Grand Teton NP River Road?

[Grolar]

Hi - heading to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs in two weeks. Desperately looking for some places inside the parks to justify driving a gas guzzling 4WD up there.
Although trails seem to be scarce in Yellowstone, I noticed a "River Road" in Grand Teton, starting from "Taggart Lake Trailhead" and heading northeast to "Signal Mountain Lodge", with the delightful "4 WD required" notice. Anyone wheeled there already? Would love some input.
Thanks.

 

[bkfj40]

it's nothing special, but as good as you're going to get. head out early and you have a great chance to see lots of various wildlife.


bk

 

[kcowyo]

There are no off road trails in Yellowstone NP. The closest thing is a gravel road on the Blacktail Plateau in the northern section of the park. However it's a one way road, maybe 12-14 miles, that runs parallel to the main road. The scenery is great, but it can be done in a sedan.

Traditionally the main roads in Yellowstone do not open for vehicle traffic until Memorial Day weekend. With as much snow as we've had this winter, even Memorial Day may be pushing it. There was a story in the local papers last week about 2 of their monster snow pushers breaking trying to clear the roads. I make a trip to Yellowstone every Memorial Day weekend and it is always, always cold. Like below freezing temps cold, and with tons of snow still on the ground. Be prepared.

Not trying to kill your buzz, but a call to the Yellowstone and GTNP ranger stations regarding current conditions would be a very good idea.

 

[Grolar]

There are no off road trails in Yellowstone NP. The closest thing is a gravel road on the Blacktail Plateau in the northern section of the park. However it's a one way road, maybe 12-14 miles, that runs parallel to the main road. The scenery is great, but it can be done in a sedan.

Traditionally the main roads in Yellowstone do not open for vehicle traffic until Memorial Day weekend. With as much snow as we've had this winter, even Memorial Day may be pushing it. There was a story in the local papers last week about 2 of their monster snow pushers breaking trying to clear the roads. I make a trip to Yellowstone every Memorial Day weekend and it is always, always cold. Like below freezing temps cold, and with tons of snow still on the ground. Be prepared.

Not trying to kill your buzz, but a call to the Yellowstone and GTNP ranger stations regarding current conditions would be a very good idea.

Thanks for the advice. Xanterra had its season opening at Lake hotels and cabins in mid May so I thought I was safe, but will doublecheck indeed. I know it's a bit cold up there as I worked at Lake 15 years ago and we had a snowstorm in late August.

 

[Grolar]

Had a look at their website and here tis. Doesn't look too bad.

Roads will open to motorized, wheeled vehicles as follows:

• April 18–West side roads open to motor vehicles. Mammoth to Norris Junction to Madison Junction to Old Faithful; Madison Junction to West Entrance; Norris Junction to Canyon​
• May 2–Canyon to Lake; Lake to East Entrance​
• May 9–Tower to Tower Fall; Lake to West Thumb; West Thumb to Old Faithful; South to Old Faithful. Cooke City via Colter Pass to the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway intersection to the Long Lake gate shall be open as soon thereafter as possible.​
• May 23 (if snow and plow conditions allow): Tower Falls to Canyon via Dunraven Pass; Long Lake Gate to Red Lodge via Beartooth Pass.​

 

[jb welda]

>Cooke City via Colter Pass to the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway intersection to the Long Lake gate shall
>be open as soon thereafter as possible.

lots of interesting trails up there especially if the chief joseph hiway to cody is open. check out dead horse campground and that area. there is a particularly nice little road/trail that leads down to clark fork river, the trail leaves the highway right near the big butte...cant hardly miss it. kind of off camber in sections for a thrill and beautiful down at the river. lots of wildlife too. road might still be closed though.

one love
jah bill

 

[Trollhole]

I mis Yellowstone.

 

[Gappy]

I'm taking my family on a 2 week camping trip to Yellowstone and GT the second half of June. How cold does it tend to get at night that time of year?

 

[Grolar]

Expect mid 30's at night at Lake, says Weather.com.

Monthly Averages for Yellowstone Lake, WY - weather.com

 

[WyoCruiser]

Grolar, you are going to YNP at a great time. May =prime wildlife viewing w/o the summer crowds. No need/use for 4WD inside the park. Bring layers, rain gear and warm bags if camping. Mild days...cool to freezing nights. Probably some fresh, light snow as well. Spectacular skies from the change of season weather. Love Yellowstone...like several NPs rolled into one. One reason we relocated to Wyo.

 

[Gappy]

Expect mid 30's at night at Lake, says Weather.com.

Monthly Averages for Yellowstone Lake, WY - weather.com

Holy cheap sleeping bag Batman, better upgrade the kids bags!!!

 

[Grolar]

Well, looks like we're taking off on Saturday morning from LA, hoping to be in West Yellowstone on Sunday night. That's a thousand mile ride. Talking about cold... Temps in arrival zone are in the high 60s daytime, low 30s at night. I'm more concerned about crossing the Mojave in the midst of this weekend's heatwave. The NWS has a 110 F forecast for Baker on the I-15.:shock:
Will post pics of the interstate and NP roads wheeling asap.

 

[bkfj40]

I'm taking my family on a 2 week camping trip to Yellowstone and GT the second half of June. How cold does it tend to get at night that time of year?

bring hats, mittens, and coats. On two different fourth of july's I can remember fly fishing in the snow (not snow on the ground, but like snowing with whiteout conditions) at only 7000 feet in elevation.


you'll wear a t-shirt and shorts during the day and everything you can think of at night around the fire....


get away from the crowds and you'll enjoy the park even more!


bk

 

[Grolar]

We're back! It was great, except a freak snowstorm spoiled the picture at the end of the trip. Pics there.