Glacier/Yellowstone Questions

Mick'nSarah

Mick'nSarah

Junior Ranger
So, I am pretty determined to get out to Glacier and Yellowstone (and likely Lake Louise since we are going to be in the neighborhood) this summer. I had a couple of questions for folks who have been there:

When is the best time to go? I have a kid in school, so I was thinking either late June or August. How are the mozzies in June? I am guessing with the snow melt they can get thick.

Favorite campsites? I saw St Mary's mentioned and Many Lakes for Glacier. Are there others people would recommend. And yes, I promise to stop for the pie! ;) I haven't dug into Yellowstone or Lake Louise yet.

Are there travel books folks have really liked for any of these parks that I should try and get? Love to have info before we go...I am a bit of a nerd and like to research the area ahead of time, to the point where I feel like I have already been there before I actually set foot n the place.

I seem to remember bear spray not being allowed into Canada. Is that right? Just curious, as I always carry it.

When is the Alaskan expedition happening? Are you all thinking of making stops in any of these parks? Might be fun to try and hook up with you all.

How is park safety, especially for a woman traveling with her kid? People feel secure? Mick is going to try and fly out to meet us for part of the trip, but I may be on my own for a good chunk (unless I wrangle up some friends...we'll see).

Any other info, suggestions, recommendations you have? I am open!

Lastly, do we want to try and plan a 'Ladies trip' in there? I will have the half pint, but as it is a little further east, maybe more ladies might be able to come. Just a thought rolling around in this head of mine!

Thanks!
 
Hi, Sarah. Re bear spray. We were able to bring it into Canada. You can't bring in pepper spray (weapon against animal vs weapon against people.)

AAA has always carried the "Hey, Ranger" series of booklets about the National Parks and I've always found them helpful. I know they're making changes in their products so don't know if they still have them. This past trip we stayed at the KOA outside the east entrance to Glacier: pretty much a big field but a lot quieter than other KOAs we've stayed at because it wasn't right alongside the highway. It was the 2nd most expensive KOA we've stayed in.

We were very happy with the Johnston Canyon Campground along the Bow Valley Parkway (which parallels Hwy1/93). No power but decent bathhouses; has drinking water; also, a dishwashing station outside the bathhouse - very convenient. Mosquitos were abundant when we were there (3rd week in August). The Bow Valley Parkway is a very pretty drive.
 
My brother goes there all the time YS and Glacier. Not a camper so he wouldn't have a clue, but I'll be meeting him there a few times I suspect before Summer.

I want to go too, his pics are really kewl...

TSDIM6204masm-L.jpg


I'll post what I find. LIke you, like to get the info upfront, not while wandering around trying to find a campsite...
 
We went to Yellowstone on the way back from Necedah at the beginning of June. We were able to get a campsite without any reservation. When we checked in, they told us that after that weekend they were fully booked until late September. So that was perfect timing for us, somewhat fewer people and nice weather and a campsite. Just get there before the school's out cut-off date.
 
One reason I am starting to look at things now. I have a little one in school, and have thought about leaving early, but wanted him to have his little "graduation" from Pre-K (and the preschool) before moving up to kindergarten. I feel like I need to get things booked early so we have a spot for sure, since we will be slightly later.

Are there different campgrounds at Yellowstone that people like best? I was looking at Banff last night, and Glacier this morning. Need to do Yellowstone, and finish mapping my route. I think I am going to avoid I-84 on the way home and go through Central Oregon. It will give me a chance to stop in and see some friends.

Keep the suggestions coming!
 
What type of activities do you plan on doing?

My experiance regarding Yellowstone you drive the circle loop and stop taking a 100-200 yard walk snap your pictures and drive on to the next stop. Stopping at spots like Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Canyon and Falls, Old Faithfull ...
Driving down to Jackson Hole viewing the Tetons is a beautiful drive...

