Help w/itinerary for Yellowstone - RV from SLC
Jun 6th, 2008, 12:52 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help w/itinerary for Yellowstone - RV from SLC
I LOVE this forum and relied heavily on it last year for our trip to the Grand Canyon. I am stumped however this year. Due to limited flights, my best friend's family and I are flying to Salt Lake City and picking up our RV and heading to Jackson, Tetons and then Yellowstone.
Our BIGGEST dilemma is that we don't know which way to go back to SLC after we're done doing Yellowstone.
here's our itinerary: Driving to Jackson, staying at Snow King; driving to Tetons, staying at Jackson Lake; driving to Yellowstone: staying first at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful(since we couldn't get one hotel for 2 nights); followed by Mammoth Springs.
Now, we have 3 days left and have to head back to SLC. Which way should we go so that we are still doing fun stuff(have 4 kids with us) - would LOVE to do a dude/guest ranch for a night if possible but WHERE? Is there anything to do in Idaho on the way back since that may be the path we're taking?
Leaving in one month. Need help from the Fodorites!
Thanks!
Best Friends, Headed West with Kids in an RV!!
Our BIGGEST dilemma is that we don't know which way to go back to SLC after we're done doing Yellowstone.
here's our itinerary: Driving to Jackson, staying at Snow King; driving to Tetons, staying at Jackson Lake; driving to Yellowstone: staying first at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful(since we couldn't get one hotel for 2 nights); followed by Mammoth Springs.
Now, we have 3 days left and have to head back to SLC. Which way should we go so that we are still doing fun stuff(have 4 kids with us) - would LOVE to do a dude/guest ranch for a night if possible but WHERE? Is there anything to do in Idaho on the way back since that may be the path we're taking?
Leaving in one month. Need help from the Fodorites!
Thanks!
Best Friends, Headed West with Kids in an RV!!
Jun 6th, 2008, 04:00 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No. Actually, I wanted this to post in the Wyoming section but the only choice I had was for U.S. How do I get this over there? Plus, my main concern is not so much being in the RV but just where to go on the way back to SLC. Any thoughts?
Jun 6th, 2008, 05:05 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK fleeflee,
Now I'm really confused. Are you camping in an RV or staying in hotels and lodges?
How many nights do you have total and how many nights in each location you mentioned? Are you actually onl spending 2 nights IN Yellowstone??
If so, you don't have 3 days left to spend getting back to SLC. You really need to add 2 days to Yellowstone and spend the last day driving back.
2 days in Yellowstone isn't even worth the cost of the gas to get there, especially in an RV!
Now I'm really confused. Are you camping in an RV or staying in hotels and lodges?
How many nights do you have total and how many nights in each location you mentioned? Are you actually onl spending 2 nights IN Yellowstone??
If so, you don't have 3 days left to spend getting back to SLC. You really need to add 2 days to Yellowstone and spend the last day driving back.
2 days in Yellowstone isn't even worth the cost of the gas to get there, especially in an RV!
Jun 6th, 2008, 05:52 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry for the confusion. Here's the deal....
We are arriving in SLC on July 1st. We are picking up the RV and heading to Yellowstone. Our first stop will be Jackson(Snow King), then on to Tetons(staying at Jackson Lake), then on to Old Faithful Snow Lodge for one night and Old Faithful Inn the next(that's all we could get even though we booked a while ago), then off to Mammoth Springs Hotel....THEN that brings us to the morning of July 5th....we depart in the a.m out of SLC on the 8th.
So, now we need to figure out where to go from Mammoth on back to SLC. From what I researched, I don't think there's much unless I'm missing some good inside, in the know, info. I was told that the most direct route from up there would be through Idaho back. But is there a ranch or anything good to stop and stay at?
We are arriving in SLC on July 1st. We are picking up the RV and heading to Yellowstone. Our first stop will be Jackson(Snow King), then on to Tetons(staying at Jackson Lake), then on to Old Faithful Snow Lodge for one night and Old Faithful Inn the next(that's all we could get even though we booked a while ago), then off to Mammoth Springs Hotel....THEN that brings us to the morning of July 5th....we depart in the a.m out of SLC on the 8th.
So, now we need to figure out where to go from Mammoth on back to SLC. From what I researched, I don't think there's much unless I'm missing some good inside, in the know, info. I was told that the most direct route from up there would be through Idaho back. But is there a ranch or anything good to stop and stay at?
Jun 6th, 2008, 10:03 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fleeflee,
I am also confused. An RV is a recreational vehicle (motorhome) and usually that means staying at campgrounds but you are staying at lodges and snow cabins.
