Driving Pittsburgh to Seattle + Yellowstone?

[NYR89]

Peeps --

I'm driving from Pittsburgh to Seattle and considering making the short detour through Yellowstone on the way (we drove Seattle to Pittsburgh a few years ago, and the only thing we really stopped for was Mt. Rushmore). My dilemma has three parts:

1. Is it even worth it to cut through the park? I am driving solo and will have a 65lb dog in the car with me.
2. Does it make more sense to drive through the east entrance straight through to the west, or is it better to cut down to Jackson and drive more South to North?

I know you can do limited hiking with dogs in the park, but it obviously has some challenges. Anyone ever been/have experience in the park? Is it even worth it?

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[John Price]

Do it. Also go to Jackson hole.

Have fun.

 

[Jacques The Mayor]

What kind of dog is it?

 

[Deficient Mode]

Yellowstone is absolutely worth it. However, you can't go into the backcountry with a dog, even if it's on a leash.

Jackson is an extremely expensive and gentrified town with a ton of outside money. It is nice once in a while, but not exactly a can't miss. The Tetons are for me the most spectacular mountain range in North America, though, so if you drive through Jackson you'll get to see them as well, unlike if you went through Yellowstone from the north or east.

Most of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone are in a loop. You could start by driving over to Lake, up to Canyon, over to Madison, down to Old Faithful, and back up and out the West Entrance for a quick trip. You wouldn't be able to take your dog onto the boardwalks at Old Faithful, however, so your experience there would be a bit limited.

When are you planning to do this? The roads through most of the park are closed by the first week of November until next May, and can be temporarily closed before that due to snow.

 

[NYR89]

What kind of dog is it?

Golden retriever (named Henrik)

Yellowstone is absolutely worth it. However, you can't go into the backcountry with a dog, even if it's on a leash.

Jackson is an extremely expensive and gentrified town with a ton of outside money. It is nice once in a while, but not exactly a can't miss. The Tetons are for me the most spectacular mountain range in North America, though, so if you drive through Jackson you'll get to see them as well, unlike if you went through Yellowstone from the north or east.

Most of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone are in a loop. You could start by driving over to Lake, up to Canyon, over to Madison, down to Old Faithful, and back up and out the West Entrance for a quick trip. You wouldn't be able to take your dog onto the boardwalks at Old Faithful, however, so your experience there would be a bit limited.

When are you planning to do this? The roads through most of the park are closed by the first week of November until next May, and can be temporarily closed before that due to snow.

I'm actually leaving pittsburgh this weekend so would be out there Tuesday if all goes according to plan. I did notice that it is already snowing and did nori e Dunraven Pass closed at 8pm. I've obviously driven in snow before, and it looks like it'll clear out by Sunday, but I'll be driving a Prius so that's something I am going to keep an eye on for sure.

I like the idea of hitting everything in the loop. It sounds like something you've done, roughly how long would it take so make that loop? I know there could be construction/animal herds you can't necessarily foresee

 

[Bumpus]

Golden retriever (named Henrik)



I'm actually leaving pittsburgh this weekend so would be out there Tuesday if all goes according to plan. I did notice that it is already snowing and did nori e Dunraven Pass closed at 8pm. I've obviously driven in snow before, and it looks like it'll clear out by Sunday, but I'll be driving a Prius so that's something I am going to keep an eye on for sure.

I like the idea of hitting everything in the loop. It sounds like something you've done, roughly how long would it take so make that loop? I know there could be construction/animal herds you can't necessarily foresee

 

[NYR89]

I love my Prius. Don't care what anyone says.

 

[Deficient Mode]

Golden retriever (named Henrik)



I'm actually leaving pittsburgh this weekend so would be out there Tuesday if all goes according to plan. I did notice that it is already snowing and did nori e Dunraven Pass closed at 8pm. I've obviously driven in snow before, and it looks like it'll clear out by Sunday, but I'll be driving a Prius so that's something I am going to keep an eye on for sure.

I like the idea of hitting everything in the loop. It sounds like something you've done, roughly how long would it take so make that loop? I know there could be construction/animal herds you can't necessarily foresee

Yeah, unless it snows again, they will keep the roads open when you go through. I've been through Yellowstone in a Prius; it's not too bad. The Dunraven road wouldn't be in the main Yellowstone loop either.

The speed limits are mostly 35 and 45 mph in the park. I'd say allow yourself 4 hours of driving time plus stoppages. Fortunately for you there aren't too many people in the park this time of year, and other cars slowing down to photograph animals are by far the biggest cause for stoppages rather than the animals actually blocking the road. The only major road construction going on this year iirc is also north of where that loop would take you between Norris and Mammoth, too. Make sure you leave yourself some time to take in the scenery, too. There are a lot of incredible sights through Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

 

[NYR89]

Yeah, unless it snows again, they will keep the roads open when you go through. I've been through Yellowstone in a Prius; it's not too bad. The Dunraven road wouldn't be in the main Yellowstone loop either.

The speed limits are mostly 35 and 45 mph in the park. I'd say allow yourself 4 hours of driving time plus stoppages. Fortunately for you there aren't too many people in the park this time of year, and other cars slowing down to photograph animals are by far the biggest cause for stoppages rather than the animals actually blocking the road. The only major road construction going on this year iirc is also north of where that loop would take you between Norris and Mammoth, too. Make sure you leave yourself some time to take in the scenery, too. There are a lot of incredible sights through Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Appreciate the feedback! My hope is to get to an hour or so out the day before so I have plenty of time in the park + time to get closer to Washington in the afternoon/evening