Community Forums

TXNP · 01-15-2022, 11:40 AM

We are planning a big trip next fall from Texas going all through the badlands, Mt Rushmore, Deadwood and up through south Montana. Got the trip pretty well mapped out but we want to drive from Jackson, WY to Estes Park straight thru, no stops. Is this possible? My trip planner says it is about an 8 hr drive, but we all know that is not necessarily true. We are in a Super C with a toad. So, we can drive longer distances that we could with our 5th wheel, however, windy roads and lots of traffic can take it toll. Trying to plan out where to stop and stay if need be.
Also, what are some great campsites in Yellowstone AND in Estes Park? Thanks for any input. I truly appreciate it. Actually ANY ideas or suggestions for the entire trip would be greatly appreciated, things to see, don't miss, where to stay etc. Thanks in advance!!
Pam

tpaul · 01-15-2022, 01:49 PM

Yup, would make for a pretty long day. Especially the very slow, winding road Hwy 34 up the canyon to Estes Park from Loveland. Also, watch for fairly high winds on I 80 between Rawlins and Laramie. Sometimes out of the west which would provide a nice tailwind but sometimes can be a crosswind out of the north. Sometimes that stretch is closed to high profile vehicles due to wind. Check Windy.com or Ventusky.com.

Busskipper · 01-15-2022, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXNP

We are planning a big trip next fall from Texas going all through the badlands, Mt Rushmore, Deadwood and up through south Montana. Got the trip pretty well mapped out but we want to drive from Jackson, WY to Estes Park straight thru, no stops. Is this possible? My trip planner says it is about an 8 hr drive, but we all know that is not necessarily true. We are in a Super C with a toad. So, we can drive longer distances that we could with our 5th wheel, however, windy roads and lots of traffic can take it toll. Trying to plan out where to stop and stay if need be.

Also, what are some great campsites in Yellowstone AND in Estes Park? Thanks for any input. I truly appreciate it. Actually ANY ideas or suggestions for the entire trip would be greatly appreciated, things to see, don't miss, where to stay etc. Thanks in advance!!
Pam

If you have the time there are a number of great stops if you come into RMNP from the West - RT 34 - Graig - to Steamboat - Yampa River SP and Steamboat Lake SP both come to mind - another option is Saratoga or Albany to Snowy Range - just a seldom seen but Awesome Location, then you can just come down to Grand Lake.

OR

If you just want to Skip some of the best of Colorado then Just follow your Map and make the 10 hour drive.

If it was up to me Snowy Range would be my choice and then on down to Grand Lake - making it a two day drive with a good bit of time at Snowy Range.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXNP

We are planning a big trip next fall from Texas going all through the badlands, Mt Rushmore, Deadwood and up through south Montana. Got the trip pretty well mapped out but we want to drive from Jackson, WY to Estes Park straight thru, no stops. Is this possible? My trip planner says it is about an 8 hr drive, but we all know that is not necessarily true. We are in a Super C with a toad. So, we can drive longer distances that we could with our 5th wheel, however, windy roads and lots of traffic can take it toll. Trying to plan out where to stop and stay if need be.

Also, what are some great campsites in Yellowstone AND in Estes Park? Thanks for any input. I truly appreciate it. Actually ANY ideas or suggestions for the entire trip would be greatly appreciated, things to see, don't miss, where to stay etc. Thanks in advance!!
Pam

If you have the time there are a number of great stops if you come into RMNP from the West - RT 34 - Graig - to Steamboat - Yampa River SP, Stagecoach SP and Steamboat Lake SP all come to mind - another option is Saratoga or Albany to Snowy Range - just a seldom seen but Awesome Location, then you can just come down to Grand Lake and take Trail Ridge into the Park.

OR

If you just want to Skip some of the best of Colorado then Just follow your Map and make the 10 hour drive to Estes.

If it was up to me Snowy Range would be my choice and then on down to Grand Lake - making it a two day drive with a good bit of time at Snowy Range.

https://travelwyoming.com/listings/s...-scenic-byway/

As usual there are just too many options once you get into the Rockies.

JMHO,

TXNP · 01-16-2022, 06:11 AM

Boy, you are right! SO many options! Can't do it all in one trip. Will come back in July when the oppressing Texas heat is too much! I have decided to spend the night btw these 2 locations. So, looking at my GoodSam trip planner, it takes from Jackson to Estes Park one of 2 ways, either on hwy 191 or 287. Any thoughts? You scared me about the wind, that Super C gets tossed like crazy in the wind! And towing a jeep gladiator that weighs less than 5000lbs doesn't help either! Thanks so much for the input.
Pam

twogypsies · 01-16-2022, 12:24 PM

Taking 191 you'll have a beautiful drive to Vernal via Flaming Gorge Nat'l Rec Area.

tpaul · 01-16-2022, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXNP

Boy, you are right! SO many options! Can't do it all in one trip. Will come back in July when the oppressing Texas heat is too much! I have decided to spend the night btw these 2 locations. So, looking at my GoodSam trip planner, it takes from Jackson to Estes Park one of 2 ways, either on hwy 191 or 287. Any thoughts? You scared me about the wind, that Super C gets tossed like crazy in the wind! And towing a jeep gladiator that weighs less than 5000lbs doesn't help either! Thanks so much for the input.
Pam

Haven't done 287 recently but I thought the drive along 191 was nice. A little bit of a climb out of Jackson valley but driving down a corridor with mountain ranges on both sides. Pretty.

And I wouldn't necessarily be afraid of the winds in Wyoming, just watch the forecasts on one of the sites that I mentioned and plan accordingly. With either site you can get a feel for the winds and gusts several days in advance.