Wyoming roadtrip
- Thread starter rookie7
- Start date
Some of the worst swarms of mosquitoes and flys I've seen in my life were on some back-country hikes in Yellowstone. Vicious doesn't describe how they attacked us. Back country Canada was about the only comparison as to how bad the skeeters and flys can get. 100% DEET. Consider a headnet. We have also been snowed on in late July. If you are camping overnight in the back-country you must be prepared and equipped for cold and wet. Our water froze solid overnight in late July. This was at about 8,500' elevation. Have fun. The experience is amazing. Oh, our last couple trips I carried a Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt loaded with heavy Buffalo Bore loads that outperform a .44 Mag. for bear defense. Health issues will prevent me from ever spending time at altitude or in the back country again. I'm a bit envious.
If you go to Denver, carry firearms, smoke grenades and a case of bear mace. Do not plan on leaving with your virtue intact. The Venezuelan gangs are in the rut.
I'll vouch for what others have said about the sun at high altitude. I spent several years in Flagstaff. At over 7,000 ft it rarely hits 90 but that sun will have your skin feeling like frying bacon.
And it is open Tuesday to Saturday instead of Monday to Friday so more folks can get by.
So, which handgun for the trip? Carry my CZ P-O1 or buy a Glock something? Would be a good excuse to buy a new handgun, but y'all are going to have to get creative with the justification I present to my wife. 
Thatās easy, you absolutely definitely 100% need something bigger than 9mmSo, which handgun for the trip? Carry my CZ P-O1 or buy a Glock something? Would be a good excuse to buy a new handgun, but y'all are going to have to get creative with the justification I present to my wife.
The guides in the greater YS area all carry SA 10mm pistols. 
OR,
At least that's what you tell your wife.
Let her know you don't own one and it would be in your best interest of safety to acquire one.
You'll also need a few hundred rounds (500) to ensure it's properly broken in.
Then fire 100 rounds of your carry ammo.
And a proper holster.
And maybe a nice reflex sight to go on top.
I didn't have to do any of that. Rebecca just asked if I owned one. I told her no and wanted to know why.
She said she had done some research and that's what was recommended.
I told her I had suitable single action pistols with more power and energy.
She asked if I wanted a new gun or not...
It wasn't worth arguing about.
OR,
At least that's what you tell your wife.
Let her know you don't own one and it would be in your best interest of safety to acquire one.
You'll also need a few hundred rounds (500) to ensure it's properly broken in.
Then fire 100 rounds of your carry ammo.
And a proper holster.
And maybe a nice reflex sight to go on top.
I didn't have to do any of that. Rebecca just asked if I owned one. I told her no and wanted to know why.
She said she had done some research and that's what was recommended.
I told her I had suitable single action pistols with more power and energy.
She asked if I wanted a new gun or not...
It wasn't worth arguing about.
Lucky $#! When I tried to go down that road Memsahib reminded me that I have 3 44 Mag wheel guns and 3 45 ACP Pistols and several hundred rounds of Bowling Pin loads (250g Hard Cast RNFP +P). So my lobbying for the M&P 10 or a 1911-10mm got shot down with prejudice.The guides in the greater YS area all carry SA 10mm pistols.
OR,
At least that's what you tell your wife.
Let her know you don't own one and it would be in your best interest of safety to acquire one.
You'll also need a few hundred rounds (500) to ensure it's properly broken in.
Then fire 100 rounds of your carry ammo.
And a proper holster.
And maybe a nice reflex sight to go on top.
I didn't have to do any of that. Rebecca just asked if I owned one. I told her no and wanted to know why.
She said she had done some research and that's what was recommended.
I told her I had suitable single action pistols with more power and energy.
She asked if I wanted a new gun or not...
It wasn't worth arguing about.
Rebecca told me three things about the wheel guns.
1. They are heavy.
2. They only hold 6 rounds.
3. They don't hold 15 rounds.
And, she made it clear she thought I needed a new gun because it had been a while since I had bought one.
So, I got it.
Her next question was inquiring if I needed a holster for it.
1. They are heavy.
2. They only hold 6 rounds.
3. They don't hold 15 rounds.
And, she made it clear she thought I needed a new gun because it had been a while since I had bought one.
So, I got it.
Her next question was inquiring if I needed a holster for it.
Theyāre a lot of land between Georgia and Yellowstone. Not all of it is āfriendly territory.ā Whatever you choose, make sure itās something youāre happy having confiscated by the freeway pirates.So, which handgun for the trip? Carry my CZ P-O1 or buy a Glock something? Would be a good excuse to buy a new handgun, but y'all are going to have to get creative with the justification I present to my wife.
Correct on all points! TBH, the Govt Model with the pin loads is a pleasure to shoot and very accurate. Living an a non-standard Capacity magazine state, I only loose 2 rounds when carried (8+1) and itās a faster reload than the Blackhawk.
She has given me permission to look for and buy a chest holster/pack, so the search is on.
Plenty of places in the van for extra hardware.
You could always go to the Cody Gun Museum in Cody WY, if you're into guns and stuff .Hit the Buffalo Bill Dam its like 5-10 miles or so from town I can't recall exactly.Then take the most breathtaking ride over the Beartooth highway to Cooke City the snowmobile capital of the world IMO. This puts you in at YS parks northeast entrance.Hikes in the Beartooth are awesome.
Then go to Gardiner MT which is the north entrance stay at the 406 lodge do some rafting on the Yellowstone river.Then had back through YS park south to Jackson hole hit the Teton Mountains on the way then go have a nice adult beverage at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Enjoy your trip whatever you decide.
.Hit the Buffalo Bill Dam its like 5-10 miles or so from town I can't recall exactly.Then take the most breathtaking ride over the Beartooth highway to Cooke City the snowmobile capital of the world IMO. This puts you in at YS parks northeast entrance.Hikes in the Beartooth are awesome.Then go to Gardiner MT which is the north entrance stay at the 406 lodge do some rafting on the Yellowstone river.Then had back through YS park south to Jackson hole hit the Teton Mountains on the way then go have a nice adult beverage at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Enjoy your trip whatever you decide.
Can your wife hang out with my wife?
You need reservations now for most of Glacier NP just a heads up .Steakhouse in Jackson Hole.
Gun Barrel Steak and Game House - Restaurant in Jackson
Gun Barrel Steak and Game House serves delicious food in Jackson. Buffalo, venison & other exotic game are available at this unique steakhouse with cowboy artifacts. Call (307) 733-3287 for reservations.www.fooddiscoveryapp.com
*MIXED GAME GRILL
Combination of our elk steak, bison prime rib, venison bratwurst
Also, carry a handgun while hiking in the park - some trails had problems with bears last year.
Consider Glacier NP, it's only about 6hrs up the road and pretty impressive.
Which handgun for the trip? One you're good with. Shot placement is of course king, and running 9mm +P heavy hard cast or FMJ-FN is what you're looking for in the magazine for your CZ. Don't carry hollow points, these are thick skin animals and maximum penetration is the goal, not expansion. Buffalo Bore is my preferred brand.So, which handgun for the trip? Carry my CZ P-O1 or buy a Glock something? Would be a good excuse to buy a new handgun, but y'all are going to have to get creative with the justification I present to my wife.
If you're looking for more oomph on your hip because moose and browns are no bullshit, then 10mm is the answer. But if you're going to be on the main tourist trails and not heading at least a couple miles into the backcountry, you'll be more than fine with a 9mm. It's Yellowstone, not the Serengeti, and you're coming for a short vacation.
I fish the mountains in the summer and I carry a 10mm, but I actually live here. A lot of folks here carry similar or magnum wheel guns. If you have a grand-plus to drop into a new handgun, holster and ammo for training/break in plus carry rounds, then by all means dip into the 10mm. I carried a 40 S&W before I had the 10mm because it's what I had.
Here's some reading on the subject from those in this state or region, plenty of articles to show the missus to convince her you "need" one:
When in Yellowstone keep a keen eye out for howling cuddle puppies and those growling teddy bears! Both are very friendly and love attention, get as close as you can!
If you find the horned prairie cows, they love to be photographed from as close as humanly possible and more often than not would love it if you hopped on their back for a ride! They were definitely the Cadillacs of the old west.
Basically there is nothing that will hurt you or to be concerned with! Get out be adventurous, ride a horned prairie cow!
If you find the horned prairie cows, they love to be photographed from as close as humanly possible and more often than not would love it if you hopped on their back for a ride! They were definitely the Cadillacs of the old west.
Basically there is nothing that will hurt you or to be concerned with! Get out be adventurous, ride a horned prairie cow!
