Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Travel Topics > Road Trips
Reload this Page >

Road trip from California to Yellowstone

Search

Road trip from California to Yellowstone

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 11:30 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Road trip from California to Yellowstone

My family and I are planning to take a road trip from Sacramento to West Yellowstone in June We will be staying in Island Park, Idaho which is close to the West entrance of Yellowstone. We are planning on making the drive in two days, stopping overnight somewhere in between. We're looking for suggestions on a senic route with a couple of nice stopping points. We're the outdoorsy type so parks, river, waterfalls, etc. would be a big hit.
Hoai is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 11:38 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We've done this drive a couple of times and have stayed in Twin Falls, Idaho. Day 1 is a full day of driving (8 hours) and day 2 is just 4 hours or so getting you to Yellowstone in time for afternoon activities.

It's not a very scenic route across Nevada. So, we just drive it as quickly as possible.
Otis_B_Driftwood is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 01:05 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think your route is pretty obvious, I-80 into Salt Lake City and I-15 north from there. We have never done that although we have thought about flying into SLC from the Bay Area. We like to RV and our thought was to rent an RV in SLC and go from there. The mountains above SLC are amazing and within easy reach of the city. They would be well worth any time you might have to spend there.

If you are interested to consider RV'ing, you might look into it. Our daily routine in an RV is to wake-up at whatever time we wish, usually start heading in whatever direction we are going that day, and stop along the way for a leisurely breakfast by finding the most beautiful and private spot we can find. Combine that with a short hike or sight-seeing and then continue the trip to arrive in time for checking out our destination. Non-travel days have the luxuries of home except the home goes wherever you wish.
jlub is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 01:52 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Any interesting ghost towns to visit in Nevada?
Hoai is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 05:30 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you use google maps, you will see the recommended route through Twin Falls. If you use the alternate suggestion of going through Salt Lake City, it will add at least an hour to your trip.

There is a neat ghost town in Northern Nevada. It's called Jarbridge but it's a significant detour and takes you off the main highways for quite a spell. Tuscarora is another option, but it too is a ways off the highway. Here's some links to them - http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/jarbidge.html, http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/tuscarora.html

There's also a couple near West Yellowstone in Montana that I've visited which are well worth visiting. Bannack and Virginia City.
Otis_B_Driftwood is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2013, 12:29 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you. We have lots of options for our drive now. Looking forward to the actual trip.
Hoai is offline  
Old Feb 22nd, 2013, 02:46 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,733
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 4 Posts
Consider taking a detour over to Craters of the Moon NM.
http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Is there a better place to stay in Island Park than in West Yellowstone MT?
tomfuller is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
totaltravel
United States
6
Aug 15th, 2010 08:49 PM
LakesideChick
United States
3
Jul 18th, 2010 08:22 PM
gandb7
United States
6
Feb 19th, 2006 10:35 AM
Dave
United States
4
May 3rd, 2002 08:02 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -