jz166

Hi all:

We're going to drive from SLC to Jacksonhole, Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone in July.

What's the best route should we use so we can get more excited scene?

Thanks,

gc

It's 320 or so miles...a full day's drive.

Go north to Driggs Idaho, then cross Teton Pass to get into Jackson Hole....awesome.

Before you go across the pass, keep going north towards Grand Targhee. There's a little general store on the left that serves boysenberry milk shakes...

http://www.mapquest.com/rtp/route.ad...079%2d400c254f

bob_brown

I too think the Teton Pass is spectacular. It is steep, however, so be prepared for a real mountain pass that can be dangerous if your brakes are not perfect.

I suggest going up through Logan, and up the canyon, and over the crest. Continue north along the Snake River to Jackson.

Come back over the Teton Pass.
Or do it the reverse way.
But get in that awesome pass one way or the other.

It might be best to ascend the pass west to east because I think that side is steeper. I know we drove over it once in a sorry rental car. The engine was turning about 5,000 rpm at a slow speed in a low gear, but we were not gaining much speed at all. My wife leaned over, studied the tachometer and the speedometer for about 30 seconds and finally concluded, "Well one of them is gaining."
I was afraid that one of the pistons was going to exit the engine block at any moment, or the rings were going to start burning.
At least nothing came lose from the camshaft and punched a hole in the engine block. We got to the top without loosing any coolant, of which I was very grateful.

I would not want to pour one of those boysenberry milkshakes in the radiater to cool it down. heck of a waste of a good milkshake. Yummy.

jet519

I think we went that way too. We also stopped and spent a couple of hours on Antelope Island which is north of Salt Lake City and is in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. The kids loved it and it was beautiful. Also, near Garden City and Fish Haven (I think this is where berry shake stands are also) is Bear Lake. It is gorgeous, turquoise blue.

jet519

One more thing I forgot. It seems like we left Salt Lake City mid morning, went to Antelope Island for a couple of hours, then drove the rest of the day and still arrived by 6:00 in Jackson Hole. We probably even did the tour of the Mormon Church area in the city before we left as well because I know we only spent one night in Salt Lake City and didn't arrive there until afternoon the day before. It will be a full day for you but doable without rushing if you get going early.

gc

West to east is steep.

In 1980 (S!@# I'm getting old) fabulous wife and I were moving from SFO to BOS, pulling a trailer across the country (Buick Regal, 305 V8 with a 4 barrel). Attempting to cross Teton pass, we were going 20 mph, pedal to the floor, and slowing down! Had to stop and turn around 1/4 mi from the top.

richbutnot

We drove from Logan to Grand Teton NP in about 4 hours in early June through Logan Pass and around Bear Island. But be aware, US Highway 89 from Montpelier Idaho to the Wyoming border was closed and we had to go south on 30 and then back up Wyoming 89. This was about a 20 mile detour and there were no signs until you got to the section that was closed.

I would NOT go to Antelope island. That will pale in comparison to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Not worth the $8 and 20 minute drive from the Interstate.

bob_brown

If I had tried to pull a trailer over the Teton pass in that rental I had, the thing would have blown two head gaskets before it got to the second curve!

I think a 455 cubic inch engine is what you need, and manual shift.

Just joking, most cars without a trailer will make it fine.
I wimped out on a 22% grade on a forest road going to Hells Canyon.

jz166

Thanks to all!