Suggestions On Vacationing Out West & RV

[thyme4me]

We're in planning stages to head out west this summer for 10 days or so. I was wondering if anyone has rented an RV to explore? We're interested in going to Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Glacier. We're compiling the pros and cons of renting an RV vs a car with lodging. Also any suggestions of places to stay or 'musts' to see would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to replies.

[MIDA78466]

Oh can't wait to hear news ont his thread. Those are the places we want to go to in our RV this summer too!

[KimR+]

Sounds like a fun vacation! I have actually never been to any of these places so I'm of no help! Good luck planning!

[blhdvm]

If you decide to RV, taking one of the Red Bus Tours through Glacier might be a great option! It would give you a great option for the Going To The Sun Road. And you could spend your time veiwing instead of driving.

[Scrapbird]

Can't offer any info about renting an RV, although I'm interested in hearing about that.

I lived in Wyoming for 12 years, so I'm excited to help you out with that part!!
In Jackson Hole, be sure to ride the tram to the top of the mountain. In town, you have to eat at Bubba's (yummy barbecue) and breakfast at the Bunnery on N Cache Street (incredibly good natural bakery and restaurant!)
Take the drive through the valley floor in Teton National Park; it is one of the most beautiful places on this planet. Be sure to stop in at the Chapel of the Transfiguration. Whatever your beliefs, it will take your breath away.
Also in the park, the trail at Jenny Lake is awesome.
In Yellowstone, don't leave the Upper and Lower Falls off your journey. They're not as famous as the geysers, but every bit as spectacular! My kids used to love the Fountain Paint Pot Trail, too.
I agree with the advice to take the Red Bus Tours at Glacier. The Going to the Sun Road is incredible, and you'll see much more if you're not driving it. It also helps with traffic and pollution in the park.
Go to the park websites to find out if reservations are available for campgrounds in the summer.
My advice for visiting any National Park is to get up early!! It's quiet,the light is beautiful, you're likely to see more wildlife, and you may even get some of the roads and trails all to yourself!!

I can't wait to hear what you decide, and to see the amazing album you're going to make from this!

[cstaff]

FYI... Glacier's Going to the Sun road is under extensive repair for a few years... only 3 months at best for road work... and driving an RV with a car in tow would be "interesting". I would agree with taking the red buses on that road.

[Faefester]

We travel to Jackson every single summer in our RV and have for 20+ years. Make reservations now through GTLC.com at Colter Bay RV park. That way, you are right in the park and lake. The Tram at Jackson Hole has magnificent views and the restaurants there are pretty good. You can find fine food at Game Fish there at the Hole. Have pizza in Moose right on the Snake River before you enter the south entrance to the park. That entrance has the prettiest views of the mountain range. The Yellowstone area has more relaxed dining where you will see people dressy or in camp attire. And yes, start EARLY in the morning. A 7am or earlier start time is good for animal viewing and escaping the traffic. Plan on FULL days at all the parks. We've been to Glacier Bay three times now in our RV. Kalispell is the closest 'town' to that park but there are smaller hamlets along the road with RV businesses. Try to get as close to the park otherwise it can be a long day in the car. We've never taken the red bus tours as we've always towed a vehicle for our own use. Going to the Sun road is absolutely incredible. Being able to pull over to take photos is the reason why we don't take the tour bus. But be warned: that road is scary! Two lanes and cliffs mere feet away with little or no guard rails. It's all worth it because of the scenery. When we were there last year, big horn sheep were grazing next to our jeep we had parked at the restroom stop! They didn't move a muscle when we got back in. Have lots of fun...but sincerely...make those reservations NOW! if you need anymore info just PM me...

[Lynn Grieveson]

Sounds like great fun.

We have done two big trips in rented RVs in the US and can't recommend it enough. We had so much fun.

(you can read about our last trip HERE and our first trip HERE

[TereseC]

We did an RV trip through Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon in 2009. It was fabulous! We used a company called Tracks and Trails who planned the whole trip, RV rental, campsite reservations and excursions. We're thinking of doing their Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone trip some time soon.

[mungerre]

Glacier is a favorite of ours. They have a cabin that is rentable and only a day hike away from where the shuttle will drop you off - a great option if you want to do a couple of back country hikes without having to sleep in a tent. We did the tenting when we went, but we were younger and no kids a family we met was sleeping in the cabin and they were really happy.

[mugsbigsis]

We had an RV when our kids were younger and did a trip from VA to Yellowstone and back one summer. I highly recommend RV travel. :O) I don't know where you're starting from, but if it's east of SD, the Badlands, Crazy Horse Monument (same area as Mt Rushmore) and the Devil's Tower are great to see, too. The Devil's Tower was the big "rock" in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and it is VERY cool to see. :O) The Badlands are fabulous, too.

[thyme4me]

Woweee!! I came to the right place. You all have a great wealth of knowledge. We are still in the infancy stage of prep and planning. But I know and per your suggestions to make reservations soon. Plotting a trip is no easy feat especially since we are type who gets in the car and drives wherever the wind takes us. If we find a place we like we stop, stay as long as we like then move on a few days later. I don't think we'll be able to do so on this trip! Be assured though I'm checking out each of your recommendations, bookmarking and note taking. My husband and I have seperately been to these places when we were teenagers. Jenny Lake, Yellowstone and Going to the Sun Road were fond memories for us both. I wasn't aware of the extensive road repair, thank you for mentioning it. Our concern is if the RV will constrain us from traveling and exploring deep into places off the beaten track. Hence the idea of just renting a car and staying in cabins/motels.
Have any of you gone rock climbing? I did at the Grand Tetons for a half day adventure. Not too intense but you get the experience. Also, can anyone recommend an overnight horeseback riding adventure into the backcountry? I'm interested in finding companies that I could look into.
Keep the suggestions coming, lovin' it! Thank you to all who have replied!

~ Kellie was typing this as you posted. We are from Ohio probably have to fly into Colorado to pick up RV. Just planning on CO, WY & MT. Hubby & I have both been to SD/Badlands/Crazy Horse & Mt. Rushmore. Would love to go there also but not enough time. Is there ever enough time?! Also we will have 2 hours difference I believe so getting up early to see the wildlife then we should be good, well at least the first few days .

[mugsbigsis]

Kris, the Devil's Tower Monument is east of Gillette. I don't know which way you plan to travel. It is big for rock climbing (advanced), too. You can put it on your bucket list. :O)
Devils Tower National Monument - Frequently Asked Questions (U.S. National Park Service)