Thats why we are only going through a portion of the park. After riding the Smokeys and getting caught up in the cage traffic moving at a snail's pace we do not want to get caught up in anything like that. We are trying to make this a ride (out to Salt Lake) where we also see some parts of the country we have only heard about.

 

Sounds like a great trip. If you plan on going over Beartooth in early June hopefully its open and I am sure it will be cool

 

I'll bow out of ozone's thread, didn't mean to your thread...

 

Ozone,
You could not have been more timely in this post. We plan on doing this as well on the first week of June. Much appreciated.....no hijack intended

 

We're thinking about doing it a week after Sturgis is over. Late August should be warmer and less likely for any snow going over Beartooth. Motel rates will have gone back down and hopefully most kids will be back in school.

 

With all this talk about yellowstone and deadwood you got me pulling out the maps and looking to go in the spring. Thanks guys. Maybe winter will pass faster. HAHA

 

The traffic in YNP can get pretty awful. All those RVs and minivans of flatlanders rubbernecking at the sight of their first cow elk.

Some parts of the Park are not as busy, though. Generally, the Mammoth-Madison Jct-West Thumb road is the worst.

The best way to beat the crowds? Park and walk. A 1/4 mile in on any trail and you will be far from the sound of traffic and feel like you have the place to yourself.

(They could get snow up in Glacier any day of the year. It is just not likely to stick from May to October. Same at Yellowstone.)

 

Be careful about motel/hotel rates. ±2 weeks of Sturgis are some of the busiest all summer. Everybody knows that bikers are extending their Sturgis trips and scattering all over the west.

Typically, rates don't go down until after Labor Day. (Mid-September is really the best time of year for riding out here. No crowds, cheaper motel rates, still good weather.)

I wouldn't worry about snow on the 'Tooth. It can happen any day of the year. Just bring the right gear and ride it out. It will blow through in 10 minutes. I would avoid going up the 'Tooth before 10am, though--you want to give the overnight ice time to cook off.

 

LOL, I have become very good at manipulating the HD Ride Planner... LOL

Between that and the US atlas I'm in heaven..

Its a sure cure for the winter blues/blahs....lol

This is a big part of why we chose to do this ride in June. Thought we'd be better able to price negotiate...

 

During Sturgis the Super 8 is $200 a night in Rapid City, but on August 20 (one week after) it is only about $70.