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Wyoming roadtrip

R

rookie7

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Jan 26, 2009
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Georgia
#1
This June we are taking a family roadtrip from Georgia to Wyoming. We are stopping along the way of course to stay in different states and enjoy different places.

I have in my mind what to take for emergencies etc. My wife also has a packing list started so the family can add ideas.

What would you pack? If you have done such a trip before please share your wisdom.

Also, while in Yellowstone my daughter wants to do some hiking. Any awareness tips for general safety? Also, hiking shoe recommendations? Or will basic athletic shoes do the trick?

This trip is for my daughter's high school graduation and I want my family to have a wonderful time, but my job is safety first.
Thanks
 
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#2
Hiking boots, absolutely. Something lightweight and breathable with good ankle support, and make sure they’re plenty broken in before the trip. I wear the US made Keen boots, there’s a multitude of good boots out there. Small packs for water and snacks, but that depends on how long of hikes you’re planning. Sounds like you’re doing hotels/cabins and not camping.

If you’re going miles in, bear spray. I carry my Glock 20 with hard casts anytime I’m in the mountains and keep my head on a swivel. I’m not saying you NEED a 10mm but if your wife asks, a dude from Wyoming said absolutely yes, you need a new gun for this trip.

Plan your hikes well and have a topo map of the area plus a compass, phone doesn’t count. If you’re sticking to the shorter hikes in well worn tourist areas, this is far less critical.

One more thing, the sun is brutal at altitude, plan for it.

ETA: Bug spray and keep in mind it gets down to freezing most nights up there.
 
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#3
Great restaurant in Denver i always stop at when going that way. Rumbo 52 Cocina & Cantina. Looks like a dump at a truckstop but is really really good. It's also like 1 block from Mile High shooting, just saying.

I've been out that way several times from the very southern tip of IL, been to wyoiming several times, Idaho, Moab UT(awesome btw), and others and here are some thoughts.

Kansas/Eastern Colorado suck. Avoid if possible. Get west of Denver Co and hit pikes peak on the way. It's worth seeing.

My wife and I hike quite a bit. I have used boots and tennis shoes. Depending on terrain and how deep off the trails you go I would say makes a difference. My favorite is Altra lone peak all weather trail running shoes. Basicly are super comfy tennis shoes that are waterproof and have offroad tread on them. We hiked over 40 miles in moab and about the same in Sedona AZ with them. May people use the mid version for elk hunts also. Great shoes, but won't last forever.
 
#4
Will add you phone is going to be a brick in more places than you can imagine. Dad there is no wifi and no cell service!!!

Your biggest danger in the park are your fellow man stopping and standing in the roadway as you round the corner going 35mph.

We did this trip last year and I got to take my girls to some of the places very few ever see.

What is your route across Wyoming? 80 to 287 to park south entrance and out east gate?
 
#7
June weather can be unpredictable in the high country, you may get snow.
Services can be pretty far apart, so plan accordingly and don't let your fuel level get too low.
Otherwise, just the regular road trip supplies should work.
 
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#10
Layering is key for cool temps.

Cotton sucks in the mtns when you sweat and its cool. Having a couple basic wicking/quick dry base layers is a good idea. Cheap fleece beats a cotton hoodie on a hike.
Doesnt need to be high end, and a waterproof/windproof layer is good in the mtns.
Pack stocking caps.

Absolutely a G20 and hardcasts. I run a high lumen light on mine, but am often backpacking and tent camping.

Have fun!! Amazing country, so much cool stuff to see.

I recommend seeing Chimney Rock, Scotsbluff monument, and tagging in the Black Hills and Devil’s tower. Then across N WY and go in the park that way. You can do it in an extra couple days and totally worth it IMO
The gondola ride at Jackson Hole in the Summer is cool.
All stuff I remember from trips when I was a kid. And have been taking my daughter on and she has great memories as well.
 
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#12
As stated before, be ready for cold weather. Even in the summer, nights are cool/cold. And it can snow anytime of the year in Yellowstone. In and around the park, be ready to spend lots of time stopped on the road as people just park where they are to see and take pictures of wildlife.

Go south of Yellowstone to see the Tetons, well worth the drive and time to do so.

If going across northern Wyoming (much more scenic than I-80), spend time in Cody. Great museum there that alone can take a couple of days.

Try not to be on a tight time schedule because it just won't work for you. Too much to see and not enough time to see it all.

Enjoy the trip.
 
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#14
A lot of this goes without saying depending on your experience but,...

