Travel Recommendations

[Mike3387]

I'm doing the preplanning for Glacier Park, then down to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. I'm originating in Washington state. Searching Google Maps, I should be able to make it to Glacier in roughly 5 hours and looked at North American RV Park to stay for a few days. Hoping someone can give me a few tips/recommendations for trip planning from Glacier to Yellowstone. It looks like a 10 hour drive, so for the DW's sake, I'd probably have do it in two days. Still not sure the best time of year to go, but this would be our first big trip and I want to do it right.

[GLS3950]

We are heading to Glacier and Yellowstone this August and have all reservations but can't really recommend since we haven't stayed yet. However anytime you get around national park you need to look for reservations at least 6 months out.

[mlh]

The best time to go is after the kids go back to school.
Lynwood

[PNW Fireguy]

I think when to go really depends upon what you want to see and how many crowds you want to deal with. First the campsites within the park tend to get booked well in advance. We last went in early May. Some of the road are still being cleared at that time but the crowds are much smaller. Fishing Bridge where we stayed was practically empty but yet they still tried to put rigs one on top of the other (Only complaint I had). Later in the season you may get to see the animals preparing for mating season. We are also from Washington but based upon you stated drive time we are on the other side of the Cascades. Our drive to Glacier is quite a bit farther. I have always found the west entrance to YS to be the most hospitable to a larger rig however there are others on the site that may feel differently. We haven't done both parks on the same trip so I don't have much input on the best path from Glacier to YS. It sounds like a awesome trip however. We are about to go FT and may head that way on our way out of WA.

[psomers]

The year we went to Glacier was late July. The road to the sun had just opened. The upper elevation of the road still had a lot of ice along the road. So if you plan to go earlier than July you need to check road conditions. I would not want to go if road wasn't open.
We also went from Glacier to yellow stone. We went to West Yellow Stone and stayed at Grizzly RV. Better have reservations.

[Mike3387]

I hadn't thought about crowds and I usually try to steer clear of them. Going in May might be a good option, could be warmer, kids would be in school. I've read that staying outside the park might be a easier option as far as finding campgrounds that can accommodate a 40'. Yes, departing out of Spokane will be a bit closer. I would like to hear how it went for you, when you return.

[Mike3387]

Originally Posted by psomers

The year we went to Glacier was late July. The road to the sun had just opened. The upper elevation of the road still had a lot of ice along the road. So if you plan to go earlier than July you need to check road conditions. I would not want to go if road wasn't open.

I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to look into it more. Maybe do YS first and Glasier on the way home.

[Carl n Susan]

Historically the Road To the Sun in Glacier doesn't open until July. You are unlikely to find it open in May (or June).

[MARK A]

We stayed in Great Falls when we went, just a short drive to the park and 20 min from Whitefish. A great way to spend a week.

Mark

[twindman]

A lot of good parks on West side of Glacier. When I had a 33.5 ft Montana, I stayed at fishing bridge. To get out I had to actually pull across the road into the brush about 4 or 5 feet to jockey the trailer enough to exit the campsite. So I now stay in West Yellowstone at Grizzly RV PArk. It appears to be around 440 miles and 7 hours drive time if you go 65 in interstate and 60 on state highways. Long for an old foggie like me, but maybe you drive longer days.

[BB_TX]

Only been to Yellowstone once a number of years ago and not in the RV. We went the first week after Labor Day week. No crowds. Parking always easily available at each of the main roadside attractions. And weather was perfect, nippy in the morning, pleasant in the afternoon, at least that year.

[Mike3387]

Awesome tips. Thank you. I knew I could count on you guys/gals for useful information. It's beginning to look like the trip will take place next year. This will give me time to research the parks as well as the possible campgrounds to stay in. This will also give us a year to really get to know our fiver.

[scottz]

We did that trip a couple years ago and visit YS almost every year. The only place inside the park with hookups is Fishing Bridge. As previously pointed out, they pack you in like tight. But, who cares, you won't be spending a lot of time in the the camper. The crowds during the summer months will be just like Disneyland! Don't plan on getting anywhere in a hurry, relax and enjoy the trip. Every time I go during the busy season, I say it will be my last. It is on my bucket list to make the winter trip. West and south entrances are good; love to spend time in Grand Teton NP.

Don't forget your senior lifetime passport ($80 now) if you have one. If you don't have a passport, the entrance fee is $30 for seven days ($50 includes Grand Teton). I heard a rumor that NPS is increasing the entrance fees at some parks to $70; Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion first to go up.

[Mike3387]

I've stayed at a campground once where we were packed in rather snugly and vowed never to do it again, if I can help it. Couldn't really relax. I will search for a place outside the park. Perhaps, September would be better than May. Once we are there, we won't be in a rush, but it's good to know that there may be crowds. I was planning on entering from the North if we go to Glacier first. Thank you for experienced advice.