Yellowstone info

[fudgie]

Staying a few days in Sturgis to see everyone and then heading west to Yellowstone for our wedding annv. Are there places to stay in the park? We will have camp gear but prob not enough blankets.  Def stopping in Cody and up to Red Lodge so we can do Bear Tooth Pass. Then south thru the Tetans and come out into ID into Utah. Have not decided wether to head south or head back home thru CO.

Any info on YS is great. 

[Clark]

TONS of places in west yellowstone and jackson hole.. then there is always the lodge at old faithfull.. my best reccomendation is NOT TO CAMP in yellowstone area in a tent.. people get eaten by grizzly bears on a yearly basis. prollem is..there aint gonna be any "deals" that time of year.. my best trccomendation would be to stay at chica lodge one night then ride thru the park and stay in jackson hole the next.. chica lodge has GREAT hot springs and a 5 star restaurant  GOOGLE IT.. its just outside of yellerstone

[fudgie]

Thx. I ah, thought about hooking up with you for a few, if your close.

[Clark]

a few WHAT??? Arnold Palmers?? YOU BET

[bassman]

Did something similar in Aug 2006......got VERY lucky and scored a room inside the park at a reasonable rate by calling http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/lodging-in-yellowstone.htm
the same morning we left BT Pass.  Everything we read said the park rooms were booked way in advance and tend to be pricey.  For some reason we hit it just right (must have been a cancelation) and got the room.  Little rustic cabin....no TV, radio, phone.....only thing electric was the clock and a couple of lights but it was perfect as we were in the park.  Woke up and it was 32* and the
cars in the parking lot had frost on the windshields.  Getting on the road early that morning we
rode along side a small herd of elk who seemed to be waiting for us to stop so they could cross the road in front of us.  The steam coming out of their mouths and snouts was awesome and I also understood the term "thundering herd" as their massive hooves pounded the ground next to us as
we slowing travelled down the road in parallel.

Good luck and hope you can get a room inside the park.   Might want to top of the tank before entering the park.....they do have gas stations but you may want to check hours of operation and location before you enter the park.

[Gary]

I stayed one night at a motel (BW?) west Yellowstone (outside of the park), did part of the loop, then stayed in Cody at the BW. Next day did the other part of the loop, saw Old Faithful and then down through The Tetons staying another night at a smaller no name place in Jackson Hole. Lots of bikes in town (late August, Sturgis crowd?), many places were full. Lots of places in Jackson, no special recommendations. I did enjoy a Teton Ale with my steak while there though. 


I really enjoyed seeing the Tetons straight ahead and in almost every turn heading down to Jackson. Couldn't seem to get enough.



Could also be fairly warm around that time, moreso if you drop into Utah.

If you do, Bryce Canyon is a nice tour


As is Arches NP, both in the Utah area before heading back eastbound.


I missed Beartooth Pass so be sure to get and post your pic's.

Oh and as mentioned regarding wildlife sightings, be on guard as people will slam on the brakes, jump out of their vehicle and walk right in front of moving traffic for a shot of the wildlife.

[Rio Wil]

I really enjoyed seeing the Tetons straight ahead and in almost every turn heading down to Jackson. Couldn't seem to get enough.

YOU DO KNOW WHY YOU ENJOY THEM SO MUCH?????

What does the word teton mean in french?

Answer: "un téton" is the tip of the female breast. Alternatively, it it used for mountains with a similar shape.

[..]

Fudgie, Yellowstone is ENORMOUS.

I entered from the Cody side using the east entrance (Cooke City) and entering the first open grassy space was like riding into a Disney movie.

Mountains, deer, elk, bears, birds flitting around. It was breathtaking.

There are motels in  Cooke City, MT on Hwy 212

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=google+maps+yellowstone

http://www.cookecityalpine.com/rooms--rates.html

The cheapest motel I found in Jackson was Motel 6 or 8 and it cost $115 with taxes back in 2005.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Camping at Red Lodge or Billings is expensive. You need reservations to camp at any of the campgrounds in Yellowstone unless you feel lucky. And expect temps down to 35 at night.

There is a big campground just south of Yellowstone and just north of Jackson that will probably be able to take you for camping. Gros Venture is the name. It 's where all the people that think they can get lucky at Yellowstone campgrounds without reservations end up. And a bit warmer since it's down the valley a bit.

Allow more time then you think for the ride across Beartooth pass and thru Yellowstone. Beartooth is fantastic (cross noonish to 3 for best timing) but YNP traffic can have you stopped for a long time looking at 3 buffalo.

[..]

Camping at Red Lodge or Billings is expensive. You need reservations to camp at any of the campgrounds in Yellowstone unless you feel lucky. And expect temps down to 35 at night.

There is a big campground just south of Yellowstone and just north of Jackson that will probably be able to take you for camping. Gros Venture is the name. It 's where all the people that think they can get lucky at Yellowstone campgrounds without reservations end up. And a bit warmer since it's down the valley a bit.