Atlas & Gazetteer map of Wyoming + Montana. FRS (or better) 2-way radios. As has been mentioned, cell service will be marginal. Headlamps, even if you're not planning on camping out overnight. Bear spray, Water filter, whistles. Basic vehicle recovery kit-especially if staffing hasn't been restored to the NPS. Stay abrest of local road conditions in and around the park-they may not be clearly marked. Fill up your gas tank at every opportunity -even if it's expensive- don't go below half tank. Gas stations can be few and far between especially when entering or exiting the park.

Jackson/Grand Teton is really fun but I've spent most of my time on the northeast/east side:Beartooth Pass, Chief Joseph Highway, and Cody WY side. Great their also.. Gardener and Bozeman are gross(er) now- everyone thinks they're John or Beth Dutton.

Have a great trip.
20150718_113117.jpg


20150718_134639.jpg
 
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#21
hlee said:
Make sure you get plenty of selfies with the fluffy cows. Closer the better.
Click to expand...
I was raised on a cattle farm until I headed to college, so I already know what 4 hooves and 2000 pounds can do by accident to a person much less intentional. No thanks on the "get close and get a picture with it." - F that - I have to drive home!
 
#22
Watch out for the fucking moose too. I used to work in GTNP and we always ran into them things hiking in the trees. They’re silent and will sneak up behind you too. Don’t zone out on the trails and always check your six!

We were on our way to climb the Middle Teton, stopped for a water break, turned around and a bull stepped onto the path behind us. Didn’t see the damn thing at all when we passed it. Luckily it wasn’t in a “I want to stomp some hikers” mood then. Enjoy!
 
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#23
The biggest obstacle in Yellowstone is the overwhelming amount of idiots. You’re going to lose half your time waiting in traffic or in lines.

Do your driving thru Wyoming in daylight as there are lots of animals crossing the roadways at dawn and dusk.

As stated, there is still plenty of snow in the higher altitudes so be prepared for any kind of weather. Don’t worry if you don’t like it, wait 10 minutes it will change. Watch out for the sun, bugs, and bears. Beyond that, typical trail hiking hazards apply.

ETA: Don’t bother looking for a good BBQ joint, there aren’t any!
 
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#24
powdahound76 said:
Layering is key for cool temps.

Cotton sucks in the mtns when you sweat and its cool. Having a couple basic wicking/quick dry base layers is a good idea. Cheap fleece beats a cotton hoodie on a hike.
Doesnt need to be high end, and a waterproof/windproof layer is good in the mtns.
Pack stocking caps.

Absolutely a G20 and hardcasts. I run a high lumen light on mine, but am often backpacking and tent camping.

Have fun!! Amazing country, so much cool stuff to see.

I recommend seeing Chimney Rock, Scotsbluff monument, and tagging in the Black Hills and Devil’s tower. Then across N WY and go in the park that way. You can do it in an extra couple days and totally worth it IMO
The gondola ride at Jackson Hole in the Summer is cool.
All stuff I remember from trips when I was a kid. And have been taking my daughter on and she has great memories as well.
Click to expand...
I can only add a few things to this already great advice

1) merino wool is the shit. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe, just some socks and a few shirts

2) bear spray along with a firearm

3) don’t pet the fluffy cows, you’re gonna have a bad time. This goes for elk too, they don’t fuck around either

 
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#25
If you are Hotel/Motel/RV Parking it, Make sure that you get reservations SOONEST! I’d have a tent, sleeping gear and rudimentary kitchen with supplies myself. Our last trip through Cody coming from Yellowstone, all of the hotels were No Vacancy. We were lucky that one of the RV Parks had some cabins (much less $$). You needed your own sleep gear though.
 
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#26
Long Range 338 said:
The biggest obstacle in Yellowstone is the overwhelming amount of idiots. You’re going to lose half your time waiting in traffic or in lines.

Do your driving thru Wyoming in daylight as there are lots of animals crossing the roadways at dawn and dusk.

As stated, there is still plenty of snow in the higher altitudes so be prepared for any kind of weather. Don’t worry if you don’t like it, wait 10 minutes it will change. Watch out for the sun, bugs, and bears. Beyond that, typical trail hiking hazards apply.

ETA: Don’t bother looking for a good BBQ joint, there aren’t any!
Click to expand...
Maybe not in Yellowstone but there is a really amazing place that started in Estes Park, CO and has expanded to the Denver burbs. It’s called Smokin Dave’s. @rookie7 If you travel down to Denver and are looking for a dinner recommendation, my whole family(not just wife and kids. Every family member I’ve taken there said it’s awesome) loves this place

 
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#27
The D said:
I can only add a few things to this already great advice

1) merino wool is the shit. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe, just some socks and a few shirts

2) bear spray along with a firearm

3) don’t pet the fluffy cows, you’re gonna have a bad time. This goes for elk too, they don’t fuck around either

Click to expand...