How large an RV did you rent? I agree with Dayle, that 3 nights is not enough time to really see all Yellowstone has to offer. I'd also spend two more nights in Yellowstone.
Utahtea
I am also confused. An RV is a recreational vehicle (motorhome) and usually that means staying at campgrounds but you are staying at lodges and snow cabins.
How large an RV did you rent? I agree with Dayle, that 3 nights is not enough time to really see all Yellowstone has to offer. I'd also spend two more nights in Yellowstone.
Utahtea
Jun 7th, 2008, 05:53 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for responding Utahtea! We learned of you last year when we did Arizona(Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Sedona,....) Your advise was GREAT!
To clear up the confusion with the RV, allow me to explain...we are a bunch of New Yorkers("city slickers") who decided it would be fun to rent an rv and head out west with all the kids. A good ol' fashioned American family vacation(hey, we are from the Brady Bunch generation). Our kids range in age from 8-13 and for them the RV was "the coolest", the husbands enjoyed the open road experience as well. Just the novelty of the RV added to our fun and offered so many opportunities to help pass the time away with the long drive(with the kids' especially). We are not campers but did give it a try a few nights and it was fun. But then we had to stay in The Enchantment in Sedona too!
Soooo, this year we thought we'd do it all again and visit Yellowstone. But when we learned that there were no direct flights to anywhere near there we had to settle on SLC. Learning about the 6 hour drive, it was back to renting the RV again.
We're not hikers at all but we still want to visit Yellowstone for the experience so I'm not too concerned about needing alot of time there, although I know it does just take time to get around.
But back to my original dilemma, HOW should we get back to SLC without it just being a "dismal" ride through Idaho(per the quote of another poster). Any ranches or nice hotels or even campground worth stopping at?
To clear up the confusion with the RV, allow me to explain...we are a bunch of New Yorkers("city slickers") who decided it would be fun to rent an rv and head out west with all the kids. A good ol' fashioned American family vacation(hey, we are from the Brady Bunch generation). Our kids range in age from 8-13 and for them the RV was "the coolest", the husbands enjoyed the open road experience as well. Just the novelty of the RV added to our fun and offered so many opportunities to help pass the time away with the long drive(with the kids' especially). We are not campers but did give it a try a few nights and it was fun. But then we had to stay in The Enchantment in Sedona too!
Soooo, this year we thought we'd do it all again and visit Yellowstone. But when we learned that there were no direct flights to anywhere near there we had to settle on SLC. Learning about the 6 hour drive, it was back to renting the RV again.
We're not hikers at all but we still want to visit Yellowstone for the experience so I'm not too concerned about needing alot of time there, although I know it does just take time to get around.
But back to my original dilemma, HOW should we get back to SLC without it just being a "dismal" ride through Idaho(per the quote of another poster). Any ranches or nice hotels or even campground worth stopping at?
Jun 7th, 2008, 05:59 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fleeflee,
Check your other post, I gave you some options there.
I have to chuckle a little at you "city slickers" if you think a 6 hour drive merits an RV. In the west a 6 hour (1/2 day) drive is considered short - a long weekend trip!
Remember - an RV is harder to park in the lots in the GTMP and Yellowstone. You will find the roads more winding and narrow than your Grand Canyon trip. Need we mention the cost of GAS??? Just some things to think about since you are staying in hotels anyway....
2 days isn't enough time to even drive around Yellowstone even if you don't do any hiking.
Check your other post, I gave you some options there.
I have to chuckle a little at you "city slickers" if you think a 6 hour drive merits an RV. In the west a 6 hour (1/2 day) drive is considered short - a long weekend trip!
Remember - an RV is harder to park in the lots in the GTMP and Yellowstone. You will find the roads more winding and narrow than your Grand Canyon trip. Need we mention the cost of GAS??? Just some things to think about since you are staying in hotels anyway....
2 days isn't enough time to even drive around Yellowstone even if you don't do any hiking.
Jun 7th, 2008, 09:14 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Dayle. Yes, we are soooo all over the place with this trip as organized as my friend and I are at planning it seems with this one we're just plain stumped. Think about it, there were no direct flights near Yellowstone so it had to be SLC. After flying 6 hours with kids to then just get in regular car(with 8 people) would be crazy so splurging on the RV makes it all fun. When we originally booked, we didn't think about the cost of gas being where it's at now. But believe me the cost of airfare to connect and get to Jackson was ridiculous...almost a Catch 22.
