DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Didn't like the previously posted link? :D

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

My wife is from North End Winnipeg. She absolutely loves the drive from Yellowstone to Logan (we have a summer home there). If you should stop in that area try Aggie Ice Cream at the Utah State University Dairy building, and perhaps a lunch at the Bluebird Cafe, eh?

jm76237

From West Yellowstone head east and then south down the east side to the south entrance. Fewer people that way.

S. Hemmingsen

I was just there a couple of months ago. Skip West Yellowstone if at all possible. It's a tourist trap extraodinaire. Going in from the east is like a scene from an "end of the world" movie, like nuclear winter. It never came back from the Bush era fire (the first "let it burn Bush) and a pine beetle infestation. It's bleak. The only wildlife I saw was a herd of elk along the river at the west exit and it was already too dark for good pix. Old Faithful is, of course, faithful. While waiting, I met a guy with a 60 thousand dollar camera. Must have weighed five pounds, not to mention the dufflebag of stuff he had with him. As for the cost, he pointed out that he knows people with fancy boats, Porsches and similar toys, noting that they all make a 60 thousand dollar (stills only) camera seem a bargain.

akfishguide Loc: PA

I copied your suggested route. I am headed to Alaska in May for my 50th HS Reunion, and from there will head to the Pacific NW for 3 weeks or so to take my wife through the National Parks from Colorado to Montana to Washington and down to Northern California. We will do Southern California when we head down to LA and pick up Rt. 66 and cover the protein we did not get to last year up to Missouri or perhaps do it all back to Chicago as we had so much fun on the Northern portion we might just do it again. Thanks for your suggested route. I have not been out in that area since the late 50's, and then a little of it on my way to Alaska in 73 from PA. Wife has never been out West to the parks, although in 84 we drove out kids home to Alaska from PA but turned north to Canada in Montana, not quite to the park area of the Pacific NW. I have driven the AlCan Hwy 13 times, but always on a time schedule that did not let me enjoy the trip. Looking forward to next May and going back to Alaska. Have not been home in 8 years.

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

April is a difficult month in both parks. Yellowstone entrances will be closed except for the north entrance near Gardiner, MT which is open all year and the road to the NE entrance at Cooke City, MT will be open. Unfortunately the Beartooth highway out of Cooke City and all other park roads will be closed until clear of snow - usually mid-May.

The main highway US89/191 through Grand Teton NP is open all year but the back roads and the inner park highway along Jenny Lake and all campgrounds and lodging are closed until sometime in May. The good news is that the grizzlies are usually coming our about this time and can be quite active along the roads. Most other wildlife is scarce in April and May (except some migratory birds.) Most of us in Jackson take off these two months because of the local road closures and lack of wildlife.

Check the park websites for road conditions and go to www.BestoftheTetons.com for more detailed information about what to find and when to find it. It will be a great trip but April is just about the only time you don't want to be here.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Two things to add:

1. This is starting out as a big snow year. If it keeps up Yellowstone may open late.

2. Yellowsrone isn't on the way from SF to Las Vegas. Plan a trip through Sequoia and Yosemite and Death Valley instead. Don 't miss Valley of Fire near Las Vegas.

Also consider Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion when down there.

All the parks have lodging but it is expensive. Better to stay in entry towns.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

- - - and you can keep up the blue hi-ways. From there SLC and ski country Park City, Sundance to the red rock country.

For me YP is connected to Grand Teton Park. I live on the left side of the Parks and find there is much to explore there also.

J. R.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Bluebird Rocks! J. R.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

MtnMan, it is difficult for Americans to remember that we have so many things to see and do in this country. For us it seems that anything we want to do is "just down the road" or "a couple of hours" drive to get there. In the US of A we drive 100 miles just to go to lunch. In England 100 miles puts you in water, any direction is water! Of course to Englanders 100 years in their country's history is like yesterday, to us 100 years is 1/3 of our existence. In the early '70s I was traveling extensively. When in Europe if I told someone I was from Ohio they wanted to know if that was where DisneyLand was! In the orient people wanted to know if I knew John Wayne. The OP is from Canada, but even they forget about the vastness of US of A, and it is entirely inhabitable! If the OP wants to include Yellowstone with a trip to the Grand Canyon so be it! They could make a side trip to Tx and visit the Alamo if they want, it's "just down the road" from there! America had one highway, Route 66. It used to be the great road to fun and freedom. The whole world knew about it, and us.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

If road conditions permit, don't miss the opportunity to see Grand Teton National Park, about one hour south of Yellowstone. Absolutely stunning.

MtnMan Loc: ID

We did a road trip back east in Sep/Oct with our pickup camper. 7,750 miles by time we got back to Idaho.

ddonlewis

Chelli,
My wife and I love Yellowstone and have been there at least 10 times over the last 35 years. I will first say the longer you wait into May the better the chance the park will be open. I'll give you a recommended route from Winnipeg to California, and then a route from California to Yellowstone. From Winnipeg my first stop near the park would be Cody, Wyoming about 25 miles east of the park. This is a wonderful historic town with the Buffalo Bill Western museum, which is arguably the best western museum in the world. They also have a rodeo starting in I think late May. You can then enter from the east side of the park and drive the figure 8 road through the park where you will the animals. I would recommend that you stay at least 1 night in the Old Faithful Inn. It is the oldest and largest log cabin Hotel in the world. I would then go south and stay in Jackson, Wy another great town. It has probably more western art galleries than any other town. Coming back from California I would probably stay in Jackson, then Old Faithful, and then Cody. I will also tell you that hotels/motels are not cheap. You will not find anything near the park for less than $100 per night. Six years ago the cheapest hotel in Jackson was $130. But, in my opinion there is no comparison to Yellowstone.

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

San Fran to Vegas through YNP? Wow that would be a trip

Larwbuck Loc: Seattle, Washington

If your coming from the North I' try the North entrance however your path may take you to the East entrance. If I had to choose, I'd take the North, you would travel through the Beartooth which is beautiful photography locations. One day and night just isn't enough time to get through all of Yellowstone, I'd plan on a longer stay to travel all areas and take in all the glory. So, if you use the North entrance Use the South Exit and travel into Jackson, on the way you can see the Tetons and all their beauty and you'll likely see some wildlife but once again you'll want to stay longer and say forget LA. I think the quickest exit to LA is the West entrance however I would check the maps and probably bring some chains or a good 4 wheel drive. Have fun.