Hello,

We are going to be in Billings in July and have very limited time and are wondering if you had to choose between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, which would you choose? It is killing us that we can't spend more time but we want to at least see one or the other. We will be traveling on a motorcycle and I am a little concerned with all the wildlife that is so close to the roads in Yellowstone. Will that be a problem? Thanks for your input!!!

Susan

Unless you main goal is alpine hiking or avoiding crowds at all costs, I'd go with Yellowstone -- it has more unique features that just about any national park. You can find glaciers and glorious mountains at many other places in the world, but not geysers at more than a few. You will also get yellow canyon, huge waterfalls, and more accessible wildlife.

Wildlife near the road are not be more of a problem for motorcycles than they are for cars -- hitting a 400 kg moose is not good for anyone, least of all the moose. Just learn to drive the posted speed limit while in the park, slowing down even further during dusk and dawn, and you should be fine.

Realize that with the motorcycle you are very vulnerable and drive accordingly. Don't stop close to the moose or bears or bison and you'll be fine. If you stop too close the unfamiliar shape of a rider or 2 on a cycle may cause them to charge you.

Also realize that Glacier Park is a little over 400 miles from Billings while Yellowstone is just over 100 miles.

I'd agree with Yellowstone. You can see a lot without getting off the bike. Glacier is gorgeous but is best appreciated by hiking some, in my opinion. Yellowstone can be enjoyed by passing through if that's all you can do.

Many pictures of both parks on our website, if you're curious.

www.AlandSueJohnson.com

Click on the bison pic.

Stop fretting. There is not contest: Yellowstone AND the nearby Grand Tetons.

Yellowstone Tetons are the better parks. Glacier was interesting for a day, we don't hike so there wasnt much for us to do there, a day and a half was fine. We have spent a total of 10 days in Yellowstone/ Tetons and didnt see everything and we were awestruck on a daily basis. We will return to Yellowstone Tetons some day, 1 trip to Glacier was fine, no desire to return

Yellowstone/Teton is much closer, but there's nothing better than a long drive through Montana. Especially on a motorcycle.
I'm partial to Glacier.
Dan
www.familtroadtrippers.blogspot.com

Glacier is spectacular, but I'd choose Yellowstone for its unique inside-out earth geography.

The scenery at Glacier is a lot like Banff and Jasper Parks in Canada. I'd suggest you go to Yellowstone this time, and add Banff to your list of places to go. I'd go there over Glacier.

Thanks everyone for the input. The main thing we had heard about Glacier was the road to the sun and thought that would be awesome on a motorcycle. We are riding from Ohio so I was thinking maybe we could do a big loop and hit Glacier heading home and Yellowstone on the way to Billings but that may be pushing it too much. We have ridden the motorcyle in Arizona but have never been to Montana so I'm sure we will be blown away with the scenery. I am still a little concerned about the wildlife. I would never get off the bike if they were that close. I just feel so much more vulnerable when you never know what they are going to do. We are not hikers so we don't need any extra time for that. Any additional input or suggestions would be appreciated. It's very helpful.

Susan

We all have our favorites. Glacier is my favorite. i love yellowstone and am going there this summer but being a hiker, Glacier is just so wonderful and going to the sun road is beautiful . but again, i look at glacier thru the eyes of a hiker.

yellowstone is spectacular too but you do have to take some time off the road to appreciate all it has to offer. if you plan on a straight thru drive. going to the sun road IMO might be the better ride.

also though, if you combine the beartooth highway (to enter yellowstone) you can get a great ride and then take the time to see the features of yellowstone.

that may be the solution to get in a great mountain ride and take in some unique natural wonders.

Drive from Billings to Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway. It doesn't get much more spectacular than that.