Allow more time then you think for the ride across Beartooth pass and thru Yellowstone. Beartooth is fantastic (cross noonish to 3 for best timing) but YNP traffic can have you stopped for a long time looking at 3 buffalo.

OR a freaking squirrel.

Oh yeah, hide behind cars when buffalo are around. Those beasties are huuuuuuuuuuge.

[BobB]

Not much help here.  My Yellowstone experience is dated.  In 1967, a pair of us rode out there from Milwaukee.  We camped at the Old Faithful camp ground.  There were still bears in the park.  At that time I had a '65 H-D XLH Sporter Bagger.  My riding partner had a '58 H-D FL which was originally a  police bike.  Half way through the trip, the FL's electrical system completely destroyed itself and my partner limped home running the ignition off a 6V car battery.  Touring on motorcycles was different back then.  Had to carry tape and bailing wire.             

[donaldcc]

Stayed at Teton Gables Motel in Jackson 2 summers ago. Comfort Inn in Cody leaving Yellowstone heading to Sturgis for a couple days and again on way back.  Went through Grand Teton and 1/2 of Yellowstone on the way up and Beartooth and the other half of Yellowstone on the way back. then up to Glacier Nat Park and west to coast and down.

 Rooms were high, reasonable in price and all reservations made months in advance.  As mentioned in summer Yellowstone is busy.  Can spend a couple days and it is good to plan extra time to park and walk out to waterfalls, geysers, etc or you miss a lot.

not fun to be close to those big buffalo on a bike, even as big as the Valk.

Yellowstone



Grand Tetons



then after finishing yellowstone,  Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone, MT on the way out before heading north to Glacier.

[Willow]

I would second the recommendation to stay outside of Yellowstone.

Years ago Mama and I stayed at Flagg Ranch between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  It was an emergency decision as we thought we were going to be able to just walk in and get a room in Yellowstone.  When we got to the gate we were told we'd have to ride all the way through and it was snowing that day above 6000 feet.  We had been told there were six rooms still available at the Ranch.  I don't think I've ever seen Mama ride so aggressively as she did returning to Flagg Ranch. 

We stayed in a "cabin", but they do also have a campground.  It would actually be a good base if one wanted to spend a few days in and out of Yellowstone and/or Grand Teton.  Their campsites are listed as $25 per night.

We stayed a night at Flagg Ranch and the next night in Greybull.  Traveling with me isn't much fun as I enjoy riding much more than sight seeing.

 

[sandy]

Fudgie: In '09 I stayed in the Tetons at a campground. The Colter Bay area has 3 campgrounds. One is the biker hiker campground. Fee was $7 per night. Restrooms but no showers. Nearby were showers for about $4. I stayed 4 nights and toured Yellowstone one day from my base camp.

[BradValk48237]

Went to Yellowstone in '05.... in from the South entrance from Jackson, and out to the East to Cody.... just spent the day and hit the highlights...

FYI, Do not go mid to late September as that is when they are trying to finish any road work before the snow flies and we had Gravel and MUD for 20 miles on the way in and several miles on the way out.... Also the East gate was only open for 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening that year...

Plus, we woke up with snow on the bikes in Jackson  in the AM and at the end of the day in Cody it was 85 degrees.... Be prepared.

We stayed in a no name motel and had a restaurant next door for breakfast.. it wasn't too expensive..

And there was a good Brewpub a block from the motel... Snake River Brewing..

http://www.snakeriverbrewing.com

Brad

[fudgie]

Thx guys keep'm coming! 

Leaving Cody is there a 'easy' route to Bear Tooth pass then going up 212? I'm not one to back track if I dont half to. Hate to go up 212 and turn and go back down right away.

Preplanning now but it looks like Leave Sturgis in the am and spend the night in Cody.

[flcjr]

Hey fudgie,  I live just north of west yellowstone. I would go from cody over chief joseph highway up the beartooth to red lodge. Then turn around and back over and enter the park at Cooke city. the pass is great to ride both ways get to see more. I would second not staying in the park very pricey and will need reservations. There are several good camp grounds just north of West Yellowstone that aren't too bad for price and can usually find a spot for tent. Any other questions about the area give me a pm and I can let ya know. 

[Oss]

+1 on chief joseph highway  There is a small green (?) sign telling you turn here that you can see riding south from powell into cody itself near the intersection in center of town  The turn is right turn heading south.  Its route 296 but there is no sign with # just one that says to Chief Joseph Highway

Locals were friendly when Bear and Allan did not want to turn at the sign but insisted on following the GPS

We stayed at the 1st motel on the left as you come into red lodge it had an indoor pool  reasonable but eating at the little buffalo burger take out place on the right across from the gas station and motel and riding back to cody is doable same day if you gas up in red lodge so no worries

Stop at the ski area at the MT side of the top and watch the brave souls ( idiots ), try something you would not do  Someone died up there the day we rode by or so I was told

Wish I had the time to ride it both ways as it was a hoot !

so was chief joseph highway

Gig did it both ways I think the year before

This is what the place looks like from the road  maybe # is 1223

[R J]

I'm not much value on places to stay, but don't plan on staying at the Lodge in the Park.      It is probably sold out already for the full season.