If we are intent on getting our kids to Yellowstone(and ourselves), what choice do we have? I mean I guess we could have stayed at some guest ranch for the week and took a day trip in to Yellowstone and that would be it. But this way, we get to experience a little bit more than that(although a lot less than what many others plan on doing there.)
Plus, we're getting to do so much along the way: Jackson, Tetons and Yellowstone. That's alot. Believe me, I'm concerned about how we're going to fill our days even with the limited amount of time at each place since we're not hikers(at all!); believe me we all appreciate nature and the beauty but with kids, that grows old fast.
And FINALLY, I appreciate your input BUT what about my main question: how should we get back to SLC - which route and where to go???
If we are intent on getting our kids to Yellowstone(and ourselves), what choice do we have? I mean I guess we could have stayed at some guest ranch for the week and took a day trip in to Yellowstone and that would be it. But this way, we get to experience a little bit more than that(although a lot less than what many others plan on doing there.)
Plus, we're getting to do so much along the way: Jackson, Tetons and Yellowstone. That's alot. Believe me, I'm concerned about how we're going to fill our days even with the limited amount of time at each place since we're not hikers(at all!); believe me we all appreciate nature and the beauty but with kids, that grows old fast.
And FINALLY, I appreciate your input BUT what about my main question: how should we get back to SLC - which route and where to go???
Jun 7th, 2008, 12:50 PM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fleeflee,
As I mentioned above, I first posted on your other thread with a couple of options route-wide.
With the additional information from you, I think you should drive straight to Park City and enjoy the town. Lots of nice places to stay and a huge variety of things to do - even for the non-athletic.
I think you will do better sticking with just one post, rather than posting every question separately.
Happy planning
As I mentioned above, I first posted on your other thread with a couple of options route-wide.
With the additional information from you, I think you should drive straight to Park City and enjoy the town. Lots of nice places to stay and a huge variety of things to do - even for the non-athletic.
I think you will do better sticking with just one post, rather than posting every question separately.
Happy planning
Jun 7th, 2008, 04:18 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much Dayle. Sorry for the confusion with the different posts but as you may tell, I've never done this before. I never received your other post. My original intention was to post in the forum for Wyoming but when I tried it just let me do for U.S.! But then later somehow I was able to get in to the Wyoming post. So I'm still learning how to do this. Meanwhile, all last year Ilived on these sites in order to do our Southwest vacation but I never attempted to correspond. I just searched and read. I hope I can find where you gave me all the info. Park City sounds good though. My husband attends SunDance Festival.(isn't that there??)
If you EVER need help with NYC, please let me know - it's the "wild west" out here but in a totally different way!
If you EVER need help with NYC, please let me know - it's the "wild west" out here but in a totally different way!
Jun 7th, 2008, 04:43 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Dayle - just saw on another post somewhere that you live in Park City! How wonderful. So, perhaps you can recommend a hotel to stay in, preferable one with a nice pool(slide,water park??). I saw on another site all there is to do that the kids will love(alpine slide, zip line,...) I think in the end that may be best. But if we're up by Mammoth(upon completion of Yellowstone), how long of a drive is it all the way to Park City? I guess it must be just about the full trip back since it's only 30 min. from SLC. But if there's nothing else along the way back, we might as well bite the bullet and take the long trip back the day before we planned so at least we can enjoy Park City, since it's "a must." But, if we have to return our RV to the place in SLC the night before we leave, then that means we have to head over to a hotel in SLC(because once we get rid of the RV, we'll have to rely on cabs to the airport.) Any thoughts on where to stay in SLC that's still accessible to the airport(but not some dinky airport motel!!)
Little by little, we're figuring it out and it's coming together....it HAS to since the other family suggested just going to an island and relaxing!! These are the years for us all to go on adventures together as a family!!
Little by little, we're figuring it out and it's coming together....it HAS to since the other family suggested just going to an island and relaxing!! These are the years for us all to go on adventures together as a family!!
Jun 7th, 2008, 04:53 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fleeflee,
Yellowstone is an enormous park, you should almost thing of it as several parks in one. Geyser area, lake, canyon, falls, hot springs.
Take it from someone who's visited the park in a motorhome, it's slow driving between areas.
You don't have to do a lot of hiking to see this park, but you will want to get out of the vehicle and see the geysers, hot springs, mud volcano's, canyon, and falls.
You are flying all this way, please reconsider spending two more nights in the park. There is nothing in the area that can compare to this park.
