travelinandgolfin

On the car ride from Jackson Airport, where we arrive, to West Yellowstone (and vice versa), I was pretty much treating them as days in the park (ie. stopping to see the sights, maybe do some short hikes, etc.).

BUT....the luggage will still be in the car. Just how safe is the park for such things? I'd be parked in "regular" parking areas (not out in the boonies, but still...)

I'd like to take advantage of the drives.

Thanks.

maj

We've always left our luggage in the car like you are suggesting. We've left it in the trunk or under the screen in an SUV type car. We always have the back seat packed with stuff when we are out for the day -- backpacks, etc. I have any really inportant information in a small pouch around my neck (license, insurance info, credit card info, etc., but have left my purse in the car -- not out in the open). We don't take expensive jewelry, etc. with us so our luggage mostly contains clothes. We do leave camera equipment, etc. at times also -- can't take everything with you when you are hiking, etc. but want it with you when you are driving around the park. Anything can happen, but I think probably most people do the same.

travelinandgolfin

Thanks maj.

To make use of the time, I'm going to have to do that anyway, but good to be reassured that it should be ok.

maria_so

we did that alot when we were there this past summer (2008). We even did an overnight kayaking trip and left everything in the car sans our backpacks for the overnight. I think it's safe.

spirobulldog

Your going to be suprised at how many times you stop right on the side of the road to look at wildlife. We had more hikes planned for Yellowstone than any other park we have been to (17 of them). We really never hiked at all. lol. There is just to much to see on a first visit. We did stop at Mudpots, thermal features, etc. Which this normally requires at least 30 minutes of leaving your car. I guess I never even thought about theft. I am sure we left a ton of stuff in very plain sight.

luvtravl

I guess theft is always possible but we have never had a problem on any of our National Park travels including Yellowstone.

RedRock

We have been visiting YS as well as other Parks for many years. We always have left campsites unattended with our camping gear. All the rest of our 'stuff' in the vehicle as we went about our daily activities.... Never a problem of any kind. But I guess if you think about it there is always a first time for something to be stolen.