Yes on wool.
One shirt for a week of hiking will do if you clean up and wear something else and let it air out. Or wash in sink, creek, or lake and let dry.

I was trying to be $ conscious as the wool ain't cheap

I just pack a bear gun.
If they wanna be close to people and a threat to me, Im just shooting.
Everyone has a different thought.
I have a lot of bear encounters under 50 yds. Several under 10.
Never pulled a gun on a bear.
Moose? Different story…..
 
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#28
Definitely hiking boots.
Pre-emptive apologies for having a good boot at a low price. I know everything here is supposed to be gucci.


The boot is still going strong and I bought them in October 2023. I just today replaced the insoles that were starting to wear down with Dr Scholl's work gel insoles. 67.99 + tax if you have prime. And they have them in my size, 14 W.
 
#30
Several years ago I spent a week in the Wind River range out of Lander Wy. Cirque of the Towers/Lonesome Lake. I’m a flat lander so it was quite the experience for me. What kinda stunned me were the mosquitoes. Constantly swarming around you looking for any spot of skin not covered by Deet. Then there were the deer flies. Sneaky bastards. Never felt them land on you till they bit. Mother fucking OUCH 😣 Some good fishing. Caught some nice cut throat at another lake above the timberline.

Definitely an experience I’ll never forget
 
#31
Most of the tourists don’t go far from trailheads in Yellowstone. The farther you go, the lonelier it gets. We rode horses into the backcountry and by the time we had ridden for 45 minutes to an hour we were well beyond where people were. Bears are real, and so are Moose. I had a close encounter with an elk while on foot and we surprised each other. That was interesting. Carry all the basics, water, sunscreen, G20 as mentioned, bear spray, more water because of altitude. If you are not used to altitude, start working out now. My buddy had not done anything and he was dying due to the altitude where we fished (around 9000 ft). I doubled my cardio before we went and it paid off.
 
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#33
You don’t really have to worry about hiking shoes unless you plan to spend an entire day hiking in the backcountry. If you only plan on “hiking” to old faithful or the grand prismatic you’ll be fine with regular shoes
 
#34
Moe Ron said:
Several years ago I spent a week in the Wind River range out of Lander Wy. Cirque of the Towers/Lonesome Lake. I’m a flat lander so it was quite the experience for me. What kinda stunned me were the mosquitoes. Constantly swarming around you looking for any spot of skin not covered by Deet. Then there were the deer flies. Sneaky bastards. Never felt them land on you till they bit. Mother fucking OUCH 😣 Some good fishing. Caught some nice cut throat at another lake above the timberline.

Definitely an experience I’ll never forget
Click to expand...
That’s a serious hike, beautiful country though.
 
#35
If you go through Nebraska this is a good place to stop in Minden Ne. A patriotic museum of Americana, including a very large collection of antique vehicles from covered wagons on up. There's nothing else in this town, but it's worth the stop.

Do not leave Wyoming without going to the Buffalo Bill museum in Cody. HUGE gun collection in the basement. I could go through there for 2 days and still feel like I missed something
 
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#37
rookie7 said:
This June we are taking a family roadtrip from Georgia to Wyoming. We are stopping along the way of course to stay in different states and enjoy different places.

I have in my mind what to take for emergencies etc. My wife also has a packing list started so the family can add ideas.

What would you pack? If you have done such a trip before please share your wisdom.

Also, while in Yellowstone my daughter wants to do some hiking. Any awareness tips for general safety? Also, hiking shoe recommendations? Or will basic athletic shoes do the trick?

This trip is for my daughter's high school graduation and I want my family to have a wonderful time, but my job is safety first.
Thanks
Click to expand...


For emergencies, the normal first aid stuff, Advil, Tylenol, Pepto bismol, Imodium,
You have to have sunscreen and being bug spray.

For hiking I would not get hiking boots, unless you're doing over nighters with some weight on your, normal athletic shoes will do great, save space and be lighter.

Weather can go from summer to kill- you almost instantly. We pack down or synthetic down packable puffer coats, we also carry those disposable rain flies.


Sun is a bigger issue than you realize at altitude, there's less air to block it and you'll burn FAST. You should being hats and sun glasses if you're outside much.


If you go far off the road bring bear spray. But they are still rare.

You will also dehydrate very quickly, chap stick, lotion for the girls and water bottles that stay with you.
 
