Driving, Yellowstone National Park

It seems like I see more and more rental RVs (Recreational Vehicles, sometimes called campers) coming through Yellowstone. If you don’t own an RV, but would like to try one, the rental RVs that we see the most are Cruise America. These come in three styles: 19 foot Compacts, which sleep 2 - 3 people; 23 - 25 foot Standard models, that sleep up to 5 people; 28.4 feet Intermediates, that sleeps up to 6; and 28 to 30 foot large, which sleeps up to 7. Cruise America has 134 locations from which you may pick up a rental RV, so visit their web page to see what pickup location would work best for your trip. You can even do one way rentals. So you could pick up your RV at one Cruise America location, drive across the country, and return your RV to a different Cruise America location. There is an extra fee for one way rentals, but by calling the number below you can get all the needed information. Also their website includes an orientation video that is a must to watch if you are considering renting an RV. To find this video go to their web page, click “Site Map,” found at the bottom of the homepage, click “Renters Orientation” from the list. Be aware that even though the video explains how to hook up electricity, water, and sewer, many campgrounds across that country do not have these options. You can usually fill your water tanks in campgrounds, and you should always have drinking water in bottles. Simply purchase a few bottles of drinking water, then you can refill them in campgrounds, provided you like the taste of the campground water. Your generator will be used if you do not have electricity. Campgrounds always have generator hours, so be sure you know what they are. You will not be allowed to use a generator overnight, which would be very rude and disturbing to other campers. The generator only has to be run if you want to use the microwave, air conditioner, or any electrical appliance that requires 110 electricity. Some things in the camper, such as lights, water pump, and the heater fan will run on batteries. Be sure you keep track of the charge in your batteries, as you will have to use the generator to recharge the batteries, and remember, you can only do this during generator hours. The video tells you that the RV must be level for the refrigerator to operate properly, yet their demonstration is done on level ground. There are a lot of campgrounds, especially in State and National Parks where the campsites are not level. Discuss this with Cruise America, to see if they have ways to level the RVs. If you are told that you must park in a level site, be sure you request this when you make your reservations. Also, be aware that you can be a little off level and the refrigerator will still operate.

Campgrounds in Yellowstone fill up early, so make your reservations as far in advance as you can.

1 more image

This photo of our car was taken shortly after we arrived in Yellowstone NP and pulled over to the side of the highway to get a better look at various Bison that were out in the fields on both sides. Because the attractions of Yellowstone are spread all over the park, you will need a car for the flexibility of seeing and/or stopping for a closer look at whatever it is that strikes your fancy on any particular day. Since we live only about 1100 km away, it also made sense to just drive there and take in a few extra sights along the way, rather than go through the hassle of flying and renting. The second photo was taken on Highway 212 near Red Lodge, Montana as we looked ahead to the 12,800-ft Absaroka Range where we would soon be climbing upward to the Northeast Entrance on the spectacular and winding Beartooth Highway. Gasoline stations are strategically located at the main centres throughout Yellowstone, so that won’t be a problem. We ended up clocking about 3000-km on this six and a half day trip to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs.

4 more images

The Red Rock Rendezvous antique car rally was in Yellowstone when we were there, and the old Yellowstone buses were on display (photo 4 and 5). This was a tour where 13 drivers from around the country drive vehicles built before 1915 through the scenic roads of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park and Colorado.

A newspaper story about them said, "Drivers generally hum along about 40 to 45 miles per hour and cover somewhere between 150 and 220 miles in a day, depending on road conditions, weather and the amount of time spent waiting for buffalo to cross their paths.

When we crossed the country in 1964 and 1966 in our 1932 Plymouths, we did about the same speed, but we usually did a little more mileage.

Every summer there is road construction. This year they have it between Madison and Norris. During the days there is about a 30 minute delay and no stopping in this area. Also there is some striping still going on between West Thumb and the South Entrance. Check with the park service as to where they are working before you go. It might save you some headache. But the roads for the most part were in good condition.

Do not expect to drive through Yellowstone in the winter - unless you are in a snow coach. The amount of snow they get in the park each year is such that there is no way to keep the roads open to vehicle travel.

Once inside the park you will be out of the road construction. But on the Cook City Highway there is going to be construction for the next few years. We had a slide that took out a good part of the high way a couple of years ago, so fixing it is going to be long. Expect delays here.

Also - if you are afraid of heights - find another way into the park!!!!! Seriously!!! I am not kidding!!!!

There is a great deal of road construction in the Tetons leading up to the park. Expect to add an extra 40 minutes to an hour to get through to the entrance. Also remember that it is only 45mph for most of the trip there, with times it dips to 25mph. Take your time and camera. Make it fun.

1 more image

I have booked my car via the company Holiday autos.

This makes it much easier, as it is in your own language, if you have problem you can call their office.

First I was searching the internet to rent a car, but there are so many different companies, like Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Budget, ...

And they all heave different ways in giving their prices (with or without a number of assurances), that makes it really hard to compare; also there are the hidden extras.

And then after a long tiring flight you stand there for the rent a car desk, and then they propose all kind of extras and assurances, and then it is sometimes very confusing to know what you really need.

So the advantage of booking via Holiday autos was that everything was included, so no more extras, of course at the desk they always try to sell one or more extra insurances, but a simple no does it

After the booking you receive a voucher, and upon arrival you present this voucher at the rent a car desk, a few signatures, and you can explore the American Highways.

The rent a car firm was Alamo.
And for the 21 days I paid 681 euro, which is 32.4 euro a day.

My car was a red PT Cruiser – Cryssler.

1 more image

You don't just have to deal with car traffic. We were stuck for awhile in the Morris canyon by a herd of buffalo using the road as their route to and from places to eat. It is hard to stay 25 yards away when they decide to change course and come right for you. Everyone was patient and I'm sure excited to see buffalo up close and personnal.