Valley) will definitely not be. Maybe a lot of others will cancel and it won't be so crowded.

 

[Ducksquasher]

Heading out from where? Not sure if you’re solo or with a group, can reach out with itinerary after we see the assessment statement Wednesday/Thursday?! Will shuffle things around depending on the outcome. Sounding like the North loop might be the one affected long term.

We area heading out from Fontana. Staying in Island Park, ID next week to visit Yellowstone and then over to Rapid City, SD to Mt. Rushmore to visit the surrounding area there the following week. Waiting game at this point to see what access will be like. Supposed to leave Friday.

 

[Ducksquasher]

That is heartbreaking. I would certainly continue to stay at Grizzly Park, but if YNP is completely closed some alternatives are to head north up 191 through the Gallatin Valley. It's one of my favorite drives. Bozeman is a day trip up 191, and if you like the Yellowstone series, that is where most of the town shots are set. It's a fun town. Do you have kids with you? Lewis & Clark Caverns are a couple of hours north of there up Hwy 287. So is Virginia City, the first territorial capital of Montana and a cool old mining town, (make sure to get the homemade ice cream). Ennis has a great distillery, Willie's, and an AMAZING meat market! Unfortunately, fishing will be worthless in this world-class fishing region for the time being. There are some lakes nearby for swimming/kayaking/etc. And, you might get lucky and have the lower end of the park open. The north end (Norris to Mammoth Hot Springs to the Lamar Valley) will definitely not be. Maybe a lot of others will cancel and it won't be so crowded.

Great suggestions...thank you! Please keep them coming!

 

[bowtiejunkie]

Well, we are home. We did 2 nights in Heber City UT and just hung out. Did absolutely nothing ( well, I had a few to many bourbons the first night) and the kids swam cause it was 100. Nothing like coming for 50’s for weeks and hitting 100. I was miserable. But the kids liked the pool.

We left Heber this morning as the rain was rolling in, the high was going to be mid 50’ far cry from the 100 the day before.

We had a camping reservation in Vegas and dinner, but plans changes when it was 105 and DAMN windy. I decided to screw it and just drive home.

Nothing but wind from UT all the way to Fontana.

Coming in to Victorville , dust bowl.
View attachment 1125667

Here is the milage and hours of the trip.

View attachment 1125666

Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Looked like a great trip (until your last day). Pics were on point!

 

[Done-it-again]

We have had this tripped planed since Sept 30th when bookings opens for Grizzly RV park, 8 RV’s worth… What days?! 6/22-6/29 leaving SoCal this coming Monday 6/20. We’re making stops in Beaver, UT and the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID. Well, after seeing what’s going on we are scrambling to figure out what now? Might extend the Snake River stay in hopes there is time to clean up some parts of the road. Not even sure if it’s worth still trying to get into the park.

The one time I plan something ahead of time, and I should have known better lol.

I feel ya! I think Yellowstone will be closed for the most part, how long IDK. If they only open 1 loop it’s going to be crazy busy, hrs in line with people watching buffalo. 7 days at Grizzly will get boring quick. Unless you take day trips to Cody and Jackson.

It’s a lot of people going to change direction, but look in South Dakota. We stayed at the KOA palmar gulch, right below Rushmore. Lots for kids to do and TONS of off-roading. Has more things to do and see.

Personally we like SD better and cannot wait to go back.

We talked to a couple in Idaho Falls who are from MT and told us to look at going to Butte and Helena MT. You could always try that.

 

[Done-it-again]

We area heading out from Fontana. Staying in Island Park, ID next week to visit Yellowstone and then over to Rapid City, SD to Mt. Rushmore to visit the surrounding area there the following week. Waiting game at this point to see what access will be like. Supposed to leave Friday.

How long in island park?

 

[LC925]

Well reading this now. Looks like the park might be all out of commission for a bit. Might have to plan for next year. Looking to extend in Snake River. Guy at the park just mentioned Grizzly RV might start canceling reservations too short term.

 

[Done-it-again]

Well reading this now. Looks like the park might be all out of commission for a bit. Might have to plan for next year. Looking to extend in Snake River. Guy at the park just mentioned Grizzly RV might start canceling reservations too short term. View attachment 1125843

Yikes...... I know its not easy easy getting spots and take an extra day to get there, but look in SD.... We really had a good time there..

 

[Ducksquasher]

Sa

How long in island park?

1 week and then over to Rapid City and Hill City. We couldn't get a full week at either place so we had to break it up.

 

[Looking Glass]

Did the Tetons on Thursday. Didn’t know what to expect. We found out real quick that “hiking” was the thing to do. We visited Jenny lake and that was the hot spot to hike the Tetons. You take a boat across the water and off you go. We are not prepared hikers, so next time we will get our shit together. At least we will look the the part, physically that can be determined. Lol

Only a few pics of the mountains.

View attachment 1125015 View attachment 1125016 View attachment 1125017

Breathtaking!! When thinking about "Cities" and then seeing this in person, it is hard to believe they are in the same country.

 

[Done-it-again]

Breathtaking!! When thinking about "Cities" and then seeing this in person, it is hard to believe they are in the same country.

Sure makes you wonder where and why you live where you do.

This is an untouched photo.

 

[Looking Glass]

Sure makes you wonder where and why you live where you do.

This is an untouched photo.

View attachment 1126455

I understand that where you were born and how you were raised, were out of your control. I hate to watch the young people being raised in places where So Much is Not helping them for their future. You have to make a living, but I remember working on our Farm and so many days at lunch or when not working, on my back out in a field looking up at the Beautiful Blue Sky and "Daydreaming" I sure did not appreciate "The Life". I hope your children are enjoying the Trip, as they are Memory Makers.

 

[Done-it-again]

So I haven't got all my fuel statements in.... But some quick math, looking between $2,800-$3,100 in fuel....

The part I was surprised on is I only went through 1 full tank of DEF....

 

[67 baron sprint LD 390 FE]

We did that similar trip last year. We loved it. We are headed to glacier national park and back to spearfish sd , then to Cheyenne for frontier days , then head to the flaming gorge . Prob close to 4,000 miles for us leaving from havasu .