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#38
Steakhouse in Jackson Hole.
www.fooddiscoveryapp.com

Gun Barrel Steak and Game House - Restaurant in Jackson

Gun Barrel Steak and Game House serves delicious food in Jackson. Call +1 307-733-3287 for reservations.
www.fooddiscoveryapp.com www.fooddiscoveryapp.com

*MIXED GAME GRILL
Combination of our elk steak, bison prime rib, venison bratwurst

Also, carry a handgun while hiking in the park - some trails had problems with bears last year.

Consider Glacier NP, it's only about 6hrs up the road and pretty impressive.
 
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#41
BadDogPSD said:
June weather can be unpredictable in the high country, you may get snow.
Services can be pretty far apart, so plan accordingly and don't let your fuel level get too low.
Otherwise, just the regular road trip supplies should work.
Click to expand...
Can confirm. First trip up there I was 14. Had family in the Lander/Riverton area... Left for WY a few days after school let out for summer. So last week of May/first week of June. First night in Lander woke up to an inch of snow.

And as others have said, don't count on cell service.

I also remember driving in the remote areas and not seeing another car for 2 to 3 hours... Just snow fence and the occasional antelope. Make sure your vehicle is up to snuff before you get out a ways from town.

Mike
 
#44
Long Range 338 said:
That’s a serious hike, beautiful country though.
Click to expand...

Long Range 338 said:
That’s a serious hike, beautiful country though.
Click to expand...
Yeah I think we figured about a 50 mile loop. We started at a trailhead west of Lander(can’t recall the name) went to Lonesome Lake. Spent a couple days there then went over the top and down to Dutch Oven Lake. Did some day hikes there and then back down. This map shows the route from Lonesome Lake to Dutch Oven in purple. Lander is to the right on the map.

That trek to Dutch Oven was a brutal day for me. Up to 12,000 feet and then as we were making our way across we saw a storm rolling in from the west. Not knowing what the storm held in store we knew we had to get the hell down. We were double timing it and just made it to some rock shelter when it hit. Rain and wind. We got soaked. When we finally made it to Dutch Oven I was completely exhausted. All I could do was lay on the ground. My buddies were laughing their asses off. Probably a bit of altitude sickness. Did I mention I’m a flat lander 😂 Next day I was fine.

Anyway, yes, a serious hike. For me anyway.

 
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#47
I did a similar trip last from SC through to Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Badlands... and a few points in between. Let me know where exactly you're staying, and I might be able to provide more specific guidance. A few points not mentioned earlier:

- Reservations are likely all booked by now, so if you haven't planned accordingly - your options will be severely limited or prohibitively expensive.

- Yellowstone has better infrastructure than any other National Park, which is a blessing and a curse. Good because you can get grandma up the flight of stairs to see Grand Prismatic Basin, but but because everyone else is up there. The infrastructure causes a fall sense of security for those without the capacity to contextualize nature, so that's why you see the level of dumb shit. Some places also have a majority of asian tourists in the summer, so you'll be dealing with panicked families completely out of their element.

- The drive south to Grand Teton is well worth it. Recommend checking out Jenny Lake in the strongest possible terms. Jackson is a billionaires playground, but worth spending a day walking around.

- Backcountry is legit, and I recommend getting as far from the road as possible as quickly as you can. Once you're 1/2mi from a parking area, the crowds fall off by 90%. Due to the size of YS, you'll need to pic your spots. I recommend some of the day hikes on the rim of The Canyon of YS River for starters. Whatever you do, get started early.

- Regarding any National Parks, keep in mind that long ago, they sold their soul to Booz Allen Hamilton via a Recreation.gov contract. This means that everything you can possible reserve gets channelled through this website. The rangers can help give advice, but even they can't sign you up for tours. Only exception to this is a 3rd party group (Xanterra) in YS, which actually does a decent job as customer service.

- For the trip, I'd recommend a proper tire inflator (Viaair is what I bought), battery pack for jump starts, and a set of GMRS radios with weather capability (when you're out of cell range). Pack your food in a cooler, and make sammitches on the road instead of waiting for a gas station, as you're not going to find many once you get into WY. Cheaper too.

That should cover the basics. Again, post any of your specific destinations within the park, or advise on desired activities, and I'll share what I know accordingly.
 
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#50
Mile High Shooting said:
Stop by here and say Hi. I too am from Georgia. Joe at the Wyoming store is awesome too. If you drive through Dallas and up through Amarillo the NE corner of New Mexico has the Clayton Raton volcanic field that is really cool as is Capulin.

kent
Click to expand...

Glad to see you have opened a store in Cheyenne. I did not know this. I’ll be rolling over from Laramie on the motorcycle this summer…..
 
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