Limited choices, best bet Super 8 or Rocky Mountain Lodge, both on west side of town, assuming you want a motel/hotel, there are VRBO and other options too, may be a better choice. The Branding Iron used to be ok but believe it or not Venezuelans were living there. I was like WTF how is this happening in a map dot in Wyo??? Spend time at the National Museum of Military Vehicles. If you have time drive up to Double Cabin, it is 24 miles into the mountains, easy access for an unreal view. Trail Lake look for the petroglyph's in the rocks, it is a bit of a hunt but worth it. Brooks Lake Lodge is a neat spot too.
Cowboy Cafe and Nana's Bakery are good. Have not been to the Rustic Pine in a long time used to be good.
Iām late. But Wyoming is CLOSED.
I don't fault any of you that say Wyoming is closed. The land out there is beautiful and is a sportsman's paradise. We drove 5,136 miles and made contact with 11 states. I loved South Dakota as well. The northen part of Yellowstone was my favorite due to the diversity of the landscape - just absolutely beautiful. I really liked the eastern part of Wyoming at Devil's Tower. I could definitely live there.
We stayed in Jackson Hole, and I have no idea how any normal local can afford to own a home there. My wife did a quick search for homes there and they come up at an average selling price of 6.4 million.
What I did find is stupid is universal and not exclusive to any region. I also was very surprised at how well mannered folks were in the midwest all the way to Wyoming and back. I know you all have heard about "southern hospitality", but the average store clerk (to include gas stations, fast food, restaurants, hotels, etc.) was way more polite and nice than any here where I live. They would actually speak/greet when approached. I also don't remember anyone that I approached in any place of business being on their phone where I would have to gain their attention for them to actually do their job. I see that quite often here.
We stayed in Jackson Hole, and I have no idea how any normal local can afford to own a home there. My wife did a quick search for homes there and they come up at an average selling price of 6.4 million.
What I did find is stupid is universal and not exclusive to any region. I also was very surprised at how well mannered folks were in the midwest all the way to Wyoming and back. I know you all have heard about "southern hospitality", but the average store clerk (to include gas stations, fast food, restaurants, hotels, etc.) was way more polite and nice than any here where I live. They would actually speak/greet when approached. I also don't remember anyone that I approached in any place of business being on their phone where I would have to gain their attention for them to actually do their job. I see that quite often here.
We hate everyone. We donāt even have electricity or roads. We still live in caves and donāt even have access to the Internet. I donāt even think we speak English here. We definitely donāt know how to read or write. You should stay away and just pretend Wyoming doesnāt exist.
No baths or showers either............
It's supposed to snow this weekend...
Have extra food and water in the vehicle. Be prepared to walk. Be prepared to deal with idiots.
It may be 90Ā° or 30Ā° in the same day. Pack a jacket or hoodie anytime you are getting very far from the vehicle.
Altitude is a bitch if you're not used to it. I never think about it as I'm working at 8100 ft today. However, it kicks my ass for a week or two if I go on vacation to sea level.
So, plan on taking a lot of rest breaks. Don't push it too hard. Medical is a long ways away. There's a handful of medical staff around the park but generally they send in a chopper if there's anything time critical.
Cruise the Beartooth highway while you're there. It should be open, pending snow storms.
Have extra food and water in the vehicle. Be prepared to walk. Be prepared to deal with idiots.
It may be 90Ā° or 30Ā° in the same day. Pack a jacket or hoodie anytime you are getting very far from the vehicle.
Altitude is a bitch if you're not used to it. I never think about it as I'm working at 8100 ft today. However, it kicks my ass for a week or two if I go on vacation to sea level.
So, plan on taking a lot of rest breaks. Don't push it too hard. Medical is a long ways away. There's a handful of medical staff around the park but generally they send in a chopper if there's anything time critical.
Cruise the Beartooth highway while you're there. It should be open, pending snow storms.
*defiantly
I guess if you canāt read or write we shouldnāt expect you to grammer
Once you get out of Tenn. theres not a lot of great scenery until you get to your destination if you take the direct route. I'd head due west on I 10 to northern New Mexico then head north on I 25 Santa Fe is worth a few hours then on north to Raton and the NRA Whittington Center, a place every American gun fanatic should visit once. Colorado has tons to do and see, Fotr Collins has some nice restaurants, then get off the interstate and take the back route up to Yellowstone. I would disagree with Red and say rather than a 10mm carry a 12 gauge like my Beretta 1301 patrol. 12 ga. slugs and or 00 buckshot. I figured if a Grizz was right on top of me I could at least keep pulling the trigger.
