We have been thinking of a driving trip to Mt Rushmore and vacinity, then on to Yellowstone and the Teatons, and then through part of Colorado and Denver. It would be just for sightseeing. We aren't campers or hikers. The problem is we can't get to the Mt Rushmore area until about October 16th. Is this too late in the year? I know the lodges are closed in Yellowstone by then. Where should we look for places to stay? We only have about two weeks and it is a two day drive to Mt Rushmore and from Denver. Any comments or input would be much appreciated.
OCTOBER TRIP MT RUSHMORE, YELLOWSTONE, TEATONS, AND COLORADO
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Not sure what you are asking. That is a huge loop with several days of driving. By mid to late Oct you could encounter major snows in the Teatons and the Rocky Mountains. Many of our skis areas will be open by late October.
You should be okay in and around Mt. Rushmore during that time - might be a little chilly, but we shouldn't have snow by then. I can't comment about the other places though.
Driving from Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone/Tetons will take all day, you might want to spend the night in Cody, Sheridan or Buffalo, WY. I like Cody because it has the Buffalo Bill Museum. Whatever you do, make reservations early because October is hunting season in Wyoming and just about every hotel gets booked up especially on the weekends.
Yellowstone and the Tetons are gorgeous in the fall. Dress warm at night because it could possibly be snowing, but it will still be nice to drive around during the day. It won't take as long either because tourist season is over. You might want to take a picnic lunch or something if some of the lodges are closed. Since you are looking at the Tetons too, maybe stay in Jackson Hole, WY and drive up to the parks during the day. West Yellowstone has a lot of hotels too, it looked like a fun touristy place. It's more over by the Idaho border.
Regarding the drive from Jackson to Denver, try to go the route through Casper. It's 2 lane most of the way, but if you like hot springs swimming, stay overnight in Thermopolis, WY as they have a few nice warm mineral pools. They have a Holiday Inn right at the park. Very easy to access. Then in Casper, there is the Historical Trails Museum and a few art museum, (if you like that stuff), if you stay on I25, it will take you right to Denver. Denver is about 5 hours from Casper.
Also if you go the route to Casper, stop in a little town about 45 min southeast of Thermopolis. It's called Shoshoni, they have a store called Yellowstone Drug. They make the most fantastic milkshakes you have ever had!
If you need any info on Denver, post and let us know. Lots to see and do there, too.
Regarding the drive from
Thank you all for your responses. I was able to reschedule the trip a little earlier leaving September 23rd to October 18th or 19th. I will post a more specific question under a new thread. Thanks again. You were lost of help.
My wife and I took a similar trip a few years ago. We also included the Devil's Tower ( of Close Encounters fame ) and the Custer battlefield which is very good if you purchase the audio tour cd.Lots of driving but enjoyable.
My husband and I are planning a similar trip - flying into SLC and going to Tetons, Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. I am really stuck as to where to stay that is inexpensive instead of paying to stay in all of the lodges, etc. We will be in our second week of vacation - the first week is at Grand Canyon. Any guidance is appreciated.