Yellowstone Driving
 

Starting to do some research for a Yellowstone trip next year. Trying to decide whether to stay in the park or at an entrance. One factor might be driving times. It looks like there are two distinct highway 'loops' within the park that connect to the entrances. I know there are variables with weather, traffic, photo ops, aniamals, etc but what is an estimated time to drive these loops with standard stops/slowdowns? I can guess time to get there, just need the approximate loop time.

trg,

The answer is "DAYS". There is no predicting at all. Way too many variables. The whole point to to go, relax, see, do. Give Yellowstone a MINIMUM of 4 days.

Also, I would recommend staying inside the park. A much nicer experience and yes, less driving time. I have never cared for the entrance towns. Way too tacky.

"The answer is "DAYS". There is no predicting at all. Way too many variables. The whole point to to go, relax, see, do."

Totally agree!

I think this is a great map that Al has on his web site for someone new to Yellowstone. But, again, just estimated times.
http://www.alandsuejohnson.com/yello...ne_top_map.htm


You have to decide for yourself whether you would be more comfortable in the park or in the towns. Staying in the park is usually the best choice, but West Yellowstone and Gardiner aren't that far out of the park if cost or amenities are important to you.

It's not the mileage but the speeds you have to often go - in a line maybe at 25 mph...or crawling along for animal viewing...or pulling over for animal viewing. Definitely not a figure 8 speedway! Stay in the park usually at more than 1 place.

Don't rule out a night or so in Cooke City near the NE entrance. It gives easy access for early morn/evening wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley. Its also a good starting point for a days drive over the Beartooth Highway. Many people forget about this part of the park so its not as crowded.

Given the right conditions, you could drive the loops in a day; but knowing that doesn't help an iota when there are hundreds of places to stop, see, hike, etc. (I suggest checking out the US park service map of YNP, with the scale and mileage, and looking at, even plotting, all the loops within the loops, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and so on. You could spend days and days...)

p.s. Stayed within the park several times, also have camped, and all in all, prefer to stay in Gardiner over West Yellowstone or within the park; easy access to/from the park, lots of (reasonable) lodging options, quieter than West Y., and I don't find it tacky in the least.

I would stay in the park. I would allow a day in Upper Geyser Basin and at least dine in Old Faithful Inn one meal if you don't stay there. I would allow another day in tower/canyon area. Then another day to explore whatever else looks good to you. The only disappointment we had was Mammoth. I don't know what we were expecting, but it was not much really to us. I would see at least 3 or 4 other geysers other than OF. Castle was the best one in my opinion. You will want to spend a day in the tetons as well. We likes the cabins in Roosevelt and Colter Village. Tent cabins are really inexpesive. I would probably go in Mid-June to avoid the bigger crowds in July. However, the weather can be a little iffy at that time of year.

http://www.photoworks.com/members/Spirobulldog

These photos were taken last week. It had snowed several inches before we were there, but cleared enough for all the roads to open.

We stayed basically two nights and 2 1/2 days for touring. It was two short. We camped at Canyon, and came in from the Grand Teton side.

Keep in mind that the maximum speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 mph. It's even slower near the attraction areas, at busy times of the year/day, and when the freakin animals won't get off the road.

Yeah...those freakin' animals...what's their problem. LOL

why DO they let them wander around like that?!

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I found what seems to be a great place in Cooke City (All Season's Cabin) and was hoping we could base out of here and see the park over a 4-5 day period. Really seems like the reviews for lodging inside the park are not very good in regards to quality/price. Looks like you can get nicer places at the entrances for less money if you are willing to drive. One variable is that we will be there in mid-June and the traffic may not be as bad??

Cooke City is a beautiful location, good choice; don't worry about the driving, it is what it is. Just remember, often those slow-downs are caused by things like bison standing in the middle of the road; look at it as a photo op! Also, if you visit some places closer to sunset (or sunrise), parking will be easier and crowds will be smaller (Old Faithful, for example). You have plenty of time, so relax!

To correct my above post we will be there in mid-May. Hopefully will beat the big crowds.

You will certainly beat the crowds then!

In May you might find it difficult to get to a lot of the places in the park due to road closures. I don't know if most of the animals are out and about then.

I've been there all seasons, there's always some animal activity; sring and fall are my favorites. Unless there's a spring storm, things should be passable; but also possibly chilly (definately at night). Have a great time.