Yellowstone from the Southeast

[Jerry47]

Leaving tomorrow from Arkansas to Yellowstone. Good Sam planner has us crossing Kansas to CO (driven that before) and from Fort Collins to Rawlins. WY then NW to West Yellowstone, MT via 287. Any concerns with this route with a 355RE and F250 SD, other than wind?

Thanks in advance
Jerry

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by Jerry47

Leaving tomorrow from Arkansas to Yellowstone. Good Sam planner has us crossing Kansas to CO (driven that before) and from Fort Collins to Rawlins. WY then NW to West Yellowstone, MT via 287. Any concerns with this route with a 355RE and F250 SD, other than wind?

Thanks in advance
Jerry

Is your F250 SD a diesel or gas? What year is the F250? What brand is the 355RE?

[Jerry47]

I need to figure out how to add this info automatically, don't i?

I have a 2013 F250 crew cab, SRW, 6.7 diesel. Tow a 2014 355RE 5th wheel Forest River Sierra. Actually bought the trailer in March 2013 but it is a 2014.

Jerry

[bubbles]

Sounds like a plan. You will not encounter any climbing till heading out of Grand Teton up the hill to Yellowstone but that's the way everyone has to go and it's not drastic. Have a nice trip and take plenty of pictures/video.

[Oakman]

We prefer taking Hwy 287 out of Rawlins because that route takes you right into Grand Teton NP. The views will be breath taking.

[Jerry47]

Thanks y'all. Been planning this trip for a while and just noticed the swiggly road on the last leg of the route and worried that it wasn't the way to go. I'll relax now

Going to park for 6 nights in West Yellowstone and plan at least one day-trip back at grand Teton.

Thanks again

[Oakman]

The squiggly lines you see are probably going up the Togowotee Pass on hwy 26/287. This is a 6% mountain grade but your diesel should have no issues going up or coming down. You will be crossing the Continental Divide. Be sure to use the tow/haul mode on your truck.

On your way to West Yellowstone and in Yellowstone NP you will go over Craig Pass. There are short sections of 5 – 6% grades but that diesel of yours will have no issues. You will also cross the Continental Divide twice in that stretch.

Don’t forget you binoculars and cameras.

[Jerry47]

Thanks, Oakman. Changing the subject, I see you are in MO. Recently say a story (trailer life?) about trip from St Joseph to Hannibal. You familiar with that area? Would that be a good fall trip looking for fall color?

[Oakman]

Hannibal is an interesting little town along the Mississippi and is considered Mark Twain's boyhood home. Nearby is Mark Twain Cave and a short drive to Mark Twain Lake which offers Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Getting the timing with the fall colors can be iffy. Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate.
I think the Branson, MO area which is closer to you would be a better choice for fall colors, but that's just my opinion.

[droilerjr]

Made the same drive from Rawlins to Yellowstone 2013 f-150 Ecoboost pulling Rockwood 2703ws Ultalite had no issues other than a gust of wind from time to time.

[Jerry47]

Drove from south of Wichita across Kansas to Seibert, CO today. Forecast was for wind at 20 plus mph from the south. Got almost 9 mpg today. Thermometer was at 102 for a while. Look forward to moving further NE tomorrow.

[Jerry47]

Meant moving NW, of course.

[Oakman]

Did you stop at the Shady Grove Campground in Seibert?

[Puglover]

Originally Posted by Jerry47

Drove from south of Wichita across Kansas to Seibert, CO today. Forecast was for wind at 20 plus mph from the south. Got almost 9 mpg today. Thermometer was at 102 for a while. Look forward to moving further NE tomorrow.

Thanks for the report!

[Jerry47]

Yes, Oakman, we stopped at Shady Grove. It was in a good spot distance wise for us. Nice owners and meet one of our neighbors who is working on the interstate construction. Didn't unhook after a search on trip advisor for dining options (there were none). Overnighting at Rawlins, WY KOA tonight then on to West Yellowstone. Yep, it's a four day trip for us from Arkansas!

Jerry

[Oakman]

We take four days for a trip to Yellowstone too. The last time we stayed at the Shady Grove RV Park the wheat harvesters were working the area. Their rig was our next door neighbor. I believe there were 15 men living in it.