I will be doing a road trip by myself in late September through Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Any thoughts on what to do, where to go, what not to miss? Also, any issues with going solo?

My only real concern would be that your cellphone coverage goes through that entire area. That, and a real spare tire that you know how to change!

WY, MT and ID? I hope you're thinking of a trip to Yellowstone/Grand Teton at the very least! Stop over in Jackson Hole, WY or West Yellowstone, MT if you need a busier place to hang out.

I was quite fond of the Big Horn County Historical Museum near the battlefield where the Battle of Little Bighorn was fought in MT.

Also, exercise street smarts. That applies no matter where you go.

Safety for driving distances solo:

Take a self defense course at your local community center or police station

Know how you change a tire yourself

Make sure you have an emergency car kit with flares, etc
(can get online or at local car service supply center)

A small emergency bag in trunk with water (so what if it is warm), power bars, $50 cash, and whatever else is essential to you (small contact solution, etc) etc in case you need it in emergency

Good road maps/flashlight-magnifying glass reader/gps

Keep your eyes and ears open and your wits about you and you'll be fine !

As far as where to go, what not to miss, etc can't help with that have not done a solo trip in those states yet - when traveling solo I tend to do evening things like gallery openings, church suppers or functions open to the public (of any and all churches and find the most welcoming people) - or even a local school play or event - or early to bed and early to rise to get on the road and get the good photos -

also tended to eat at the bar, where for some reason in most places, the bartender always tended to look out for a solo woman at the bar who obviously was not looking for something more than a meal
if you are looking for more, well that's another list of ideas -

is the solo traveler category still on this site?
imagine you would find lots of good info there !

have fun ! post a trip report when you return -

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1874

Thanks for the info

what an interesting trip, Janet! How did you decide on it? I have never done a solo trip like this.... I have gone solo around the world and most places in Europe. I hear Sun Valley and Coeur D'Alene are nice in Idaho. Have a great time.

What kind of road trip? Have you decided on your stops yet?

I spent a week of solo days many years ago based out of the West Yellowstone area. The "men-folk" were fishing the Box Canyon of the Snake River from dawn to dusk so I'd head into Yellowstone or just head out for long drives/ day trips. We were in little cabins and it was one of my favorite trips ever. I was really into photography then so could spend the entire day shooting in Yellowstone (taking my time). One day I took a ranger-led hike to standing petrified trees on a ridge - a highlight of the trip. I really enjoyed it a lot.

I'm planning a drive trip from SLC into Montana for "sometime soon" but if I were planning a solo trip I'd repeat the week in the Yellowstone area (including Grand Teton NP).

I've done many road trips solo, near and far... 1, lock your doors, car, hotel and whatever, don't tell anyone you meet that you're traveling alone. 2, Say "we're doing this, going here" blah, and don't give specifics on where you're going or staying or what you'd like to find out about, just say that "we're interested in...." when you gas your car always fill up to stop as little as possible and use your check or credit card, travel with food and beverages in a cooler if you can to save time and money. get a road atlas beforehand and determine the route you're going and see what there is to do on the way (parks, landmarks, etc..) the computer offers a wealth of info and all u have to do is look for it. other than that keep an eye on weather reports in the area you're traveling to to be safe. Have fun and be safe!

also,when you stop to spend the night or anytime you get in touch w someone let them know where you are, where you've been and where you're going next, and get a calling card just in case your cell phone dosen't work

We've got a lot of Yellowstone information and some on the Tetons in our website.

www.alandsuejohnson.com
Yellowstone link on the left.

Make sure you take some warm clothes. You could run into snow and other nastiness. I don't know how likely it would be but its different than back here in the east. It snowed during parts of the first five days we were in Yellowstone in early June.

I think your trip sounds like a lot of fun.

I've traveled alot solo..in this part of the country and my biggest concern is the weather.

I just rtned from Wyoming Cody area visting my Dad: they will have an early winter & I do mean WINTER. Yesterday it rained cats & dogs in Cody..it snowed in all the mountains ALOT..
I know gas costs alot but I highly rec renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Also take a weather radio with you.
Be also careful as you travel: speed limits are well posted and when you roll into small towns SLOW DOWN. Police just love giving tickets..
Cody I like the Buffalo BIll Museum & there is a little Big Horn Sheep exhibit. nearby. Often you will see deer in downttown Cody.As you drive keep an eye open for critters, deer antelope eagles hawks etc..and be sure to check your ins.

East entrence to Yellowstone..this entrqnce closes in winter so check before yuou go thru. I also like Misoula MT as it is a college town..

Billings is just a moderate size town to me.

Missoula is the best - lots of great restaurants and things to do (though unfortunately you'll miss the summer events). Stay near the old town center (Higgins) if you can (e.g. Double Tree/Edgewater, Holiday Inn Downtown by the Park, Goldsmith's B&B, maybe even the Campus Inn), as it has way more character than all of the millions of hotels on Reserve Street.

I don't have any issues with going solo, or, with you going solo. Watch yer speed in Montana and watch out for speed in the Flathead Valley.

Hey Janet!

I am so excited for you! I have traveled solo for many years and LOVE it. Bring a journal and write all your thoughts and experiences.

My only concern is making sure my cellphone is charged. And I always check in with the a staff member at the hotel when going out late. Just letting them know where and when I should be back.

Please do a trip report when you get home.

Theresa in Detroit.

I travel solo and returned from a trip to SD & WY this summer. I prefer to stay in B&Bs which are more personal when I'm solo. Cody, WY was a great town - too bad the rodeo will be over until next summer, but spent about 8 hrs in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and didn't finish it. The drive on the Chief Joseph Hwy to Yellowstone was beautiful but the Beartooth Highway to MT was spectacular! Red Lodge, MT was also a cute town, and I wish I had more time to explore but had spent my day enjoying the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone.

i've travelled solo alone in many parts of the world. great way to do it as you don't have to consult with anyone else when to go, when to stop and don't have to put up with anyone's bad moods except yourself! my most recent was a 3 month cross country (canada & the us) drive. had no problems at all. just be smart.
ALWAYS cracks me up these days when people harp on the cell phone issue. for many, many, many years people travelled long distances without the technology of the cell phone and many, many survived just fine. all hell WILL NOT break out if you loose a signal for a while.
have fun.