Best route for a Cruiser into Jackson Wy.?

[The Machinist]

At the end of August I'm taking a two week trip to Grand Teton Nat. Park and being that I drive an already slow FJ60 that is going to be loaded down with gear and passengers, I wanted to see if anyone that knows the area has any suggestions of passes to avoid and recommendations of routes to take.

Google initially suggests Teton Pass, but I've heard that its pretty steep.

Here is the route I was thinking, any and all recomendations and tips are welcome! Thanks!

https://goo.gl/maps/BBMIb

 

[Trunk Monkey]

There's basically two routes into Jackson, over the pass or around, the way you've got mapped. The pass would be slow going for sure and you'd want to make sure you've got good brakes that don't fade. Other way around along Palisades adds about an hour maybe. Both are beautiful routes, plenty of scenery to keep you occupied.

 

[idaho fzj]

One way that is longer but scenic is the Ashton-Flag Ranch Road which is mostly dirt. On your directions you would not turn at Rigby but continue north until Ashton then go east. It would eventually put you onto the main road that goes between Jackson and Yellowstone in the north part of Teton National Park. You would end up backtracking south down to Jackson. Probably the long way but less busy and off the beaten path.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[mpho]

coming in from Utah...Check out the Hams Fork River Road, Smith Fork River Road, Grey's River Road out to Alpine...Then take paved road from Alpine to JH...Gorgeous country...110ish miles of dirt...The one problem...it's gorgeous country so you might be a little delayed to JH Assuming you would camp along the way...

 

[rc51kid]

I just drove the pass in my 80. I think it is steeper (more up hill) going the other way. Out of Jackson to Idaho. I drove it at around 35-45mph but I was trying to really keep it stress free on the engine. About 2800 RPM or so, less than 3000rpm. It was kind of right between gears for me. I would slow down on the steep parts until it dropped down a gear. Then I would pick up a little speed when not so steep. It was a little annoying. I was just trying to avoid making her work to hard.

PS I am in Yellowstone for a few more months. I would love to hear more trail/road ideas in the West Yellowstone/Jackson/Teton area.

 

[The Machinist]

Thanks for the input guys!

@idaho fzj @mpho Both of those routes sound awesome, I'd definitely like to do them someday. This particular trip is sort of roughly organized by the outdoor club at my college and is mostly focused on hiking, kayaking, and backpacking... and whatever else we may or may not collectively decide to do. (no way am I passing up fly fishing out there ) The trip is a "show up for as many days as you can and participate in what you want" sort of thing but since there are several people relying on me for a ride, I wont really get much if any off pavement miles.


@rc51kid We may take a day and drive the Yellowstone loop road; if by chance you happen to spot my truck, feel free to flag me down or flail around like an idiot (<<<my usual choice )... I'm always down to talk cruisers!




The plan is to leave in the morning Aug. 22 and arrive in Colter Bay in the evening on Aug. 23, then head back to California on Sept. 5, arrive Sept. 6. \\

Cant wait!

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

Any of the mentioned ways above will do you fine. The pass is steep (victor-Jackson) but the only thing you will do is piss off the vehicles that arent as cool as a cruiser. The dirt road around the north end of the Tetons will put a crimp in your timeline. Of course you could always fly over the Grand in a helicopter like I did!