BIG plus on the Merino wool clothes. Bought my first this year and its wonderful. Keeps you warm but it breathes and wicks moisture away. Got mine from a place called Merino Tech. They have 3 different weights.
I did it with a Chevy 3500. I dont know about yours but the Chevy has a liner package you can have instaled. Very nice, protects the sides. I spray foamed the walls before the liner went in. You can heat it with a match, cools easily too.
AAAAnnnnd the NRA Whittington Center in Raton.
Last edited:
As I mentioned, if youre doing back country, for get the handgun, carry a short, semi auto 12 gauge with slugs and or 00 buckshot. My 1301 Patrol is small, light, and slings well. 8 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger and you cant out run it. Highly recommended.So, which handgun for the trip? Carry my CZ P-O1 or buy a Glock something? Would be a good excuse to buy a new handgun, but y'all are going to have to get creative with the justification I present to my wife.
Carrying a shotgun around the park is going to draw a lot of attention. Keep in mind most of the people there are international tourists and will likely get very worried at the sight of a firearm.
It's also illegal to discharge a firearm in the park. Not something I'd worry about vs being mauled, but rangers will be up your ass quickly.
I had people panic and flag down a ranger because they couldn't see my dogs leash and thought I had a dangerous cow dog I was going to unleash on them...
Concealed carry is the best carry in the park.
Tote around that 1301 in Yelllowstone, let us know how that works out.
And no, Iām not keeping a shotgun slung on me while fishing, but I donāt even notice the G20 on my hip 98% of the time. My reaction time from holster to shots on target are far and away faster than a slung shotgun.
But hey, rock that shotty, I donāt give a shit.
I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said, but in order of best to worst interstate routes for scenery will be:
#1) I 90. Western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota is flat with very little scenery, but that changes once you reach the Badlands. And if you go this route make sure you top your gas off within the first two exits after entering Wyoming because the distance greatly increases between gas stations thereafter.
#2) I 80. Nebraska Is a little more scenic than Kansas. Plenty of stops along the North Platte River to stretch your legs and not as great distances between gas stations as NE Wyoming/SE Montana. Just mind your fuel on the western end of Nebraska. Just a fair warning if you take I 80 from Cheyenne all the way to Hgwy 191 (Grand Teton/Southern Yellowstone entrance). That will be some of the most flattest, barren landscape you will ever see. It's like an endless sea of sage out that way. But there is one other that takes the crown for flattest, barest, and most boring scenery ever. (Read below to find out!) If you endure that ride, the scenery going into the southern entrances of Grand Tetons and Yellowstone will more than make up for it!
#3) I 70 (the route mentioned in the quote above). Surprisingly this is not it the most boring. But, it does come close. From Kansas City all the way to the Colorado border is nothing but small rolling hills of corn fields with the wind blowing against you costing you fuel mileage. A whole 5hrs worth of it if you're driving 10mph over the speed limit. Make sure you top your gas off before entering Colorado. From the CO/KS border to the first gas station is a good stretch. Eastern CO is pretty flat and boring scenery also, but at least Pike's Peak starts coming into view about 1.5 hrs into CO giving you a glimmer of hope of viewing better scenery. But it is a tease because Denver is still about another 1.5hrs away. Once past Denver you're in the Rockies unless you make the mistake of going north on I 25 to Cheyenne.
#4) This is the route you want to avoid at all costs! I 94 takes the cake for the absolutely most boring drive anyone could ever take. The fact it takes you through Fargo ND should be a clue. Because from Fargo at the ND/MN border all the way to west central Montana is nothing but one giant, flat plane. It's like God made Theodore Roosevelt NP and just gave up on the rest of that region. It's a good thing the speed limit is 80 iirc through ND. You could easily get away with going faster because I only saw one cop in the entire state that one time I was on I 94. Your saving grace is even google maps will never recommend this route and only list it as an alternate
I didnt get in that I would carry the shotty only in back country. My bad on that.
You do you.
Breaking news: Wyoming is now providing free Subaru vehicles to all citizens willing to relocate to Wyoming!
