Touring

You have several different options for lodging at Yellowstone. Our page on lodging in Yellowstone will provide you with the information. Enjoy your trip and be sure to come back to OhRanger.com and share your pictures and stories! 

http://www.ohranger.com/yellowstone/lodging-dining

The major routes you will be taking are the I-80, US-93, and US-20. You can see the full direction here. Enjoy your trip and be sure to stop back at OhRanger.com and post pictures!

Each president featured in Mount Rushmore was chosen for his contribution during his time in office. George Washington, the father of the country, symbolizes the American struggle for independence while Thomas Jefferson is recognized for his role in the Louisiana Purchase and as the author of the Declaration of Independence. Theodore Roosevelt saw to it that the Panama Canal was completed and Abraham Lincoln ensured that the Union was protected in the struggle for equality. You can read more about this at http://www.nps.gov/moru/historyculture/why-these-four.htm

Colorado Springs is a great place for hiking! You’re close to many Colorado State Parks, including Aiken Canyon Natural Area,  (http://parks.state.co.us/NaturalResources/CNAP/NaturalAreasInfo/AlphabeticalListing/AikenCanyon.htm) Mueller State Park and Wildlife Area (http://www.ohranger.com/co/mueller) and Pike National Forest (http://www.ohranger.com/comanche-cimarron-natl-grasslands).

The wildlife preserve at Aiken Canyon is a great place to watch for animals, as it is home to bear, mountain lion, elk, mule deer, bobcat, fox, squirrels and rattlesnakes.

The Dome Rock Trail at Mueller State Park and Wildlife Area is another great place to see wildlife, especially bighorn sheep!

Steve Garufi, a Colorado resident, has made a great list of local Colorado Springs hikes, which is available at http://www.stevegarufi.com/colorado-springs-hikes.htm.

Also check http://www.cospringstrails.com/ and http://www.localhikes.com/msa/msa_1720.asp for more listings.

Come back to let us know which ones you choose!

The vehicle you use will have to depend on your comfort level. Because the roads are narrow and winding it would be easier to use a car. However, if you feel that you can maneuver your RV on the mountain road then you should be fine. When you get back, check in with us at OhRanger.com and be sure to post your photos!

The vehicle you use will have to depend on your comfort level. Because the roads are narrow and winding it would be easier to use a car. However, if you feel that you can maneuver your RV on the mountain road then you should be fine. When you get back, check in with us at OhRanger.com and be sure to post your photos!

This is a really subjective question, as there are many variables to help determine which trails at Yellowstone (or any park) are best for different people. For example, I had a great time and formed lasting memories on a hike to the top of Avalanche Peak Trail two years ago, which was about four miles to the top and back. It's in the Lake region of the park and the terrain is strenuous. If you're in that part of the park, allocate four hours for the hike, to be safe. (Note: Depending on your pace, the timing could vary quite a bit.) A lot depends on where you are staying (it's a big park) and the degree to which everyone in your group is physically up to the challenge. On the other end of the spectrum is Observation Point Trail, which is by Old Faithful and is only about one mile. It's easy to moderate in difficulty and should take only an hour. In the same vicinity is Lone Star Trail, which is 4.8 miles and has little elevation gain, so it's easy for anyone with a minimum level of fitness and good for the whole family. Another easy hike is Canyon Lake Trail by Canyon Village, which is 4.5 miles and should take a few hours. Lost Lake Trail starts behind the Roosevelt Lodge, is approximately four miles, takes two to three hours and is moderate in difficulty. Beaver Pond is another moderate trail at five miles, originating near Mammoth Hot Springs. Also moderate in difficulty is the Grebe Lake Trail in the Canyon area, which at six miles should take under four hours. Another more strenuous hike is Elephant Back Mountain Trail, which is four miles and originates a mile south of the Fishing Bridge Junction. Information on all of the trails I've just described is contained on a free "Save The Trails" map available at the Yellowstone IMAX Theater in West Yellowstone, which was made possible through the generous support of Nature Valley Granola Bars (one of our sponsors). These and a couple others were selected by those with local knowledge to give a broad range of options for visitors of all abilities and time constraints. You can find more in the Oh, Ranger!® guidebook, which is also a free resource. One of the best bets is to ask a ranger or park concessionaire, or stop in one of the visitor centers in the gateway communities for suggestions. (This holds true for all parks!) Locals often know best, which is what led me to the top of Avalanche Peak. (I highly recommend this trail if you're group is up to the challenge.) Along the way we took cover during a passing hail storm and witnessed a frightened bull elk charge right by us down the trail! That's something I'll never forget, along with the views from the top. On a clear day, you can see the Grand Tetons! I guarantee that once you venture off the pavement, even just a short distance, you'll be transported into another world. Have fun and be sure to let us know about your experiences!