Wildflowers
While portions of this scenic route remain open year-round, weather permitting, the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for vehicle access from mid-June to mid-September. Before and after this core summer season, sections of the road will be closed.
Death Valley is one of the best places to visit in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The Titus Canyon Road is a must travel. The Racetrack Road is also a great drive as it is a dry lake bed. Be prepared while traveling on these roads and carry lots of water.
You can use this website to check road conditions in Death Valley.
The following is a listed of all the unmaintained roads in the park.
While all three parks are a lot to visit in ten days it can be done. Plan on at least one day of driving to get between Yellowstone and Glacier. To get the most out of your trip use the "Only a Day" link on ohranger.com for each park. These "Only a Day" links for Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons provide a quick highlight of some of the main features in the park that you won't want to miss. To get the most out of your stay try to stay in the park. If you plan ahead there's no reason these three parks can't be accommodated in one trip.
First, save money on entrance fees by picking up an "America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass" at parkpass.net. If you're age 62 or older, you're eligible for the Senior Pass.
In Utah You’ll be right in the heart of the Grand Circle, a collection of seven national parks, eight national monuments, numerous state parks, scenic byways, historical sites, prehistoric Indian ruins, colorful ghost towns and stunning geologic formations. Take some time to explore some of these places, including Zion, Canyonlands and Monument Valley. For more information on sights to see in the area, check out www.grandcircle.org and www.utah.com/nationalparks/grandcircle.htm. This article also offers some great tips!
Be sure to stop by and let us know how your trip goes!
I live in Montana, I would check the local ranger district on snowpack reports for the season and see if road opening dates may be delayed. I am not sure if they adhere to a strict road opening date, but being government they probably do. The snowpack in our end of the state has been a bit low, not sure about the park down south. The south entry may get more winter action if I recall correctly. I entered from the north when I lived in Billings area and came thru red lodge. The ranger district should have better info if you look them up and make contact directly.
Just a quick note to all readers of this. I have seen it be 90 degrees in August and snow 7 feet that very night. It has happened to me so please all of you visiting, come prepared for all seasons, and don't pet the buffalo. To many people get smashed up against trees trying to get a picture. At least one or two people get killed each year doing this kind of thing, I am not kidding. Stay safe.
The roads from the North Entrance and the West Entrance to Old Faithful are scheduled to open April 16, 2010. The road from the South Entrance is scheduled to open May 14, 2010. Road opening dates are weather dependant. Check, http://www.nps.gov/yell for more information.
Kristine
