Need advice !!!! W. Yelleowstone to Estes park, Co

[Bug Out]

Google is saying the 191 thru yellowstone to the 26...Is that feasible pulling a 40' toy hauler? Never been up that way. TIA

 

[Wiredawg]

It has been a couple years ago, but I believe we pulled out 39Ft Mobile Suites this route. We always double check routes for construction, detours, and closures on these roads.

Cheers, Ron

 

[wyosteve]

Personally, I wouldn't pull that big a trailer through the Park. Not a lot of good routes, but if time is not a concern, heading up to I-90, through Billings and then into Wyoming and catch I-25 down to Estes would be my preference.

 

[BSeyler]

Driving through the park without a trailer is frustrating enough - with a big trailer, the fun would be gone quickly. So, are you saying you would travel through Jackson Hole and catch 26/287 at Moran Jct. and then on to Dubois? I would try to find a place to park the trailer in Jackson and do a day trip in the park. If you were to come from the Billings side, it’s an easy trip to Cody. Lots to see in the area. If you based in Cody, I highly recommend a day trip to Red Lodge and then over Bear Tooth Pass, 11,947’ at the summit, and the Dead Indian Highway (PC culture calls it the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) back to Cody. Again, most enjoyable without a trailer and one of the most spectacular drives in the lower 48.
Bud

 

[DavidC]

I believe that is the way we went with a 32'. Nothing notable that I remember other than coming out of a curve and a friggin Deer standing in the road, had to lock everything up to stop.

 

[Bug Out]

I'll avoid that route....I-90 here I come !!!!

 

[BSeyler]

If you can work a day trip in from Red Lodge, MT (elevation about 5600') over the Beartooth Highway and over Dead Indian Pass toward Cody, it will be well worth your time. Going south from Red Lodge is my favorite direction because you gain altitude fairly quickly. Give it a look on Google Maps - lots of switchbacks!

 

[AH64ID]

I wouldn’t hesitate pulling thru the park. I-90 is the last route I’d consider.

If you don’t want to pull thru the park then I’d go the Idaho route down to Jackson thru Alpine.

 

[BSeyler]

That's another very scenic drive - Star Valley.

 

[SnoKing]

I wouldn’t hesitate pulling thru the park. I-90 is the last route I’d consider.

If you don’t want to pull thru the park then I’d go the Idaho route down to Jackson thru Alpine.

Don't take Teton Pass (10% and 8431').

 

[Wiredawg]

Don't take Teton Pass (10% and 8431').

I was told that too... a nice drive over Teton Pass... the Ram Cummins is absolutely up to it. I like scenic, that's the whole purpose for us in RVing. This is also where the Aisin really shines. Had so many advise us NOT to take that route, and aside from the great view, it was cool challenging it. Make sure your trailer brakes are in optimal condition.

For us, managing speed is critical... when we traveled US191 we came to a complete stop for about 30 minutes while a heard of sheep were hearded across the highway. As long as length or height isn't restricted, we go.

When we plan a trip, we build an itenary of places we want to travel to, plot routes, and stops to include reconstitution days. I had ankle fused and it doesn't like inclines, so on physically demanding visits, we add a day of rest.

Anyhoo, planning routes and seeing America is fantastic... you'll figure it just fine.

Cheers, Ron

 

[SnoKing]

I was told that too... a nice drive over Teton Pass... the Ram Cummins is absolutely up to it. I like scenic, that's the whole purpose for us in RVing. This is also where the Aisin really shines. Had so many advise us NOT to take that route, and aside from the great view, it was cool challenging it. Make sure your trailer brakes are in optimal condition.

For us, managing speed is critical... when we traveled US191 we came to a complete stop for about 30 minutes while a heard of sheep were hearded across the highway. As long as length or height isn't restricted, we go.

When we plan a trip, we build an itenary of places we want to travel to, plot routes, and stops to include reconstitution days. I had ankle fused and it doesn't like inclines, so on physically demanding visits, we add a day of rest.

Anyhoo, planning routes and seeing America is fantastic... you'll figure it just fine.

Cheers, Ron

There was an East bound trailer restriction this spring because of a problem with one of the runaway ramps.

 

[Wiredawg]

There was an East bound trailer restriction this spring because of a problem with one of the runaway ramps.

Exactly why we check route restrictions, construction, access etc, etc.

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve towed over it at around 18-19GCW with my 05 and it wasn’t anything abnormal. Exhaust brakes are your friend.

If you route thru Alpine you won’t go over Teton Pass.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

When you pass through Casper, you better have all of your stuff secure for this part of I-25!! It's only a few miles, but the interstate is in pretty bad shape!

Also, give a wave as you pass through Douglas!!

 

[BSeyler]

Not sure what it’s like with this COVID thing, but parking at attractions is often tough. I used to live 85 miles east of Moran Jct. and would venture into the park a few times each year. I often saw RVs slowly passing a parking lot or other attractions with everyone’s faces plastered against the windows. I’m sure they were wishing there was a place big enough to park. Just my opinion, but if I’m going to travel a long distance for what might be a once in a lifetime experience, I don’t want to miss anything because there isn’t a place to park or turn around.

 

[Tractorat]

I havent been to yellowstone for about 10 years. But it seems like this time of year it wasnt too bad yet. And I dont know how much that has been lessened by this covid thing. But you might be ok as far as crowds. But, if you really want to see the part, try to camp outside of the park for a couple of days if you cant get a spot in the park, and just drive around without your trailer.

 

[Wiredawg]

I havent been to yellowstone for about 10 years. But it seems like this time of year it wasnt too bad yet. And I dont know how much that has been lessened by this covid thing. But you might be ok as far as crowds. But, if you really want to see the part, try to camp outside of the park for a couple of days if you cant get a spot in the park, and just drive around without your trailer.

We camped outside Yellowstone for 3 days and was this time of year... we did not take the RV into the park as we were visiting it and early is good like when the park opens. Normally, for the one time we visited, started getting busy after noon. 45ft tourist busses have no problem navigating the park. If OP is apprehensive, then there are choices... Many national parks have highways through them and as I mentioned earlier, the park websites usually have current info on them. Just like when I lived in Maryland, folks said never drive into DC... we drove an 02 3500 4x4 dually at least once a month around 0700 on Saturdays got free parking all day, and easy walk to downtown.

EDIT, It was mid June 2018 when we visited.

As we've read, there are more folks experienced with the area, but my one experience was great.

Cheers, Ron

 

[BSeyler]

Ron,
We were there on July 2, 2018. Just missed you! Yellowstone is a definite bucket list. Beartooth Pass, also.
Bud

 

[Wiredawg]

Ron,
We were there on July 2, 2018. Just missed you! Yellowstone is a definite bucket list. Beartooth Pass, also.
Bud

Cool! Vivian and I are hitting the National, State Parks and points of interest across the US. Driving across America is certainly wonderful. Southeast is next, Northeast after that, then more of the Midwest.

Happy Trails, Ron