Utahtea
Yellowstone is an enormous park, you should almost thing of it as several parks in one. Geyser area, lake, canyon, falls, hot springs.
Take it from someone who's visited the park in a motorhome, it's slow driving between areas.
You don't have to do a lot of hiking to see this park, but you will want to get out of the vehicle and see the geysers, hot springs, mud volcano's, canyon, and falls.
You are flying all this way, please reconsider spending two more nights in the park. There is nothing in the area that can compare to this park.
Utahtea
Jun 7th, 2008, 05:28 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In another thread you asked: Does anyone have any thoughts on driving a 25ft RV through Yellowsone?
We had a 24 ft motorhome that we took to Yellowstone several times and last time we took our 30 ft motorhome. It will be harder to find parking places in some locations like Tower Junction otherwise you shouldn't have any problems. You might find your travel times take longer than in a car.
Utahtea
We had a 24 ft motorhome that we took to Yellowstone several times and last time we took our 30 ft motorhome. It will be harder to find parking places in some locations like Tower Junction otherwise you shouldn't have any problems. You might find your travel times take longer than in a car.
Utahtea
Jun 7th, 2008, 06:53 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Utahtea! I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed your posts when we did last year's trip to the Grand Canyon. Your advice was great! Want to tell you our highlights: The Enchantment Resort, of course(it was so funny pulling into that place with an RV!!) The pink jeep tour was crazy fun!! Loved our tour guy Bob. The Grand Canyon train ride was so great for the kids. We actually stayed in a campground with the rv and it was fun! It was the one where you pick up the train. Loved the whole Route 66 strip. Enjoyed El Tovar! Then it was on to Lake Powell and did the float trip on the 4th of July! We all wore red, white and blue and brought flags. It was so great again for the kids to celebrate American there! But of course what my kids still talk about is Suzie!!! The Navajo indian woman who is 100 and lives down in Monument Valley! A local took us to meet her and we went into her hogan!! The best is that my third grade twins learned all about the Southwest this year and they brought in all their pictures from this trip to show their class. My son loves his Kokapeli necklace. It was a great trip and I would love to go back!!!
Jun 7th, 2008, 08:29 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi fleeflee,
Glad I could be of help. You might want to check out the Yellowstone's Old West Dinner Cookout in Yellowstone from the Roosevelt Lodge. http://www.travelyellowstone.com/old...kout-1127.html
Utahtea
Glad I could be of help. You might want to check out the Yellowstone's Old West Dinner Cookout in Yellowstone from the Roosevelt Lodge. http://www.travelyellowstone.com/old...kout-1127.html
Utahtea
Jun 8th, 2008, 07:20 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fleeflee,
I'll say again (adding to utahtea's recommendation) that you really should add your "extra" days to Yellowstone. Believe me, you will not have any problem filling your days. If the kids need structured "activities", there are horseback rides, boat rides, wildlife tours, ranger walks around the geysers, and chuckwagon dinners.
Drive straight back to SLC, drop the RV and stay your last night.
If you really can't conceive of this, then consider driving back by way of Bear Lake. You will go back through Star Valley this way. Not a bad thing at all. Bear Lake is a huge (bigger than Tahoe I think) high altitude lake. There are hotels, "resorts", condos, cabins, shopping, water skiing, boating, ski doos, etc. Water is FREEZING, but it's really a pretty place and very popular in the summer. You will needs reservations where ever you decide to stay.
Bear Lake would be about half way back to SLC. Yes, Park City would be almost all the way.
You might want to check out www.parkcityinfo.com.
I'll say again (adding to utahtea's recommendation) that you really should add your "extra" days to Yellowstone. Believe me, you will not have any problem filling your days. If the kids need structured "activities", there are horseback rides, boat rides, wildlife tours, ranger walks around the geysers, and chuckwagon dinners.
Drive straight back to SLC, drop the RV and stay your last night.
If you really can't conceive of this, then consider driving back by way of Bear Lake. You will go back through Star Valley this way. Not a bad thing at all. Bear Lake is a huge (bigger than Tahoe I think) high altitude lake. There are hotels, "resorts", condos, cabins, shopping, water skiing, boating, ski doos, etc. Water is FREEZING, but it's really a pretty place and very popular in the summer. You will needs reservations where ever you decide to stay.
Bear Lake would be about half way back to SLC. Yes, Park City would be almost all the way.
You might want to check out www.parkcityinfo.com.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
April_Retherford
United States
3
Jul 27th, 2012 08:08 AM
soniabristol
United States
10
May 27th, 2010 07:06 PM