Glacier Park is more of a Hiking park in my opinion many of the great sites to see are longer hikes in and back out. Hikes can vary from 1 mile and longer. You will never see all the sights in Glacier in one trip. Driving the Going to the Sun is a must in my book. We have stayed at St. Marys on the East side and Apgar on the Lake McDonald west side. We never spent much time at the campsites as we were hiking the trails during the day. When I get the picture posting down I can post some pics...
We have done the Iceburg lake trail out of Swift Current Campground which is off RT3/Many Glacier Rd, another hike in that area in the Grinnel Glacier hike ( still need to go back for that hike!!)

Here are some links...
http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/index.htm

http://www.glacier.national-park.com/

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/glacier-national-park/

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-trails/glacier-hike-map/

http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
 
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Thanks! I think I may have been looking at a few of those sites tonight. I will be checking out the NG site on hiking for sure...didn't look at that one yet. Would love to see your pics too!

I was thinking a night at St Mary's, maybe 2 at Apgar. I am traveling with my 5-year old, so we will do some hikes, but I need to keep them to a couple-3 miles round trip or so. He might be able to go further come summer, but that is about his max from this summer. I noticed Apgar had horseback riding trips, so I am going to check in to that and see if Laddy is old enough. I think that could be fun. Also thought about doing one of the boat/old bus tours, depending on cost. We also really like the Jr. Ranger programs, so we will be checking those out at all of the parks. Yellowstone has a Young Scientist program at Old Faithful I think he would really like too. Earning special patches and badges is a big deal around here!

Yellowstone I was thinking of giving around 5 nights. Mick is planning to fly out and meet us. For the sake of ease, I decided I will make a reservation at the Canyon Campground, unless anyone has had some bad experiences there. When it is just me and the Lad, I like to know where we are going to sleep ahead of time. Makes it easier to give him real numbers of how long he will be in the car (or estimates at least!). I figure Canyon is centrally located, close to conveniences if we need them, and has Jr Ranger programs and such, and evening programs. We can use it as a jumping off place for activities.

Working through some of the Banff stuff right now. They do a lot on first come first get too. Not sure how things will look in late June and if I should be worried.

Loving the info! Keep it coming! First hand experience is so valuable!
 
Two of our favorite places! We haven't been to either in about 20 years or so, but I don't think the landscape has changed much.
We spent several days at the St Mary's campground and the surroundings & facilities were fine back then. On both of our visits to Yellowstone we stayed in the Canyon Village campground and were quite happy with the sites and facilities. We chose Canyon due to it being in the middle of the figure 8, so to speak, and it worked out fine. Back then, you couldn't reserve a site there - the only campground in the park that took reservations was Fishing Bridge, I believe - and then wait in line EARLY at the campground of choice and hope a spot opened up.

A really fun spot to visit is Firehole Canyon, on the west side of the park. The Firehole River is warmed somewhat from hot springs upstream, and there is a spot where you can just jump in, and get carried downstream through a rocky 'canyon' and then spill into a large pool where people gather to sun bathe. We took our kids there, the youngest were 4 and 6 at the time, and spent several hours doing that 'ride'.

Have fun planning your trip!
 
We visited Glacier the summer of 2010. We can't wait to return! We were there in mid July and the Going to the Sun Road had just opened about 2 weeks prior after getting cleared of snow. The Red Bus Tour was a wonderful way to travel the road for our first visit there - awe inspiring! Check out the Avalanche Lake Trail in West Glacier. It is a fairly easy, beautiful hike through the cedars, ending at a tranquil mountain lake. We saw many families with children hiking the trail. - Julie
 
Thanks everyone, this is fantastic! Especially love hearing about places you have seen other families. We usuall ask at the visitors centers about good hiking for kids, but knowing ahead of time gives me the chance to put it on the list of "to do" things, and helps me plan how man days we should be in each place. Was noticing on the east side of Glacier (and 30-ish miles away) is the Blackfeet Indian Reservation where they have a Native American Cultural Learning center for folks to visit. Has anyone done that? Thought it sounded interesting.