Only word of advice I'll send to ya, DO NOT try to get close to an animal for a picture.   Them guys will KILL YA, especially the Buffalo.   I saw a guy walk up behind a Buffalo, laying down.   He held his 3 or 4 year old kid up and his wife took a picture.    The Buffalo decided to take a hunk out of his arse about the time he hit the pavement.   He never dropped the baby but I never seen a man run so hard in my life, his legs looked like little wheels.

Last time I was up there was in 1998 and that was the year they had the big fire.
Got trapped between a couple of fires, twice.    Let me tell ya, that damn pavement is hard to sleep on.   The next morning, we got up and there was about 3" of fire dust on me, the bike and everything that didn't move.

Sorry to say, I haven't been back since then.

[fudgie]

Gig did it both ways I think the year before

I heard that about him.   

[fudgie]

Keep it comin guys! 

Well aware of the buffalo. Used a car as shield more then once in Custer. 

[BradValk48237]

Oh, and as I remember, Gas could be an issues in the park.... there was fuel heading out the east entrance, but We (read me on my old Wing) had a minor panic attack as the park is WAY bigger than you think, I seem to remember we put on at least 150 miles just running thru the park, and  I needed gas just to get out of the park. We did fuel up before we left Jackson...

And you know how these babies like the fuel....

Brad

[flcjr]

One more thing you should check into while near Red Lodge is Bearcreek. Just west on 308. Great place to eat and the best is if they are having the pig races while your there. Check it out. make dinner plans and bet on the pigs. Local favorite of mine.
http://www.redlodge.com/bearcreek/

[BigMacMT]

There are several motels & cabins in Cooke City, end of Beartooth & headed into YNP, go to MT.gov to the visitors tab, they have travlers info. Accomodations in the park, while rustic & beautiful, are hard to get without advanced reservations. The towns of Gardiner and West Yellowstone have quite a few motels as well. Take Britmans advice while traveling in the park, get behind a cage when buffalo are nearby & have an escape route planned. Saw a demolished Goldwing in Red Lodge, apparently the buffalo preferred harley's. Some people seem to think the buffalo & elk are tame, they're not. Don't forget to stop at Top of the World store on the Beartooth. Remember to be prepared for temperature extremes in MT & WY. Have a great trip.

[..]

Dare I say this.

Oh well here goes.

I'd give up time in Yellowstone to ride Going To The Sun Rd. If you can fit the getting to / coming back from miles into your trip time

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm

Old Faithful is OK. But really not as jaw dropping as you think it should be. Going To The Sun Rd will drop your jaw over and over. Fingers crossed for a clear day 

Traffic in Yellowstone is like riding at Sturgis. Too many darn people in the way.

[Clark]

better make Kit aware that its MANDATORY for any chicks first trip over beartooth to do it TOPLESS.. ITS THE LAW

[Davemn]

Stay at the Old Faithfull Inn if you get a chance. Request a "Old House" room. You wont regret it. In fact if you can get rooms around the Old Faithfull area you can make that your base as it is centrally located. I worked there one summer years ago.
BTW, the Great Fire was in 1988.

[donaldcc]

I'd give up time in Yellowstone to ride Going To The Sun Rd. If you can fit the getting to / coming back from miles into your trip time

 Britman, I agree that Glacier is spectacular and any motorcyclist near there should try to go.  Even with the crowds, Yellowstone is also.  Fudgie you have been to Sturgis a lot, why not skip it for a year and see the NW?




Even with hwy maintenance it was great.  This is at the top of Going to the Sun and this guy let my buddy and i out front of a long line of cars so we had the entire ride down to ourselves out in front of everyone.

[Clark]

I'd give up time in Yellowstone to ride Going To The Sun Rd. If you can fit the getting to / coming back from miles into your trip time

 Britman, I agree that Glacier is spectacular and any motorcyclist near there should try to go.  Even with the crowds, Yellowstone is also.  Fudgie you have been to Sturgis a lot, why not skip it for a year and see the NW?




Even with hwy maintenance it was great.  This is at the top of Going to the Sun and this guy let my buddy and i out front of a long line of cars so we had the entire ride down to ourselves out in front of everyone.

HAHA,,YOU DONT KNOW FUDGIE

[donaldcc]

HAHA,,YOU DONT KNOW FUDGIE

OK, Go to sturgis and take another 5 days off work.

I do remember some things to see in Sturgis. 

[fudgie]

We have talked about skipping it a few times but when you only see your friends once a yr it makes it hard to cancel. We grown pretty close with our camp mates and the camp staff and it makes the trip worth while. Plus I love the ladies.  Granted there is a rally a hour away from me that blows Sturgis out of the water as far as partying and  everything goes, but its a awesome ride.