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Yellowstone trip help


aunut

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We are thinking about going to West Yellowstone in the coach next summer. We've never been there. Having a 'gasser' and towing a vehicle, I'm wondering just how many mountain crossings will be involved and how steep. We'll be coming from the east. I don't know if I want to attempt it if there are many substantial mountains we have to cross.

2014 Winnebago Vista 35B Class A. 2010 Honda CR-V.

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If you do interstates, I-80 or I-90 are good. There are a few exceptions, like on I-70 just west of Denver, that have a higher grade but interstates generally go no more than 6%. The uphills/downhills are very gradual over miles so sometimes you don't even realize you're climbing. They are multiple lanes and the semi trucks will be on the far right lane on climbs. . just tuck in behind them and take your time.

 

If you're planning Yellowstone you really have to do Grand Teton National Park, also. They are both completely different in looks, things to do and critters.

 

If you take I-80 into Wyoming, the best way to the Tetons is exiting at Rock Springs, WY and taking 191/89 into the town of Jackson, WY and continue north into the park. It's an easy drive. After the Tetons continue north through the park and it will take you right into Yellowstone and to West Yellowstone. Driving through the park is very doable but somewhat slow because of the animal jams sometimes by the buffalo - fun to watch.

 

If taking I-90 across you'll exit at Bozeman, MT and take 191 south to West Yellowstone. You could do both interstates - one there and the other returning for different scenery.

 

You won't be climbing big mountains as you may be imagining.

 

Definitely order online the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers' - very good information on what to expect. By the time you get to Yellowstone you'll think nothing of driving some secondary roads for even better scenery and possibly exploring more areas. Millions of RVers do this! You can, too. :)

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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We are thinking about going to West Yellowstone in the coach next summer. We've never been there. Having a 'gasser' and towing a vehicle, I'm wondering just how many mountain crossings will be involved and how steep. We'll be coming from the east. I don't know if I want to attempt it if there are many substantial mountains we have to cross.

Assuming you will be coming from Alabama (your forum profile shows you are from AL) and have no experience on mountain roads, I would suggest working your way to Cheyenne, WY. From Cheyenne

-- You can go up I-25 to I-90 and go in the north entrance to Yellowstone. No significant mountain roads or passes.

-- Or from Cheyenne go west on I-80 to Rawlins, WY and take US-287 to the South entrance. I recommend this route. Not only is it shorter, it will give you some experience with some climbs up moderate grades and back down, but nothing really steep. This route will give you some experience w/o exposing to dangerous grades. Just west of Cheyenne there is a good grade on I-80 over the pass to Laramie. Also there is a good climb up and down a pass from Dubois to Grand Teton NP.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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We traveled the USA in a gas powered motorhome, towing a CR-V for 12 years. As long as you stick to the major routes there is nowhere in the country that you can't go with one. We traveled to Yellowstone in ours several times and by several different routes with no problems at all. Since you don't say where in the east you will come from I first plugged Omaha into Google maps and there are three suggested routes and I have traveled all three and they are pretty tame. I also plugged in Birmingham, which your profile shows and it suggests travel over US 191 through Yellowstone to get there and that should work also, but if you go at the peak season you could have heavy traffic. Gasoline powered motorhomes travel everywhere that diesel pushers do and get there just fine. They sometimes may climb a bit more slowly but unless you are in a race, that should be no problem.

 

Do not let anyone tell you that a gas RV can't travel over mountain passes, as long as you do so via the interstate highways or US routes.

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

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