Yellowstone now has 5 campgrounds where you can make reservations. They have farmed the work out to Xanterra to manage. The National Parks Campgrounds are still 'first come-first served'.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/camping-in-yellowstone.htm

I was just reading about Firehole last night and thought that sounded fun. I usually have laddy's 'boat coat' packed, so that would be fun to float. I will need to get myself a life preserver. I have one for boating, but it inflates when I hit the water, and I'll have to pack extra air containers if I was to use it more than once. Good to know it is good for the smaller set too! Thanks for the recommendation!
 
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Ok, so I have been working out my routing, and thinking we might take a night or 2 at Grand Tetons NP, as we are pretty much going through there to get home. I seem to remember someone recommending Signal Mountain Campground, but I can't remember if the recommendation came from the forum or from somewhere else. Have folks stayed in GTNP, and which campground did you like?

Thanks!
 
We stayed at St.Mary's many years ago with the kids in a tent. Nice campground back then. As to the going to the sun road, I would call before going to see if road is open. Had friends go out in July and the road was still closed d/t snow. Depends on what type of winter/spring it has been. But is a fun road to travel and take pics from. Cold at the top.
tina
 
You might also go to Devil's Tower, a very cool spot and not too far out of your way with a nice campground.

Devil%27s%20tower%20Wyoming.jpg

Devil%27s%20Tower%202.jpg
Can you find the climber in this picture?
 
I found the climber - just decided that I will not be needing to climb that rock.
 
"You might also go to Devil's Tower, a very cool spot and not too far out of your way with a nice campground."

I suppose after driving from LA to Wyoming its not too far... But then after getting to Devils tower you would have to visit the Black Hills just across the border in SD and spend another week visiting all the spots there!! lol

Another stop outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone is Cody Wyoming which has a museum and rodeo and many other things to do....
 
I was thinking one night at Craters of the Moon and check that that out. I think we are going to try and high-tail it through Idaho. As the schedule is right now, I would be gone 21 days (if I dont stop to see too many friends and family in Central Oregon). That seems a bit long right now. Was hoping to keep it to more of 2 weeks, but that is looking tough with things planned so far. We passed Devils Tower on our way to pick up Dottie. We didn't stop, but had a gander while driving. It was impressive, no doubt. Think I might stay a little further west this trip.

Like the ideas of the hot springs though. Will add it to the list!

Thanks!
 
We enjoyed Craters of the Moon this summer on our way to California. Camping is $10 per night and we got in fine without a reservation. One of our favorite spots of the trip. Lassen was the best spot.
 
One thing to keep in mind is the Weather... Keep your options open when in Glacier NP... The West side is more like a rain forest vs. the east side. It could be raining all day on one side of the divide and sunny on the other side. Elevation also plays a role... raining at lower elevations and snow in the upper.. I've been there when it was raining in the lower elevations and sunny at the top!! You just can't predict the weather in Glacier.. The ranger stations are a great spot for info...
 
Thanks Mr_Ed! I am very familiar with mountains making their own weather. While Glacier might be a bit higher, things work the same. I grew up in the mountains out here, but being in unfamiliar territory, it is a good reminder. I try not become complacent and make sure I am making good decisions. We also like to visit ranger stations and visitors centers. They often have great exhibits for kids, plus, I like to ask lots of questions so I can learn more about the place, including weather.

Weather is a big deal in the mountains, and being out of touch (we don't use a tv and often I can't get regular radio stations) I try to use other resources and plan for the worst (hoping for the best, of course). In fact we have been getting all of the cars ready for winter out here. We do a lot of trips out into the Cascades to go skiing, and I always have extra food, blankets, water and all of my safety stuff in the car from Oct-May. I haven't put the snow tires on yet, but we have had slightly warmer weather in the valley up until a week ago. I haven't needed to worry about it and ski areas haven't opened yet (except for Timberline...I love skiing, but need more than 16" to get me up there – being an ex-racer, I have had a good fill of skiing, and just prefer to keep my gear in better shape, but we are getting there and should see a good dump this weekend!). I keep lighter versions of the safety gear in the car all year though. Just good to be prepared. We have had a lot of folks get lost, and in some cases perish.
 
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