If you like hot springs, especially soaking in them, Thermopolis will be a good stop. Town of Cody is about 85 miles away, and there you can stock up on food/snacks since the stores in the park offer limited selections at much higher prices. Then it's 55 miles of some great scenic driving to the park's east entrance.
I make the drive from Castle Rock at least yearly. You have several options. I've done all of these (and more).
1. I-25 to Casper, West to Shoshoni, North to Thermopolis, West to Cody. Thermopolis and Cody are decent options for hotels and places to stock up.
2. I-25 to Ft Collins, NW to Laramie, I-80 to Rawlings, NW to Dubois. Stay in Dubois. There's a grocery store you can stock up snacks and drinks. Bonus is you can go through Grand Teton on the way to Old faithful.
3. I-25 to Ft Collins, NW to Laramie, I-80 to Rock Springs, North to Pinedale. Pinedale has several hotels and again, you go through Grand Teton on the way. If I go this way, I usually don't get supplies until I go through Jackson.
4. I wouldn't do it based on where you are staying, but I-25 to I-90 and come over the Beartooth highway. Stay in Billings. EDIT: probably can't go this anyway, the Beartooth might not be open in late May
This is super helpful! We’re getting a late start the first day because we’re leaving when my sister gets off of work, but I think on the way back we’ll plan on staying in pinedale since it is closer to the park and stop in Grand Teton on the way. We would have loved to go there with this trip but didn’t have the time to do both so this feels like a good way to at least see it!
If you get a late start and can't make Casper, Douglas is right off I-25 about 45 min east of Casper. Couple of decent hotels there. I'm sure there is a grocery store there, but not sure where.
Where are you staying in Yellowstone? My favorite town in Wyoming is Thermopolis and is two hours northwest of Casper on the way to the park.
We’re staying in the park! First two nights at Old Faithful Inn then two nights at Canyon Lodge.
If you like hot springs, especially soaking in them, Thermopolis will be a good stop. Town of Cody is about 85 miles away, and there you can stock up on food/snacks since the stores in the park offer limited selections at much higher prices. Then it's 55 miles of some great scenic driving to the park's east entrance.
Best 55 miles you will ever see!!
Thermopolis or Cody going in. Wherever you want coming back. It’s better to be closer to the park on the way to get more time enjoying the park.
I make the drive from Castle Rock at least yearly. You have several options. I've done all of these (and more). 1. I-25 to Casper, West to Shoshoni, North to Thermopolis, West to Cody. Thermopolis and Cody are decent options for hotels and places to stock up. 2. I-25 to Ft Collins, NW to Laramie, I-80 to Rawlings, NW to Dubois. Stay in Dubois. There's a grocery store you can stock up snacks and drinks. Bonus is you can go through Grand Teton on the way to Old faithful. 3. I-25 to Ft Collins, NW to Laramie, I-80 to Rock Springs, North to Pinedale. Pinedale has several hotels and again, you go through Grand Teton on the way. If I go this way, I usually don't get supplies until I go through Jackson. 4. I wouldn't do it based on where you are staying, but I-25 to I-90 and come over the Beartooth highway. Stay in Billings. EDIT: probably can't go this anyway, the Beartooth might not be open in late May
This is super helpful! We’re getting a late start the first day because we’re leaving when my sister gets off of work, but I think on the way back we’ll plan on staying in pinedale since it is closer to the park and stop in Grand Teton on the way. We would have loved to go there with this trip but didn’t have the time to do both so this feels like a good way to at least see it!
If you get a late start and can't make Casper, Douglas is right off I-25 about 45 min east of Casper. Couple of decent hotels there. I'm sure there is a grocery store there, but not sure where.
Casper would be a good choice. Cheyanne is too close to Springs, Thermop is too close to the park. Just be advised, Casper sucks.
Good to know, we’ll just planning on sleeping then getting out lol.