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Stargazer79 · 10-28-2014, 07:54 PM

We're looking for a picturesque 2 week trip from phoenix to either Yellowstone or possibly up to Glacier for first 2 wks in June 2015. Suggested places to stay? Not the biggest fan of sardine style rv'ing but can suck it up. Would like some quiet some active places. Excited to start planning!

Stargazer79 · 10-28-2014, 08:13 PM

Guess I shoulda said we have 38ft dp w/toad

Firebug5 · 10-28-2014, 08:32 PM

You will get all the "picturesque" you can handle, regardless of which park you visit. On our last trip, we did Yellowstone, Teton, and Glacier. It was a lot to do in just 2 weeks, but we did it. It is hard to beat the adventure provided by the "Going to the Sun" road in Glacier. We took 2 days to stop and take it all in, taking some hikes and just dealing with the views. We have since been back to all 3 parks, and love them all. We have stayed in several of the Nat'l Park CG's in all parks, Glacier's are more rustic/primitive. We have also stayed in West Yellowstone at Grizzly RV, love that place for a base camp. When we were spending the time on the "Going to the Sun" road in Glacier, we stayed in St. Mary's at a CG that is now called St. Mary's KOA. Not sure if it has changed, but it worked for us for a couple of days. There were more bears in that CG than any other, so many they were setting traps. Hope this helps, you just cannot go wrong!

Bruce

krivanj · 10-28-2014, 08:53 PM

Be aware Glacier's Going to the Sun road doesn't open some years until July 4th or so. Still a beautiful place, but it can be cold!!!

Stargazer79 · 10-28-2014, 09:43 PM

This is great! I had never heard of the Going to the Sun Rd! I'm researching some now, more later. It sounds exactly like our kind of adventure! Thanks so much for the info. Looking forward to more rv'r tips.
It will be our 2nd 'long' trip!

George Schweikle · 10-29-2014, 07:06 AM

It is a great road, but limited to vehicles under (approx.) 21 ft. They have great topless vehicles built on truck frames. Forgot what tickets cost, but the ride is worth it.

Also, great dining in the various lodges. Finally, consider crossing the Canadian border to Waterton park for more great scenery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stargazer79

This is great! I had never heard of the Going to the Sun Rd! I'm researching some now, more later. It sounds exactly like our kind of adventure! Thanks so much for the info. Looking forward to more rv'r tips.
It will be our 2nd 'long' trip!

OLYLEN · 10-29-2014, 07:42 AM

With two weeks you will be on the road 5 hard day's driving if you do Parks. The Tetons and then Yellowstone would be doable with 4 days of hard driving to and from. You could add Glasier and add the extra day of driving but there is so much to see in the three parks 9 days will be an over view not really seeing. Lots of short hikes in the parks 2-4 miles to see what is not a drive by plus traffic will eat up a day each. I can see an EZ 9 days for Yellowstone/Tetons or 9 days for Glasier/Waterton Park(just a cross the border into Canada) Also get your reservations NOW where ever you plan to go as you have picked a high use time.

LEN

topdownman · 10-29-2014, 07:48 AM

Glacier is absolutely awesome. We stayed at the KOA in East Glacier and it was awesome. West Glacier is much more commercialized.

You have to do Going To The Sun road, it's a must see.

BeltoneMagoo · 10-29-2014, 08:23 AM

Best of luck on your Glacier trip. We had family living in Great Falls in 2011 and decided we would go see the family and Glacier. Everything looked good until the day of 12 June. There was a 6 inch snowfall overnight, with more in the park. Plan accordingly! Still haven't made it to Glacier but it is definitely high on the bucket list.
Good luck, good health and safe travels!

Gvcgsteve · 10-29-2014, 09:12 AM

As an active workamper and having spent the last 6 years in the Teton's I would advise looking at the weather before you "plan" your trip. Glacier and Yellowstone still have a lot of snow the first two weeks of June. The Tetons will get snow until the 15th to 20th of June,,just be cautious of any long term plans as the travel could be hazardous. In the Teton's I would recommend Gros Ventre Campground, 10 miles from Jackson (Hole). It has nice,level sites, and now also 36 electrical hook-up sites. It is a 1st come 1st served CG, (317 sites) that dosen't get crowded until July. This CG has it all, animals, Gros Ventre River, wildnerness area, easy day drive to all of the hiking trails in the Teton's,etc,,,

Air Baron · 10-29-2014, 04:02 PM

We booked 7 days at North American RV Park just 5 miles outside West Glacier, arriving on the 4th of July. It was so fantastic that we stayed 4 more days. Went over the Going to the Sun Highway a number of times, saw a huge grizzly bear, dumpster diving just outside the east entrance, when we went to Many Glacier and also saw a bull moose. When we left and went to Yellowstone, I felt let down...especially with the crowds, traffic jams and packed concessions with foreign tourists. The isolation and verticality of Glacier is beyond compare. Takes your breath away.

GaryKD · 10-29-2014, 05:46 PM

Hi Stargazer79,
Glacier is my favorite NP. That being said consider not going to Glacier the first two weeks in June. Going To The Sun Road (GTTSR) will, most likely, not be open. Most of the hiking trails will also be closed. If not for snow it will be bears who have come down from the higher elevations seeking food. There is basically only one thing to do at Glacier. That is hike to favorite sights. Unless you are a survivalist there is not much to do the first two weeks in June.

I've been to Glacier many times and hiked many of the trails. The time to go is late August to mid September. I've been to Glacier in the middle of July and GTTSR and all the high elevation trails were closed.

No matter when you go, consider staying at the KOA in East Glacier. It is the most convenient CG to all Glacier activities.

Stargazer79 · 10-29-2014, 07:29 PM

Thanks everyone for your great tips! AirBaron your pics are fabulous! So based on your thoughts we may plan just Glacier and thereabouts this trip. We hear from so many others that echo your info that maybe that's what we should concentrate on. Glacier has been on my bucket list over Yellowstone too, but hubby wanted to go to either or both...So we're thinking the 2nd two weeks in June. We have about 18 days. That ought to cover all your suggestions I think! Can't wait! I really appreciate your help and ideas For sure we'll do the road. We pull a Jeep.

Air Baron · 10-30-2014, 05:36 AM

The road is paved, so you don't need a jeep. The problem is the latitude and the altitude. Some years they can't get all the snow removed before the 1st of July, and the stretch of road that goes over the pass is closed. It is a long way around the park on HWY 2 to the south, but it is all still good.