Yellowstone traffic in August?

[user 28803]

My wife and I plan to ride to the PNW from Alabama in August. It'll be a pretty quick run so most photo ops will be from the bike.

My question: is Yellowstone likely to be jammed with tourists in early August?

I thought we might buzz through there on our way but only of we can get through without delay. We plan to go back another time when we can enjoy the area so we'd rather skip it entirely than be held up by traffic through the park.

Thanks!

 

[0Face]

Yes.

 

[Ignacio]

My question: is Yellowstone likely to be jammed with tourists in early August?

Ummmmm....do you consider 3.4 million visitors last year to be jammed?

Yes, expect a sea of cars, RVs, and people stopping for buffalo. Expect to enjoy the incredible scenery at a sedate 35 mph through a giant park....pretty much from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I went a week before Memorial Day and still found some snow myself...but little traffic.

Check the website and you'll see breakdowns by month too.

Personally, I was WAY more impressed with the nearby Grand Tetons for outright views, vistas, and riding.

 

[Greg 03]

My mom and stepdad did yellowstone in late july one year and said it was bumper to bumper slow goin. Doesn't sound fun on a motor to me.

 

[user 28803]

Ok, that's kinda what I expected. I'd planned the Tetons as well so we'll do that then buzz on over into Idaho. When I'm able I'll post a route in another thread.

Thanks!

 

[SailorTim]

I was there early October last year. Great place. Worth the visit. I knew I had dodged the bullet though when I saw the freeway-style overpasses leading to the main lodge. I, on the other hand, was able to enjoy the place in peace with a handful of other visitors. Dont know if I could handle the hordes.

BTW, I was in a rental car, not on my bike.

 

[Spud]

Parking lot at old Faithful:

This was not in August

If you want to go "around" the area, here's some information I posted earlier this year:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/151685-guide-to-fjring-in-the-yellowstoneteton-area/

 

[puppychow]

^^^ That's good info. Thanks Spud (and for your assistance with route planning via PM's).

 

[user 28803]

Spud, great info. I'll take a closer look at the roads when I'm at a computer.

Ignacio, thanks for the tips. Vistas and views are what I want. My wife has never seen that part of the country AND it'll be her first mototour so I want her to see some beautiful scenery.

 

[Fred W]

Ping forum member Big Sky via PM for details about Yellowstone vs. other even better ride routes in that area.

He lives in Montana and knows the secret goods, and has written a few MC travel guides covering the area.

 

[user 28803]

Sweet. Thanks Fred. This ride will be more tour than sport but it'll still be a good one.

 

[Mount Rainier]

What Ignacio said on both counts.

If you are intent on just passing through Yellowstone that time of the year pack a lunch, especially if theres a buffalo in view.

Better yet, if you have the time, head south and visit the Tetons. My first exposure to the Tetons was last month and It truly was the highlight of a very scenic 4,000 mile loop. Even if you are just riding through the area as it sounds like you will be, you'll be rewarded with magnificent vistas. I was fortunate in that there was still plenty of snow on the peaks which made it extra special.

Keep Going!

 

[HelzBelz]

I live in Bozeman, Just took my son on his first mototrip from Jackson WY through Teton and Yellowstone. He did GREAT. The Sena SMH10's helped me to make sure he didn't fall asleep.

Traffic.... of course. But the speed limit is 45 max anyway so no big deal. If you are looking to speed through without taking pictures of anything or seeing Bison, Elk, Bear, etc up close, I would suggest any one of 1000 roads within 1000 miles of yellowstone. Oregon, Idaho are fantastic. Colorado is by far the greatest motorcycle riding state on the planet.

Cali is super, but Colorado is THE BEST.

 

[user 28803]

Thanks, folks. I've decided we'll go around, lol. I hope I'll get to work on the route in the next few days.